Young book reviewer whets kids’ appetite for reading
Published April 29, 2015
Not many people can claim the title of book reviewer, but Max Lagoy of Wildwood can do so with an even more impressive resume.
This particular book reviewer is only 11 years old.
※He loves that he＊s reading more and that his reviews, what he＊s saying about the book, other children are listening to him,” said his proud mom, Corrine Lagoy.
Max＊s owes his big break to PJ Our Way, a program extension of the PJ Library that promotes Jewish literature and music. While the library targets books for children ages 8 and under, PJ Our Way has expanded that demographic to kids as old as 11. The pilot program began testing in 10 cities, including St. Louis, last year.
PJ Our Way also has introduced greater choice, with participants choosing their own books from a given selection. Yet, like book purchasers in the adult world, kids need a way to determine the best ones.
That＊s where a ※national design team§ comes into the picture. Children on the 10-member team review the books for their peers, often through videos they create. That＊s the responsibility Max took on late last year. He＊ll complete his term in June.
Jennifer Baer Lotsoff, the local PJ Library coordinator, said the video and written reviews give children a chance to get energized about their reading by seeing what others their age think of their selections rather than simply hearing what an adult says.
※It is more fun and exciting for the kids to see someone like Max reviewing a book or doing a cool video about a book,§ she said. ※It gets the kids excited, and we＊re communicating with them in ways that resonate.§
Lotsoff said the program also helps children to network and make friends. Design team members meet online each month to talk about their selections.
※One design team member was chosen from each of the pilot communities so members have the opportunity to develop readership skills and connect with the nine other pilot communities across the country,§ she said.
Another member from the area will soon replace Max, who Lotsoff said was a great choice.
※I＊m so proud that he＊s representing St. Louis on the national PJ Library stage,§ she said. ※He＊s really creative and sweet and energetic, and he＊s just a really great kid.§
Max, a fifth-grader at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, said he＊s enjoyed the activity, especially working on the videos.
※I very much liked filming them because they were fun and it got me more involved with the book,§ he said.
Max said his favorite book was ※Mitzvah the Mutt,§ about a canine that goes to live with a Jewish family where he experiences Shabbat, Hanukkah and Passover.
※It was all from the dog＊s perspective,§ he said.
Corrine Lagoy said her son＊s efforts, which kicked off with him viewing a PJ Library webinar on making effective films, have been ambitious.
※His videos haven＊t just been where someone is sitting there talking,§ she said. ※His videos have had action and different locations. It is about the book, but not giving away the book.§
Lagoy said the program has ensured that her son reads a wider variety of books than he might have otherwise. It＊s also helped him with other skills.
※He’s gained responsibility because I＊ve put it all on him to finish the book on time and get his video or his review in on time and make his own appointments,§ she said.
Lotsoff said the program benefits everyone involved.
※It is an honor for our community, but it is also just amazing in general to have PJ Library be extended through age 11. That＊s a great age for kids to continue being connected with kids.§
Max likes that aspect, too.
※It makes me feel good that I＊m encouraging kids to read,§ he said.
To contact the PJ Library program in St. Louis, contact PJ Library Coordinator Jennifer Baer Lotsoff at 314-442-3867 or [email protected].
