From: Susan Lempke <slempke_at_nileslibrary.org>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:55:26 -0600

I have to agree with Lynn--time constraints prevent me from multiple readings of longer novels most of the time. The book I most recently reviewed took me a few days and many hours to read, so that by the time I was writing the review, I could only reread sections. And in a way, I think that's a more realistic reflection of how a teen would read that book--it's somewhat fairer to the kid at the end of the process to review the book as it stands without the added understanding that comes from rereading it several times.

I will always be grateful to have begun my reviewing career at the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. They sat me down first thing and warned me against the various pitfalls a reviewer can fall into, and one that really stuck with me is the danger of being a smarty-pants at the expense of the book and its writer, and playing a "gotcha" game of highlighting mistakes that you were clever enough to spot. You also get the trial-by-fire experience at BCCB of having your reviews go around the table and be dissected by people much smarter and better at writing than you. It is humbling, and extremely helpful. Now I am fortunate enough to review at the Horn Book Magazine, where they routinely make me sound better than I am, and always make sure the book and its writer are treated fairly.

--Susan Dove Lempke
Received on Sun 15 Nov 2009 12:55:26 PM CST