The Shocking Truth: Why Your School’s Book Fair Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good?
Does your school’s book fair really help students? Many schools have book fairs to encourage kids to read, but there’s a big problem: most book fairs don’t have books that reflect all students' lives. They mostly sell mainstream books instead of stories that represent different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Research shows that kids love reading more when they see themselves in books. But when book fairs only offer the same kinds of stories, some kids feel left out. Schools can do better—and it starts with choosing the right kind of book fair.
Why Seeing Yourself in Books Matters
Imagine walking into a library and only finding books about people who live totally different lives from you. That wouldn’t be fun, right? Books should reflect all kinds of kids, families, and cultures.
Studies show that when kids read books with characters who look like them or share their experiences, they:
- ✅ Feel more confident about who they are.
- ✅ Learn to love reading because it feels personal.
- ✅ Do better in school because they enjoy books more.
Reading diverse books also teaches kids about other cultures and helps them understand and respect different people.
Source: International Literacy Association
What’s Wrong With Most Book Fairs?
Many school book fairs only sell popular bestsellers and mainstream books. These are fun, but they don’t always offer different kinds of stories that reflect real kids and their experiences.
This can be a problem because:
- 📖 Some kids don’t see themselves in any of the books.
- 📖 Other kids miss out on learning about different cultures.
- 📖 Students might not feel excited about reading because the books don’t connect to their lives.
Schools should choose book fairs that bring in a wide variety of books—including stories from different cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
Source: Clinton Foundation
Better Books, Better Learning
When schools offer books that represent all students, kids get more excited about reading and learn better. Research from the National Education Association shows that diverse books help kids understand others and develop kindness.
Choosing the right book fair for your school is an easy way to make a big difference. It’s time to give students books they love—books that represent them, inspire them, and help them grow.
Source: National Education Association
A Better Choice for Your School
Mija Books helps schools host book fairs with diverse, exciting, and meaningful books. Instead of the same old stories, we bring books that help every child feel seen, valued, and excited to read.
- 📚 More book choices for every student
- 📚 Books that encourage a love for reading
- 📚 An easy, fun book fair experience for schools