Children’s Book Committee

Young Reviewers Program

CBC LogoThe Young Reviewers Program welcomes children from toddlers through high school students who read and review books that are currently being considered by the Children’s Book Committee (CBC). Started more than 20 years ago, the program supports the CBC’s longstanding mission to evaluate books for children, parents, librarians, and educators by focusing on how books can affect young readers.

Purpose of Becoming a Young Reviewer

Reviews help the CBC to create our Best Children’s Books of the Year lists and Children’s Book Awards. Some Young Reviewers have been in the program for years and many have highlighted their experience on school and scholarship resumés.

For more information about our program, please email youngreviewers@bankstreet.edu or click the button below to fill out our registration form.

Registration Form Submit a Review Children’s Book Committee

The Children’s Book Committee

Members of the CBC have a wide range of experience in the world of education, writing, and book publishing, but the voices of children through the Young Reviewers Program provide the committee with valuable insights into the literature we read throughout each year. Reviews are shared with committee members at weekly meetings and, at the end of the year, the CBC will consider many criteria when compiling the Best Children’s Books of the Year List, including the thoughts of our Young Reviewers. Excerpts from some reviews are shared on social media and at our awards ceremony in the spring.

Children's Book Committee April Pick

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban
Author: Daniel Miyares

Twelve-year old Carlos’ idyllic life is shattered when Castro’s forces take over Cuba, but can his family survive the dangerous journey to America? Lush, action-packed art, back matter.

Our Young Reviewer Says:

I liked that it was based on something that actually happened. The characters were real people. I liked that it was narrated by someone who is my age which makes it more relatable. I liked that it was a graphic novel because it made such a big event easier to understand for a middle schooler. There are illustrations throughout the book and photographs at the end of the family. The photographs made the story come to life. The picture of the family looks like it could be any family. Thinking this family was able to make it from Cuba to Florida without getting caught is amazing. Read more…

–Emma, grade 7, Eastchester, NY

Past Monthly Picks