Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - September 2, 2009

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to Donate 5,000 Books to Boston Public Schools Students at the 2nd Annual Back-to-School Jamboree

Boston Public Schools students and their families are encouraged to attend a day of entertainment and education with prizes, health screenings and free books from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

BOSTON — September 2, 2009 — Global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt today announced that it will be donating 5,000 books to children and families attending the Boston Public Schools 2nd Annual Back-to-School Jamboree on Saturday, September 5, 2009, at Boston's City Hall Plaza. Families will enjoy a day of fun, and get important information regarding school openings, after-school programs and family health. The event will include health screenings, community resources, live performances featuring Boston Public Schools students and local performers, activities, prizes and more.

"I thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for their generous donation to Boston's students. A book is a wonderful gift for a child, and because of their support, we'll be able to provide thousands of free books for students to enjoy," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "The Jamboree is the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of a new school year in the Boston Public Schools, and after a successful first year, I'm excited that we're again able to entertain thousands of our students and families."

Thousands of Boston Public Schools students, families and staff are expected to attend the Jamboree at City Hall Plaza in Government Center. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has donated 5,000 books to the Jamboree, which will be given out to students free of charge during the event. In July, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt worked together with Red Sox fans to donate 50,000 books to Boston Public School libraries in conjunction with Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids and the "Batting for Books" campaign.

"We are very grateful to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company for its outstanding donation," said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. "These books will broaden the imaginations of our students by opening doors to new adventures. This is, without question, a gift that will have a lingering influence on many young people in our city."

"With so many families in need of assistance with school preparations, there is a great need for an event of this kind," said Josef Blumenfeld, vice president of communications at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "We are proud to support families in the Boston Public Schools system by sponsoring the Back-to-School Jamboree and providing children with free books."

For more information, visit http://bostonpublicschools.org/jamboree or call 617-635-7750.

About Boston Public Schools
The Boston Public Schools serves more than 56,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 135 schools, and in 2006 won the Broad Prize for Urban Education as the top city school district in the country. For more information, visit www.bostonpublicschools.org.

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.