At Ignatius Book Fairs, we aim to foster a love of reading and ensure children can access literature that aligns with Christian values. We believe in the transformative power of books to mold character and enrich minds. That’s why we offer a thoughtfully curated selection of Christian and secular works that inspire, educate, and allow children to explore the complementary nature of faith and literature, inviting a deeper connection with both.
Ignatius Book Fairs invites students to explore more than a thousand—and growing— Christian and secular works that feed their imaginations and nourish their minds. The titles available are carefully handpicked by the staff of Ignatius Press and Ave Maria University, a team you can trust. In a landscape dominated by mainstream distributors like Scholastic, Ignatius Book Fairs offers an alternative that aligns with Christian values, ensuring kindergarten through 8th-grade readers discover books that will edify their minds, shape their character, and deepen their faith.
Mark Middendorf
President, Ave Maria University
Fr. Joseph Fessio
Ignatius Press
This partnership between Ignatius Press and Ave Maria University was born of a shared desire to provide easy access to the best in Christian literature for schools, parishes, and parents.
“We feel the need for good books in our culture, and we want to provide them in schools for young people but also for parishes, for parents and other Catholics to have easy access to the best in Catholic literature.”
- Fr. Joseph Fessio, S. J.
Ave Maria University, known for its commitment to liberal arts education, and Ignatius Press, the leading Catholic publisher in America, are joining forces. Together, they will support schools seeking quality children’s literature.
“Ave Maria University has established itself as a university committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. Ignatius Press has a longstanding tradition of being the most popular Catholic publisher in America. Through this new venture, we hope to help form young children with faith-filled literature. We are building these book fairs to be fountainhead of renewal for the Church, for the salvation of souls.”
- Mark Middendorf
Our partnership is rooted in the shared mission of fostering children's relationship with Jesus and forming them in His love. Recognizing the cultural threat to Christian values, we offer young people wholesome literature to nourish their minds and hearts.
“The attack on the innocence of children has become almost omnipresent, and we wanted to use our resources to provide young people with good, wholesome literature and give them a love for reading. At the same time, we want to provide what no otherbook fair provides, namely, the best in Christian literature for young peoplethat will form them in ways that they will build upon throughout their life.”
- Fr. Joseph Fessio, S. J.
Many dioceses and schools are seeking alternatives to Scholastic, which has declined in its credibility in recent years. Ignatius Press and Ave Maria University provide a trusted book fair experience, equipped with literature consistent with Christian values.
“Scholastic has a venerable history of providing great literature and now is not as trusted a resource as they have been in the past through their newer material. The bishops are now turning to where they can find a trusted resource. Ignatius Press has always been trusted, making it the perfect publisher for Ave Maria University to partner with on this journey of formational revival.”
- Mark Middendorf
A good book excels in literary quality while also inspiring the mind, moving the heart, and inspiring the Christian to live a life of faith and virtue.
“(A good book) is well written and provides a narrative that engages the reader on a level of artistic goodness. We also believe that good books are written from a perspective of moral rectitude that will form the heart and the mind and help to develop the reader's character.”
- Fr. Joseph Fessio, S. J.
Loupio, our adventurous troubadour from 13th-century Italy, is not just a fun and engaging character but a symbol of our mission at Ignatius Book Fairs. His tales, set in the era of Francis of Assisi, are more than just stories; they are life lessons shared through engaging narratives. They teach about kindness, bravery, and honesty, aiming to inspire virtues of faith, hope, and charity in young readers.
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Ignatius Press is founded, marking the beginning of our journey to enrich the lives of young people, through literature.
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Ave Maria University is established, offering the best in Catholic liberal arts education to students at our southwestern Florida campus.
Ignatius Press partners with the Augustine Institute, marking a significant moment of growth and expansion in vision.
Ignatius Press and Ave Maria University come together to create Ignatius Book Fairs, a new chapter in the story.
The introduction of the Book Club is set to expand our impact, reaching more readers and communities.
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Our vision includes bringing the Book Fair and Club to a wider audience, encompassing parishes and diverse groups, both young and old.
Join the adventure! We invite you prayerfully to consider supporting our mission with a $10+ monthly donation.
Explore our extensive book collection, with something for all age groups and interests. From timeless classics to new favorites, our selection reflects our commitment to quality and value-driven content.
Meet the people behind the mission! Mark Middendorf, Fr. Joseph Fessio, S. J., Mark Brumley, and Annie Esposito each bring their unique perspectives and experiences to this project, united by a common goal: to enrich lives through the power of good literature.
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