Sophia's Book Stand: Local Girl Continues to Share Love of Reading

When Sophia Parekh was 7 years old in 2021, she realized that not all children had equal access to books during the pandemic. That realization sparked an idea: launch Sophia's Book Stand, a nonprofit dedicated to collecting and donating books to underprivileged communities across the country.

Today, at 12 years old and a rising seventh grader at Roosevelt Intermediate School, Sophia's Book Stand is going strong. The organization has given away more than 8,000 books, connecting with organizations including the Moms Helping Moms Foundation and The Boys and Girls Club of Newark, according to Union County Life's coverage of Westfield youth community service.

How It Works

The process is straightforward and personal. Teachers and children in low-income areas fill out an online Google Form, providing their age, address, and interests. Sophia then handpicks books based on that information and mails them out.

"People fill out an online form where they put what their age is and they also put their address, so we know where to send the books to. They put some of their interests so that we can try to find a book that they like," Sophia explained. "I handpick the books, and then I send the books to them."

Westfield Roots

Westfield has been instrumental to the mission. Franklin Elementary School partners with Sophia's Book Stand annually through a community service book drive during their community service night.

"We do a big book drive with them through their community service night every year, which also brings in a ton of books," said Nipa Parekh, Sophia's mother.

Growing Partnerships

"We've gotten other organizations to give out books. Those organizations have helped us get more like families and people we can send books to," Sophia said.

The organization is now working with author Mary Pope Osborne, who is donating books to support the cause. Currently, Sophia's Book Stand has over 1,000 books ready to donate, thanks to recent book drives and author contributions.

What's Needed

Sophia is actively seeking donations of Spanish, bilingual, and diverse books—items most requested by teachers for their classrooms. Monetary donations also help cover mailing costs to get books to requesting families, teachers, and organizations.

Looking ahead, Sophia hopes to expand Sophia's Book Stand to reach low-income areas without stable internet access—a challenge that will require community partnership and resources.

For more Westfield youth initiatives and community service news, Union County Life covers local civic engagement and student achievement.

FAQ

Q: What is Sophia's Book Stand?
A: Sophia's Book Stand is a nonprofit founded by 12-year-old Westfield resident Sophia Parekh in 2021. The organization collects and donates books to children and teachers in low-income communities across the country.

Q: How many books has Sophia's Book Stand donated?
A: The organization has donated more than 8,000 books since its founding in 2021. Currently, Sophia's Book Stand has over 1,000 books ready to donate.

Q: How does the book request process work?
A: Teachers and children in low-income areas fill out an online Google Form, providing their age, address, and reading interests. Sophia personally selects books based on that information and mails them out.

Q: How is Westfield involved with Sophia's Book Stand?
A: Franklin Elementary School partners with Sophia's Book Stand through an annual community service book drive during their community service night. This drives a significant number of book donations.

Q: What books does Sophia's Book Stand need most?
A: Sophia is currently seeking donations of Spanish, bilingual, and diverse books—items most requested by teachers for their classrooms.

Q: Does Sophia's Book Stand accept monetary donations?
A: Yes. Monetary donations help cover mailing costs to send books to requesting families, teachers, and organizations across the country.

Q: Who are Sophia's Book Stand's partners?
A: The organization works with the Moms Helping Moms Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of Newark, author Mary Pope Osborne, and other organizations nationwide to expand book distribution.

Q: How can I support Sophia's Book Stand?
A: You can donate books (especially Spanish, bilingual, and diverse titles) or make monetary donations to support mailing costs. Teachers and families in need can request books through the Google Form on the organization's website.