Answers to frequently asked questions about the Book Fair!
What is the Book Fair?
Every year PS8 partners with fork + pencil for a week-long Book Fair in the school’s multi-purpose room. Each class will visit the Book Fair, and students will shop for books with pre-purchased Book Bucks. With 30% of proceeds going to PS8, this is a great opportunity to stock up on new books and holiday gifts for kids and adults. Families can shop the Book Fair before and after school during the week of the fair.
What is a Book Buck?
Book Bucks are essentially a gift certificate you purchase for your child to spend during their class visit. Book Bucks are available in $10 increments.
How many Book Bucks should I give my child?
In general, books for students in Grades K-1 (early readers and small books) start around $7, and popular hardcover books cost around $10, so we suggest a minimum of $10. For students in Grades 2-5, we recommend a minimum of $15-$20. Chapter books start between $8-$10, and graphic novels range between $12-$17. Many older children enjoy selecting more than one book during their class visit.
Can I purchase Book Bucks for my child’s teacher, specialty teachers, or the library?
Please do! Any amount is greatly appreciated. Teachers love using Book Bucks to grow their classroom libraries, and we can use them to add new titles to the PS8 library, too. It’s a win-win for everyone because PS8 gets new books and the 30% of proceeds.
When does my child have their class visit?
Every class is scheduled for a 30-minute visit to the Book Fair during school hours during Book Fair week. PS8 parents are invited to volunteer!
What if my child doesn’t spend their Book Bucks?
We do our best to help children spend their Book Bucks. Any unused Book Bucks will be given to their teacher to grow his or her classroom library.
What if I am financially unable to buy Book Bucks for my child?
No child will leave the Book Fair without a new book. The PTA donates Book Bucks to any child who arrives at their class visit without Book Bucks.
Can I donate Book Bucks for other children?
Yes! There is an option to donate Book Bucks to a child other than your own. This is a fantastic way to help the PTA provide a new book for every child.
When does my child receive their Book Bucks for their class visit?
Book Bucks are given to teachers to hand out on the day of the class visit. This is the best way to ensure no Book Bucks are misplaced.
What is the deadline for Book Bucks purchases?
Please order Book Bucks online by the end of the day on the December 5th. If you cannot purchase online or do not want to pay the credit card processing fee, please return the Book Bucks Form by December 4th with cash or check to your child’s classroom teacher by the deadline.
Do you take cash or credit cards for buying books during the Book Fair?
Class visits are cash-free; only Book Bucks are accepted during that time. Cash and credit cards are accepted during regular shopping hours: weekdays 2:40-3:00pm and Saturday, December 13, from 1:00-4:00pm.