Readers' Advisory for Children and 'Tweens »

This complete guide to youth readers' advisory covers genres, reading interests, and issues, as well as provides lists of sample titles and recommended reading.

School Library Journal

Written for novices, this useful guide will provide many valuable suggestions to library staff unfamiliar with the literature and how to go about recommending it to their young patrons and their caregivers. The first two chapters define readers' advisory and describe how to provide it successfully. The next few chapters are divided into age categories covering birth through tweens (which the author defines as nine- to twelve-year-olds). The concluding chapters are divided by type of literature—nonfiction, folklore, poetry, graphic novels, and fiction. All of the chapters include helpful booklists and websites, which are great collection development tools as well. There are some tips on promoting books—booktalking, booklists, displays, and programming ideas. With so many libraries facing cutbacks, many of our staff members need to learn new skills and serve a wider variety of patrons. If this describes your situation, this title is a valuable resource.—Renee McGrath, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NY