Readers' Advisory for Children and 'Tweens

September 1, 2010

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

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2010
Author Peck provides a straightforward introduction to connecting children with books. Readers are first introduced to the concept of readers advisory and how to conduct the readers-advisory interview. Special issues pertaining to children and tweens are discussed next, including assisting reluctant readers, helping English-language learners, and dealing with censorship challenges. This discussion is followed by chapters devoted to finding books for specific age groupsyoung children, emergent readers, transitional readers, and tweens. Next comes coverage of specific genres, including multicultural books, nonfiction, folklore, poetry, and graphic novels. Every chapter offers a list of helpful books and Web sites pertaining to its topic and concludes with one or more book lists offering a variety of suggestions. Picture Books All Young Children Should Know, Popular Transitional Series, and Princess Folktales for Ages Five to Ten are just a few examples. This guide would be useful for any library staff member who is new to the field or new to serving children and tweens.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)