Testimonials

Hannah

My first notion of the existence of the Children’s Book Committee was through a close friend of mine who one day announced she wanted to try to do book reviews. Before this, the notion had never entered my mind that someone of my age who loved reading could do book reviews without having to submit credentials or be accepted into a special program. When I searched online, curiously, one of the first websites I discovered was that of the CBC. When I mentioned the matter to my parents, my mom strongly encouraged me to sign up. With her support, I applied and soon began writing reviews after I was approved. One of the biggest shocks I’ve ever had was when my parents showed me that the committee chose to post parts of my review of a book on their social media. I was quite humbled and gladdened to know that the CBC doesn’t only use the responses of its reviewers but seriously takes the time to look over them and spotlight the ones who do well.

The overall best part of reviewing was naturally the benefit of doing the reviews themselves. Completing the reviews for the Children’s Book Committee has helped my ability to spot character development, recognize story archetypes, and generally examine the books I read with a more critical eye. The questions asked in every book review seem almost designed to assist in analyzing literature instead of simply reading the book. In reality, their purpose is even greater, which is to give recognition to deserving authors who have poured their heart and soul into their books, and as a result, have produced novels, books of poetry, memoirs, nonfiction books, and other works of literature. To sum it up, book reviewing for the Children’s Book Committee has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience, one I feel privileged to have.

Foster

The first book I reviewed as a Bank Street Young Reviewer was “Dying to Meet You” by Kate Klise. The story, told primarily through letters, captivated my 5th-grade self. For the next eight years, reviewing books each month was a great joy. As I grew older and the books I reviewed became more complex, I commented on not just the books’ plots, but also their themes and literary techniques. And reflecting on why I enjoyed my favorite books and why I did not enjoy others, made me a more thoughtful reader. Thank you very much to everyone at the Bank Street College of Education for running the Young Reviewers program, and thank you especially to Hadassah Tannor for recommending me to the program and to Todd Jackson for sending me all those fabulous books.

Sawyer

I loved being a Bank Street Young Reviewer. Many of the books I reviewed broadened my intellectual horizons, exposing me to concepts, cultures, and literary techniques that I did not encounter in school or recreationally. Analyzing my response to a book, such as why I enjoyed it or not, improved my ability to write, to think critically, and to be introspective. The day I no longer qualified for the program was a sad one. Thanks for all the books!

Andres

When I began reviewing for Bank Street, I was just a kid who liked reading. But the experience compelled me to take books (and, by association, myself) more seriously. From where I sit now, as a book publishing industry professional and forthcoming writer-in-residence at Bucknell University, I think about my time as a Young Reviewer as a critical first step in my nascent life of literature. I’m indebted to the program and would recommend it enthusiastically!