Literature Database
Review Guidelines

If you have not yet applied to be a Helping Books reviewer, please complete this form to sign up. Most Helping Books reviewers are children's librarians or library workers, but we also welcome teachers, social workers, health professionals, and others who work with children in fields related to education, child development, or wellness.

Reviewer Guidelines

Key Terms

Selecting Materials

Tips for Reviewers

Reviewer Guidelines

Key Terms

Selecting Materials

1. Materials must possess strong character development. Whether a picture book, or a Young Adult novel the characters must have qualities that will somehow impact the reader.
2. Stories should promote a response on a feelings level. If the plot, background, characters, etc., do not illicit strong feelings that will promote some possible identification or insight for the reader, then the book is not useful for discussion. Open-ended situations in literature are also helpful in the discussion process.
3. Resolution of the conflict, problem, etc. must also bring an awareness of a way out of the problem. Coping skills and problem solving such as, learning to count before getting angry will add to the usefulness of the book.
4. The best books have a good story, are well written, entertaining, and well illustrated if pictures are intended to move the story along. To involve a reader in a story, the story must be engaging! Is the book timely and will it speak to today’s listeners/readers?
5. If the story is available in another format, such as a movie, spoken cassette, talking book, etc., include this information in your review.
6. Avoid didactic or sentimental books. Do not review books that moralize or interject values that promote one viewpoint. Some self-help books on difficult topics, such, as bed-wetting, death, and abuse are self-published. The authors' main goal may be to give information and guidance, rather than to write a good story. Some of these books may also be well written and in that case may be reviewed. However, if a book is not well illustrated or well written, but useful in content, then please note that in your review.
7. To the best of your ability check to see if the information is accurate. Is the publisher reputable? Is it self-published? Is it sponsored by a reputable organization?
8. Does the story lend itself to a follow-up activity/extension? Will this book be a good start to writing, drawing, recording, and dramatizing?
9. Is the format appropriate? If the content is suitable for older juveniles but is packaged for preschoolers, then that may make it less useful. If the book is a picture book that does not patronize and has good story elements, then it is appropriate for all ages.
10. The vocabulary should match the format. Readers and chapter books should have appropriate vocabulary for beginning and early readers. If the books are for all ages, it should read aloud very well. Some chapter books may be appropriate to read in parts to young readers.

1. Check the Literature Database before inputting a new title. It is possible it may already be included.
2. The “Add a Review” screen provides links to the key review definitions screen for explanations for “Subject,” “Intended Audience,” and “Review” to assist you in constructing your record.
3. Compose the review portion of your record in a word processing document. This allows you to edit, spell check, and do a word count before you cut and paste your text into the database.
4. If there is no information for a field (e.g. Illustrator) please put “N/A” into the appropriate blank.