I Review Books
For Kids, Tweens, and Teens
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Mary R. Lanni, MLIS
Professional Kidlit Book Reviewer
Hi! My name is Mary. I am a librarian and book reviewer with a focus on stories written for kids, tweens, and teens.
My goal is to help parents, librarians, and teachers get great stories in front of their children.
Check out my blog to see what I've been reading lately.
Learn more about my work in the library and beyond by clicking here or here!
Follow me on Twitter!
Why Read Reviews?
My Reviewing Process
Requests are Submitted
I receive requests directly from authors and on NetGalley to review their books and add the reviews to my blog.
Books are Selected and Reviewed
The books I choose must fit my target audience (kids, tweens, or teens) and be able to fit into my schedule.
Reviews are Shared
I post on my blog on Tuesdays and Fridays, varying my focus to include each of the three target age groups.
Yvette Clark, Author
"Thank you, @MaryLanniReads, for this lovely review. It is such a joy when a reader truly connects with the heart of a story."
Ben Gartner, Author
"Thank you so very, very much for such a kind review...[It] is spot-on to what I was trying to accomplish with the book."
"Having a librarian and mom validate our books is amazing, and it's been a bright spot in this indie-author uphill climb."
Maria Monte, Author
"Your review is absolutely gorgeous - very thoughtful and kind. It explored the story and illustrations on a deep level. I don't think anyone could write a better or more glowing review than yours on my book!"
Steve Searfoss, Author
"Wow!! Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review. And the video...totally awesome! Really appreciate it."
"Mary's experience as a children's librarian is obvious in the care and perspective she brings to her work...I highly recommend her services and can't wait to use her again for my next book!"
Alda P. Dobbs, Author
"Seriously, I don't have enough words to thank you for your beautiful review. A piece of my heart melted away as I read it. I only wish my great-grandmother were alive to see how her life inspired a book and that people are actually enjoying. I think she'd be over the moon."
Payal Doshi, Author
"Mary, thank you so much for reviewing Rea and the Blood of the Nectar! Your wonderful and insightful review touched on every aspect I hoped readers would connect with. You truly understood the essence of my book and I’m so grateful that you are a champion for the universality and need for #ownvoices novels. We need more reviewers like you! I’m so lucky to have had my book reviewed by you!"
Cindy Sabulis, Author
"When a former librarian like Mary Lanni takes the time to review your book, it’s an honor. I was one of the lucky ones to be chosen for that honor and was amazed to see how quickly she read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of my book."
Alysa Wishingrad, Author
"Thank you, Mary, for your wonderful and insightful review of The Verdigris Pawn! And ... I might just have to 'borrow' your exciting and succinct description of the plot!"
Angela Armstrong, Author
"Mary Lanni doesn’t just write intelligent and well-composed reviews, she’s incredibly organised and an excellent communicator and businesswoman. If you’re looking for a reviewer who responds, reports, and is a pleasure to deal with, you’ve come to the right place."
H.B. Reneau, Author
"I've had the pleasure of receiving feedback from Mary R. Lanni as both a beta reader and advanced reviewer for several of my young adult novels and novellas. She is a joy to work with and the care and thoroughness that this former librarian puts into her work is evident throughout. She clearly cares deeply for both books and readers alike and takes seriously her role as a steward of stories and a resource for both readers and authors. Her insight and thoughtful feedback have helped me grow as a writer and encouraged me to continue honing my craft. I would highly recommend her review and beta reading services for anyone looking for well-written, thorough feedback that gets straight to the heart of any story."
"Mary Lanni knows how to concisely sum up the heart of a book. She has her finger on the pulse of middle-grade--I love her reviews."
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"Mary has the perfect background for becoming a sought-after professional reviewer. She 100% “nailed” everything I would like to have expressed regarding my picture book, Mama Knew a Chicken, from plot to illustrations. Her insight as a thoughtful reader focused her review on some perspectives even I did not have as the author. She shines a thorough light on all aspects of the value of a book, including how the book is best suited to be used. Mary is generous, prompt and efficient in her review process. Nothing can surpass the joy of reading a review by a reader who genuinely enjoyed and “got” the essence of what an author has shared. Sincere thanks to you on behalf of Mama, who originally told this story, and me, who did not want it to be lost."