free book reviews for parents

How to Get Book Reviews (15 Places Free)

Whether you realize it or not, you likely use reviews in your day-to-day life. they can help you make decisions about the things you’re curious or unsure about. It’s why we listen to our friends when they recommend a movie, or why we scroll through Yelp before we try a new restaurant. Before you invest your hard-earned time and money, you want an idea of what you’re about to get yourself into. Book reviews are no different, and this is why the information we are covering here will help you find where to look.

Sure, you know your book is amazing, but what about everyone else? Readers are on the search for reliable and trustworthy people to review the books they may be interested in reading. Unfortunately, as the obviously biased author, they’re not interested in hearing from you. That means you need someone else (hint: you need a book reviewer!).

The fact is, book reviews are a necessity for every author looking for an unbiased opinion on their book baby. So, if you don’t think you need book reviews, think again. Book reviews boost the credibility of your book. Not to mention that reviews are a great way to bring in new readers through word of mouth.

Often, the success of your book will depend on the reviews you receive. Think about it: if your friends keep recommending the latest book, TV show, or movie, aren’t you more likely to check it out? That’s why you can’t afford to ignore the power of getting reviews for your book.

Table of Contents

How to Find Book Reviews

As much as we’d love for readers to come flocking to our books on their own, the reality is that usually, we have to spread the word ourselves in order to bring in new readers.   Still, don’t stress too much about finding readers! In most cases, readers are more than happy to review your book and eager to read something new.  If you scour the internet for reviewers, you will find that some of the best places to easily find book reviewers are on sites like Goodreads, Amazon, and different social media.

But here is a word of caution: most of the reviewers have stipulations when it comes to reviews so here are some dos and don’ts for you to be aware of:

Dos and Don’ts of Getting Book Reviews

There are a few rules when it comes to asking for and receiving book reviews. Think of these dos and don’ts as helpful guidelines that can make the process simpler for both the author and book reviewer.

Do understand the reviewer’s specifications. Learn what they accept and what does not interest them. This will save both you and the reviewer any future frustration. 

Don’t waste their time. Reviewers are busy people, so get straight to the point in your query message. Don’t forget to share how your book can benefit them. Do send a free book copy. It’s a courtesy to send the book to your reviewer for free!

Don’t be unprofessional. It’s okay to be friendly, but remember not to overstep your bounds. Instead, include your full name and your website and social media links.  

Do be considerate. Learn about the reviewer by reading their website or past reviews. If you want them to make time for you, it helps to know a little about them. 

Don’t request that the reviewer purchase your book. This looks bad and inconsiderate to the reviewer, who is already taking the time to read your book. 

Don’t assume a reviewer will accept your book based on a quick conversation on social media. They may have liked your Instagram or Twitter post, but that doesn’t mean they’re interested in your book. 

Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a promising relationship between author and book reviewer!

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Where can i get book reviews.

A few years ago, I wrote an article, where I discuss the dos and don’ts of requesting reviews in more detail. Having written several reviews and sent many requests to reviewers, I know how hard it can be to get them.

As I worked on my first non-fiction, Book Reviews: Understanding the Psychology Behind Them and How to Get Readers to Leave a Review , I went deep to curate a list of legitimate ways to get book reviews (in the manuscript, you will get access to a bonus 200+ websites).

When researching the review outlets, I focused on places where indie publications have a voice—although this list may serve traditionally published books as well.

Some of these outlets may be familiar to you. Others may provide a broader perspective on how to approach reviews. The choices range from free editorial reviews to paid reviews and social media. Whatever the case, I hope this can be a starting point for you, indie authors, in different genres.

With that said, let’s get down to business.

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Free book review sites, affaire de coeur.

Affaire de Coeur is a bi-monthly literary magazine that has been around for 34 years. Based in the San Francisco Bay area, it reviews works from a variety of genres, including historical, contemporary, paranormal, erotica, young adults, non-fiction novels, and more.

Accepted reviews might be featured in the next available print issue based on the book release date. Keep in mind, though, that availability is limited. Here are Affaire de Coeur submission guidelines .

American Book Review

The American Book Review is a bimonthly publication that has been around for more than 30 years. It reviews disregarded works of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction from small presses. It gives strong emphasis to literary and cultural pieces. And although it critiques non-fiction pieces, it does not review self-help and how-to books. Here are ABR submission guidelines .

Booklife by Publishers Weekly

The “Booklife” is the section of Publishers Weekly dedicated to self-published authors. Submission is competitive because it evaluates submissions for traditional and self-published books following the same standards. Here are the Booklife submission guidelines .

Compulsive Reader

This is a must-check. The Compulsive Reader has been around the block since 2001 and counts on an extensive portfolio of prolific reviewers. For the most part, it emphasizes works of poetry and literary fiction but also features in-depth reviews on a variety of book genres and music. Here are Compulsive Reader submission guidelines .

Rain Taxi Review of Book

A quarterly print committed to championing high-quality literature, Rain Taxi Review of Books reviews work neglected by the main media, including fiction, poetry, nonfiction (except self-help, business), art, graphic novels, and on occasion, children, young adult, and audiobooks. This one is worth consideration. Here are RTRB submission guidelines .

Readers’ Favorite Book Review and Award Contest

Readers’ Favorite is another must-see resource. With more than 1,000 reviewers, it reviews published and unpublished books, ebooks, and other manuscripts in more than 100 genres. Once you submit your book, it is uploaded to a database where reviewers can choose what they want to read. There is no guarantee that all books will be picked for review, but for the author that needs a guarantee, it offers a service called “expedited review,”  for a fee.

Authors also have a chance to participate in the book giveaway program and other neat and exclusive features from the site.

Furthermore, different from other services, Readers’ Favorite doesn’t give reviews below 4 and 5 stars. If reviewers read a book they feel is not worth an outstanding rate, they write a constructive note to the author. The idea is to help the author improve their craft, instead of bringing down the book.

Here are Readers’ Favorite submission guidelines .

The Los Angeles Review of Books

The Los Angeles Review of Books is a non-profit organization, with a mission to recreate a new concept of book reviews for the digital era. It welcomes any long-form of authoritative, captivating writing and accepts works of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction.

Here are LARB submission guidelines .

The New York Review of Books

The New York Review of Books is an independent literary magazine that has been around since 1963. Highly regarded for bringing a critical and substantial perspective of the arts, the journal counts on a diversified roster of writers, and it reviews books in multiple genres.

Here are the NYRB submission guidelines .

Celebrating art and authenticity, The Rumpus showcase reviews of the most diverse genres as well as essays, interviews, music, film, and comics. It also champions the work of unknown authors or those overlooked by the mainstream media.

Here are The Rumpus submission guidelines .

Barnes & Noble Review

The Barnes & Noble Review is an online magazine that evaluates works of fiction and non-fiction and gives voice to a wide range of essays, interviews, and other topics. Here is the B&N Review information .

Paid Review Sites

Kirkus reviews.

Kirkus Reviews has been around since 1933, and it is possibly one of the most regarded review services around. This magazine covers reviews from big houses to small presses and indie authors in all genres and gets millions of impressions a month on its website.

The best about Kirkus’ process is it gives the same attention, respect, and unbiased review regardless of which way you published your book. The reviews are done by professional reviewers and writers in diverse industries including librarians, journalists, and literature experts, among others.

Reviews get an extra boost when editors choose 40 of them to be featured in the bi-monthly issue of the magazine and one to the weekly email newsletter—potentially reaching more than 50,000 readers. All of this comes at a price, though. A standard picture book review (7–9 weeks) starts at $350, a standard review (7–9 weeks) in other genres costs $425- $575, and an express review (4–6 weeks) runs between $425-$725.

Here are Kirkus submission guidelines .

YourNewBooks

YourNewBooks is a book marketing website (a network site of Choosy Bookworm), providing a range of tools for authors. Among the services, it offers a popular reading and review program that abides by Amazon review standards. The books are reviewed by readers/subscribers of  YourNewBooks.

Once you sign up, you choose between standard ($149) and premium services ($299)—the packages include advertisement space on YourNewBooks’s site and newsletter—and submit your ebook file. Depending on the package you choose, your book is submitted to a certain number of “interested readers,” who will leave their honest opinion about the material.

The program is so popular that some of the features are fully booked for months. It is worth checking out because some genres are more popular than others, so your book might have a better shot of getting a fast turnaround. Also, it accepts both published and pre-released books.

Here are the YNB submission guidelines .

Reading Deals

ReadingDeals is another popular book-promotions site, and it is operated by Book Marketing Tools. It offers a book-review service starting at $79 (Classic), going up to $129 (Featured). Both packages include promotion add-ons through social media and/or special placement. The books are reviewed by members of its Review Club, and reviews comply with Amazon and FCC guidelines.

Here are Reading Deals submission guidelines .

Enas Reviews

Enas Reviews offers a more affordable option for your review needs. For a maintenance and listing fee of $29.99, you will receive a thorough critique of 400-500 words written by professional writers. The site currently accepts all genres.

Here are  Enas submission guidelines .

Additional Book Review Outlets (Free)

Looking for Amazon Top Reviewers is a smart way to get reviews for your book. Why? Because Amazon incentivizes reviewers who write quality, helpful reviews to customers—top reviewers receive special badges and Hall of Fame placement. The higher the rank, the better for the reviewer. And this will depend on the number of “upvotes” the reviewer receives. In other words, the more quality reviews they write, the higher the chances of upvoting.

When you go to the Amazon Top Reviewers page, you scroll through the list and look for the reviewers’ requirements. Many will have their information, including email or website, and what they review on the page. Although some only review products, many review books as well. As a side note, it is beneficial to focus on genre-specific reviewers.

As I mentioned in a previous post, get familiar with their requirements and reach out. Although it might be tiresome to navigate the list, you may find people who are sincerely interested in your genre who will become a fan and be willing to review your future releases.

Who doesn’t know Goodreads? This is might be one of the most obvious places.

According to Goodreads , its mission is “to help people find and share books they love.” In other words, it is almost a social network for books. There you find many readers, book lovers, and reviewers connecting with each other (and their favorite authors) and sharing their passion for books—through reviews, discussions, polls, and blogs.

Without mentioning that as an author, you not only have a platform to build relationships with readers and fellow writers but also receive plenty of tools to revamp your book marketing strategies .

Social Media

Social media is another powerful way to get book reviews because there are all types of readers interacting and discussing the latest on their readings or favorite authors.

I particularly find LinkedIn valuable to reach out to book reviewers and receive a quick response. Maybe because of the nature of the network (business-like), the probability of finding professional reviewers increases.

At the same time, you can be successful at finding reviewers in Facebook groups. There are groups where not only writers can promote their work, but there are also readers willing to give authors feedback. The more active groups you participate in, the better.

Twitter is another helpful source. If you go to the search toolbar and enter the hashtag for #bookreview or #bookreviewer, a list of entries will come up. You click on “people” and there you can find many to choose from, according to your genre.

The same principle you used on Twitter, you apply for Instagram. The difference is that on Instagram, you will have to click on each image that pops up in order to reach the user profile.

Tiktok has proved to be another useful choice not only for reviews but also for book marketing purposes. The hashtag # booktok is very popular among writers who want to market their books and bring visibility to their work.

Writing & Book Bloggers Sites

Reaching out to book bloggers and writing services is also an excellent way to get your book reviewed. Still, keep in mind that those people also receive a lot of requests and might have limitations with time (as happened to me). So follow their requirements closely and be patient with response time.

Mommabears Book Blog

This site focuses mostly on historical fiction, contemporary fiction, paranormal, dystopian, horror, thriller, steampunk, legends & mythology, and most fantasy.

Here are Mommabears submission guidelines .

XterraWeb Books & More

It accepts most genres except comic books, graphic novels, and textbooks.

Here are XterraWeb submission guidelines .

Bonus Book Review Website

Litpick book reviews.

LitPick is one of those hot book review sites I came to know and fell in love with. That is because the platform tries to get students involved with the literary world while improving their reading and writing skills.

As part of a mentoring program, students receive free copies of the books they want to read (middle grade, teen, and young adult) and write book reviews for free. Their work is evaluated by a staff of underwriters, who provide pupils with feedback. Once everything is set and done, the review is published on the website.

While in the beginning, LitPick used to review only kid lit, now it also reviews adult literature.

Isn’t it neat?

This is an excellent way for authors and publishers to get their books reviewed and out in the world through a wide unbiased audience—teachers and librarians also partake in the programs they offer.

LitPick Book Reviews offers packages ranging from $50-125, and some even include social media promotion. As an author of youth literature, it is so worth checking out.

Better yet, sign up to receive the newsletter and be the first to know about our updates .

Final thoughts on getting book reviews.

Please note that some of these places have distinct submission guidelines and given the high volume of requests, you might or might not get a response.

The silver lining is the selection is broad enough for every taste and some venues crave your craft.

What are your thoughts about this list? What other places do you usually get book reviews? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram .

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Editors' Pick: The Top 15 Kidlit and YA Book Review Sites

Book review sites offer a great marketing opportunity.  A favorable mention on a book review blog can go a long way toward promoting your book. But how do you know which blogs to submit to when there are hundreds to choose from? We’re here to help. We sifted through the lists and chose 15 review blogsbook review sites based on the size of each blog’s following, frequency of posts, the quality of the reviews, and their willingness to receive submissions. Before sending review copies, be sure to study each blog’s submission policies (which may change from week to week, so verify right before sending anything), and the tastes of the editors.

OUR FAVORITE CHILDREN’S & YOUNG ADULT BOOK REVIEW SITES:

What’s being reviewed: Books for infants through young adults. Also posts author and illustrator interviews, and book giveaways. While the regular reviews are done at no charge to the author or publisher, the Dedicated Review program ($195-$295) guarantees you a professional and non-biased book review with a minimum word count of 250 words.

Why we love it:  Clean layout makes it especially user-friendly for parents seeking good books.  Excellent author interviews.   A superb resource.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner   The Children’s Book Review  

What’s being reviewed: Fiction and nonfiction for infants through age 13. Aimed at parents choosing books for their children. Does not accept self-published books at this time.

Why we love it:  Large library of concise reviews.  “If You Liked This Book, Try…” section gives parents easy to more good books tailored for their children’s needs.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner    The Reading Tub

What’s being reviewed: The hottest books, gifts, gear, food, home products and other cool stuff for babies, kids and moms. Is especially interested in books by indie authors and small presses that are unique, quirky, or fill a niche. Browse the site’s archives to see the tastes of the editors.

Why we love it:  Well-written reviews are cleanly laid-out, giving nice interior glimpses of each book.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner    Cool Mom Picks

What’s being reviewed: This large network of readers from the US and around the world review self-published books for adults and children. Books must be available electronically. Submission form on website. Charges a $20 processing fee on all ebooks submitted for review. Also check out the  Indie Brag Kids Blog

Why we love it:  Provides a much-needed curation service for self-published books.   Networked reviews help separate the wheat from the chaff.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner  Indie Brag

What’s being reviewed: Four reviewers (all moms) review al l genres of fiction for readers aged 9-18 with an eye toward helping parents choose books for their kids. Requires that books have a 10 digit ISBN number and be available on Amazon.com. At this time does not accept self-published books or short story collections, and e-books are subject to reviewer’s discretion. 

Why we love it:   Cleverly laid-out, and the suggested reading function is extraordinarily useful.  Also allows visitor input.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner   Story Snoops

What’s being reviewed: M iddle-grade fiction from traditional publishers only, preferably those which are recently published or soon will be. Accepts print books and Advance Review Copies only.

Why we love it:  A real labor of love from people who truly care about middle grade books and their readers.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner    Project Mayhem: The Manic Minds of Middle Grade Writers

What’s being reviewed:    Middle grade or YA books, or books that would appeal to YA’s.   No self-published or picture books.  Prefers hard copy.

Why we love it:   In-depth and insightful reviews with with a strong critical eye.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner    The Librarian Who Doesn’t Say SHHH!

What’s being reviewed:  Young adult (preferred) and new adult. Genres of interest: fantasy/sci-fi, paranormal, dystopian and/or post-apocalyptic, LGBT, contemporary romance. “I am a proud supporter of small press and self-published authors. I am open to doing author interviews, guest posts, giveaways, and blog tours.”

Why we love it: Has a lovely, personal feel about it, and we appreciate Kristen’s willingness to help lesser-known authors spread the word about their work.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner  Pretty Little Pages

What’s being reviewed:  Dystopian, sci-fi, paranormal, fantasy, horror, chick lit, clean romance, nonfiction (photography/art/architecture/technology/craft books and magazines), graphic novels, illustrated children’s books. Accepts print and ebooks. Also will do author interviews and accepts guest posts.

 Why we love it:  A warm, personal blog from a reader with eclectic and interesting tastes.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner  Doodles, Doodles Everywhere

What’s being reviewed: Fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. Accepts review copies from publishers only.

Why we love it:  Insightful reviews from a smart youth librarian.  We also enjoy the many author interviews on the site.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner  Green Bean Teen Queen

What’s being reviewed:  Books, games and movies for children of all ages.

Why we love it:   Created by a non-partisan advocacy group, this is an ambitious project to provide a clearinghouse of information for parents about the media their children consume. Extremely user-friendly and comprehensive.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner  Commonsense Media

What’s being reviewed: Books for children, parents, and fiction of interest to women. Reviews apps, electronics, TV shows, movies and food products. Holds product giveaways and contests.

Why we love it:  Proprietress Sarah’s work with the developmentally disabled gives her a unique take and much-needed perspective on books about autism and other disabilities.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner  Bookroom Reviews

What’s Being Reviewed:  Interactive children’s picture book apps. Each app is thoroughly evaluated by the site’s staff and given a comprehensive review.

Why we love it :  A terrific voice for an exploding segment of children’s publishing.  In addition to their own reviews, the site re-posts reviews from a variety of children’s app review sites, making this a one-stop source for app readers.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner  Digital-Storytime

What’s being reviewed: Young adult fiction, especially realistic fiction, historical, paranormal, chick lit and fantasy. Accepting books from publishers only.

Why we love it:   Wonderfully-written reviews from a  middle school library media specialist.  Funny, honest and smart.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner  YA Bibliophile

What’s being reviewed: Two librarians review nonfiction for children ages 5-18. Accepts review copies from publishers. Why we love it:  The bloggers’ enthusiasm for nonfiction is utterly infectious, and their reviews do justice to the often thrilling subject matter contained in youth nonfiction.  A simply outstanding resource.

 Visit Our Book Review Sites Winner  The Nonfiction Detectives

So, who did we miss?  Use the comments section to tell us about other great book review sites…

The Difference Between Middle Grade & Young Adult

Young Adult Authors: Here’s Where to Find Your Readers Online

More to Explore!

June 24th by Laura Backes

Hi, I review a wide variety of books written for children from picture books to young adult on my blog, The Bumpy Road To Writing For Children. http://www.debhockenberry.com/the-bumpy-road-to-writing-for-children.html .

Thanks Deb, for letting our readers know about your blog!

The Whole Megillah reviews children’s (and adult) books of Jewish content: picture books, fiction, nonfiction. Hard copies preferred. http://thewholemegillah.wordpress.com

Awake at Midnight reviews mid-grade and YA books that specifically have a scary or mystery theme: http://www.awakeatmidnight.com

Howdy very nice site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally?I am happy to find a lot of helpful info right here within the publish, we’d like work out more techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

Hiya. I just want to say a big thank you for this list, it’s great and has saved me from trawling the internet – an experience that is rarely rewarding!

I wonder when I’ll be brave enough to submit my new books for review. You think they’d bother with chapter books? Some are just around 2.5k words each… (though I like to think they are more about quality than quantity ;-).

Anyway, thanks again!

Yes, I think some reviewers would be interested in seeing your chapter book. You never know until you try! Good luck!

I review children’s books for 5-13 year olds. I’m on twitter @minervamoan and review both fiction and non-fiction

website is http://www.MinervaReads.com

Thanks for bringing some new review sites to my attention. I especially adore Cool Mom Picks. I work with a talented team of reviewers covering both fiction and nonfiction books. We review books for ages 0-18 with an emphasis on picture and middle grade titles. We love doing Q&As as well as giveaways, too. Find us at http://www.goodreadswithronna.com

Thanks for letting us post links to our blogs. We are a family of readers who love to read and review books. We have recently shifted our focus to more kid lit and we are looking for more children’s books to review. We review picture books to YA. We don’t mind indie or self-published books as long as a professional editor has seen them first. We also share articles pertinent to families, recent post: http://www.thestubbypencilreviews.com/2015/02/7-ways-to-raise-happy-reader.html

My name is Phoebe, and I’m 10 years old. I love to read books. ALL kinds of books! I also love to write. That’s why I started this book review blog when I was 9. I thought it would fun to combine both of my interests and share it with everyone. You can see my latest reviews at http://www.phoebesbookshelf.com/ .

Thank you for sharing your review blog with us Phoebe. Your reviews are very insightful!

Feeling awesome after checking out your list of Top 15 children and YA book review blogs, looking out for them from quite a while.

Thanks for sharing!

Here is are 2 kidlit book review blogs to think about when making next year’s list.

Kid Lit Reviews has been reviewing kids books for nearly five years. Books for ages infant to age 13 can be found there. Reviews are well written, honest, and fair. Reviews for all major publishers.

http://kid-lit-reviews.coom

AND, though no one likes to help the competition, I’ll make exception because this kidlit site is worth mentioning.

This Kid Reviews Books is a book review site that reviews mostly middle grade but also picture books. It was started by nine-year-old Erik, who is now 13. His reviews are fantastic and well written. For a kid’s point of view, there is no site better than Erik’s. He also reviews all major publishers.

http://thiskidreviewsbooks.com

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Book Review Sites for ALL Kids

How do i know if a book is right for my kids.

It’s a little overwhelming to stay on top of all of the books my kids want to read.  I want to encourage them to read; however, I do not want to expose them to a story-line that is violent, disturbing, filled with inappropriate relationships, and bad language.

This post is really meant for a reader who is self selecting books themselves.  If you’re looking for books on how to choose a book at an appropriate level,  click here .  What do you do when your child asks you to request a new book from the library or purchase one from the new school book order?

You look at the titles and find yourself asking, is this book “safe” for my child to read?  

I’d love a system that rates books similar to the movies: G, PG, PG-13, R, and even NC-17.   While I haven’t found those types of ratings, plenty of sites have their own system.

I would like to stress that it is still important to screen reading material as much as possible.  Friends and knowledgeable librarians may have different standards.  Since it is nearly impossible to pre-read every single title for your voracious reader, try out the sites below and bookmark your favorite one!

Book Review Sites for ALL Kids (elementary – high school)

Books listed below contain affiliate links.

1.  Common Sense Media

My personal favorite book review site is Common Sense Media .  It is known for it’s movie, video games, and app reviews; however, it also includes books.  You can search by book title, age, topic, parent recommended, and award winners.  This is my go-to book review site!

Age Appropriate Rating System :  Green, Yellow, and Red circles (like a stoplight) to let you see if this content is appropriate for your child’s age .

GREEN:  Content is age appropriate for kids this age.

YELLOW : Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.

2.  Thriving Family

Christian book reviews for parents.

Background:   Review includes full plot summary, Christian beliefs, profanity, kissing, sex, and discussion questions.

Favorite:  Books are organized alphabetically and give a very thorough overview.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,” warns Proverbs 4:23. God’s Word recognizes how critical it is to help our young children guard their hearts, especially during the school—age years when they are developing mentally, physically and emotionally.

3.  Waking Brain Cells

Background:  Tasha is a librarian in Wisconsin.  She reviews everything from picture books to teen novels.  She only reviews books that she really enjoys.  Tasha also has a great Pinterest board with boards for all of the best early, middle, and teen books of the year.

Favorite:  She reviews books for Middle School  and Teens .

4.   Good Reads

Background:  Good Reads gives you book summary, but not age appropriateness or level.  You can set up an account (free), but you can also browse without an account.

Favorite:  You can search for a title and see reviews.  They list the popular books from the past year, see middle school books here .

5.   Epic Reads

Epic Reads is a community for teen book lovers.   Discover teen books, authors, and join communities to share reading interests.  You can browse by genre.

 ………………………………………….

A great  resource for selecting books for gifted readers is  Some of My Best Friends Are Books  by Judith Wynn Halstead.

A thought provoking book about a teacher who awakens the inner-reader in the 6th graders.   The Reading Teacher by Donalyn Miller.

What would you recommend?

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16 Comments on Book Review Sites for ALL Kids

Love your list! I have checked Common Sense Media and Thriving Family many times. I like to read several reviews because every one has a slightly different take on what is appropriate at the different ages. A few other sites I would add are Story Snoops (www.storysnoops.com), The Literate Mother ( http://www.theliteratemother.org ), and Sweet on Books ( http://sweetonbooks.com/ ). Also (shameless plug!), I do thorough reviews of books on my blog. 🙂 I’m looking forward to checking out the rest of the websites on your list – thanks!

Great sites too Jennifer! I need to go back and add these too!

I have a kid lit book review blog and I might have to start rating the books with the movie rating’s at least for the tween and teen books. thanks for the post it gave me some ideas to add to my blog!

Keep me posted!! I’d love to know if you do that to your site!

it’s impossible for me to pre-read every single book my kids devour and that’s why i so appreciate sites i can trust to help me make wise choices. my favorite is whatmykidsread.com. thank you for reminding us that books are an entryway into our kids’ hearts and we need to be watchful of what we let in.

Kristal – I LOVE your statement “books are an entryway into our kids’ hearts”. So true!

What a fantastic resource, Kristen! Sharing in our local education/schools forum! Thanks!

Thanks for the great resources. I also like the reviews at this site: http://www.books4yourkids.com/

I have a friend that has a review blog. It is http://cleanteenfiction.blogspot.com

She does good thorough reviews as well as interviews and tours.

Great review sites for kids, thanks for sharing! Here’s is one more review site for kids: https:kidskud.com, reviews written by kids. It is the best site to encourage kids to explore their views.

Awesome article! Great timing too as I was just looking for something for my niece’s birthday next week. Keep up the great work.

Kailey at Luminous Libro is good. https://youtube.com/@LuminousLibro

Hi Kristen,

I am an author and illustrator of children’s books that I am trying to have reviewed by moms, influencers, and teachers for some feedback.

Would you be interested at all in receiving some books for a review?

You can look up my books on Amazon but I can send you a hard copy. My name is Michele F Tokach and there are three books I am looking to have reviewed. The Adventures of Riley and Clutch Nicholas and Friends Try to Find Him a Pet Lila’s Creative Quest

Thank you for your consideration. Michele F Tokach

I am an author and illustrator of some children’s books that I am trying to have reviewed by moms, dads, influencers, teachers and the like for some feedback. The age range is from 1-10. There is no politics or agendas in the stories just fun lighthearted stories for kids to read or to be read to.

Would you be interested at all in receiving some books to review?

You can look up my books on Amazon but I can send you a hard copy. My name is Michele F Tokach and there are three books I am looking to have reviewed.

“The Adventures of Riley and Clutch” “Nicholas and Friends Try to Find Him a Pet” “Lila’s Creative Quest”

nice post really nice

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Where to Find the Best Children’s Book Reviews

There's more great children's books being published than ever before — this is how to find the best children's book reviews online.

Sarah S. Davis

Sarah S. Davis holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's of Library Science from Clarion University, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Sarah has also written for Electric Literature, Kirkus Reviews, Audible, Psych Central, and more. Sarah is the founder of Broke By Books blog and runs a tarot reading business, Divination Vibration . Twitter: @missbookgoddess Instagram: @Sarahbookgoddess

View All posts by Sarah S. Davis

There are more great children’s books being published than ever before, but how do you know which ones to read? Fortunately, today there are so many ways to access children’s book reviews. Here are some of the best places to find reviews of children’s literature.

Part 1: General Children’s Book Reviews

In this first section of our roundup of the best children’s book review websites, I’ll discuss publications that cover all things kid lit.

The Children’s Book Review

As its name implies, The Children’s Book Review is all about book reviews of children’s literature. With huge coverage of all kinds of kid lit, The Children’s Book Review is simple to browse books by subject and books by age, along with buzzy “trending” books and “showcase” books. Your typical book review lays out the specs (intended age, page count, etc.) and provides a medium-sized review with information about the author and/or illustrator. The Children’s Book Review is definitely one of the most comprehensive book review sites for kid lit, and it supplements its reviews with author interviews and curated lists.

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Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is an organization that reviews media (books, TV, movies, apps, games) with a special focus on educating parents and other adults on “What Parents Should Know,” vis-à-vis content warnings and age appropriateness. Some of the qualities Common Sense Media covers include “Educational Value,” “Positive Messages,” “Positive Role Models and Representations,” and “Language.” Especially notable is Common Sense Media’s focus on diversity, with an invitation to reach out if they’ve “missed anything on diversity.” Also of note, Common Sense Media is one of the few children’s book reviews websites that rates books using a star system. If you just want to know quickly how good a book is, navigate over to Common Sense Media and find a book’s star rating.

The Horn Book

Children’s book review magazine The Horn Book takes its name from”horn books,” which were some of the earliest books made to educate children. The Horn Book is a leading publication in print and online for finding children’s book reviews. This treasured magazine’s website is well-organized, and you can find all the reviews in an easy-to-search database . For the best of the best, browse by The Horn Book ‘s starred reviews . If you buy a paid subscription, you’ll have access to the huge, searchable archive of more than 70,000 reviews, known as “The Guide.” There, you can browse book reviews by Authors/Illustrators, Subjects, Series, and Reviewers. Though some reviews cost a subscription to view, some content, like the “Book Bundles” (check out the one on “Our Bodies, Our Selves” for an example), which group together like-minded books based on themes and include bite-sized reviews, are available for free.

Kirkus Reviews Children’s Books

One of the leading book review sites for all genres and age levels, Kirkus has plenty of kid lit content. Kirkus lets you easily sort by different categories like age, format (picture book, chapter book, etc.), sub-genre (biographies and memoirs, historical fiction), and category (e.g. fiction vs. nonfiction). You can also filter by what books get a coveted Kirkus star. What’s great about Kirkus’s unique format is each review is brief and to the point. If you don’t want to go digging for the bottom line, Kirkus’s kid lit reviews are a good place to start.

Publishers Weekly Children’s Bookshelf

If you’re looking for the buzziest kid lit books, check out Children’s Bookshelf, the free weekly newsletter from Publishers Weekly . This publication is known for its up-to-the-minute chatter about the publishing industry, including children’s books, which are reviewed in roundups, as well as all kinds of bookish content. Subscribing to Children’s Bookshelf is one of the best ways to stay current with kid lit.

School Library Journal

Leave it to the librarians to guide you on what children’s books to read. The long-running School Library Journal has tons of reviews of every kind of kid lit book imaginable. With a special focus on advising libraries whether or not to purchase a book, School Library Journal dishes out bite-sized takeaways (known as a “VERDICT”) at the end of each review. School Library Journal also has tons of non-review content, getting you caught up with the latest news in the world of children’s literature.

Part 2: Special Focus Children’s Book Reviews Websites

In this section, I’ll highlight the places to go for more specialized kid lit coverage.

American Indians in Children’s Literature

This phenomenal site concentrates on promoting the best children’s literature by Indigenous authors and illustrators. Search the site for specific topics or skip right to the “Best Books” for the books most worth celebrating.

The Brown Bookshelf

The Brown Bookshelf is dedicated to featuring book reviews of kid lit by Black authors and illustrators. Start by searching the site or filtering for book reviews . The Brown Bookshelf also compiles great resources for finding more children’s books by Black voices. You’ll find the most up-to-date coverage on the blog .

Disability in Kid Lit

Although no longer updated, the book reviews on Disability in Kid Lit are worth consulting if you’re looking for children’s book reviews about disabled protagonists. You can use the well-indexed search function and browse by different disabilities depending on what condition or identity you’re looking for. Also of note, the “Honor Roll” puts the spotlight on the best representation of disability in kid lit.

Hijabi Librarians

The reviewers and writers at Hijabi Librarians set their lens on children’s and YA books with Muslim representation. Along with author interviews and book discussion guides , Hijabi Librarians includes book reviews and resources for Muslim voices in children’s literature.

Latinx in Kid Lit

Looking for coverage of Latinx authors and illustrators in children’s literature? Definitely be sure to check out Latinx in Kid Lit. This resource compiles reviewed books that feature Latinx representation. You can search by age range — for example, middle grade books — and find that each review includes “Teacher Tips” for educators. The Latinx in Kid Lit blog also has tons of great content, including interviews, Latinx book deals, and publishing industry news specific to Latinx creators.

Social Justice Books

Social Justice Books is focused on…you guessed it, social justice in children’s literature! This site has loads of great guidance on the best social justice topics in kid lit, like the carefully curated booklists by theme . Check out the book review database , which aggregates reviews and is organized by themes like “Activism,” “Asian American,” and “Bullying.” Each book is given a star rating, making for an easy browsing experience if you’re just looking for the best reads.

Special Focus: Can’t-Miss-It Resources for Diversity in Children’s Literature

Cynthia leitich smith’s cynsations.

Bestselling and award-winning author Cynthia Leitich Smith maintains a website all about children’s and young adult books. On Cynsations you’ll find a broad array of content, including diverse author/illustrator interviews and news roundups.

Social Justice Books’ Sources for Book Reviews and Recommendations

Already highlighted above, Social Justice Books is a terrific resource for finding diverse children’s book reviews with a social justice focus. But I also wanted to shine a light on their list of sources for diverse kid lit book reviews if you’re looking for even more sources of diverse children’s literature.

We Need Diverse Books Resources

We Need Diverse Books is a non-profit alliance to further diversity in children’s and YA literature. Although We Need Diverse Books does not publish book reviews, they do have an outstanding roundup of resources for diversity in kid lit that should be a stop on everyone’s journey to find more diverse children’s literature.

Part 3: Children’s Book Review Social Media Accounts to Check Out

Instagram is a great resource for finding children’s book reviews. A diverse range of educators, Bookstagrammers, librarians, and more all highlight great children’s books. Here are some of Book Riot’s favorite children’s book review influencers to follow on Instagram.

@babylibrarians — Margaret and Jen

Run by Book Riot writers Margaret Kingsbury and Jen Sherman , Baby Librarians will get you up to speed on the best and latest in children’s literature.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baby Librarians (@babylibrarians)

@hereweread — Charnaie Gordon

Charnaie Gordon is a huge book influencer focusing on diversity in children’s literature. You won’t want to miss the books she loves.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charnaie Gordon | Diversity (@hereweeread)

@leeandlowbooks — Lee and Low Books

The POC-owned Lee and Low Books is a children’s book publisher dedicated to diversity. They feature the best of the best books on their Instagram.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lee and Low Books (@leeandlow)

@lgbtqkidlit — Laurie and Julie

This account is managed by two moms and showcases children’s book reviews with queer themes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laurie(s/h) Julie(s/h)disabled (@lgbtqkidlit)

@littlefeministbookclub — Little Feminist Book Club

As its name implies, Little Feminist Book Club is dedicated to sharing the best children’s books with feminist themes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Feminist Book Club (@littlefeministbookclub)

@noodlenutskidsbooks — Jenn S.

Jenn S. writes book reviews of new picture books focused on diversity.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenn S. (@noodlenutskidsbooks)

@readwithriver — Alessandra Requena

This Bookstagrammer promotes the best children’s books.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alessandra Requena (@readwithriver)

@shelvesofcolor — Saranya & Ishaan

Saranya and Ishaan review diverse children’s books on Bookstagram.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saranya & Ishaan (@shelvesofcolor)

@thebookwrangler — Mike

The Mike behind this popular bookstagram account is a K–5 librarian who shares his favorite recent reads.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike (@thebookwrangler)

@thetututeacher — Vera Ahiyya

Educator Vera Ahiyya shares diverse book reviews on Instagram.

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Still hunting for more great children’s books? Check out our Children’s Books archive , as well as these helpful posts:

• 50 Children’s Books About Diversity That Celebrate Our Differences
• The Best Children’s Books By Age: A Guide To Great Reading
• 13 Places To Find Free Children’s Books Online

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Blog – Posted on Friday, May 01

The best book review sites for enthusiastic readers.

Book lovers, stop us if you’ve heard this one before: you’ve just finished a mind-blowing book and you need to hear some discussion about it. What do you do? Dive straight into the limitless realm of the Internet and search for book review sites, of course. 

Or here’s another scenario: you’ve finished reading a novel and now you’re searching for something to fill the void. Maybe you want more of the same, or maybe something completely different to switch things up. You’ll probably also scour the Internet for ratings and trustworthy recommendations. 

Fortunately, there are endless review blogs and book review sites that you can peruse. Un fortunately, not every one of them features a wide enough variety to help you. But don’t worry: we’ve got you covered with ten of the best book review sites to satisfy the bookworm in you. If you want to cut to the chase and get a personalized pick for a book review site in 30 seconds, we first recommend taking this quick quiz:

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Then read on for the full explanation of all of the best book review sites out there!

1. Goodreads 

It’s impossible not to mention Goodreads when discussing book communities: it’s the Facebook of book reviews — the ultimate social media platform for bibliophiles. If you’ve somehow managed to go this long without stumbling upon this omnipresent site, here’s the run-down: you can use Goodreads to organize, display, and discuss your virtual bookshelf with other users. 

Goodreads recommendations are based on your listed interests. You can follow authors and book influencers ranging from Celeste Ng to Bill Gates . This allows you to see all their reviews, which vary from compact one-liners to critical analysis, and watch the new reviews roll in. For a quick verdict, just take a look at the star rating that they give the book. 

Also if you like to browse lists, Goodreads compiles the best and most popular books for every genre. There’s also the annual Goodreads’ Choice Awards to celebrate each year’s new releases, where you can cast your vote or peruse the list of contenders to find a new book to read. It’s a site for every kind of reader, with abundant ways to comment and interact. 

2. LibraryThing

This is the OG of all online book catalogues and discussion boards — take a look and you’ll see that it’s an oldie but a goodie. Of course, the basic functions of LibraryThing are rather similar to Goodreads: there are millions of books that readers can add to their lists, as well as review with star ratings.

While the interface harks back to the earlier days of the world wide web, LibraryThing has a secret weapon that’ll appeal to all readers, especially modern ones: their Zeitgeist . This page displays the latest crème de la crème of the whole site, from the most popular books to the hottest reviews , which you can also write with the help of a good book review template . Just a glance shows that the readers here know how to read between the lines and wield their words!

So if you’re hoping to read or share some in-depth literary thoughts with fellow sharp-minded users , LibraryThing is the site to browse. (You can even access it without creating an account!) 

3. Reedsy Discovery 

Now, if you’re searching for some hidden gems to peruse, Reedsy Discovery ’s got your back. While our blog features everything from classics to contemporary hits, Discovery’s specialty is indie publications, many of which are accompanied with succinct comments from experienced reviewers . There’s no better way to broaden your horizon! 

Moreover, if casual and creative reviews are more your cup of tea, then rejoice: the burgeoning community of readers on Discovery can leave comments, one-line reviews, and video reviews (calling all Booktubers!) on just about any book. It’s a fun and interactive way to geek out over your favorite reads and discover all the coolest new titles you won’t find anywhere else.

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4. LoveReading 

Though it’s UK-based, this prolific site caters to audiences around the world. LoveReading is strictly a reviewing site, with a base of staff writers and carefully selected contributors, so you know the reviews are top-notch. The staff often give quite personal reading experiences in their reviews, which make their recommendations very endearing, like they’re from a close friend. They even offer you presents — well, if you think of giveaways as presents! 

LoveReading covers books from every genre you can think of. They also have weekly, monthly, and yearly list features to keep you up to date with the latest stellar releases, so you’ll never be in want of something to pore over. 

5. The Millions 

In search of reviews that really dive into the themes, metaphors, and overall executions of interesting and highbrow books? The Millions has got you covered. 

Written by a collection of seasoned critics, these reviews are speckled with memorable quotes, elegant analysis, and plentiful comparisons to other works — which means extra reading recommendations for you! If contemporary and literary fictions are your go-tos, then The Millions is the site for all your lit nerd needs. 

6. SFBook Reviews 

Those who think quantity and quality don’t go hand in hand, you clearly haven’t encountered SFBook Review . The five reviewers on the team here share two common and important goals: firstly, to follow the outpour of new titles in the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror genres every year, and secondly, to give thoughtful reviews to as many of them as possible.

This team knows their SFF niches inside out, so their verdicts are very credible. Still, their reviews are quite friendly and personal — they discuss other related books and share their reading experiences to help you make your own reading choices. 

7. Bookpage

Bookpage features all kinds of genres: from children’s books to nonfiction, from the works of household names to debut authors, and so much more. Their format is neat and straightforward — they bring you the volumes they think are most worthwhile, recommending them to you by summarizing and concisely commenting on the prose, the theme, and the plot of each chosen book.

In addition to this, Bookpage also features author interviews and articles that unearth the deeper themes and purposes of certain books. If you’re a true book lover seeking like-minded literary aficionados, this may be the perfect place for you.

8. Book Riot 

Avid readers, you’ve probably stumbled upon Book Riot more times than you can remember. While it’s not a site that individually assesses titles, it has lists for everything — from timeless literary giants to the top books in each genre. What’s more, Book Riot has lots of thinkpieces that dive deep into the way certain titles make readers feel — be it exhilarated, motivated, or enraged — and that’s really all you need to know when deciding to embark on a new reading adventure. 

Additionally, if you’d rather listen to discussions and reviews rather than read them, you'll be happy to know that Book Riot has a range of podcasts for you to choose from. 

9. NetGalley 

NetGalley is another platform bringing you new and unconventional recommendations. They specialize in connecting authors who are publishing to readers who’d like to preview and put in their two cents. While the database of books available here are not the most expansive, those that are featured are certainly worth your time. 

Readers can benefit most from NetGalley via their book recommendation site, Bookish , where the staff reviewers update you with their recent reads and in-depth thoughts on those reads. Along with that, Bookish also has book club kits, equipped with comprehension questions and discussion points, to help readers explore stories mindfully. 

10. BookBub

While it’s very similar to Goodreads, BookBub focuses more on connecting readers to books that might suit them specifically — which is partly why you’ll see plenty of bargains and deals promoted on the site.

Because of this promotional value, BookBub has quite a strong author community. Diana Gabaldon and Gillian Flynn , for instance, are constantly recommending books on their accounts. So if you’d like to tag along with your favorite author, this is an excellent website to visit. The only drawback of BookBub is that they only have community reviews from users based in the US, and you have to sign up in order to read them. 

With these ten sites, you’ll be sure to find your little community of fellow book lovers regardless of what your interests are. Here’s to exciting TBR lists and nourished minds!

If you want to try your hand at reviewing, we’ve got a little guide to help you out ! On the other hand, if you want to plough away at your books, why not consider the Kindle Cloud Reader ?

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Nobody likes to spend money on a new book only to face that overwhelming feeling of disappointment when it doesn't live up to your expectations. The solution is to check out a few book review sites before you hit the shops. The greater the diversity of opinions you can gather, the more confidence you can have that you'll enjoy the title.

Which book review and book rating sites are worth considering? Here are the best ones.

1. Goodreads

Goodreads is arguably the leading online community for book lovers. If you want some inspiration for which novel or biography to read next, this is the book review site to visit.

There's an endless number of user-generated reading lists to explore, and Goodreads itself publishes dozens of "best of" lists across a number of categories. You can do a book search by plot or subject , or join book discussions and reading groups with thousands of members.

You can participate in the community by adding your own rankings to books you've read and leaving reviews for other people to check out. Occasionally, there are even bonus events like question and answer sessions with authors.

2. LibraryThing

LibraryThing is the self-proclaimed largest book club in the world. It has more than 2.3 million members and is one of the best social networking platforms for book lovers .

With a free account, you can add up to 200 books to your library and share them with other users. But it's in the other areas where LibraryThing can claim to be one of the best book review sites.

Naturally, there are ratings, user reviews, and tags. But be sure to click on the Zeitgeist tab at the top of the page. It contains masses of information, including the top books by rating, by the number of reviews, by authors, and loads more.

3. Book Riot

Book Riot is a blog. It publishes listicles on dozens of different topics, many of which review the best books in a certain genre. To give you an idea, some recent articles include Keeping Hoping Alive: 11 Thrilling YA Survival Stories and The Best Historical Fiction Books You’ve Never Heard Of .

Of course, there's also plenty of non-reading list content. If you have a general affinity for literature, Book Riot is definitely worth adding to the list of websites you browse every day.

Bookish is a site that all members of book clubs should know about. It helps you prep for your next meeting with discussion guides, book quizzes, and book games. There are even food and drink suggestions, as well as playlist recommendations.

But the site is more than just book club meetings. It also offers lots of editorial content. That comes in the form of author interviews, opinion essays, book reviews and recommendations, reading challenges, and giveaways.

Be sure to look at the Must-Reads section of the site regularly to get the latest book reviews. Also, it goes without saying that the people behind Bookish are book lovers, too. To get a glimpse of what they’re reading, check out their Staff Reads articles.

5. Booklist

Booklist is a print magazine that also offers an online portal. Trusted experts from the American Library Association write all the book reviews.

You can see snippets of reviews for different books. However, to read them in full, you will need to subscribe. An annual plan for this book review site costs $184.95 per year.

6. Fantasy Book Review

Fantasy Book Review should be high on the list for anyone who is a fan of fantasy works. The book review site publishes reviews for both children's books and adults' books.

It has a section on the top fantasy books of all time and a continually updated list of must-read books for each year. You can also search through the recommended books by sub-genres such as Sword and Sorcery, Parallel Worlds, and Epic Fantasy.

7. LoveReading

LoveReading is one of the most popular book review sites in the UK, but American audiences will find it to be equally useful.

The site is divided into fiction and non-fiction works. In each area, it publishes weekly staff picks, books of the month, debuts of the month, ebooks of the month, audiobooks of the month, and the nationwide bestsellers. Each book on every list has a full review that you can read for free.

Make sure you also check out their Highlights tab to get book reviews for selected titles of the month. In Collections , you'll also find themed reading lists such as World War One Literature and Green Reads .

Kirkus has been involved in producing book reviews since the 1930s. This book review site looks at the week's bestselling books, and provides lengthy critiques for each one.

As you'd expect, you'll also find dozens of "best of" lists and individual book reviews across many categories and genres.

And while you're on the site, make sure you click on the Kirkus Prize section. You can look at all the past winners and finalists, complete with the accompanying reviews of their books.

Although Reddit is a social media site, you can use it to get book reviews of famous books, or almost any other book for that matter! Reddit has a Subreddit, r/books, that is dedicated to book reviews and reading lists.

The subreddit has weekly scheduled threads about a particular topic or genre. Anyone can then chip in with their opinions about which books are recommendable. Several new threads are published every day, with people discussing their latest discovery with an accompanying book rating or review.

You'll also discover a weekly recommendation thread. Recent threads have included subjects such as Favorite Books About Climate Science , Literature of Indigenous Peoples , and Books Set in the Desert . There’s also a weekly What are you Reading? discussion and frequent AMAs.

For more social media-like platforms, check out these must-have apps for book lovers .

10. YouTube

YouTube is not the type of place that immediately springs to mind when you think of the best book review sites online.

Nonetheless, there are several engaging YouTube channels that frequently offer opinions on books they've read. You’ll easily find book reviews of famous books here.

Some of the most notable book review YouTube channels include Better Than Food: Book Reviews , Little Book Owl , PolandBananasBooks , and Rincey Reads .

Amazon is probably one of your go-to site when you want to buy something. If you don’t mind used copies, it’s also one of the best websites to buy second-hand books .

Now, to get book reviews, just search and click on a title, then scroll down to see the ratings and what others who have bought the book are saying. It’s a quick way to have an overview of the book’s rating. If you spot the words Look Inside above the book cover, it means you get to preview the first few pages of the book, too!

Regardless of the praises or criticisms you have heard from other book review sites, reading a sample is the most direct way to help you gauge the content’s potential and see whether the author’s writing style suits your tastes.

12. StoryGraph

StoryGraph is another good book review site that's worth checking out. The book rating is determined by the site's large community of readers. Key in the title of a book you're interested in and click on it in StoryGraph's search results to have an overall view of its rating.

Each book review provides information on the moods and pacing of the story. It also indicates whether the tale is plot or character-driven, what readers feel about the extent of character development, how lovable the characters generally are, and the diversity of the cast.

13. London Review of Books

The London Review of Books is a magazine that covers a range of subjects such as culture, literature, and philosophy. Part of its content includes amazingly detailed book reviews. If you feel that most modern book reviews are too brief for your liking, the London Review of Books should suit you best.

You'll gain insight into the flow and themes of the story, as well as a more thorough picture of the events taking place in the book.

Read Book Reviews Before You Buy

The book review sites we've discussed will appeal to different types of readers. Some people will be more comfortable with the easy-to-interpret book rating systems; others will prefer extensive reviews written by experienced professionals.

Although it’s easy to be tempted by a gorgeous book cover, it’s always best to have a quick look at the book reviews before actually buying a copy. This way, you can save your money and spend it on the books that you’ll be proud to display on your shelves for a long time. And check out recommendations, as well, to help you find what's worth reading.

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You've spent the last 40 weeks planning, preparing and readying your home for a baby, and now a new human has arrived. Congratulations! Now what?

While there are plenty of ways to get week-by-week information during the pregnant period (including tons of books about pregnancy ), what really happens postpartum is still mostly a mystery. But more and more experts are turning their trained scientific eyes towards this phase and beyond, because they know that newborns, toddlers and every stage in-between has its own joys and challenges.

Best books for new parents in 2023:

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Some offer the nitty-gritty information you need, with science-backed studies about newborn health and development. Others are for first-time caregivers who are feeling their way through different parenting styles and deciding which ones work best for their families. Others turn the lens and focus on the adults themselves, because the transition into parenthood can be harder than you imagine. And then there are a few that look beyond the baby and toddler stage, because you're going to need to keep an eye on the bigger picture.

A personal note on parenting books to stay away from: I’ve never found books about how to take cues from parents in other countries (or time periods?) particularly helpful; if you can’t take advantage of each country’s social polices like parental leave, affordable childcare and healthcare, you won’t be able to copy those citizens’ style of parenting. And I’d also be wary of anything that over-promises magic sleep solutions for babies right out of the gate. Yes, there are things you can do to promote better and safer sleep , but there's only so much you control, no matter what some expert whose coached a million babies says, and sometimes babies just sleep (or not) on their own schedules no matter what you do. So, focusing instead on what you can control, here are the most useful books for new parents.

So many parents recognize the "What to Expect" books from their pregnancy journey, but they do continue into babyhood and toddlerhood. The same way What to Expect When You're Expecting gives a month-by-month look at the body's changes during pregnancy, What to Expect the First Year takes a similar approach to the development of growing babies. You can get a leg up on what behaviors are coming down the pike, what milestones the baby should be hitting and what symptoms are red flags you should bring up to a doctor. And, if you really like the approach, there's also What to Expect the Second Year .

It's not just the baby who goes through tons of changes in that first year. If you've been pregnant, given birth and are adjusting to new motherhood at home, Becky Vieira offers the raw, unvarnished truth that is often glossed over by those who just want to focus on the magic of being a new parent. No topic is too taboo, and Vieira covers everything from getting past that first postpartum poop to dealing with unsolicited advice from relatives.

A parenting book written by an economist? Here's why that's a good idea: With so much conflicting advice out there, Emily Oster approached the parenting info as a data project. She culled studies, crunched numbers and cut through the noise of parenting guides to present what science can back up . (She did a similar thing with her pregnancy book, Expecting Better . ) Now you can find out, based on studies, whether or not breastfeeding will make your kid a genius (it will not) or what the best time to potty-train is (it depends on how quickly you want it to be over with). Her most recent book, The Family Firm , which came out August 2021, delves into how to frame your own decision-making models when you're in a family with older kids.

Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change by Angela Garbes

For something a little different, in this book journalist Angela Garbes notes how the coronavirus pandemic shed light on just how important caregiving is, and puts that in the context of the history of care work and how it should be valued more. (See also: Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood by the New York Times 's Jessica Grose.) Garbes previously trained her journalistic eye on pregnancy and the postpartum period for Like a Mother , which debunks a lot of oft-repeated myths about things like breastfeeding or drinking while pregnant.

How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes by Melinda Wenner Moyer

Because that's the ultimate goal, right? Science writer Melinda Wenner Moyer discovered there are plenty of studies and research behind things that parents often find vague and fuzzy, like how to develop compassion, generosity, anti-sexism and anti-racism. She demystifies some of the hardest pain points of parenting and tells parents what works to get through them.

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp

If you see a well-rested new parent, they might pull you aside and say that this book is their secret. Harvey Karp, M.D. — child expert and inventor of the much-loved, Good Housekeeping Institute-recommended SNOO bassinet — gives parents what he calls an "off switch" for baby crying . He teaches them to use what he famously calls the "5 Ss" (swaddling, shushing, swinging, sucking, and putting them in a side-stomach position) to tame those tears so the whole family can get more sleep. For those who like Dr. Karp's methods, you can move on to The Happiest Toddler on the Block for help with tantrum-elimination and other toddler woes.

The Wonder Weeks by Xaviera Plooij, Frans X. Plooij and Hetty van de Rijt

Some parents swear by the insight that The Wonder Weeks gave into their baby's brain and behavior. It details the developmental "leaps" that babies take in their first year-plus — and the challenges that come with them. A newly revised edition released in 2019 gives even more in-depth coverage to the first 20 months of a baby's life, and in 2022 co-author Xaviera Plooij released The Wonder Weeks: Back To You for recovering after pregnancy.

The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

If you've ever wanted to crack your kid's mind open and figure out just what the heck is going on inside, this book basically does it. It tells you what's going on with your kids' brain development, and how that can help you get through your day-to-day struggles like tantrums. If you like the authors' mindset, you can also try their No Drama Discipline techniques.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

This one has been around so long that it's possible your own parents read it when you were a kid. But, in an age where parenting trends cycle in and out rapidly, there's a reason this one has stuck around: It helps decode child-language so you can better communicate with your kids (and therefore stop yelling or repeating yourself a million times — no one's favorite part of parenthood).

Diaper Dude by Chris Pegula and Frank Meyer

We wouldn't dare leave the dads out: The author of the From Dude to Dad pregnancy guide returns with a dispatch from the front lines of fatherhood. The ethos of this book is that guys don't have to lose themselves when they become fathers — there's even a line of Diaper Dude-branded diaper bags that look like regular-guy backpacks and messenger bags.

How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Eventually, if you do it all right, you'll launch those little birdies from the nest (but, you know, not too far). Julie Lythcott-Haims, a former dean of freshmen at Stanford University, shows parents how to curb their most helicopter / lawnmower-ish tendencies and raise autonomous beings who can fend for themselves. (Though they'll always need their parents, we promise.)

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

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How to Find Great Books to Read to Your Kids

• By Sheila Seifert
• October 22, 2014

I was always searching for what books to read to my kids. I liked to read to them, and they liked to listen, even after they learned to read books on their own . But this time, I hadn’t carefully screened a book before I started reading it to them, and I realized too late that the main character solved his problem by lying, without facing any consequences for his decision. When the book ended, we had a good conversation about how the ends don’t justify the means , and I began to consider how I could be more proactive in choosing quality books for my kids.

What books to read to my children

To start a list of books to read to my children, I wrote down titles that made an impact on me, along with the age I was when I read them. To that, I added recommendations from family members, trusted friends and my children’s teachers. Then I verified age and content appropriateness through book review websites such as PluggedIn.com/book-reviews . Here are a few other ideas:

• Challenges. When children go through changes, such as a move to a new school, it’s wise to find books that focus on similar situations. Otherwise, look for books to read to children with realistic characters who appear to use reason or logic to overcome challenges. These character-driven stories can help kids learn to solve their own challenges .

• Worldviews. Research the publisher and author to uncover a book’s worldview. A publisher’s mission statement or an author’s biography gives clues. (Even lesser-known authors have brief biographies or links to achievements.) This helps to better understand why Philip Pullman ( The Amber Spyglass ) depicts Christianity poorly and George MacDonald ( The Princess and the Goblin ) represents it well; or why Frances Hodgson Burnett’s earlier books ( Sara Crewe ) did not have the same Christian Science subtleties as her later work ( The Secret Garden ). You shouldn’t necessarily avoid all books that have a different worldview from yours, but it is important to discuss the books’ worldview with your kids if there is one. Unfortunately, a book written by someone with a biblical worldview doesn’t guarantee that a book is written well. So use your common sense as you find books to read to your kids.

• Book reviews. Read a book review from a trusted source, and then consider the appropriateness of the genre and plot for your children (age, developmental stage, current life challenges). Once you decide on a book that will work with your children’s personalities, interests and developmental stage — physically and spiritually — read it to them. When done, discuss the book through free tools such as the parent-child discussion questions at FocusOnTheFamily.com/discuss-books .

Reading to 4- to 7-year-olds

Book titles listed below have been reviewed by Focus on the Family, though not all books published by Focus on the Family have reviews because they are wholly approved by Focus on the Family. Those that don’t have reviews are linked to an online bookstore where you can read descriptions about the books. The titles below are intended to help parents create their own list of books to read to their children. There is some overlap of book titles between the age groups because of the wide variety of differences in children at each age and stage. Remember that PluggedIn.com book reviews are not endorsements and cover only the content and theme of a book, not its literary merit.

• Bible Kidventures: Stories of Danger and Courage * Kids remain engaged as you read them four Bible stories in this choose-your-own Kidventure. Spiritual topics include trusting God and the power of worship. Sign in to get parent-child discussion questions — under “S” for Stories of Danger and Courage — read a review or buy it .
• The Princess and the Goblin This 1872 classic fairy tale is ideal to be read to younger children. Spiritual topics include living by faith and how to treat nonbelievers. Sign in to get parent-child discussion questions for this book — under “P” for The Princess and the Goblin — or read a review .
• Stone Fox The excitement is gripping in this story that places a boy and his dog against an impossible task — getting the money to pay the taxes to save his family’s farm. Character quality: perseverance. Sign in to get parent-child discussion questions — under “S” for Stone Fox — or read a review .
• By the Great Horn Spoon! Loaded with adventure, 12-year-old Jack and his aunt’s butler head to the California gold fields to get enough money to save Aunt Arabella’s home. Character quality: resilience and zeal for life. Sign in to get parent-child discussion questions — under “B” for By the Great Horn Spoon — or read a review .

Classic stories

• Little House in the Big Woods Take a step back in time to learn about the adventures of the Ingalls family as they work on their 1871 homestead in Wisconsin. Theme: family life of pioneers. Sign in to get parent-child discussion questions — under “L” for Little House in the Big Woods — or read a review .
• Little House on the Prairie The Ingalls family moves to the Kansas prairie, and readers can follow their adventures living in a log house in 1868. Character quality: resilience. Sign in to get parent-child discussion questions — under “L” for Little House on the Prairie — or read a review .

Contemporary

• The Crazy Christmas Angel * Eric can’t believe what he sees — a Christmas tree angel comes to life! Sign in and click on “C” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• Frindle Nick Allen causes all sorts of problems with one simple word: frindle . How much can one word change an entire town? Sign in and click on “F” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• Jones & Parker Case Files * There’s something mysterious going on in everyone’s favorite town . . . Odyssey, of course No mystery is too big or too small for Emily Jones and Matthew Parker.
• Mudsharks Mudshark is smart, but is he smarter than a parrot? Sign in and click on “M” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• The World According to Humphrey Humphrey the Hamster learns all about the students in his class and has adventures as the classroom pet. Sign in and click on “W” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• The BFG Eight-year-old Sophie is snatched by a BFG. She must learn to survive in a kingdom of giants. Then one night, she comes up with a plan to destroy all mean giants. Sign in and click on “B” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• The Chocolate Touch John has a problem: everything he touches turns to chocolate! Sign in and click on “C” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Four siblings are sent to the countryside during World War II. Once there, they find their way into a magical land, but this unknown kingdom is in need of deliverance from evil.. Sign in and click on “L” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane When a little girl and her rabbit are separated, the lost rabbit looks for his young owner. Sign in and click on “M” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• The Mouse With the Question Mark Tail A tiny mouse travels around Buckingham Palace in search for answers. Sign in and click on “M” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• Nurk A small shrew is on a quest to answer a mysterious plea for help. Sign in and click on “N” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• The Whipping Boy Prince Brat kidnaps Jemmy, but the kingdom looks for Jemmy, who is blamed for the prince’s disappearance!. Sign in and click on “W” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.

Historical fiction

• #1 – Voyage With the Vikings * Cousins Patrick and Beth travel back in time to Viking-occupied Greenland, but while searching for an item that Mr. Whittaker asked them to bring back, they encounter a less-than-friendly Viking. Sign in and click on “V” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #2 – Attack at the Arena * Mr. Whittaker’s ancestor Albert is in trouble and needs a monk’s silver chalice. Cousins Patrick and Beth travel back in time to Rome in the Imagination Station to find it. Sign in and click on “A” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #3 – Peril in the Palace * Cousins Patrick and Beth travel to ancient China in the Imagination Station and meet Marco Polo. They need to find the golden tablet of Kublai Khan to save Mr. Whittaker’s ancestor, Albert. Sign in and click on “P” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #4 – Revenge of the Red Knight * The Imagination Station takes cousins Patrick and Beth to medieval England rather than returning them to Whit’s End. They continue their quest to help Mr. Whittaker’s ancestor while looking for a way home. Sign in and click on “R” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #5 – Showdown With the Shepherd * Cousins Patrick and Beth saved Albert, but an evil man named Hugh escapes in the Imagination Station. They must find him and keep him from helping Goliath and the Philistines defeat the Israelites. Sign in and click on “S” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #6 – Problems in Plymouth * Cousins Patrick and Beth travel to Plymouth to keep a time-traveling villain named Hugh from changing history and ruining the first Thanksgiving. They must find a way to return him to his own time. Sign in and click on “P” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #7 – Secret of the Prince’s Tomb * Patrick and Beth try to help the Habiru people, who are being enslaved by the Egyptians. If they can’t free them, they want to give them hope. Sign in and click on “S” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #8 – Battle for Cannibal Island* The Imagination Station takes Patrick and Beth on an adventure on the high seas. They meet a ship’s captain and a missionary named James Calvert before coming face to face with cannibals. Sign in and click on “B” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #9 – Escape to the Hiding Place * Patrick and Beth arrive in World War II Holland in the farm country. The children learn to appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of everyday people who helped the Jews.
• #10 – Challenge on the Hill of Fire * Beth and Patrick meet St. Patrick teaching the Irish about Christianity. In Ireland, druids control the people through fear until the king and his people accept St. Patrick’s God. Sign in and click on “C” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #11 – Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon * If you’re brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock.
• #12 – Danger on a Silent Night * Patrick and Beth ponder the origins of giving gifts at Christmas. Whit uses the Imagination Station to introduce them to the wise men who sought Jesus. Sign in and click on “D” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #13 – The Redcoats Are Coming * Cousins Patrick and Beth find themselves in the first battles of the Revolutionary War. They must avoid the loyalists and not be mistaken as spies while trying to deliver a letter to Paul Revere. Sign in and click on “R” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #14 – Captured on the High Seas * Beth and Patrick become prisoners of war on a British ship during the American Revolution. They try to help an American officer and an African American sailor escape. Sign in and click on “C” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #15 – Surprise at Yorktown * Beth and Patrick help slaves escape at Yorktown. They also track a suspected spy and meet Generals Cornwallis, Lafayette and Washington during negotiations for the surrender of the British army. Sign in and click on “S” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #16 – Doomsday in Pompeii * When Patrick takes a trip alone in the Imagination Station, he ends up in Pompeii in 79 A.D. a day before Mount Vesuvius erupts
• #17 – In Fear of the Spear * Dr. Silva and Beth escape a jaguar and are captured by tribesmen. They learn about Kimo, the first Auca to know Jesus, and Kimo baptizes Dr. Silva. Sign in and click on “I” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #18 – Trouble on the Orphan Train * Patrick and Beth arrive on an orphan train, heading west. They befriend an orphan who is falsely accused of being part of a train robbery.
• #19 – Light in the Lion’s Den * Beth and Patrick learn about Babylon and how Daniel chose to serve God even when it meant disobeying an earthly king. Sign in and click on “L” to get parent-child discussion questions for this story — or go to
• #20 –  Inferno in Tokyo * Eugene tells Patrick and Beth they need to find Nicholas Tesla. They do not know who he is, but find themselves in Tokyo, Japan, during a 1923 tsunami, earthquake and fire. They help the survivors. Sign in and click on “I” to get parent-child  discussion questions  for this story — or go to  PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #21 – Madman in Manhattan * Nikola Tesla has taken Beth, and now he wants to use the Imagination Station to go back in history and register his patents for inventions before Thomas Edison and Henry Ford can register theirs. Sign in and click on “M” to get parent-child  discussion questions  for this story — or go to  PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #22 – Freedom at the Falls * Patrick and Beth help Sally, a slave on the Underground Railroad, escape, as they ride the Lincoln Special, a train that is taking Abraham Lincoln, his family and friends to his inauguration. Sign in and click on “F” to get parent-child  discussion questions  for this story — or go to  PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• #23 – Terror in the Tunnel * Beth and Patrick near Washington, D.C., on a train with Abraham Lincoln, who is heading to his first inauguration. But a band of assassins plan to meet Lincoln in Baltimore and end his presidency before it starts. Can the cousins help get him through the city safely and on to his big history-making day?
• The Boxcar Children Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny search for a place to call home after their parents die. Sign in and click on “B” to get parent-child  discussion questions  for this story — or go to  PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• Don’t Forget Winona Winona and her family move west by traveling on Route 66. Sign in and click on “D” to get parent-child  discussion questions  for this story — or go to  PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• A Lion to Guard Us In 1609, preteen Amanda and her younger siblings do whatever they can to reach their father who is awaiting them in the New World. Sign in and click on “L” to get parent-child  discussion questions  for this story — or go to  PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• Strawberry Girl The Boyer family moves from the mountains of northern Florida to the state’s southern lakes area in the early 1900s. They raise cattle, tend an orange grove and plant a variety of crops — including strawberries. Sign in and click on “S” to get parent-child  discussion questions  for this story — or go to  PluggedIn.com to read a book review for this title.
• The Wheel on the School The storks of Shora are gone, and children of the village try to draw them back. Sign in and click on “W” to get parent-child  discussion questions  for this story — or go to  PluggedIn.com  to read a book review for this title.

Reading to 8- to 11-year-olds

Book titles listed below have been reviewed by Focus on the Family, though not all books published by Focus on the Family have reviews because they are wholly approved by Focus on the Family. Those that don’t have reviews are linked to an online bookstore where you can read descriptions about the books. The titles below are intended to help parents create their own list of books to read to their children. There is some overlap of book titles between the age groups because of the wide variety of differences in children at each age and stage. Remember that  PluggedIn.com  book reviews are not endorsements and cover only the content and theme of a book, not its literary merit.

• Bible Kidventures: New Testament *
• Bible Kidventures: Old Testament *
• Bible Kidventures: Stories of Danger and Courage *
• Black Beauty
• The Great Turkey Walk
• Jump Into the Sky
• My Side of the Mountain
• Raiders From the Sea *
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
• Anne of Green Gables
• Call It Courage
• Carry on Mr. Bowditch
• Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates
• The Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Story
• Oliver Twist
• Pilgrim’s Progress *
• Treasure Island
• The Christy Miller Collection, vol. 1 *
• Danger Lies Ahead! *
• The Fight for Kidsboro *
• Jones & Parker Case Files *
• Losers, Inc.
• Pitcher’s Duel
• Point of No Return *
• Snap Decision *
• Strange Journey Back *
• Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer

Creative Nonfiction

• Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
• Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• The Dark Is Rising
• Kingdom’s Dawn *
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe *
• The Door in the Wall
• Elijah of Buxton
• Journey to Jo’burg
• Life Behind the Wall *
• Little Women
• The Marus Manuscripts: Books 1-3 *
• The Marus Manuscripts: Books 4-6 *
• Miracles on Maple Hill
• Race for Freedom
• Snow Treasure

Reading to kids 12 and above

• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
• The Bronze Bow
• Les Miserables
• The Scarlet Pimpernel
• A Tale of Two Cities
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Uncle Tom’s Cabin
• Roughing It
• Among the Hidden
• The Fellowship of the Ring
• The Hobbit *
• The Princess Bride
• Across Five Aprils
• The Hiding Place *
• Iqbal: A Novel

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Sheila Seifert is the editorial director of Brio and Focus on the Family magazine, the author of over 20 books and the founder of Simple Literature.

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Book reviews that parents can use

Rebecca Hagelin

Visiting Fellow

"Mom, all my friends are going to see a movie tonight. Can I go, too?"

How many millions of parents over the years have been asked this question? It's all too easy to simply focus on who is going and forget that we need to look at what they're going to before we arrange the transportation (i.e., whether you're taking or picking up). Thankfully, for several years we've had great Web sites like Focus on the Family's " Plugged In " to provide guidance on content. As a mom of three teens, I can tell you that no one sees a movie in our home without my first visiting Plugged In.

Wouldn't it be great if there were a Web site that could provide content reviews of books? Well, I have some good news: Thanks to the Alabama Policy Institute's " Facts on Fiction " Web site, now there is.

Some parents may question the need for such a service. After all, we're talking about books , often ones recommended by teachers. Besides, we're always trying to keep kids from spending too much time with electronic entertainment, and we don't want to discourage a wholesome activity such as reading, do we?

As I've written before , though, some of the books that have found their way into the "teen" section of your local bookstore and onto school-sponsored "recommended reading" lists are questionable at best -- and downright immoral at worst. Consider this case, courtesy of Sharon Evans, program director of the Alabama Policy Institute:

Susan Gamble, founder and president of Magic City Webs, could not keep up with her third grader's voracious appetite for books. She was thrilled that her eight-year-old loved to read. However, when he came to her with a question about a curse word in his book, she was curious. Upon perusal, Susan found the book peppered with expletives. There also was an instance of a man fondling a woman's breasts, children looking at pornographic magazines and references of gore and child abuse.

Then Susan spent some time on the Internet and made another unpleasant discovery: The kind of detailed reviews available for movies, TV shows and even video games didn't exist for books.

Until now. Visit the new Facts on Fiction , and you'll find a list of more than 125 books (with many more on the way), complete with the kind of specific information busy parents need to make informed decisions about whether a particular book is right for their child.

And that, Sharon stresses, is exactly what Facts on Fiction is intended to do -- make it easier for parents to do their job. The aim is not to censor books or call for boycotts, but to allow parents to decide if a certain book is right for their child. Sometimes it's a question of timing: A book that's acceptable for a 16-year-old, for example, may be wrong for an 11-year-old. Other times, a book is so bad that a parent may decide it's never acceptable. But that's the beauty of Facts on Fiction: Either way, the parent decides .

The reviews, conducted by retired teachers, librarians, home-schooling moms and writers, summarize the books and then examine how they approach certain sensitive topics. There are six main categories:

• Mature Subject Matter
• Profanity/Language
• Sexual Content
• Violence/Illegal Activity
• Tobacco/Alcohol/Drugs
• Disrespectful/Anti-Social Elements

Each category is broken into specifics. For example, does the book in question contain mild obscenities, sexual references or scatological terms, and if so, how often? The reviews will tell you. And if you need more detail (including quotes and page numbers), the reviews give you that as well. The "Disrespectful/Anti-Social Elements" is particularly helpful for those trying to gauge the overall moral tone. For example, do characters lie, cheat or steal without consequence?

As for selection, some might expect Facts on Fiction to profile the more salacious titles out there, like Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series. But as Sharon notes, there's limited value to doing that. For one thing, these books tend to be upfront about what they offer. (Ziegesar's book proudly calls itself, right on the cover, " Sex and the City for the younger set.") Plus, books that appear safe but sneak in some inappropriate content can be worse, if only because they catch parents off guard. That's why Facts on Fiction concentrates on the books that don't seem threatening -- the allegedly "safe," award-winning titles found on school reading lists.

The bottom line is: There's now a site designed to equip parents with the information they need to make the right decisions about what their children read. Kudos to " Facts on Fiction " for making the tough job of parenting just a little bit easier.

Rebecca Hagelin is a vice president of The Heritage Foundation and the author of Home Invasion: Protecting Your Family in a Culture that's Gone Stark Raving Mad .

Marriage, the union between one man and one woman, and family are the building blocks of all human civilization and the primary institutions of civil society. 

Learn more about policies that strengthen marriage and family as cornerstones to a flourishing civil society with Solutions .

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Independent Book Review

A Celebration of Indie Press and Self-Published Books

30+ Top-Notch Book Review Sites for Readers & Writers

Here are 30+ top-notch book review sites for booksellers, librarians, readers, & writers. Learn more about 30 bookish companies helping spread the word about the best & latest books.

Top-Notch Book Review Sites for Readers & Writers

Book reviews are for all of us.

Readers need to know whether books with the best covers are worth the time they’re about to put into it. They find it helpful (and fun!) to check out reviews after reading the books, too, so they can see what other real-life humans had to say about it.

Authors & publishers need to get book reviews to build buzz and credibility for their product. Librarians & booksellers need to hear from trusted sources that the book they are about to buy for their collection has the capability to get picked up & to satisfy. 

Book review sites have transformed the book-recommending landscape.

We can write reviews on product pages, on social media apps, and some of us, for publications that have been around since before the internet. Book reviewing has changed. But maybe it also hasn’t.

What kind of book review sites are you looking for? Chances are, this list has you covered.

Here are 30+ book review sites to read, write, and bookmark. 

1. Independent Book Review

Does this logo look familiar? (Hint: You’re sitting on it).

IBR, the website you’re on RIGHT NOW, is all about indie books . There are so many books in the world right now, but if you feel like you keep seeing the same ones recommended over and over, start reading indie!

Independent presses & self-published authors are doing some incredible work right now. IBR reviews books, curates lists, does indie bookstore round-ups, and uses starred reviews & best-of-the-year lists to show which books are going to blow your mind.

2. Book Marks

Lit Hub rules. You already knew this.

But do you know about Book Marks? They’re a branch of the Lit Hub network, and they are an excellent way for booksellers and librarians to get shorter recaps from multiple sources and voices.

Their staff peruses book review sites and shares pull-quotes from them in book lists & more. By reading all of these sites, they can give the book a rating based on the average: “Rave, Positive, Mixed, or Pan.”

My favorite book-buying platform, Bookshop , uses Book Marks’ scale for their books’ ratings, and I love getting access to that.

3. Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly has been around since 1872. By now, they’re a review churning machine. They cover so much of the book industry in so many different ways, reviewing nearly 9,000 books per year and providing publication announcements, agency announcements, industry job listings , bestseller lists, industry stats, a self-publishing partner, and more. 

4. Kirkus Reviews

Another one that’s been around since before the internet! 1933 to be exact. Kirkus is a widely recognized publication that book buyers & librarians follow carefully. I dare you to find a bookstore or library that doesn’t have multiple books with Kirkus Reviews plastered on their front and back covers.

5. Booklist

The American Library Association runs Booklist , a platform dedicated to helping libraries, educators, and booksellers choose books. They’ve got a magazine (since 1905!), book reviews, lists, awards, and one of my favorite bookish podcasts out there: Shelf Care .

6. Library Journal & School Library Journal

As you might be able to guess, Library Journal & School Library Journal focus on librarians too! They review a ton of books, and they write often about library-related news, collection management, technology, programs, and more. If you’re an author hoping to land your book in libraries, these are essential targets.

7. BookPage

You may have seen BookPage in your local library or bookstore. Some shops provide it for free so that patrons can look through it to find which books to buy in-store. Their website is clean and intriguing and always full of the most up-to-date releases and bestsellers.

Speaking of libraries! Have you seen our gifts for librarians ?

8. Foreword

Foreword is such an enthusiastic and dedicated champion of indie books, and they’ve been doing it since the 90s! I love how much attention university presses get here too. Their reviews are well-written & thorough, in both print & digital, and I always find something to speed-purchase once the Foreword Indie winners come out.

9. LoveReading

LoveReading is a top book-recommendation website in the UK. They’ve got starred reviews, lists, staff picks, a LitFest , eBooks, and they even donate 25% of the cover price of their books to schools of your choice. It’s reader-friendly and apparent how much they appreciate the wonder of books. 

10. Washington Independent Review of Books

What’s not to love about The Independent?

Back in 2011, a group of writers & editors were frustrated by newspapers dropping book review sections and decided to do something about it. The Washington Independent Review of Books is quite a lovely something! This nonprofit posts every day: from reviews to interviews to essays and podcasts. They host events too!

11. Book Riot

Try being a reader and not finding something you love on Book Riot. Book lists, podcasts, personalized recommendations, newsletters, book deals—this site is a haven.

It doesn’t post solo book reviews like other sites, but they do share mini-reviews in book lists and talk about reading in unique & passionate ways. The Book Riot Podcast is such a winner too! I love listening to Jeff & Rebecca laugh about the latest in books & reading.

12. Electric Lit

From novel excerpts to original short fiction & poetry, they might not only be a book review site,  but they do offer a lot in the world of book recommendations. Their Recommended Reading lit mag features unique staff picks and short, insightful book reviews.

13. The Millions

The writing in The Millions is something to behold. They are an artful source for all things book reviews & recommendations. They write stunning essays about books & reading and long reviews of new and old books. They’ve got some of my favorite Most Anticip ated lists too.

What are the biggest benefits of reading ? 🧐

14. Bookforum

Did you hear? Bookforum is back ! This book review magazine announced in December 2022 that they were closing, and my heart sank a little bit. This company means so much to the publishing industry and has for 20+ years, so when I saw (last week!) that they are returning, I did more than a few jumps for joy.

Welcome back, Bookforum! Can’t wait to see what you’ve got coming for us in book world coverage.

BOMB is in it for the art. Art, literature, film, music, theater, architecture, and dance. There are reviews and interviews, and the literature section is a real delight. The reviews are like poignant essays, and the author interviews are in-depth and feature some fascinating minds.

16. The Asian Review of Books

The only dedicated pan-Asian book review publication! It’s widely cited and features some of the best in Asian books and art, so booksellers and librarians have a source to trust to stock their collections with high-quality pan-Asian lit.

Have you seen our gifts for book lovers yet?

17. Chicago Review of Books

I love so much of what Chicago Review of Books does. They have a clean & sleek design that features some of the buzziest books as well as plenty of hidden gems from our favorite indie presses. I’m a particularly big fan of the spotlight they put on books in translation .

18. Rain Taxi

I love Rain Taxi ’s style! They champion unique books, publish their own fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, and put a real emphasis on art for their magazine covers . It’s a beautiful print magazine to subscribe to, but they also share free online editions & digital archives. They even run the Rain Taxi Reading Series & Twin Cities Book Festival if you’re a real-lifer in Minnesota!

19. The Rumpus

Oh, The Rumpus ! This mostly volunteer-run online magazine publishes reviews, interviews, essays, fiction, and poetry. The reviews are in-depth and personal and heart-melting, and in addition to the site, they’ve got cool perks like the Poetry Book Club  and Letters in the Mail . The book club is where you get a pre-release book and meet the poet via Slack with other club members at the end of the month, and Letters in the Mail are actual postcards sent in the mail to you twice a month from your favorite authors.

20. Book Reporter

The selection in Book Reporter is carefully curated & enticing: hot new releases, forthcoming books, major presses, & indies. And there are plenty of unique ways to learn about them, like video interviews and monthly lists & picks. It launched in 1996 and is in The Book Report Network, which includes Reading Group Guides , a super useful resource for book clubs.

21. BookTrib .

BookTrib does such a great job of making their site browsable. The different ways you can enjoy what they offer—from book lists to giveaways to ebook deals —are difficult to keep your purchase finger off of.

23. Lit Reactor

Writers & readers—where bookish people meet! LitReactor’s book reviews are in the magazine portion of their website, and they’ve got plenty of them! Reviews, interviews, lists, introspectives, writing tips, and reading discussions. I’ve found some really unique content on Lit Reactor, like this ranking of literary parents . The website is a haven for writers especially, as there are workshops, writing blog posts, and even a forum to participate in.

24. Crime Fiction Lover

Dark alleys. Stray bullets. Hard-boiled detectives. Runaway thrills. If you’re a mystery-thriller reader, you’ve got to know about Crime Fiction Lover. They’ve got a passionate group of readers and writers talking about the best books in the genre and the ones that are soon to come out too.

25. SF Book Reviews

Speculative fiction fans unite! SF Book Reviews has been reviewing sci-fi and fantasy books since 1999, and while they’re a relatively small staff, they publish regularly, feature books of the month, and work wonders for their fantastical community.

26. Historical Novel Society

For all you historical fiction fans out there, the Historical Novel Society has reviewed more than 20,000 books in its twenty years. This one works like a membership for “writers and readers who love exploring the past.” You get a quarterly print magazine as a member, and if you’re a writer, you can join critique groups and ask for book reviews.

27. The Poetry Question

The Poetry Question writes about poetry published by indie presses and indie authors. They are a small passionate team dedicated to showing the world why indie presses continue to be a leading source for award-winning poetry.

28. Goodreads

Did you know that there are over 125 million members on Goodreads? When users review books, they can have conversations with fellow readers and follow reviewers too. If you’re looking for the biggest community, there’s no doubt Goodreads is the one. I like using sites like this because it helps you catalog books, one of my favorite ways to build a strong reading habit . 

29. The Storygraph

A big community of active users that’s Amazon free! Come review books, use half & quarter stars (!), and complete reading challenges. You got this.

29. Bookwyrm

Bookwyrm is small (around 5,000 members at the time of this writing), but doesn’t that sound kind of nice? There are active members and a genuine collective goal in talking books. Grow with it. I think you’ll be comfy here. There are other communities within the Bookwyrm umbrella too, like Bookrastinating .

30. Reedsy Discovery

I hold a special place in my heart for book review sites dedicated to helping writers! I got into this business as a book marketer, and I experienced first-hand, through hundreds of books, how hard it was to get exposure & validation for small press and self-published authors. 

Reedsy Discovery is a branch of Reedsy (the author resource company) that connects authors & reviewers so that people can read free books, sometimes receive tips for it, and authors can get more reviews in the process. Readers can choose from the latest books as well as the ones that are getting the best reviews.

31. Netgalley

Netgalley is a book review site for pre-released books. Reviewers sign up for a free account, request galleys from publishers and indie authors, and get to read them before they’re published so that they can leave reviews for the book, preferably on Amazon, Goodreads, or their blog. They also run Bookish , the editorial arm of Netgalley, which has book recommendations, interviews, and more.

32. Online Book Club

This review site combines a bunch of cool things! The 4-million member community gives me a lot of Goodreads vibes, especially with the Bookshelves app . But Online Book Club is a place for you to get eBook deals and talk about books in reviews and forums.

What are your favorite book review sites to follow? Let us know in the comments!

Thank you for reading “ Top-Notch Book Review Sites for Readers & Writers !” If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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6 comments on “ 30+ top-notch book review sites for readers & writers ”.

Pingback: 24 Dos & Don'ts of Book Publicity | Tips on Research, Pitching & More - Independent Book Review

Check out http://www.literaryvault.com for best book reviews and author interviews. The literary Vault is a blog run and owned by a 13-year-old passionate reader who loves to share her passion and recommendations with others.

Thank you for the information!

Book review sites serve as invaluable resources for both readers and writers, offering insightful critiques, recommendations, and discussions on a wide range of literary works. Whether you’re seeking your next captivating read or looking to promote your own book, these platforms provide a wealth of information and opportunities for engagement. https://ghostwritersplanet.com/

I think BookBrowse.com definitely deserves to be on this list!

I have used both Pacific Book Review and Hollywood Book Reviews and both have been amazing! The review was excellent and this is rally helped even increase my book sales. I would highly recommend! https://www.pacificbookreview.com https://www.hollywoodbookreviews.com

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