17 Things Every Kid Wanted From the Scholastic Book Fair
Nothing lit up a school day quite like the arrival of the Scholastic Book Fair. Whether you had five dollars or just enough for one item, it always felt like a treasure hunt.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
The Scholastic Book Fair was more than just a school event, it was an experience every kid looked forward to. Walking into the library or gym filled with colorful displays and fresh paper smells felt like entering a dream. It was never just about the books, it was also about the fun extras that made it all feel like a mini holiday. For many, the fair sparked a lifelong love for reading and collecting.
1. Goosebumps Books
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R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series was a top pick for thrill-seeking readers. Each cover was spooky and irresistible, pulling you in with eerie titles and creepy art. Kids raced to grab the newest release before it sold out. Even those who didn’t love reading found themselves hooked by these chilling stories. They were the fair’s unofficial bestsellers.
2. Animorphs Series
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With their fascinating transformation covers, the Animorphs books stood out immediately. The concept of kids turning into animals made every story exciting and imaginative. The science fiction angle added depth without being too complex for young readers. Many kids collected them like trading cards. They made you feel like anything was possible.
3. Posters
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Book fairs always had a poster rack spinning with vibrant, oversized images. From puppies in sunglasses to inspirational quotes, there was something for everyone. They were the ultimate classroom or bedroom decoration. Kids carefully flipped through each one, hoping to find the perfect match. Getting one felt like walking away with a prize.
4. Spy Kits
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Mini spy kits with invisible ink pens and secret notebooks were impossible to resist. They promised mystery, secrecy, and a sense of adventure. Even if they didn’t work perfectly, they made every kid feel like a secret agent. Paired with imagination, they were pure fun. Kids often begged parents just for the spy gear alone.
5. Eraser Collections
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Brightly colored, scented, or shaped like animals and food, erasers were mini pieces of joy. They often came in plastic cases or packs that made them feel special. Most kids never used them for erasing, only for collecting or trading. They added personality to any pencil case. Book fair week wasn’t complete without a new eraser.
6. Bookmarks
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Bookmarks with tassels, holograms, or witty jokes were a cheap but beloved fair find. They gave kids a reason to open their books again and again. Some had scratch-and-sniff features or moving parts. Collecting them became a hobby for many readers. One dollar felt well spent for something so fun and useful.
7. Captain Underpants Books
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The combination of comics, silliness, and action made Captain Underpants a constant favorite. Kids laughed out loud at the outrageous plots and interactive flip-o-rama pages. It appealed to reluctant readers and die-hard book lovers alike. The books felt rebellious in the best way. They flew off the shelves faster than almost anything else.
8. Lisa Frank Stationery
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Bright, glittery, and absolutely iconic, Lisa Frank items were a huge hit, especially with girls. Folders, notebooks, and sticker sets featured neon animals and rainbows. They stood out from anything found in regular school supplies. Kids proudly showed off their collections in class. Owning Lisa Frank meant having something extra special.
9. Pencil Toppers
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Pencil toppers added flair and fun to even the most boring math lesson. Whether they were squishy, glittery, or themed, kids loved swapping and showing them off. Some even squeaked or lit up when you wrote. They were small enough to sneak into a purchase without blowing the budget. Teachers saw them everywhere during fair week.
10. Joke Books
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Laughter was guaranteed with any joke book pulled from the fair shelves. Titles like 1001 Jokes for Kids were easy to share and memorize. Kids used them to entertain friends on the playground or on a bus ride home. They made reading feel playful and lighthearted. Even adults cracked a smile now and then.
11. Choose Your Own Adventure Books
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Interactive reading took center stage with these branching-path stories. Kids loved being in control of how the plot unfolded. Each read-through could lead to a completely different ending. They were fun, engaging, and taught creative thinking. Flipping back and forth never felt like a chore.
12. Mini Notebooks
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Tiny spiral-bound notebooks were perfect for doodles, notes, or secret codes. Kids loved the idea of carrying around their own “journal” or drawing pad. Designs ranged from sports themes to unicorns. They often became the go-to item for creative kids. Most were filled in before the week ended.
13. Pencils in Bulk Packs
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A rainbow pack of pencils was both useful and exciting. Some were glittery, some had funny sayings, and others featured animals or sports. Kids showed them off as proudly as a new toy. Having a full pencil pouch after the fair felt like winning. They made homework just a bit more tolerable.
14. Magic Ink Books
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Magic ink books brought the wow factor with invisible images revealed by a special pen. They were like puzzles, coloring books, and surprises all rolled into one. Kids loved the instant reward of seeing the page come to life. Many came in themed bundles like animals or mystery stories. They rarely lasted long before selling out.
15. Fact Books and Trivia Guides
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Books filled with random facts about space, animals, or weird world records had universal appeal. Kids quoted them nonstop to impress friends and teachers. They often featured bold colors and eye-catching photos. Reading became a game of “Did you know?” They were educational without feeling boring.
16. Scratch-and-Sniff Stickers
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Scented stickers added another sensory layer to collecting. Kids peeled and traded them like currency. From bubblegum to pizza, each sticker was a mini treat. Sticker albums filled up fast during fair season. They added fun to notebooks, folders, and everything else.
17. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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As soon as it was released, Diary of a Wimpy Kid became a must-have. Its mix of humor and graphic novel style made it incredibly readable. Kids related to Greg’s awkward school life and embarrassing moments. The series grew with each book fair and built a dedicated fan base. It became an instant classic in modern childhood reading.