Rowling, Pilkey among authors mourning Scholastic CEO

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NEW YORK (AP) – J.K. Rowling is praising the longtime head of the U.S. publisher of her “Harry Potter’� books as an ally and early defender of the beloved fantasy series. Richard Robinson, who led Scholastic Inc. for more than 40 years, died on June 5 at 84. ‘œDick was a wise, kind and humane man, who leaves behind him an extraordinary legacy in the world of children’s literature,’� Rowling said in a statement Monday. ‘œHe was an early champion of Harry Potter and a stalwart support to me through the twenty-four years we knew each other.’� Other Scholastic writers are also mourning Robinson, a champion of literacy and free expression who in 2017 received a National Book Award for lifetime achievement and was honored two years later by PEN America. Brian Selznick praised the ‘œthe power of his leadership and the clarity of his mission,’� and Ruby Bridges, who as an author drew upon her experiences as the first Black child to attend an all-white New Orleans elementary school, called Robinson a ‘œfriend and mentor.’� ‘œCaptain Underpants’� creator Dav Pilkey, whose books often were targeted by censors, said in a statement that Robinson was ‘œmore than just a visionary and a publisher. He was a brave explorer who didn’t worry about risks.’� ‘œHe opened the door for us to dream big,’� Pilkey said. ‘œHe was a writer and artist himself and fought for the equality and acceptance of all people. I will miss his sharp wit, forward vision, and the overwhelming love he gave to me and my family.’�

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