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From: cathys_at_uproc.lib.mi.us
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:48:39 -0500 (EST)
I missed the first part of the discussion on reviewing because our server went down so apologize if I am repeating.
I read reviews from SLJ, Horn Book, PW, Booklinks, CCBC's Choices, VOYA, Junior Library Guild, etc. Obviously, I cannot read all of them. I also look at catalogues mailed to me and order from a few sales reps. who bring in their books or who publish sets I am familiar with such as Chelsea House, Lerner, etc. (My eyes light up when a new Booklinks (good source for display ideas) or Horn Book reaches my desk, although I appreciate the others and couldn't do without them.)
Before I order books I look up most of them on B&N, or if they don't have reviews on a particular book, I look on Amazon. I do this also to make sure I have the correct ISBN number and the binding I prefer. It's always interesting to read such different reviews of the same title. Sometimes one negative review makes me choose not to order the book. Sometimes I ignore a negative review if the others are very favorable. I tend to go with Kirkus' review over SLJ's review if the SLJ review is negative and the Kirkus review is positive. I enjoy Kirkus' little bit edgier reviews. Sometimes choosing a book, after as much consideration as I can muster, comes down to gut feeling. I have been disappointed only rarely using this process.
When I am considering a book about Native America(ns), I try to find out what Oyate has said about it. Often, I cannot find an Oyate review and hope the professional reviewer has not neglected to mention stereotypes, etc. Now that I have read Debbie's post, I know I can rely on her reviews more for weeding purposes and for catching up on books I missed the first time around (if they are still in print).
Cathy Sullivan Seblonka Youth Services Librarian Peter White Public Library 217 N. Front St. Marquette, MI 49855 906-226-4323 cathys_at_pwpl.info
Received on Sun 15 Nov 2009 05:48:39 PM CST
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:48:39 -0500 (EST)
I missed the first part of the discussion on reviewing because our server went down so apologize if I am repeating.
I read reviews from SLJ, Horn Book, PW, Booklinks, CCBC's Choices, VOYA, Junior Library Guild, etc. Obviously, I cannot read all of them. I also look at catalogues mailed to me and order from a few sales reps. who bring in their books or who publish sets I am familiar with such as Chelsea House, Lerner, etc. (My eyes light up when a new Booklinks (good source for display ideas) or Horn Book reaches my desk, although I appreciate the others and couldn't do without them.)
Before I order books I look up most of them on B&N, or if they don't have reviews on a particular book, I look on Amazon. I do this also to make sure I have the correct ISBN number and the binding I prefer. It's always interesting to read such different reviews of the same title. Sometimes one negative review makes me choose not to order the book. Sometimes I ignore a negative review if the others are very favorable. I tend to go with Kirkus' review over SLJ's review if the SLJ review is negative and the Kirkus review is positive. I enjoy Kirkus' little bit edgier reviews. Sometimes choosing a book, after as much consideration as I can muster, comes down to gut feeling. I have been disappointed only rarely using this process.
When I am considering a book about Native America(ns), I try to find out what Oyate has said about it. Often, I cannot find an Oyate review and hope the professional reviewer has not neglected to mention stereotypes, etc. Now that I have read Debbie's post, I know I can rely on her reviews more for weeding purposes and for catching up on books I missed the first time around (if they are still in print).
Cathy Sullivan Seblonka Youth Services Librarian Peter White Public Library 217 N. Front St. Marquette, MI 49855 906-226-4323 cathys_at_pwpl.info
Received on Sun 15 Nov 2009 05:48:39 PM CST
