OUR STORY

Hi! We're Leonard and Clarrissa.

Clarrissa:

When I was growing up in Roxbury’s Orchard Park, I was an avid reader. My mother got new books each month in the mail. I was always at the library, reading books and encyclopedias. I loved Anne of Green Gables, Sweet Valley High, The Magic School Bus.

But it was only later that I learned how many Black authors and stories I was missing. I devoured Terry McMillan books, James Baldwin, Mildred D. Taylor and others.

Leonard:

We've operated Frugal Bookstore (soon to be "Changing Minds Bookstore) in Roxbury since 2008 with pride, knowing we were providing our community with books primarily written by African American and Latino American authors, alongside other authors of different ethnicities. Our continuing goal is to be Good Humans, as author of "How to Be A Good Human" Amber Cabral shares in her new book.

Now, our evolution continues. Frugal Bookstore's becoming Changing Minds Bookstore.

And Literacy Works is how we help Black and other youth find books where they can see themselves and imagine their futures. It’s an amazing feeling, and we’re honored to provide that connection.

We built Literacy Works to expand the community-focused, charitable work that has always been part of our bookselling business: supporting literacy and book ownership.

Now, we’re taking our impact to the next level. We’re partnering with public schools, housing developments, libraries, and other community institutions. And we’re asking for your help!