Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Helps Facebook Fans Share the Gift of Reading Through Polar Express Book Donation Campaign

BOSTON - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Boston-based publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) today committed to donate up to 25,000 new children's books as part of a special social media campaign based around the holiday classic The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. For every new fan who "likes" the Polar Express–themed HMH Kids Facebook page through December 25, a book will be donated to a child in need, in partnership with literacy organization First Book.

This holiday season, the HMH Kids Facebook page features a special 'Polar Express Countdown to Christmas' - a special activity calendar containing a range of festive treats for families in the build-up to Christmas. From December 1–25, parents and kids can uncover fun holiday activities for each day, including shareable Polar Express e-cards, recipes for seasonal treats such as Polar Chocolate Nougat Caramel Squares, reindeer craft instructions, online games and mazes, and much more. HMH Kids Facebook fans are also encouraged to share holiday playlists and Polar Express-themed photos.

"HMH's goal is to reach out to children and spur their imaginations by opening them up to the world of books," said Gary Gentel, President of HMH's Trade and Reference Division. "Partnering with First Book around the beloved Christmas classic The Polar Express gives us the opportunity to reach thousands of children with the life-changing message of books and the power of stories."