The Anatomy of a Book Review part one

 

Reviews of children's books allow us to keep up to date with new releases - but I wonder if reviewers are allowed to 'reject' poorly written or poorly produced or books that are not suitable for our children - books that will not enrich their lives. The topic of book reviews is, in my view, an important one. Reviews are of course, at their most basic level, just an expression of an opinion, but I am often shocked when I have read a book, that I would not share with any child or group in my school library, and it is given a glowing review in a journal or online. I have also previously discussed a related topic - celebrity authors. 

Our Australian Magpies magazine is celebrating 40 years of reviews and articles about children's books. Huge Congratulations! One of their long-time reviewers is retiring after 36 years of service. I love his words:

"Writing reviews never got easier over the years. I could never dash off a review. It takes time to ponder the book after the reading, to consider the story and its style of delivery, the context in which it was written, it place in the pantheon of children's literature. And it takes a lot longer to write the review, to be precise and clear in one's assessment, not to be trite." Kevin Steinberger

Here are some questions (and preliminary answers/ideas) that I have been pondering for some months. My specific focus here is on reviews of children's books with a main emphasis on Australian children's books:

Who reads book reviews?

Teacher-Librarians, Librarians (Public Libraries), some teachers, some parents, booksellers, authors and illustrators, library book supply companies (in Australia this is James Bennett) and journalists. Audience does matter. 

Where are book reviews found? (specifically in Australia)

Subscription magazines (Magpies), free online websites (Kids' Book Review), and some are sent to me as emails (Reading Time also available online for free). 

There are other children's book bloggers listed in a previous blog post. Or you could check out this list Feedspot list of the top 25 Australian Children's Book Review blogs. 

The issue of shrinking review space is sadly a reality - it is so rare now to see children's books mentioned in our major national newspapers.

What makes a "good" book review?

The key thing I think is having an open and honest opinion and being able to justify this. It is also important that the reviewer is widely read and has extensive field knowledge. "I value contributors .... who take a long-term view" Dr Belle Alderman.  The problem comes when reviewers (especially here in Australia) feel beholden to a publisher who has sent the reviewer a free copy of a new book. It is that old adage of 'don't bite the hand that feeds you' but this of course means some reviews have become of saccharine - it feels as though reviewers are 'not allowed' to say anything negative or even just analytical about a book. 

I also appreciate reviewers who, as Kevin Steinberger said in my quote above, avoid trite phrases and words such as "that rare and special thing; a book that will last."; "Strongly recommended ... "; "sure to be a favourite."

What are the useful parts of a book review?

A brief recap of the plot, a statement of 'judgement', possibly an age recommendation and extras links to any resources such as teacher notes, author/illustrator web pages, and other reviews. I also appreciate seeing the page count and people who use reviews for book purchasing are sure to make use of any bibliographic details such as publisher, ISBN, and date of publication. I also really appreciate reviews who inform me that a book has won an award and also suggest companion or similar titles.

The US reviewer Ms Yingling for example, is unfailingly honest and she even includes headings in every review - strengths, weaknesses and what I really think. I don't always agree with her assessments, but I thoroughly appreciate her honesty and depth of thinking. 

AND the most important part for me - I really need a photo of the book cover.

Here are a few examples of useful review comments from a recent publication:

"an insightful novel which examines imaginatively a 'what if' scenario but does not provide answers ... an inventive springboard for older primary school aged children ... "

"It is as if the collaborators have not decided which part of the primary school they are targeting."

"This stimulating book is full of surprises, and best of all, it will elicit discussion, even argument, among readers from about seven up."

"A few minor editorial errors do not mar this heart-warming and wise story ..."

"A thrilling first novel from best-selling adult fiction author ... " (this reviewer acknowledges the author has written other books)