Most conversations about literacy focus on reading levels.
Grade levels. Benchmarks. Assessment scores.
But many educators say another gap exists — one that doesn’t show up on testing reports.
In many schools, book fairs unintentionally mirror the same patterns as classroom libraries: limited variety, limited representation, and limited bilingual options.
When that happens, students browse — but don’t always connect.
Some Southern California schools have started experimenting with a different approach.
- ✓ diverse characters
- ✓ bilingual titles
- ✓ culturally relevant stories
- ✓ books students don’t normally encounter
The goal isn’t just selling books.
It’s narrowing the gap between access and interest.
And for some schools, that shift has changed how students approach reading.