I think the Scholastic book club was one of the highlights of my elementary school years. I remember pouring over the leaflet we were sent home with. My parents said they would pay for two books, anything more and I had to use my own money. What a conundrum! Only two – unless I could come up with another 25 or 35 cents, that is.
I did ask my mom, and she confirmed that we did not get an allowance until we were in high school. So, any money that I had came from birthdays or a grandparent slipping a 50-cent piece in us grandkids’ hands as we left their house.
A couple of the earliest books that I remember ordering were “Star of Wild Horse Canyon” by Clyde Robert Bulla and “Champ the Gallant Collie” by Patricia Lauber. I remember discovering “The Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum and “The Littles” books around third grade. I loved the magical miniature world of “The Littles”. I was amazed at how many more adventures Dorothy and her friends had in the “Wizard of Oz” book than is depicted in the classic movie. It wasn’t until I was in college that I discovered L. Frank Baum had written a whole series of Oz books! I shed lots of tears while reading “Heidi” by Johanna Spyri.
In fourth grade I read “My side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George (or Jean George as she was known then) and “Hold the Rein Free” by Judy Van Der Veer. (illustrated by Sam Savitt) I discovered Walter Farley and his book “Black Stallion”, (again, many years later I discovered he had written a whole series of Black Stallion books) and Marguerite Henry and many of her horse stories including her “Misty of Chincoteague” books and “Brighty of the Grand Canyon”. I loved her illustrator Wesley Dennis too and I tried to emulate him with my own horse drawings.
Over the years, I would mostly order books about horses, but I did enjoy Jim Kjelgaard’s dog stories, “Old Yeller” by Fred Gipson and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” by Dodie Smith. I also loved books set in the west or about pioneers or mountain men, so of course I acquired and read all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and “Men Who Won the West” by Franklin Folsom.
I asked my husband if he remembered the Scholastic Book Club, and he had a few of his own very happy memories of ordering books and receiving them at school. He especially remembered pouring over the newsprint catalogue at home and one time choosing a Snoopy Cook Book. He says he remembers him and his mom making “Divine Divinity” from it.
I think the last year the Scholastic Book Club was offered is when I was in 6th grade. I am sure that whoever came up with the concept of selling books to children through their schools has made a fortune! Regardless of that, I am forever grateful as the books were so reasonably priced that my parents were able to indulge me and my siblings with a couple of new books here and there. I know my world was expanded and my childhood vastly enriched by the books chosen from the Scholastic Book Club over the years.
As a last note to this story; I wanted to include a photo or two to this blog, and so I combed through my children’s bookshelves. I was quite surprised to find so many of my actual books! I have so few things/toys/memorabilia from my childhood, but somehow, I hung on to the most important items – my books! Then I passed them along to my children, who also read and treasured the stories within.
Yes, you love your books – and it’s not like you read them ‘just once’. It’s a good thing you’ve hung on to them so they could be enjoyed time and again by you and your children. Ok – yes, I’ve read some of them too. Nice memories!
Thanks Jim!
I have very fond memories of Scholastic as well. I loved thumbing through the pages trying to decide what I would get. 100 Pounds of Popcorn and Mr. Popper’s Penguins are two books that come to mind when I think of book orders.
I’m glad you have good memories of the Scholastic Book Club too!
Getting to pick out some Scholastic Books was one of the highlights of my young school days. This post really brings back some memories. Thank you!
You’re welcome!❤
I’ve so enjoyed your reminiscence of reading! I sure remember yours and Hope’s love for horses too!
I trace my own love for reading back to the library in my small hometown in PA. I vividly remember getting my first library card and the thrill of learning I could choose any 4 books and take them home! Even knowing they wouldn’t be mine to keep it was still exciting to have so many choices! My dad was ill from the time I was 5 and I would sit by his bed and read to him. I was proud to be able to do this for him and help pass the time. Now I look back and know he was indulging me for of course these were children’s books! 😊
I enjoy most genres of books but especially those set in Europe during WW2 (Sarah’s Key, Angela’s Ashes) and books with endings that keep me guessing (The Silent Patient and Behind Her Eyes). A recent favorite is The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. It is very much in the style of a Man called Ove. My tastes in books are eclectic, but the best books are the ones you wish would never end! This was one of those for me!
Cheri, this blog is such a great idea! Thank you for creating it 😊
Thanks Cheryl! I’m so glad you are enjoying it! Thank you also for sharing such a wonderful memory.❤