Carlene and a student with a book tote. Check out other totes in the background.

Book boxes, plastic bags, tubs, desks, we've tried them all and they all work for storing student's reading materials. What is most important is that students have a place to put their books so they are readily available, and for our beginning readers, should be able to hold 8-10 books. We are on a constant search for the perfect vessel, knowing that "perfect" can be quite subjective.

We were in Charlene Bickford's classroom in Waterville Maine when she introduced us to what she calls book totes. Here are a few reasons why we think they might just be "perfect": They have a large flat bottom so they don't tip over when loaded with books; The handles make for easy carrying; They're wide enough to hold three ring biders (for poetry or subject notebooks); They are durable; They are only a dollar each!

Charlene cleverly distinguishes which bag belongs to which child with simple luggage tags.

If you are in the market for new, affordable containers, or are thinking about them for next year, we found them at the link below. Just scroll down the linked page to Oval Carry Totes. Thanks for sharing Charlene!

Book Boxes from the Dollar Tree