Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Books to check out for kids: A journal
Novelty Book
For ages 8 to 12
Chronicle Books, 2006 ISBN: 978-0811850827
Writing in a journal can, for some, be a trail. How many times can one stand to write "went to school" without getting thoroughly fed up? For children who like the idea of writing in a journal but who can't come up with interesting things to say, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The creators of this book have come up with a different kind of journal writing which is fresh and entertaining. This journal is for readers and it gives them a way to take their book reading to a new level.
In the first section of the book readers can note down information about the books that they have read. This is not just a list because they have to give their "thoughts" about the book and give it a sticker and/or a star rating. The stickers for this can be found in the back of the book.
In the next section readers get to write a book report – of sorts. The pages for the "beyond the book" reports are of the "fill-in-the-blank" variety. There are letters to the author, "Insta-book" reviews, and interviews, all of which need to be completed by the reader. Much fun will be hard filling in the blanks and drawing pictures.
This section is followed by another which will provide readers with a place to write down the names of books that they "really, really, really" want to read. And, for those who need a little incentive to give time to their book reading there is a "Time to Read" section where readers will find time charts.
Finally there are lists of recommended books. These include Newbery Medal titles, National Book Award titles, and bookstore favorites (sorted by grade level).
This book would make a perfect gift for young biliophiles. Children will find that their appreciation for the books they read will be much enhanced when they use this title as their reading journal.
