What's Happening?
Scholastic Book Fairs are organized at the school level, primarily by librarians or parent-teacher associations. These fairs feature curated collections of books for elementary and middle school students, including titles from Scholastic and independent bookstore vendors. The fairs also offer school supplies and book accessories. Schools can choose to receive 25% of the fair revenue in cash or 50% in Scholastic Dollars, which can be used for educational supplies. Scholastic recently reversed a decision to make books about LGBTQ+ and Black characters optional, ensuring diverse representation in their offerings.
Did You Know
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Why It's Important?
Scholastic Book Fairs play a crucial role in promoting literacy and diversity in schools. By offering a wide range of books, including those featuring minority characters, the fairs support inclusive education and help students find books that resonate with their experiences. The financial model allows schools to benefit from the fairs, using proceeds to enhance educational resources. This initiative not only fosters a love for reading but also provides schools with the means to improve their library and classroom environments.
What's Next?
Schools hosting Scholastic Book Fairs will continue to coordinate with Scholastic to select book collections and manage logistics. As the fairs proceed, schools may opt for additional collections to cater to specific student needs. Scholastic's decision to include diverse books may lead to increased engagement and participation from students and educators. Schools might also explore sponsorship opportunities to make fairs accessible to all students, regardless of economic background.