Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - July 13, 2009

Fenway Faithful and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Team Up With Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids to Collect More Than 50,000 Books to Help Restock Boston Public School Libraries

BOSTON — July 13, 2009 — Global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt today announced its donation of 25,000 books to Boston Public School libraries, bringing the total amount to 50,000 books collected in one weekend by the "Batting for Books" campaign. The successful drive, in conjunction with Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids, collected books donated by fans at Fenway Park during the Red Sox weekend series against the Kansas City Royals, with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt matching all donations.

"We are excited to launch this program because of the immediate positive impact on the public school libraries throughout Greater Boston," said Enza Sambataro-Youkilis, cofounder and president of Youk's Kids. "Our school's libraries are in desperate need of new books, and without spending a dime, contributors to the book drive will be able to directly support the reading skills and overall education of our city's children."

Across the nation, recent studies show a substantial link between strong library programs and student achievement. According to a 2002 Massachusetts study,¹ students who attend schools with library programs had higher Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores than those who did not. However, the average age of a book on the shelf at a public school library is more than 12 years.

"Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is proud to be a part of such a successful endeavor with the donation of 25,000 books," said Michael Muldowney, chief financial officer, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "Together with Kevin Youkilis and Red Sox Nation, we will be able to restock public school library shelves throughout the city."

This ongoing effort to collect 100,000 books for the Boston Public Schools will continue through the summer. While all children's book titles are welcome during the drive, Boston Public Schools has compiled a list of recommended titles for the libraries. Each of these titles is available at a 20-percent discount at the New England Mobile Book Fair in Newton, and online at www.ecookbooks.com/battingforbooks.

About Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company is a global education leader and the world's largest publisher of educational materials for pre-K–12 schools. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of best-in-class educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards — based assessments for students and educators. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning literature for adults and young readers. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, visit www.hmhpub.com.

About Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids
Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids is a charitable organization focused on raising support and awareness for the health, advocacy, safety, and well-being of children. Rallying the support of individuals and businesses, Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids teams up with existing community-based children's charities and medical research efforts, which currently lack sufficient funding. Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids also identifies and partners with businesses that can deliver products and services to children in need, on behalf of Youk's Kids. To learn more about Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids, or to make a donation, please visit www.youkskids.org.