For reviews that are styled like Annotations...

[Cheryl, first facilitator]

Margaret A. Edwards was an energetic, devoted, and brilliant pioneering YA librarian. One thing she thought important was having copies of annotated lists of good books to distribute to young people. Of course, each annotation had to make the book sound appealing, and be brief enough for a busy teen to read, perhaps while browsing the shelves looking for a book to take home right away. Many of the points Edwards made about writing effective annotations could also apply to writing effective reviews - especially of books we liked and want our friends to consider.

3. Avoid too many adjectives. Instead of saying the story is interesting or delightful or exciting, use nouns and verbs to tell what was interesting....

4. ... active voice...

5. The best annotations for young adults get moving with the first words. Somebody should be doing something....

8. Do not overrecommend [sic] the book.

9. Include statements that place the book in its proper time and place.

10. [before submitting] read the annotations aloud.

11. Only occasionally begin annotations with A and The.

12. Never use the word You.... overly familiar... patronizing.

13. Do not repeat the title or any information it gives.