Teaching for Change's Busboys and Poets Bookstore

Progressive books to activate your mind and community
Teaching for Change's Busboys and Poets Bookstore is the Washington, D.C. area's best source for books that encourage children and adults to question, challenge, and re-think the world beyond the headlines. The bookstore is located in the Busboys and Poets (14th and V Streets NW) restaurant, performance space, and coffeehouse, which features a dynamic events schedule. You can also browse the bookstore selection online.
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Brunch and books? What could be better? Teaching for Change's Busboys and Poets Bookstore is my favorite place to find new, inspiring books for my students. I feel good about supporting a non-profit that works to promote social justice, and the great neighborhood atmosphere outshines the big, crowded bookstores. — Lindsay Kopitzke, Alternative School Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools

Teaching for Change's Busboys and Poets Bookstore provides our teachers the materials we need to make our very diverse classes welcoming to all our students. The resources we got from the bookstore fill in what the textbooks leave out so that our students can see themselves and their issues in the curriculum. — Erin McVadon Albright, International Baccalaureate Diploma, Coordinator, Annandale High School, FCPS

The empowering and provocative books that I have found in Teaching for Change's Busboys and Poets Bookstore have been incredibly useful in educating, motivating, and inspiring my teachers to look at the purpose of education in a revolutionary scope. — David L. Heiber, Director of Student Support Services, Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy

Busboys and Poets is on the lips of every major publisher from New York City to Los Angeles. Teaching for Change's Busboys and Poets Bookstore supports local authors, promotes books not readily available in other markets, and hires a staff that is conversant in these titles. — Scott Wythe, The Empire Group

I loved the art, books, stage, plans, whimsical touches, comfy seats, superb wait staff, top flight food, in a word the whole exciting place! — Kathryn Williams, art teacher, Norwood School

I was just in Washington, DC and delighted with my visit to Busboys and Poets. Powerful, enlightening, and overall an awesome place. I look forward to return visits in the future and could only wish for a similar place here in New Mexico. — Gregory Webb, Executive Director NM Commission for Community Volunteerism

A number of people wrote to the Washington City Paper in response to statements about our bookstore. Here are their comments.

Shelf-Awareness featured Teaching for Change's Busboys and Poets Bookstore in a full length article.

Front Porch interviewed our Bookstore Manager.

 
 

Author Events

Busboys and Poets has three locations in DC and Virginia that host a rich array of authors. Check out the list of author events. 

 

Book Selection

We carefully select every title to ensure access to:

  • High-quality progressive politics, poetry and literature
  • Young adult fiction with real-world themes
  • Multicultural titles for pre-K-12 teachers and parents
  • Independent publishers
  • Works detailing a "people's history" - including that of African Americans, Latinos/as, Asian Americans, Arab Americans, Native Americans, labor activists, international populations, and women.

 

Location

 Busboys and Poets - D.C.
2021 14th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 387-7638
The bookstore is at this location. There are two other Busboys and Poets in D.C and Virginia. Busboys and Poets is a venture of peace activist and local businessman Andy Shallal. Find out more at: www.busboysandpoets.com

 

Support Independent Bookstores

We encourage schools and other organizations to place their bulk or special orders through the bookstore. Please download (in PDF), copy, and share our ordering information packet.

You can also place an online order for almost ANY title at our online store, hosted by Indiebound. Your purchases at this online store provide needed support for Teaching for Change's Busboys and Poets Bookstore.

The survival of independent bookstores and related author events requires an engaged, local-loving customer base. Buying online from Amazon undermines our survival. More.
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