Do you remember going to the book fair as a kid? The anticipation, the smell of new books, the hope you’ve found your new favorite story. Book fairs can be such a delightful experience for students and teachers.
These days, though, they can be problematic as well. The quality of books seems to be going down, and cultural differences over what is appropriate for kids increases. Scholastic, the most popular book fair, faces increasing controversy about its books and is no longer reliable for Christian schools, who are now looking for Christian book fairs that curate a selection of God-honoring books.
The question “what are some good book fair alternatives to Scholastic?” has been asked so many times in our Facebook group, that we decided to do some digging and report back to you on the best Christian book fair options for your school. Here are our top recommendations:
I:55 BOOK FAIRS
We love that I:55 is a company whose mission and name is based off of Isaiah 55. Their website helpfully explains, “Everything we send to a book fair has been pre-screened to make sure it adheres to biblical principles and values.” What we found seemed to back that up. I:55 is straightforward and clear, providing well-documented and detailed information about what to expect and what they provide, especially on their FAQ page. This means you’ll know exactly what your school will be getting, no surprises.
FORMAT + AUDIENCE
I:55 offers regular in-person, mini in-person, and online book fairs. Their selections are the best fit for K-12 Christian schools of various sizes. They include secular titles in their inventory as well, so with the right secular school, this could be a good fit.
TYPES OF BOOKS
Browse their inventory right online for chapter books, leveled readers, board books, picture books, non-fiction, devotionals, novelty items, and more.
FUNDRAISING
Schools have a choice between earning cash or book bucks. Flyers, posters, yard signs, and a banner are provided for marketing.
Regular + Mini Fairs: 20% of sales in cash or 40% of their sales in book bucks.
Online fairs: 25% cash from sales. If orders exceed $400, schools can choose 50% of sales in book bucks.
SKYTREE BOOK FAIRS
If you want a Christian book fair led by concerned parents, Sky Tree Book Fairs is for you. We love that they provide a selection of age-appropriate books, not just in reading level, but in content as well. The founders worked with Kirk Cameron on his library tours, and Cameron now serves on the advisory board, making sure Christian schools are getting books that honor God and inspire kids.
FORMAT + AUDIENCE
Sky Tree Books is a best fit for Christian schools Pre-K to 8th grade.
In person for schools expecting sales over $2000, or with more than 200 students
Online for schools of any size
TYPES OF BOOKS
The website describes they have more than 200 books available. They have several genres/categories including reference, chapter books, middle grade, board books, graphic novels, picture books, and so much more!
FUNDRAISING
Marketing materials are provided for both online and in-person fairs.
Schools can earn 20% in cash or 40% in SkyTree Bucks if they have more than 200 students or previous sales over $2000.
Smaller schools can host a book fair online and earn 45% of sales in Sky Tree Bucks.
READY? LET’S READ!
What makes Ready Let’s Read unique in the world of book fairs, is the fact that it is low-risk for schools. There are no up front costs, so your school can only benefit from hosting one. Products are shipped to the school ready to be distributed to students! If your school doesn’t have time or manpower to do a big book fair, this is a great alternative.
FORMAT + AUDIENCE
Ready Let’s Read is an online alternative to traditional book fairs, most suitable for Christian schools.
TYPES OF BOOKS
This Christian company aims to provide “resources from publishers whose core message is the gospel of Christ.” Their fall collection of books can be reviewed here.
FUNDRAISING
20% of sales go to the school to order more books from Ready Let’s Read. Promotional materials and customizable emails are provided at no cost to the school.
BONUS FOR LIMITED LOCATIONS: BLUE RIBBON BOOK FAIR
https://www.blueribbonbookfairs.com/
Is your school in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin or Missouri? Blue Ribbon Book Fair makes it easy to run a book fair at your school! If you want a full service book fair, we were impressed that they provide setup, tear-down, and organized checklists for everything in-between.
Most of the books they bring are discounted as well, so that students can get access to as many books as possible. They feel it is a privilege to come into schools, and have great reviews for how great they are to work with.
FORMAT + AUDIENCE
Blue Ribbon Book Fairs are held in person for Catholic and Christian elementary schools.
TYPES OF BOOKS
Non-fiction
Friends & Family
STEM & STEAM
Sports & Adventure
& more categories
FUNDRAISING
Blue Ribbon Book Fair credit can be used to purchase books.
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Blue Ribbon Book Fairs has some exciting options for gift cards and out-of-town families being able to add to a student’s wallet. They also offer STEM and STEAM themed book fairs. Schools that participate also get access to Readola curriculum, which is based on the titles given awards by Blue Ribbon Books.
PRAY + PLAN
We created the Pray & Plan for Christian teachers who want to prioritize what matters most- at school, at home, & in their spiritual walk. It has unique features to make your life run more smoothly and efficiently, such as Scripture coloring pages, habit trackers, a spot for prayer requests, a place to plan work start and stop hours, and more!
HERZOG FOUNDATION
The Herzog Foundation exists to catalyze and accelerate the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education so that families and culture flourish. Their award-winning, online news publication “The Lion” is a must-read for families and teachers everywhere. The Lion carries timely, critical, and trustworthy articles about everything happening in the realm of education. But The Lion aspects of education, parenting, family life, faith, and government. The Lion provides Daily and Weekly email newsletters, so you never miss an article.
Just like its namesake, 'The Lion' embodies strength and courage, offering a beacon of hope in a landscape where too many falter, surrendering their children's education to ideologies of the left. Don’t miss the latest in education and cultural news at Read Lion.
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