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 November Pick

Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams
Author: Katherine Paterson
Illustrator: Sally Deng

The life and accomplishments of German Jewish youth advocate who, post-WWII, established the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Retro-style color illustrations. Archival photos. Acknowledgements.

Our Young Reviewer Says:

I liked that no matter what life threw at Jella Lepman she always found a way to get what she wanted. I found this book special because it showed me no matter how many people doubt you, there is always a way to reach your goal. The illustrations helped to paint a better picture in my head of how Germany looked after the war and how Jella overcame all the obstacles in her way of making her dream Children’s Library true.

The book inspires me and other young people by showing us that no matter who we are or what time in the world it is you can always be the change in the world you want to see.

–Natalie, age 11, Mifflintown, PA.

Past Monthly Picks