Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crate Expectations?

Crate Expectations is a book-club-in-a-box for kids.  Each month we ship you a book along with games, goodies, activities, and discussion questions to pair with it.  

Who is Crate Expectations for?

Crate Expectations is designed for children ages 8-12.  However, it can also be enjoyed by younger children as a family read-aloud.

What comes inside a  box?

Each month subscribers will receive a specially selected book, paired with our one-of-a-kind Book Club Adventure Guide.  The guide includes an author interview, discussion questions, a STEM activity with supplies, recipe, and fun book club menu suggestions.  Additionally, each box contains a book-themed snack and fun educational toys or games that have been specially curated to match the book.  

Does each member of our book club need a subscription?

Yes.  Each child in your book club will need his or her own subscription.  That way  each child will receive  their own copy of the book to read, the Adventure Guide and supplies, and all the fun treasures we pair with each book.  Your child will also love the thrill of receiving a package in the mail each month.

Can I find out what book is being shipped ahead of time?

Because part of the fun is being surprised, we don't release our titles ahead of time.  We will offer clues on our social media sites if you want to try to guess what the upcoming month's pick will be.

How do you select the books?

We read.  A lot.  Everything we can get our hands on.  We read old books, new books, and yet-to-be-realeased books.  We read funny books, sad books, books with pictures, and award-winning books.  Then, from those hundreds of books, we choose 12 as our yearly selections.  You can be sure that if a book ends up in our crates, it's earned a special place in our heart.  We also strive to offer a variety of genres and a mix of male and female protagonists.

Me?  Host a book club?  I'm not so sure.

It's easier than you think.  If you've ever hosted a playdate or had friends over for dinner,  you can do it.  Our Adventure Guide will walk you through everything from the discussion questions to menu ideas to a suggested schedule for your meeting.  Your book club can be as simple or as Pinterest-y as you wish.  The important thing is to read, have fun, and make memories!

What if my child's a struggling reader?  Does he/she need to read the books on their own?

Absolutely not.  We are big believers in reading aloud with kids.  Our own book club group has a variety of reading levels.  Some kids read on their own, others read with their parents at bedtime, and still others listen to an audio version while following along with the book.  It doesn't matter whether a story enters your imagination through your eyes or your ears.  

I'd love to subscribe, but we don't have enough friends interested in a book club group?

Not a problem.  Our crates are designed to be used individually as well as with a group.  There are so many opportunities for connection with a family book club, a parent/child book club or even a grandparent/grandchild book club.  Read the book together and plan a special ice cream or lunch date to chat about it.

I love the book you sent.  How can I find more like it?

Yay!  We're so glad!  In each month's adventure guide, you'll find a list of recommended books.  These are "readalikes" that we've chosen to pair with that month's selection.

How much does it cost?

Single month subscriptions are $ 34.99 + $ 8.99 U.S. shipping and sales tax (where applicable.).  We offer discounts on 3, 6, and 12 month subscriptions. Shipping to Canada is $ 20.00.

Can I give Crate Expectations as a gift?

Of course!  Simply select the GIVE AS GIFT button on our home page and decide how many months you'd like your recipient to receive our crates.  At check-out select the Gift box and you can leave a special note to be included to the recipient and select whether or not you'd like your gift to renew.  Thank you for giving the gift of reading!

How much is shipping?

Shipping is $ 8.99 within the U.S. and $ 20.00 for Canada.   

When will I get my crate?

We ship all our crates at the end of each month. Once your crate leaves our dock, you will receive an email with your tracking number.  We are not responsible for shipping delays due to weather, courier, or sea monsters.  

What if I already have the book?

We understand that this is a possibility.  Unfortunately, since our crates are planned and ordered months in advance, we're unable to refund books which a subscriber might already own.  If you think an upcoming box might be a book you already own, feel free to email us. We're happy to provide more info about the title and/or pause your subscription for that month.

I'm with a charter school and would like to order using our funds.  Do you accept PO's?

We do!  To pay with a PO, have your school contact us directly at charters@mycrateexpectations.com to set up billing and place your order. 

How does re-billing work?

When you sign up for Crate Expectations, you will be billed for the total of whichever subscription plan you've chosen (1, 3, 6, or 12 months.). At the end of your subscription term, your subscription will automatically renew for the same term unless you've cancelled.  Re-billing occurs on the 5th of each month.

How do I cancel my subscription?

We're sorry to see you go.  Subscriptions must be cancelled by 11:59PM PST on the 4th of each month to avoid being billed for the next month's box.  If you have any problems, please contact us at info@mycrateexpectations.com

What is your return/refund policy?

Unfortunately we do not accept returns or refunds on boxes.  If an item is damaged, please contact us at info@mycrateexpectations.com with a photo of the damaged item.

Still have questions?

Email us at info@mycrateexpectations.com