General News
25 June, 2026
Junior reviewers set to launch
THE Mortlake Dispatch is teaming up with the Mortlake Library and leading Australian publishers to launch a new Book Review Club, which will give kids first access to new release books and the opportunity to have their reviews published.
The Mortlake Library will this weekend launch the Book Review Club for avid readers aged 11-18.
Mortlake Library branch officer Jodie Wells-Slowgrove wanted to start an initiative which would help to encourage upper primary and high school students to get into their local library and unleash their inner writer.
She began contacting major publishers with the hopes of getting early access to some of the most exciting new releases from prominent Australian authors.
Mrs Wells-Slowgrove then contacted Western District Newspapers, proposing the concept of having reviews from club members, the Junior Reviewers, published each month.
Junior Reviewers will be able to choose a new junior or young adult novel or graphic novel to read before sharing their thoughts with fellow Book Review Club members and working together to pen their reviews.
Mrs Wells-Slowgrove said she wanted to find new ways of getting younger members of the community out and involved.
“I’m relatively new to the library, having started in May,” she said.
“I’ve arrived from a school library background in Sydney, while I am also a published author and have written a variety of book reviews.
“Children’s books are my big thing, and after a meeting between coordinators a few weeks ago it was mentioned we wanted to try and get young people into the libraries more.
“Immediately my head went towards what could happen if we get some new books in, get the kids excited and maybe give them the tantalising offer of having their name in the paper.
“It’s just another way to get the kids excited about coming to the library, and letting them know we want them here.”
The Junior Reviewers will have the opportunity to be part of an authentic reviewing experience – getting their hands on early copies to read, discuss and review – with the reviews to be published in the Mortlake Dispatch to coincide with the release date.
Mrs Wells-Slowgrove said she was able to use some of her industry connections to draw the support of leading publishers.
“When I was in Sydney I used to organise a writer’s festival, which included bringing editors out, so I was pretty confident I could get them on board,” she said.
“The publishers will be sending through copies of books before they get published.
“This is not just copying of books the library already has, but brand-new books which are being sent to us.
“The first lot of books we’ve got will be releasing in July and August, which are coming out from some of the best authors in Australia.”
The Book Review Club will have its first meeting this Saturday, June 27 at 11am in the Mortlake Library, located at 101 Dunlop Street.
Mrs Wells-Slowgrove said the group would not just be about reading and writing, but making new social connections and sharing ideas.
“Our first meeting will be a relatively quick one, talking about how our Junior Reviewers will have the chance to choose from a wide selection of books based on what they’re interested in,” she said.
“They’ll have a month to read them, and then we’ll all get together, talking about what we have read and what we like about it, so the process will have a bit of a social aspect to it, then we can all sit down and write our reviews together.
“This can be another social thing, working together in a collaborative activity while still giving our Junior Reviewers something they can put their ownership to.
“It is much like a traditional book club, except we’re not all reading the same book.
“You still have the opportunity for everyone to talk about what we’re reading together.”
Read More: Mortlake