Igniting a Love of
Reading, STEM & Connection
SPARKS Book Club brings 3rd–5th graders together every month for joyful reading, hands-on STEM, and real friendship, all online.
More Than a Book Club
We believe every student deserves a safe, welcoming space to read, explore, and feel seen. So that's exactly what we set out to build.
Love of Reading
Students help choose what we read, so they're genuinely excited to turn the page. We pick age-appropriate titles that reflect diverse voices and open windows to new worlds.
Social Connection
SPARKS gives students a warm, dependable place to connect with friends. Friendly faces, silly ice-breakers, and zero pressure make every session feel like home.
STEM Curiosity
Every book comes with a hands-on STEM project: coding in Scratch, planting a mini herb garden, running an experiment. It all shows kids that science and stories belong together.
Our Impact So Far
Something Special Arrives Before Every Session
Before each session, we mail every student their own package of a book, STEM supplies, and craft materials, all ready to open together when we meet online.
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Born From a Pandemic, Built on Purpose
In 2020, sisters Ariel and Becca Pollard saw what was slipping away for kids in the Montgomery County school system: routine, social belonging, and the joy of learning. Together with Barbara Friedlander, Naomi Pollard, and Megan Murphy, they started SPARKS.
What began as a small virtual book club quickly grew into something bigger. A community where students look forward to signing on every month. Where books become conversation-starters, and where every student's voice matters.
Today, in its sixth year, SPARKS is still student-led, still virtual, and still showing up every month with books, STEM projects, and something special to open.
Meet the Team
Help Us Keep the Spark Alive
Your support funds books, STEM supplies, and mailed packages for every student. Every dollar goes directly to the kids.