beTWEEN the Bookends is the first monthly book and lifestyle box created for kids by a teen herself! Boxes follow a monthly theme and contain age-appropriate books and lifestyle items that have been read and hand tested by Jillian, the 14-year-old creator. Full size boxes contain 2-3 books and 6-8 lifestyle items, while mini boxes include 1 book and 3-5 lifestyle items. The new gender-neutral boxes will contain the same 2-3 books in the full boxes but will have only 3-5 gender neutral lifestyle items.
The Cost: The Gender-Neutral box is $37.00 per month + free US shipping while the Full-Size box is $44 per month. Save with longer subscriptions.
This review is of the beTWEEN the Bookends Tween Gender Neutral Box.
This box was sent to us at no cost to review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
We are already almost halfway through the month of March, and Hank couldn't wait to see what a theme like "Adventures in Reading" could have in store! His comment this month was: "beTWEEN the Bookends has the best themes, Mom! How do they come up with all of them!?" Featuring new books and a heap of awesome lifestyle goodies, this box always impresses. Read below to find out what this month's awesome theme included!
First Impressions
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The contents of this box are packaged neatly in turquoise tissue paper and sealed with a sticker featuring clip art of a boy and girl. The anticipation of seeing what's underneath this tissue paper always has us on the edge of our seats. We just can't wait to dive in!
Here's What's Inside
Welcome Pamphlet
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The info pamphlet outlines every item that is included in each of beTWEEN the bookends' boxes. Featured on the back is an extremely thought-provoking quote by Amelia Earhart: "Decide whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is, stop worrying." I love that this quote was chosen for the adventure theme box as it's suited perfectly to most school-aged students, and the kids were already chomping at the bit to see what else was included.
Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman - Retail Value $16.99
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Book summary from Amazon:
For twelve-year-old Emily, the best thing about moving to San Francisco is that it's the home city of her literary idol: Garrison Griswold, book publisher and creator of the online sensation Book Scavenger (a game where books are hidden in cities all over the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles). Upon her arrival, however, Emily learns that Griswold has been attacked and is now in a coma, and no one knows anything about the epic new game he had been poised to launch. Then Emily and her new friend James discover an odd book, which they come to believe is from Griswold himself, and might contain the only copy of his mysterious new game. Racing against time, Emily and James rush from clue to clue, desperate to figure out the secret at the heart of Griswold's new game―before those who attacked Griswold come after them too.
This was a very fascinating book, not only for my son, but for me as well. Different than our typical reads, this scavenger book really made us think and was very engaging. Packed with codes and ciphers, this was perfect for my curious 10-year-old and was hard to put down. You can bet I have already added the next two books in this series to my Amazon cart!
Casper Tock and The Everdark Wings by Abi Elphinstone - Retail Value $8.99
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Book summary from Amazon:
Casper Tock hates risks and is allergic to adventures. So it comes as a nasty shock to him one day when he hides from bullies in an ancient grandfather clock—and ends up finding an entire world inside. Casper discovers that this sky kingdom of Rumblestar is one of the four Unmapped Kingdoms in charge of controlling the weather in Casper’s own world. What’s more, Casper is now stuck in Rumblestar, and the only person there who doesn’t think he’s a demon spy is a strange girl named Utterly, who hates rules and is allergic to behaving. All Casper wants is to find his way home, but Rumblestar is in trouble. An evil harpy called Morg is trying to steal the magic of the Unmapped Kingdoms. And if these kingdoms fall, Casper’s world will be destroyed as well. And so, together with Utterly and her miniature dragon, Arlo, Casper embarks on a quest full of cloud giants, storm ogres, and drizzle hags. Can he, Utterly, and Arlo—the unlikeliest of heroes—save both their worlds from the clutches of Morg?
This was a fun book with a lot going on, and Hank's attention was held with this adventure. The detailed descriptions and the creative story line had us captivated from the first chapter. Now we just need this to be made into a movie!
Shower Steamer from "Make Mine Homemade"
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Anything bath or shower related, Hank is all over it, and I am soooo extremely grateful (and hope it continues)! This month instead of a bath bomb or scrub, we received a eucalyptus shower steamer. With those spring colds and allergies upon us, Hank was really excited to try this out and see how it works. Similar to a bath bomb, it does dissolve, but when hit with a stream of water, the eucalyptus fragrance is emitted, opening up your sinuses. Leaving you feel invigorated and relaxed, I am a huge fan of these steamers, so Hank split it with me. He thought it smelled okay, but I loved it! Fun inclusion and one I personally hope to see in the future.
Sticker Pack
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A pretty common inclusion in this monthly box is a sticker set. This month's version contained three adorable stickers that can be applied to any smooth surface. With a paper airplane, owl, and weather book option, the customization possibilities are endless and Hank let me put the paper airplane sticker on my laptop.
Exclusive Pencil Set
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Because I work in education, I am all about the pencil situation. As we head to the finish line of quarter three, most of my students are down to stumps of pencils and I just have to shake my head. Hank liked the blue and green pencils and their pastel vibe paired with the book quotes. While he hasn't read Matilda, he has watched the movie, and while he also hasn't read Anne of Green Gables, he thought maybe he could give that one to his classmate named Anne. A fun and functional inclusion, you can bet we had these sharpened and in our school bags the day after we received them.
Astronaut Pen
Pairing fantastically with the adventure theme was this pen. This month's box is heavy on the writing utensils, but in the best way possible. This fine-liner black pen has a cute little rubbery astronaut attached to the pen cap. It's cute and slightly regulating, and this pen writes extremely smoothly, making it awesome for signing birthday cards and adding fine details to all of Hank's basketball logo drawings.
Astronaut Kitty Pencil Sharpener and Eraser
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This month we received a note stating that there was a shipping delay for one of the items and that this astronaut kitty pencil sharpener and eraser set was sent in its place. It looks totally like grumpy cat in a space suit, and I immediately fell in love with this little guy, and Hank was really excited to bring it to school to add to his pencil box.
Pirate's Booty, single serving
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Not listed on the pamphlet, but was also included was a bag of Pirate's Booty. Hank is popcorn obsessed, and was really excited about this addition stating that every box should come with a snack. Sitting on the pouf reading "Book Scavenger" with his mouthful of popcorn made for an ultra relaxing Saturday morning, and one that makes a mama proud!
Eraser Fidget
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The last item we received was also one that wasn't on the item list. This infinity cube eraser fidget was another hit with my 10-year-old. Folding into a cube and being an eraser, this toy does it all! After just attending a "Brain Basics" training class for school, I have some really great applications for a fidget like this in my classroom - that is if Hank lets me borrow it!
Verdict
beTWEEN the Bookends is literally the best. As a mom and educator, I can't say it enough: KIDS NEED TO READ! While technology can be great and all, I have seen it first hand how it has really put our kids a step behind in more ways than one and will advocate for physical books until I am blue in the face. If you have a child that doesn't like to read, or absolutely loves to read, this subscription box is for you. Not only are the books great picks, but the lifestyle items make school and learning fun, all while being useful. A perfect curation for the "Adventures in Reading" theme, Hank loved this box to pieces, as did I. We continue to be throughly impressed with this box, and can't wait to see what they have in store for April.
The beTWEEN the Bookends gender neutral box costs $37.00 per month, including shipping. Because the books alone are valued at over $26.00, I find the $37.00/month cost very reasonable as the lifestyle items help shape this box into an entire experience.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Other Things You Should Know
Can I still get this box if I sign up today? beTWEEN the bookends tends to ship the first week of each month. Order now to receive the April box.
What did you think of the BeTWEEN the Bookends Tween Gender Neutral box?
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