How Bookstaken works

A free first session, a mentor just for them, and a report after every session.

Book a Free Trial

1 · Book a free first session
Pick a time that suits you. It takes two minutes.
✓ No payment details needed
2 · A short call with us
We get to know your child and what they love, then choose their mentor.
✓ Not the right fit? We switch within 48 hours
3 · Their first session
60 minutes, 1:1 on Google Meet, with the mentor who'll stay with them.
✓ You're welcome to sit in
4 · Same mentor, every session
A book they'll love, a good talk, thinking games and a little writing. Never like homework.
✓ Once a week or more. Pause anytime
5 · A report after every session
On WhatsApp: what they read, said and loved. Their writing grows into their own story journal.

Inside a session

60 minutes, just the two of them.

Ice-breaking
Book discussion
Review
Writing
Closure

Kids say "Fine." Our reports say the rest.

9:41

Aarav's session report

Week 8 · The Jungle Book

Speaking time

AaravRiya

52%

48%

A note from Riya

Aarav came in bursting with questions about Mowgli leaving the jungle. He argued Bagheera was the real hero, and backed it up with two moments from the book. He's reading with his head and his heart now.

Session snapshot

91%Engagement+4%

86%Vocabulary+3%

90%Understanding+5%

84%Fluency+3%

Session timeline

AaravRiya

0 min60 min

0–15 min

Jungle riddles

15–45 min

Who's the real hero?

45–60 min

A new last page

What you'll need

A laptop or tabletA phone works, but bigger screens help them focus.
A quiet cornerSpace to think.
Google MeetFor the session.
WhatsAppFor updates and reports.
The bookTheir own copy of the book they're reading.

Their first session is on us.

60 minutes, 1:1, with the mentor who'll stay with them.

Book a Free Trial

Questions parents ask

Q: Can I pay from outside India?

Yes. We automatically show prices in your country’s supported currency, or USD for other overseas countries. Pay securely by card. Your saved country keeps pricing consistent when you travel; contact our team if it needs correcting.

Q: How much do Bookstaken's reading sessions cost?

Q: What's included in every plan?

Every plan includes live 1-on-1 sessions with your child's own college mentor, a guided reading journey, reading quests during the week, personalised book recommendations, fun writing activities, and a WhatsApp update after each session. The Explorer plan also includes your child's own digital story journal.

Q: Which plan should I choose?

If you'd like to try things out first, start with the monthly Starter plan. If you want your child to build a real reading habit, choose the Explorer plan. Six months with the same mentor gives them time to build a strong bond and read steadily, and each session costs less. Not sure? Book the free trial and we'll help you decide.

Q: Is there a free trial before I pay?

Yes. Every child gets one free 1-on-1 trial session with a mentor, and you don't need payment details to book it. If you decide not to continue, you're never charged.

See all 13 questions

Q: What if my child doesn't like it after I've paid?

If you're not happy within the first week of your monthly plan, we'll refund the remaining balance right away, no questions asked.

Q: Why does it cost more than group tutoring or reading classes?

Because your child never shares the session. For the whole hour, one mentor's attention is on your child: reading with them, asking what they think, and choosing books around their interests. In a group class, a quiet child can go a whole session without speaking. Here, that doesn't happen.

Q: Can I pause the plan during exams or holidays?

Yes. Pausing is flexible. Exams, travel, festivals, or a busy month: just tell us and we'll pause your sessions and pick up where your child left off, with nothing lost.

Q: What happens if my child misses a session?

Let us know at least 24 hours in advance and we'll reschedule it at a time that works for you. If a session is cancelled on our side, we'll reschedule it or credit it to your next month.

Q: Can we switch mentors if it isn't a good match?

Yes, at any time and for free. The bond between your child and their mentor matters most, so if it isn't clicking, we'll match your child with a new mentor.

Q: Do you offer discounts for siblings or referrals?

Yes! Siblings get 15% off the second subscription. Refer a friend and you both get 15% off your next renewal.

Q: Do I need to buy books or anything else?

No. We send you each book as a PDF, so there's nothing extra to buy. Some families like to buy a physical copy to keep, but that's up to you. For sessions, all your child needs is a laptop or tablet, a stable internet connection, and a quiet corner.

Q: Can I get a plan with a custom number of sessions?

Yes. With the Custom plan, you choose the exact number of sessions your child needs and still get everything included in our standard plans. Message us and we'll set it up.

Kids say "Fine." Our reports say the rest.

9:41

Aarav's session report

Week 8 · The Jungle Book

Speaking time

AaravRiya

52%

48%

A note from Riya

Session snapshot

91%Engagement+4%

86%Vocabulary+3%

90%Understanding+5%

84%Fluency+3%

Session timeline

AaravRiya

0 min60 min

0–15 min

Jungle riddles

15–45 min

Who's the real hero?

45–60 min

A new last page

Questions parents ask

Q: Can I pay from outside India?

Q: How much do Bookstaken's reading sessions cost?

The Starter plan is $80 for 4 live 1-on-1 sessions, which is $20 a session. The Explorer plan is $400 for 24 sessions, which is $17 a session. All paid sessions have no expiry and can be used at your own pace. If neither fits, the Custom plan lets you choose 1 to 48 sessions; larger packs offer lower average rates, as low as $17 per session depending on the pack you choose.The Starter plan is $80 for 4 live 1-on-1 sessions, which is $20 a session. The Explorer plan is $400 for 24 sessions, which is $17 a session. All paid sessions have no expiry and can be used at your own pace. If neither fits, the Custom plan lets you choose 1 to 48 sessions; larger packs offer lower average rates, as low as $17 per session depending on the pack you choose.

Q: What's included in every plan?

Q: Which plan should I choose?

Q: Is there a free trial before I pay?

Yes. Every child gets one free 1-on-1 trial session with a mentor, and you don't need payment details to book it. If you decide not to continue, you're never charged.

See all 13 questions

Q: What if my child doesn't like it after I've paid?

If you're not happy within the first week of your monthly plan, we'll refund the remaining balance right away, no questions asked.

Q: Why does it cost more than group tutoring or reading classes?

Q: Can I pause the plan during exams or holidays?

Yes. Pausing is flexible. Exams, travel, festivals, or a busy month: just tell us and we'll pause your sessions and pick up where your child left off, with nothing lost.

Q: What happens if my child misses a session?

Let us know at least 24 hours in advance and we'll reschedule it at a time that works for you. If a session is cancelled on our side, we'll reschedule it or credit it to your next month.

Q: Can we switch mentors if it isn't a good match?

Yes, at any time and for free. The bond between your child and their mentor matters most, so if it isn't clicking, we'll match your child with a new mentor.

Q: Do you offer discounts for siblings or referrals?

Yes! Siblings get 15% off the second subscription. Refer a friend and you both get 15% off your next renewal.

Q: Do I need to buy books or anything else?

Q: Can I get a plan with a custom number of sessions?

Yes. With the Custom plan, you choose the exact number of sessions your child needs and still get everything included in our standard plans. Message us and we'll set it up.