Your Kids Deserve a Better Book Fair, So We Did the Research
What kid doesn't love the book fair? Parents, teachers, and administrators do too, because they nurture children’s love for reading, make time for a fun break, and help support our schools financially. But many committed Catholics are starting to realize there is a growing moral problem.
For decades, book fairs have been a staple of school life—moments of joy where kids discover the magic of reading, build their personal libraries, and share their excitement with classmates. We've always trusted an educational company to have our children's best interest at hear, so what happens when they start promoting content that works against the very values schools are charged to uphold?
This is the shocking reality facing many Catholic schools today. The once-unquestioned presence of providers like Scholastic has been increasingly called into question by parents, educators, and faithful leaders who recognize the subtle (and sometimes blatant) promotion of ideologies, themes, and narratives that are contrary to Catholic values. Books advocating for alternative ideologies, moral relativism, and even graphic depictions of abuse or self-harm are finding their way onto children’s reading lists—all under the banner of “progress.” It's not a few parents who say this is happening, Scholastic has said this is their goal.
This isn’t just about objectionable content; it’s about something much deeper. A book fair isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a reflection of the school’s mission, values, and identity. When students encounter conflicting messages in their education—especially at Catholic schools intended to anchor them in the Truth of Christ—it can leave them confused, unsettled, and worse yet, spiritually wounded. Every parent, teacher, and school administrator should be aware of the Catholic Schools Must Rethink Book Fairs.
But here’s the good news: your school doesn’t need to compromise.
Today, Catholic schools have more alternatives than ever—book fairs that are thoughtfully curated, morally aligned, and just as profitable as traditional ones like Scholastic. These alternatives ensure your students aren’t just shielded from harmful narratives—they’re presented with stories that inspire, uplift, and reinforce the truth, beauty, and goodness we aim to instill in the next generation.
Catholic Kids Co. has done the legwork for you. We’ve researched every credible book fair provider to create this definitive guide for Catholic schools. From set-up logistics and profitability to content screening and alignment with Catholic teaching, we’ll help you navigate the options and find the best fit for your school community.
There’s a better way forward—a way to protect your students, honor your mission, and recommit to the true purpose of Catholic education: leading children to Christ.
Stand Firm in Your School’s Mission
The stakes for Catholic education have never been higher. Choosing the wrong book fair provider is more than a missed fundraising opportunity—it’s a risk to your students’ spiritual, emotional, and intellectual development. By embracing alternatives like Ignatius Book Fairs or Good News! Book Fairs, your school community can raise funds, foster a love of reading, and protect its mission to form students in truth, beauty, and virtue.
When you choose better book fairs, you send a clear message to students, parents, and your greater community: this school stands firm in its commitment to Christ and the spiritual well-being of all children.
Our Take on Each Book Fair
Scholastic Book Fairs
Why They’re Familiar: Scholastic leads the book fair market by offering turnkey operations, wide book selections, and decent profit margins.
Why They’re Problematic: Scholastic now openly promotes books addressing issues like same-sex marriage, LGBTQ+ ideology, and moral relativism—even at the elementary level. For example, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding introduces same-sex marriage themes in a kindergarten-friendly package, and Drama explores teenage same-sex attraction under the guise of a coming-of-age play story. For Catholic schools, these books stand in opposition to Church teachings on marriage, truth, and moral guidance.
Our Verdict: Catholic schools committed to protecting their students’ faith and emotional well-being should reconsider using Scholastic.
Literati Book Fairs
Pros: Known for simplicity, reasonable profits, and an approachable layout process.
Cons: Books are not pre-screened for inappropriate or controversial topics, meaning volunteers must manually remove content that conflicts with Catholic teaching.
Our Verdict: An option for profit-driven schools willing to dedicate time to extensively pre-screening selections.
Good News! Book Fairs
A Personal Touch: This husband-and-wife-owned business is beloved for delivering curated, wholesome book selection and Catholic-focused titles.
Profit & Perks: Comparable to Scholastic, with margins doubling after $5,000 in sales. They also include toys and faith-based goods to encourage browsing.
Setup and Offerings: Volunteers are required for setup, though their delivery team will carry the boxes into the library/room for you!
Our Verdict: Best for schools seeking a smaller, family-owned service with authentic Catholic character.
Ignatius Book Fairs
Faith-Friendly and Reliable: Ignatius Book Fairs, run by Ignatius Press, offers faith-aligned books curated to uphold Christian values. Their collection is 30% Catholic-themed books (saints, sacraments, theology for kids) and 70% carefully vetted secular titles.
Profit & Perks: Comparable to Scholastic, with margins doubling after $6,000 in sales. They also include toys and faith-based goods to encourage browsing.
Ease of Setup: Moderate. Volunteers handle setup, but Ignatius provides clear instructions and meaningful support.
Our Verdict: An ideal turnkey alternative to Scholastic for schools emphasizing Catholic values without sacrificing profit.
Blue Ribbon Book Fairs
Convenience-Driven: Blue Ribbon sets up and breaks down your book fair for you, minimizing volunteer burden.
Content & Focus: Primarily secular books with some Christian offerings; expanding Catholic content. Toy inclusion is optional.
Profit Margins: Starts at 20% cash or 40% in books—no sales threshold required to increase profit.
Our Verdict: Great for schools needing less faith-focused content but unwilling to compromise on wholesomeness.