The Children's Book Review (TCBR)
http://thechildrensbookreview.com
Common Sense Media
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/
The mission of Common Sense Media is “dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the world of media and technology.
http://thechildrensbookreview.com
This is a great review resource for parents and librarians, although it lists its intended audience as children and young adults (there are only 2 reviews by children). The website is updated daily with numerous book reviews that are sorted by age and categories/themes. Parents can browse the site before making purchasing decision. There are author interviews posted several times per week and featured videos highlighting an author, illustrator, or specific book title. The site has a Book Shop in which a user can purchase titles via Amazon, and a portion of the proceeds return to thechildrensbookreview.com
This site would appeal to adults that are looking for book recommendations. The option to narrow searches by age 0-3, 4-8, 9-12, and teens/YA would be useful for parents that are not interested in weeding through books for all ages. There a weekly opportunities to participate in book giveaways by posting a comment on the page. Users can follow on Twitter or subscribe to a free e-newsletter to get the latest news sent directly.
I would recommend this site to parents because it is an easy to remember url. The layout of the site is neat. Reviews are concise and include the book’s length, recommended age group, and publisher information. There is an annual holiday guide published. However I would continue to recommend the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books holiday guide as I believe it to be a more comprehensive resource in terms of quality and content.
Common Sense Media
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/
The mission of Common Sense Media is “dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the world of media and technology.
We exist because our nation’s children spend more time with media and digital activities than they do with their families or in school, which profoundly impacts their social, emotional, and physical development. As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume.”
This website reviews all types of media – books, movies, games, websites, apps, and music. Reviews are completed by professionals from a variety of industry backgrounds, dedicated to ensuring that families receive accurate and timely information. Families are also able to register, login and post reviews on media that have experienced. There are thousands of reviews for books, movies games, and music. Users can find reviews by media type or narrow to search by age. Within each section, reviews are further divided by new, recommended, genre and “best”.
Commonsensemedia.org is a great review resource that librarians can use for media purchases, specifically music and games. This site would also be beneficial to parents as the Common Sense Media providers stress parents taking a responsible and active role guiding their children’s viewing choices and habits
readergirlz
http://www.readergirlz.com
Named one of the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC) Great Web Sites for Kids, readergirlz seeks to promote teen literacy and describes itself as a "cutting-edge literacy and social media project for teens." readergirlz strives to get girls thinking, reading, talking about, and celebrating books. Teens are encourage to reach out to others through community service projects and discover themselves and get to know other females by reading about strong female characters. The website blog contains book reviews and featured discussions based on monthly themes. Links to recommended sites are available as well as previously archived reviews.
This site would appeal to girls in grades 6-8, parents and librarians. Girls may enjoy chatting with peers, receiving book recommendations and links to other sites of interests. Parents and librarians could use readergirlz to find out what is popular with the age group. Librarians may also recommend this site to patrons who are avid readers, have an interest in connecting with peers with similar interests and want something more than the beauty and sexual images that are prevalent in many media outlets.
readergirlz
http://www.readergirlz.com
Named one of the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC) Great Web Sites for Kids, readergirlz seeks to promote teen literacy and describes itself as a "cutting-edge literacy and social media project for teens." readergirlz strives to get girls thinking, reading, talking about, and celebrating books. Teens are encourage to reach out to others through community service projects and discover themselves and get to know other females by reading about strong female characters. The website blog contains book reviews and featured discussions based on monthly themes. Links to recommended sites are available as well as previously archived reviews.
This site would appeal to girls in grades 6-8, parents and librarians. Girls may enjoy chatting with peers, receiving book recommendations and links to other sites of interests. Parents and librarians could use readergirlz to find out what is popular with the age group. Librarians may also recommend this site to patrons who are avid readers, have an interest in connecting with peers with similar interests and want something more than the beauty and sexual images that are prevalent in many media outlets.
