Review Policy

I am always searching for a range of books to read to, recommend to and inspire children with, especially those in Key Stage 2 (8-12 years old).
The aim of this blog is to recommend and review books to teachers and school staff to raise awareness and highlight current trends in children’s literature.

Review Policy

General information

My main reading focus is ‘middle-grade’ (8-12 years old) children’s fiction books, but I will consider requests for other primary-aged and young adult books. I will happily read and review all categories (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, picture books etc.) and genres except for religious or politically-motivated books.

I am currently only accepting submissions in print format, either ARC (advanced reader or review copies/proofs) or finished copies. If the book is a part of a series, then I may need the previous books.

Any hard copies received will be taken in to school with me when I teach to share and, when I am permanently based in a school, find their place on my bookshelf in school for many classes of children to read, review and recommend.

Reviews

All of the reviews that I write are my honest opinion. Reviews may also include comments made by children. Whilst the children or I will not lie about our feelings for a book for any reason, we will always aim to highlight and focus upon the more positive aspects of each book that we read and review.

I will make every effort to read and review in a timely fashion and with regard to release dates, but I cannot guarantee a date for review and please do bear in mind that I am a working teacher. I often read the books in the order that I receive them, but may make exception and prioritise one book over another should I need to coincide with release dates. I prefer to receive a book 3-4 months prior to when you would like the review posted. No materials submitted will be returned and are submitted at the author/publishers/publicist’s own risk of loss or damage.

The reviews that I post on my blog will then be cross-posted to Amazon, Toppsta, Goodreads & Waterstones (or a combination of these depending on suitability and may be adjusted or modified depending on the content and context) and these links will be shared on Twitter (@MrEPrimary).

Review structure

All reviews for individually sent books will include the following: 

  • Star rating
  • Cover art
  • Book stats: Title, author, illustrator, publisher, page count, release date, series status, ISBN
  • Where I received the book
  • My review: What I liked and didn’t
  • A year group/key stage suitability rating for schools (e.g. Perfect for Year 5, 6 & 7.)
  • 3Words3Emojis – the book described in 3 words and 3 corresponding emojis.
  • The first line

Bundles of books (i.e. more than 1 or by different authors etc.) that I am sent together will all be reviewed together. 

Giveaways

I will happily host giveaways and want to help authors out by hosting giveaways. Please note that many giveaways will be hosted via my Twitter page (@MrEPrimary) where it will be encouraged to retweet (RT) and, if wanted by the author, to follow theirs and my own account’s tweets to be in with a chance of being randomly drawn to win the giveaway. I will pin the most recent giveaway I am hosting to the top of my Twitter profile.

Blog tours 

I would very much like to feature both new and established authors on my blog through blog tours. If this is something you’d like to do, please let me know by using the contact page, messaging or tweeting me at @MrEPrimary or emailing MrEPrimary@gmail.com  with as much information, including any particular dates, about what you would like to see appear (e.g. summary, review, Q&A, guest post etc.) on my blog.

Cover reveals

If you would like me to exclusively reveal your book cover on a particular date, please let me know by using the contact page, messaging or tweeting me at @MrEPrimary or emailing MrEPrimary@gmail.com.
I am also happy to work in conjunction with a publisher to reveal a cover of a new book.

Contact

Please feel free to contact me using the form on the contact page, on the social media links above or send an email to MrEPrimary@gmail.com.

If you are requesting a book review, please make sure to read my Review Policy first.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, author or publisher, please get in touch if you have any questions for me. I’d love to hear from you!

Big thanks for writing and publishing amazing books for children,

Keeeeeeeep reading!
Mr E