Books for Keiki
Book reviews online created by, for children

By Jolie Jean Cotton

My favorite Web sites for children's books are those driven by children. Two such sites top my list: Kidsreads.com appeals to a wider audience, from the very youngest reader to 12-year-olds, while cool-reads.co.uk is specifically produced for 10- to 15-year-olds.

kidsreads.com — This site offers a weekly newsletter, interviews (currently featuring conversations with authors Philip Pullman and Vera B. Williams), games, age-appropriate reading lists, a "Best Books of 2001" roundup and addresses for where to write to your favorite author.

"We asked, you said ..." is a feature where kids respond to questions such as, "If you could write a book report about any book you wanted, which one would it be?"

Reader responses range from the expected "Harry Potter" books to lesser-known titles. One reader answered, "If I could do a book report on any book, it would be 'Here's to you, Rachel Robinson,' because it is about Rachel Robinson's brother goes to boarding school and gets in LOADS of trouble!!"

cool-reads.co.uk — Cool-reads Web site was created in Britain by 12-year-old Tim Cross and 14-year-old Chris Cross. It features books for 10- to 15-year-old readers by 10- to 15-year-old reviewers. Site visitors who fall into the designated age range are encouraged to send in their own book reviews to become part of the cool-reads reviewing team.

Here's a slice of Chris' review of "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents" by Terry Pratchett:

"I found this book grips you right from the very beginning. The intriguing characters, the twisting story line and the unexpected surprises. However, the book may feel as if it is written for younger readers. Don't let this put you off however, none of the book is the least bit predictable."

You'll also find links from cool-reads to other children's book Web sites, from a site called "Mrs. Mad's Book-a-Rama" to "Reading is FUNdamental."

nytimes.com/books/specials/children.html — If you're looking for children's book reviews written by adults for adults, this is a terrific resource. It features the New York Times children's book reviews since January 1997.

achuka.co.uk — Many of America's hottest titles in kids books originate in the United Kingdom. If you want to get a jump on which books might be heading our way, this site covers the U.K.'s children's books market. This electrifying storehouse is called ACHUKA, and it's geared to adults and older readers. The site presents hot-off-the-presses news, reviews, features and information about children's authors and their books.