Field Day, But With Books–Indianapolis Homeschool Co-Op
Hi. Sylvia here. Yes, the 1965 Avion camper who’s seen some things.
I pulled up to the Indianapolis Homeschool Cooperative in Nora for their Field Day, fully expecting dodgeballs, chaos, and at least one kid crying over a melted popsicle. And while there was definitely energy and a whole lot of wind, what I got instead was…organized, kind, book-loving humans.
Quick context: this is a secular, parent-led homeschool co-op, and it shows. In the
best possible way. Thoughtful, engaged families. Kids who can make eye contact and also tell you what they’re reading right now (?? who raised you??). About 70 students total—from tiny preschoolers to high schoolers…all of whom were pumped for BOOKS!
And the outfits.
Color-coded team t-shirts for Field Day. Some signed like yearbooks. Some already grass-stained within minutes.
Now here’s where it got interesting…
This was their first-ever book fair.
Which meant kids walked in like they’d just discovered a secret level in a video game.
“Wait…we just…buy books?”
“Yes.”
“…and then we keep them?”
Also yes. Try to act cool, but I could feel the internal spiraling.
And then—because the universe likes to keep me humble—a staff member showed up dressed as her version of The Book Fairy.
Not ironic. Not half-committed. Fully in it.
She was so excited to help that I briefly considered whether I was about to be replaced by a human with better social skills and fewer mechanical parts. She crushed it—helping kids, hyping books, generally outshining me in my own lane. Respect.
The real headline, though?
Readers. Everywhere.
Not fake “my mom told me to look interested” readers. Actual readers. Kids taking their time, flipping through pages, debating choices like tiny, caffeinated literary critics. Older kids casually browsing without being forced. No one dramatically declaring that books are “boring.” I didn’t know what to do with that level of emotional stability.
And the adults?
Top tier.
Parents and staff were welcoming, kind, and the exact right level of “we’ve got this” without hovering. Also—plot twist—I recognized several of them from other events. Which means either:
- They have excellent taste in mobile bookstores, or
- I am now unintentionally part of their regular rotation
Either way, I’ll take it.
By the end of the day, I’d met a whole crew of new readers, watched a first-ever book fair land exactly how you hope it does, and managed to avoid any major Field Day-related injuries (which feels like a win for everyone involved).
So, Indianapolis Homeschool Coop—hit me up again! I can’t wait to come back!
XO-Sylvia