Sophia Parekh, a 12-year-old from Westfield, New Jersey, has distributed more than 8,000 free books to children across the US through Sophia’s Book Stand, a project she started at age seven during the Covid pandemic. She personally selects books based on children’s ages and interests and also supports teachers in underserved schools. Her efforts earned her recognition as a runner-up for the 2026 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Sophia Parekh, a 12-year-old from Westfield, New Jersey, has distributed more than 8,000 free books to children across the US through Sophia’s Book Stand, a project she started at age seven during the Covid pandemic. She personally selects books based on children’s ages and interests and also supports teachers in underserved schools. Her efforts earned her recognition as a runner-up for the 2026 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.
