One in an occasional set of interviews with the reviewers who provide critical insights about new books from our client publishers.
We’ve been working with Jodie Rodriguez for several years now and always find her book reviews insightful. Jodie has been an educator for over 20 years teaching the little ones in early childhood schools. She has also enjoyed her time as a Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach, Curriculum Coordinator, Federal Programs Coordinator and most recently as Head of School. Now she is a parent deeply interested in helping kids (and families) find just the right book. Her website, Growing Book by Book: A Guide to Nurturing Young Readers, offers reviews, booklists, activities, and more.
How did you get started reviewing titles?
In 2010, I left a bustling position leading an elementary school in St. Louis to care for my premature son. I was really missing the educational community and had some time when my baby was sleeping to start Growing Book by Book. It was a way for me to stay creative, contribute to the educational community, and continue my passion for early literacy all while working from home.
What is your favorite genre to review?
I really love them all but I have a soft spot for amazingingly illustrated picture books and engaging board books.
Who is your ideal audience for your reviews/writing?
My primary audience is caregivers of children ages 0-8. I have lots of teachers, grandparents, and librarians who have been long-time fans.
Tell us a bit about the process from reading a book, to deciding to review/write about it.
I tend to focus on read-alouds that are good for groups of children since my audience is heavy on teachers and librarians. Plus, a great whole group read-aloud works for one on one reading, too. I share only those books that I truly enjoy and meet my high standards. Books must have kid appeal. I seek out books to create lists that are diverse and are of high quality.
How do the children in your life influence your choices?
My own kids are now teenagers, but many times I’ll read a book and think about whether they would have enjoyed it back in the day. I also read with small groups of children throughout the year so I can test out books with them too.
If your perfect book existed, what would it include?
I don’t know if I have a perfect book. A book can really take it over the top for me though if every detail is covered from thoughtful endpapers, a surprise case cover, clever illustration techniques, and backmatter. 102 by Matthew Cordell is one of the most recent books to check all those boxes for me. My perfect bookshelf though would include books that showcase the diversity of the world, are reached for time and time again, and leave a lasting memory or inspiration.
What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?
I love Thanksgiving because it’s one of the days that doesn’t require gifts. It’s all about coming together and sharing a yummy meal complete with our traditional cranberry fluff salad. I love to host so that I can have leftovers. The leftovers always seem to taste better than the original meal.
Do you have a favorite library or bookstore memory to share?
I can still smell the Carpenter Branch Library in St. Louis, Missouri, after 45 years. The children’s room was down a hall and then you descended a few steps into a cozy book hug. The library has since been renovated and doesn’t have the smell of my childhood, but I still like to go back and visit.
What other book reviewers influence your reading choices?
As my kids got older, I really relied on Erica’s site What Do We Do All Day? for middle school recommendations. She does a great job of creating diverse lists, too. I also love to see everyone’s best of lists each year. A few favorites include Evanston Public Library and the Bank Street College of Education. It’s always fun to see what overlaps with my lists.
Be sure to sign up for Jodie’s Friday newsletter for age appropriate title recommendations!
