FAQ
How is this book club different from others?
We are unique in that each purchase comes with a donation to a child through a partner organization and all of our books celebrate inclusion and diversity.
What does Miles to Row mean?
The name Miles to Row is very personal – it is based on our cofounder Betsy’s children, Miles and Ronan. When considering a company name, we thought about all the miles we still have to row with our families and the challenges and joy we experience each day. Betsy’s interest in diverse and inclusive books first started when her older son, Ronan, was born with a rare genetic syndrome and is Deafblind. She is always looking for ways to include Ronan, and to allow him to see himself in the books he reads. After Miles was diagnosed with Autism, Betsy also started to look for books with neurodiversity. We understand wanting to have representation for your child, and we look for books, authors, and illustrators that represent a wide variety of races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and identities.
Why are books that include diversity important?
Representation matters. Children need to see their community in what they are reading. By including stories that celebrate diversity, children feel valued when they see themselves, their families, their friends in important characters and stories.
I don’t think my children notice differences in race or abilities, is that common?
Children notice. It’s as simple as that. Children are confronted with differences and similarities in front of them everyday. They look to the adults in their lives to see how they should respond. Modeling behavior and answering questions are two of the most important parenting jobs that exist. Say hi to families, ask how they are, smile! Children will respond in kind. Children notice, but without bias, they are only wondering. Books are a natural way to begin discussions. Children can explore their observations and questions with people they trust. Our books provide an opportunity for families to discuss and wonder in a safe place.
I am not sure how to discuss certain differences with my children. I’m concerned I won’t have the right language or information.
Don’t worry, we can help! We provide a list of talking tips with each subscription to help guide family discussions about diversity and inclusion.
What age range is appropriate for your book club?
We are currently choosing books for new and early readers, up to about age 9. Each box could include board books, hardback and softback books, and picture books. We look for a variety of high quality books for each box.
Do you have books for older children?
We are currently choosing books for new and early readers, up to about age 9. We have plans to expand to older readers in the future. For more information about new subscriptions, sign up for our newsletter or check back on the site for updates. If there’s something specific you’d like to see, send us a note via Contact Us!
What happens to my donation?
When you purchase a subscription, Miles to Row will donate one book each month to a partner organization. We will also donate one book for each one-time purchase. Our partner organizations are aimed at expanding diverse and inclusive book choices for children. Organizations may include schools, libraries, and other nonprofits that bring books to children. Your donation will be a valuable asset, comfort, and often a friend to a child who really needs it. Thank you!
Can I suggest books?
Yes! Please email us at help@milestorow.com with any recommendations. We are always looking for impactful books to include in our service.
Are there monthly themes?
We do not have monthly themes at this time. Each monthly subscription includes a variety of diverse and inclusive stories, authors, and illustrators.
Why a subscription?
A subscription is the easiest way for you to have new, high quality, engaging books in your home each month. Our service takes away the time spent searching for new books and helps families expand their library to include more diverse books. A package addressed to your child with surprise books inside; that is truly a special gift each month.
Do you charge sales tax?
We charge sales tax to customers in CA in accordance with state and federal laws.
Can I give a subscription to or make a one-time buy for another family?
Yes! On the purchase page, please include their information in the shipping. You may include a note when checking out.
Are gift cards available?
Yes! On the purchase page, please include their information in the shipping. You may include a note when checking out.
When will I be charged?
For a one-time purchase, you will be charged immediately when you complete your order. Our subscriptions have a monthly cut off date of the 20th. Any orders we receive up to the 20th will be charged immediately and receive the current month’s book box. For orders after the 20th, you will not be charged until the following month and you will receive the following months’ box. After your initial purchase, we charge on the 1st of the month for subscriptions.
When should I expect my book delivery?
For a one-time purchase, we ship orders within 7 – 10 business days. For a new subscription purchase, we have two monthly ship dates – the beginning of the month, and the 20th of the month depending on when you purchase your subscription. For all future months, you will receive your box at the beginning of the month.
How can I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel subscriptions through My Account on the website. You can also send us a note through Contact Us on the website by the 20th of the month to cancel future orders.
How does the subscription work?
You can subscribe any time to our book club! If you subscribe by the 20th of the month, you will be charged and receive that month’s box. If you subscribe after the 20th, you will be charged on the 1st of the following month and receive that month’s box.
Where do you ship?
At this time we are shipping in the US only. Please email us if you would like to receive books in another country.
How do the books arrive?
We mail our books in sustainable packaging sent through USPS.
My books arrived damaged. What should I do?
Please send us an email at help@milestorow.com, and let us know what happened. We will be in touch with what to do.
What if I already have the books that you’ve sent?
If you already have a book that we have selected for the month’s subscription box, you have a few choices. Keep the book in case your other copy is a bit too loved (we are always going through books at our house!) Donate the book to a local school, library, or favorite nonprofit. Or give the book to another family. If you choose to donate or give the book as a gift, send us a picture at help@milestorow.com with a note and we can give you a one-time credit of $10 towards a future month.
Do you have a cut off for the holidays in December?
For subscribers who would like the books by December 25th, we have a cut off on December 15th. Gift cards can be ordered up until the holidays!
Do you have any discounts for paying up front for a subscription?
Yes! We are currently running a sale on prepaying for 6 months at a time.
By purchasing a subscription billed biannually (every 6 months), you agree and acknowledge that your subscription has been prepaid for 6 months and you accept full responsibility of charges.
We are unique in that each purchase comes with a donation to a child through a partner organization and all of our books celebrate inclusion and diversity.
What does Miles to Row mean?
The name Miles to Row is very personal – it is based on our cofounder Betsy’s children, Miles and Ronan. When considering a company name, we thought about all the miles we still have to row with our families and the challenges and joy we experience each day. Betsy’s interest in diverse and inclusive books first started when her older son, Ronan, was born with a rare genetic syndrome and is Deafblind. She is always looking for ways to include Ronan, and to allow him to see himself in the books he reads. After Miles was diagnosed with Autism, Betsy also started to look for books with neurodiversity. We understand wanting to have representation for your child, and we look for books, authors, and illustrators that represent a wide variety of races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and identities.
Why are books that include diversity important?
Representation matters. Children need to see their community in what they are reading. By including stories that celebrate diversity, children feel valued when they see themselves, their families, their friends in important characters and stories.
I don’t think my children notice differences in race or abilities, is that common?
Children notice. It’s as simple as that. Children are confronted with differences and similarities in front of them everyday. They look to the adults in their lives to see how they should respond. Modeling behavior and answering questions are two of the most important parenting jobs that exist. Say hi to families, ask how they are, smile! Children will respond in kind. Children notice, but without bias, they are only wondering. Books are a natural way to begin discussions. Children can explore their observations and questions with people they trust. Our books provide an opportunity for families to discuss and wonder in a safe place.
I am not sure how to discuss certain differences with my children. I’m concerned I won’t have the right language or information.
Don’t worry, we can help! We provide a list of talking tips with each subscription to help guide family discussions about diversity and inclusion.
What age range is appropriate for your book club?
We are currently choosing books for new and early readers, up to about age 9. Each box could include board books, hardback and softback books, and picture books. We look for a variety of high quality books for each box.
Do you have books for older children?
We are currently choosing books for new and early readers, up to about age 9. We have plans to expand to older readers in the future. For more information about new subscriptions, sign up for our newsletter or check back on the site for updates. If there’s something specific you’d like to see, send us a note via Contact Us!
What happens to my donation?
When you purchase a subscription, Miles to Row will donate one book each month to a partner organization. We will also donate one book for each one-time purchase. Our partner organizations are aimed at expanding diverse and inclusive book choices for children. Organizations may include schools, libraries, and other nonprofits that bring books to children. Your donation will be a valuable asset, comfort, and often a friend to a child who really needs it. Thank you!
Can I suggest books?
Yes! Please email us at help@milestorow.com with any recommendations. We are always looking for impactful books to include in our service.
Are there monthly themes?
We do not have monthly themes at this time. Each monthly subscription includes a variety of diverse and inclusive stories, authors, and illustrators.
Why a subscription?
A subscription is the easiest way for you to have new, high quality, engaging books in your home each month. Our service takes away the time spent searching for new books and helps families expand their library to include more diverse books. A package addressed to your child with surprise books inside; that is truly a special gift each month.
Do you charge sales tax?
We charge sales tax to customers in CA in accordance with state and federal laws.
Can I give a subscription to or make a one-time buy for another family?
Yes! On the purchase page, please include their information in the shipping. You may include a note when checking out.
Are gift cards available?
Yes! On the purchase page, please include their information in the shipping. You may include a note when checking out.
When will I be charged?
For a one-time purchase, you will be charged immediately when you complete your order. Our subscriptions have a monthly cut off date of the 20th. Any orders we receive up to the 20th will be charged immediately and receive the current month’s book box. For orders after the 20th, you will not be charged until the following month and you will receive the following months’ box. After your initial purchase, we charge on the 1st of the month for subscriptions.
When should I expect my book delivery?
For a one-time purchase, we ship orders within 7 – 10 business days. For a new subscription purchase, we have two monthly ship dates – the beginning of the month, and the 20th of the month depending on when you purchase your subscription. For all future months, you will receive your box at the beginning of the month.
How can I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel subscriptions through My Account on the website. You can also send us a note through Contact Us on the website by the 20th of the month to cancel future orders.
How does the subscription work?
You can subscribe any time to our book club! If you subscribe by the 20th of the month, you will be charged and receive that month’s box. If you subscribe after the 20th, you will be charged on the 1st of the following month and receive that month’s box.
Where do you ship?
At this time we are shipping in the US only. Please email us if you would like to receive books in another country.
How do the books arrive?
We mail our books in sustainable packaging sent through USPS.
My books arrived damaged. What should I do?
Please send us an email at help@milestorow.com, and let us know what happened. We will be in touch with what to do.
What if I already have the books that you’ve sent?
If you already have a book that we have selected for the month’s subscription box, you have a few choices. Keep the book in case your other copy is a bit too loved (we are always going through books at our house!) Donate the book to a local school, library, or favorite nonprofit. Or give the book to another family. If you choose to donate or give the book as a gift, send us a picture at help@milestorow.com with a note and we can give you a one-time credit of $10 towards a future month.
Do you have a cut off for the holidays in December?
For subscribers who would like the books by December 25th, we have a cut off on December 15th. Gift cards can be ordered up until the holidays!
Do you have any discounts for paying up front for a subscription?
Yes! We are currently running a sale on prepaying for 6 months at a time.
By purchasing a subscription billed biannually (every 6 months), you agree and acknowledge that your subscription has been prepaid for 6 months and you accept full responsibility of charges.