Books N Bros Subscription Book Club

Sidney Keys III, of St. Louis, Missouri, was only 10 years old when he started a subscription book club, Books N Bros. He felt there was a lack of books that represented the lives of “everyday” African-American youth and adults working in science, technology and the arts.

His concept is simple but extremely effective. Designed for African-American boys in the 7-13 year age range, each boy receives a custom box with a book every month, along with a reading guide, reading challenges, stickers, pens or other items that will help spark their interest. In the first package, they receive a T-shirt with the message “Cool Bros Read!”.

Once a month there is a “meet up” with adults (“Big Bros”) who act as mentors, facilitating discussions about the book itself, as well as life skills and other topics that will help the boys grow into successful adults.

In the three years since Books N Bros was started, it has grown to 300 members.