Best Places to Buy Books

While reading is an activity that has many benefits, it can also become costly. In 2016, the average price for a Hardcover book in the United States was just over $21. This may not seem like a hefty price tag until you find yourself purchasing a few books a month. The total can easily come in over $100, or much higher, depending on the number of books read each month.

However, reading is essential for the literary development of children. According to the National Education Association, “the Educational Testing Services reported that students who do more reading at home are better readers and have higher math scores…” The National Center for Education Statistics also reported that young children who were read to frequently were more likely to “count to 20, or higher than those who were not (60% vs. 44%),  and write their own names (54% vs. 40%).”

So how can parents best provide reading materials for their children? Libraries are fantastic resources but there will often be a “wait” for a certain book, especially if it is a new release or in high demand (for example, during summer reading). Below we have compiled a list of places you might not have thought to look for books. Some are online and some will be specific to your area. If there are any we missed and should know about, leave us a comment!

A used book store

Many cities have at least one used book store. These are a great option because while getting a great deal, you will be supporting a small local business and helping reduce waste. Not all of the books you find will be in “like new” condition and it may take a few months to get new releases but overall, this is a great option. To find a used book store near you, please click here.

BetterWorldBooks.com

While there are many online book sellers, BetterWorldBooks.com is unique. Their mission is to bring literacy and opportunity to people around the world. In order to do this, they donate a book to someone in need for every purchased made on their website. Currently, they have donated almost 23 million books. Prices start around $4 for popular titles and they have a great selection of books for people of all age. As a bonus, they also have used textbooks for sale!

eBooks

In the past few years, eBooks have dramatically increased in popularity. There are several advantages to them including the lower cost, their portability, and the immediate gratification of buying the book and having it appear on your phone or tablet instantly. There are several ways to buy eBooks including the Amazon Kindle App, the Barnes and Noble Nook App, Google Play Books, or through iBooks.

For more websites where you can purchase discounted books, please click here.

Amanda De Moraes
Boston Tutoring Services

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