NEW YORK, August 1, 2016 – Gallery Books and Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster’s Children’s Publishing, will publish multiple books by 13-year-old award winning professional dancer and actress Maddie Ziegler, it was announced today by Jennifer Bergstrom, Publisher of Gallery Books, and Mara Anastas, Publisher of Aladdin.

Maddie Ziegler had hoped to become a star—she just didn’t know how soon that day would come. At just eight years old, she was cast on Lifetime’s hit reality show Dance Moms and quickly won the hearts of fans everywhere with her natural talent and determination.  Soon, she was catching eyes all over—including those of pop superstar Sia, who hand-picked her to star in her critically acclaimed music videos.  After starring on Dance Moms for six seasons, Maddie can be seen as a judge on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation, will dance for Sia on her upcoming Nostalgic for the Present tour, and stars in the upcoming Focus Features’ drama, The Book of Henry.

Gallery Books will publish THE MADDIE DIARIES in March 2017.   In this uplifting memoir, Maddie will discuss her rise to stardom and how she has managed to keep her balance along the way.   With honesty, charm and humor, she offers her unique perspective on making her way in the world as a young teenager, reflecting on the lessons she’s learned—and preparing for the exciting road ahead.

“Girls everywhere look up to Maddie Ziegler and Gallery Books is thrilled to share her story with her many fans,” said Bergstrom.

In addition to her memoir, Maddie will also publish a trilogy for middle grade readers with Aladdin Books. The first title in the series will be published in Fall 2017, with books #2 and #3 to follow in Fall 2018 and Fall 2019, respectively.  The series will follow the journey of a young dancer as she navigates the competitive dance circuit and focuses on friendship and teamwork, while also recognizing the power and positivity of dance in our lives.

“At only 13, Maddie has already accomplished so much, and is an inspiration,” said Anastas. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with her as she brings her love and passion for dance to this exciting new trilogy for our younger readers.”

“I’m honored to be given the chance to write about my journey.  My hope is to inspire others to always keep dreaming and push through the hardships because it’s so worth it to find something you are truly passionate about in life.  Always be brave enough to live out your dreams,” said Maddie Ziegler.

Anastas and Natasha Simons, Associate Editor at Gallery Books, acquired North American and audio rights from Mel Berger at WME. Simons will edit THE MADDIE DIARIES and Alyson Heller, Editor at Aladdin, will edit the middle-grade trilogy.

#             #             #

GALLERY BOOKS is an imprint dedicated to publishing a variety of must-read books on a wide array of topics.  Launched in February 2010, Gallery is designed to showcase established voices and to introduce emerging new ones—in both fiction and nonfiction genres.   Some of Gallery Books’ bestselling titles include Binge by Tyler Oakley, Selp Helf by Miranda Sings, Turning the Tables by Teresa Giudice, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Love Anthony by Lisa Genova, and Five Presidents by Clint Hill.

ABOUT SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING

Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, one of the leading children’s book publishers in the world, is comprised of the following imprints: Aladdin, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Beach Lane Books, Libros para niños, Little Simon®, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Paula Wiseman Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and bestselling books for children of all ages. In addition to numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners, Simon & Schuster publishes such high-profile properties and series as Eloise, Olivia, Raggedy Ann & Andy™, Henry & Mudge®, The Hardy Boys®, Nancy Drew®, the Dork Diaries series, the Mortal Instruments series, Mike the Knight, and the original Cupcake Diaries and Creepover series. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com

SIMON & SCHUSTER, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats.  Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom.  For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com

Contact:
Jennifer Robinson
Vice President, Director of Publicity
Gallery Books
212-698-2719
Jennifer.Robinson@simonandschuster.com