MISD Preview Library and Book Review Program
Mesquite ISD Library Services, in cooperation with various book publishers, maintains a book review program. The purpose of this program is:
- to provide scholarly review opportunities for MISD librarians
- to promote critical evaluation of new titles
- to provide current in-district reviews for librarians to use when considering future purchases
Each year every MISD librarian will review at least 5 titles from the Preview Library. If these titles are reviewed favorably, they are eligible to be added to the reviewer's collection.
Books available for review are housed in the Library Services Preview Library, 2133 North Beltline Rd.
Review Procedure
1. Browse the Preview Library shelves at Library Services or review the Preview Library Database online to see what titles are currently available for review.
2. Request a book to review by emailing Patricia Richardson (prichardson@mesquiteisd.org). She will need the title, author and publisher and will send the book through the tub system.
3. When you receive the book, read it in its entirety - cover to cover.
4. Return to the Preview Library Database and enter your review, review date and rating in the appropriate column.
5. If you wish to add the book to your collection, send to Library Services with a note stating that it is a REVIEW book to be cataloged. You may use the book however you wish if you don't want it added to your collection.
Review Guidelines
1. The book MUST be read in its entirety - cover to cover.
2. Assign a rating of Highly Recommended, Recommended, Additional Purchase, or Not Recommended.
3. Reviews should be written in a professional manner with correct spelling and grammar. (Reviews are sent to the publishers who are providing the books.)
4. Provide some general information about the book.
- Is it part of a particular genre or series?
- What is the author's purpose in writing the book? Did he/she achieve that goal?
- What is the main theme of the book?
- What is the writing style of the book?
- descriptive
- narrative
- expository
- other?
- Are there any special physical characteristics?
4. The story or facts of the book should not be re-told in the review. Instead the book should be critically evaluated using the following criteria, as appropriate:
- Accuracy
- Objectivity
- Importance
- Thoroughness
- Usefulness
- Character
- Plot
- Theme
- Style
- Setting
- Illustrations
- Comparison to other books on the same topic
5. Describe how the book might be used in the school.
6. When appropriate, please note the following in the review:
- poor grammar
- questionable or offensive language or themes
- items in the book a librarian would want to know before purchasing
7. Reviewers should keep in mind that author, editor and publisher will receive and read a copy of the review.
SAMPLE REVIEW
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Pictures and text seamlessly provide an enjoyable story in song for the Pre-K child. Illustrations are bold, bright, and entertaining, for the young child while the rhythm of the song entertains the ear. Suzy, the rabbit, faces many obstacles as she makes her way through the forest. Using quick thinking skills, she is able to overcome the challenges and outwit the fox.
Teachers of Kinder and Pre-K will enjoy using this book with their students.
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Reading Reviews
The Preview Library Database will be used as a collection development tool. All reviews that are submitted are available to read. Reviews may be read grouped by rating, author's last name, title, reading or interest level or by publisher.
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