Review Guidelines
Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children’s Literature
How to Review Books
The books have been divided into two groups:
ORAL: ORAL books are reviewed at the following meeting. Books designated as ORAL are usually first time authors; particularly noteworthy books; or books that should be discussed during the meeting. These reviews are also published in the monthly reviews.
WRITTEN: WRTTEN books are not reviewed orally, but the reviews are published in the monthly PSC Reviews.
Select the books you wish to review. Remember we have a responsibility to review ALL the books sent to us by publishers.
Each book has two forms. Print your name, school/library and the next month’s date on one of the forms. At the front table there is a bin for ORAL slips and one for WRITTEN slips. Separate the ORAL from the WRITTEN slips.
Handing in Reviews and Books at the Meeting
- Each book’s front flyleaf has a PSC label. For each reviewed book, enter the Rating, Grade Level and Date Reviewed. Return all WRITTEN books before the start of the meeting.
- Turn in the completed white slip for each book. The slip should include the Rating and Grade Level you gave the book. Also include your name, school/library and date.
- If you reviewed ORAL books, you can turn in the books and slips after your review.
- Note: WRITTEN books are “two for one.” For every two books reviewed, you can keep one. If you review WRITTEN books, you do not have to bring the book(s) you intend to keep, but you must turn in a completed slip for each book.
- There are several ways to get the reviews to Venta who types them.
- Email reviews to Venta at vsilins@uwb.edu as an attachment or within the text of the email. (Email is preferred method!)
- Save the reviews to a floppy disk and hand it in at the meeting.
- Write the review on the slip.
Ratings to be used for reviewed books:
R* Recommended Starred. Superior book; everyone should buy.
R Recommended. Superior in style, liveliness, integrity and format.
AD+ Additional Plus. Good solid book but has some minor flaws.
AD Additional. Satisfactory book but is or will be excelled in its field by other books.
AD- Additional Minus. Mediocre.
M Marginal. Contains so many weaknesses that it might be considered for purchase only as supplementary material in its field or to meet special localized subject needs.
NR Not Recommended. Does not meet library standards in style, content or design.
NR* Not Recommended. Appropriate for another kind of collection or different age levels.
Suggestions for reviews:
- Be brief. Reviews should be between 125 – 175 words.
- Typical reviews discuss themes, character development, plot or setting.
- Comment on style, structure, illustrations, format, binding or accuracy.
- Compare with similar books, earlier editions or series.
- Discuss appropriateness for intended audience.
- Explain why the book deserves the Rating it received.
- Be critical and emphatic in your evaluation if necessary. Publishers should know that we will not purchase mediocre materials.
