After experimenting with Owlcrate for a few months last year, I decided to give Uppercase a shot this year when I wanted to check out a new bookish subscription box.
Uppercase is a monthly book subscription box.
You have two options when subscribing: You can purchase the Book Exclusive Plan for $17/month which includes a new hardcover YA novel (signed or with a bookplate), a reading experience content (this includes a bookmark with links to special content to check out while you read the book), and a handwritten note about the contents of the box. The Expert Plan is $23/month and includes all of the Book Exclusive items plus one or two bookish items which can be anything from notebooks to wearables. Both plans adds $6.50 for shipping.
What I really like about Uppercase is you have options for buying as well. You can subscribe monthly with the typical automatic renewals (and option to cancel) OR you can pre-pay for a certain amount of boxes from 1 to 12 months. I decided to pre-pay for three months and got my first package in June.
I already shared about the box on Instagram but I’m so excited about it I wanted to do a full review on here too.
Here’s what I found in my June 2017 Uppercase which comes in the signature Uppercase pouch (and is mailed in a Priority Mail padded envelope):
- Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser: This release from Bloomsbury has been on my radar since one of my best friends Becky reviewed it for School Library Journal. I am ready for this fantasy novel with pirates and adventure and I am delighted to know that Becky’s review was quoted on the back cover of this book. The book was also signed by the author.
- Map: Inside the book is a pull out printed map for Song of the Current on glossy paper. I like that it’s a larger size that what would have been included if the map was in the actual book.
- Experience Bookmark: This is a special feature unique to Uppercase. The bookmark features page numbers and codes readers can enter online to unlock special content. I am super excited to see what kind of things will be revealed as I read!
- Tote Bag: This box featured an exclusive tote bag designed by Allison Cole Illustrations. The tote says “Reading is the Ultimate Adventure” and features a hot air balloon with a cat riding inside reading a book, of course. The tote bag is a nice quality with printing that isn’t likely to wear off and sturdy construction. I do wish the straps were a bit longer but I think they’ll stretch and anticipate this bag getting a lot of use.
- Enamel Pin: The last item in the box is another exclusive. The Book Nerd pin is from Jubly-Umph and features a book with a ribbon across it reading “Book Nerd” along with some decorative flowers. I love Jubly-Umph but because they’re an Australian company it’s sometimes hard to find their jewelry in the US. I have a couple of necklaces from them (and after looking at the site I want almost everything they sell) and am very excited to add this pin to my collection. It’s too cute to put away so I have it pinned to a board I fill with artwork and other ephemera near my desk.
All in all I’m very happy with my first Uppercase. I really appreciate the option to pre-pay and may even order more boxes in the future. I like that it includes some extras without being overwhelming and I think it’s great that the books are signed. This is definitely a subscription box to consider for yourself or your bookish friends.
Miss Print 