A Book for Every Kid (The Magic of IPS 34)

Today was a day that reminded me exactly why The Book Fairy exists in the first place.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Philoptochos and The Book Fairy Community Fund, we brought a one-day book fair to IPS 34 where every single student — all 284 of them, from Pre-K through 5th grade — got to pick out a book to take home.

No budgets.
No “maybe next time.”
Just kids walking up to the tables and choosing a book that would be theirs.

And let me tell you — the excitement in that room was something special.

The students came in class by class, eyes wide as they looked across the tables. Some took their time flipping through pages. Some knew exactly what they wanted within 10 seconds. A few needed a little guidance from their friends.

One very serious young lady even tried to hand me $5 from her pocket because she was convinced she needed to pay for her book. “Sweet girl, you pay for nothing today!”

Meanwhile, a small team of volunteer “assistants” quickly emerged. Several students appointed themselves as checkout helpers, carefully handing books to their friends, helping them carry their bags, and making sure everyone got their turn.

Honestly? Future Book Fairy employees.

Each student left with a brand new book and a bag with a few special treats, but what stuck with me most was the joy — from both the students and the staff. Teachers and administrators kept stopping by just to watch the kids browse. You could feel how much it meant to them to see their students get to choose something for themselves.

And that’s the magic of it.

When kids get to pick their own books, something shifts. It’s not just a book anymore — it’s their story, their interest, their moment of excitement.

Huge thank you to the amazing staff at IPS 34 for welcoming us in and helping make the day run so smoothly. And endless gratitude to Philoptochos and everyone who contributes to The Book Fairy Community Fund — because moments like this only happen thanks to people who believe that every kid deserves a book.

284 kids.

284 books.

A whole lot of very happy readers. And if you ask me, that’s a pretty magical day.

Sylvia is gearing up to be in full swing at the Horizon League games…stay tuned!

XO-Casey

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