Gianne at the Fully Booked Junior Book Crew 2012

My daughter Gianne has always loved books. By the time she was 12 years old, she has read a number of fiction series such as Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. She has also become a fan of Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Though she started her love for fiction with books for younger readers like Nancy Drew and The Babysitters Club, she maintains her all-time favorite is the philosophical novel Sophie's World.

Last summer, Gianne qualified to be among the 30 kids who were part of Fully Booked's Junior Book Crew (JBC). The kids had to go through an application process where they filled out a form with their personal information, their hobbies and interests, and details about the books they've read, their favorite authors, and their favorite genre. They also had to explain why they wanted to be part of the Junior Book Crew. Soon after the last day of the application period, applicants were contacted by phone to set up an interview appointment.

Fullly Booked Junior Book Crew 2012
(Photo by Fully Booked)

Fully Booked gives this description of the Junior Book Crew:

The Junior Book Crew is a month long workshop that will give children ages 11-16 an opportunity to expand their love for books and the written word, plus a chance to experience what it is like to perform certain tasks in the bookstore. 

Last summer's workshop was from April 13 to May 11, 2012 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30 to 3:00 PM, at Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street at Bonifacio Global City.

On March 29, Gianne went to her interview appointment. This was her first "job interview" and I have tried to brief her on what to expect, emphasizing that she only needed to remember the answers she wrote in her application form and be able to explain them when asked to. Her interview lasted about 20 minutes, which we took to be a good sign. We figured if the interviewer did not see any potential in her, then the interview would have ended much sooner. We received positive news over a week later.

The first two weeks on the Junior Book Crew (JBC) program was spent on writing workshops. They practiced writing short stories, children's books, and book reviews, among others. They also had group dynamics, role playing, and games. In the last two weeks, they were assigned in the different sections of the bookstore. Gianne's assignments included wrapping books, helping at the Customer Service desk, arranging books in shelves, and arranging store banners and special displays.

A special program was held on May 14 to celebrate their graduation. They each got a certificate, a free book, and a Fully Booked discount card. The program was topped off with a pizza party.

Junior Book Crew ages 11-13
(Photo by Fully Booked)

Junior Book Crew ages 11-13
(Photo by Fully Booked)

Pizza Party!
(Photo by Fully Booked)

Picking out their free book.
((Photo by Fully Booked))

While Gianne was in her workshop, I kept myself busy by staying at any of the nearby coffee shops, usually at the Starbucks right inside Fully Booked. I carried my work with me so I got to work on my computer while I waited for her. Sometimes she would drop by and join me for a snack during her break time. At times, I picked up a book and got comfy on one of the bookstore's armchairs.

Taken during one of Gianne's snack breaks.

I did not resent having to drive her or accompany her to Bonifacio High Street for her workshops. I figured she was growing up fast and with her increasing independence, this summer would possibly be the last I'd have to do this for her. I might as well enjoy the time we had together while was still my "baby girl."

I would highly recommend JBC to any bookworm kid out there. Most kids nowadays do not read much and not many have developed the passion for reading and writing. JBC is an opportunity for kids to meet other bookworms and engage in casual conversation about books they love. It's a way for them to meet new people and make new friends. At the same time, it gives them a glimpse of working in a bookstore and the amount of effort that is put in maintaining it.

Fully Booked now accepts applications for this year's Junior Book Crew. Details and application form can be found here. I am not in any way affiliated with Fully Booked. I'm just a mom whose kid had a fun summer at JBC.

Fully Booked