Book Reviews
We do not currently accept unsolicited book reviews. However, if you are interested in writing a book review, or have a book that you would like to have reviewed in our journal please contact [email protected].
Book Review Guidelines
- A book review should be approximately 750-1000 words.
- Reviews should be written for a broad audience of educators, organizers, practitioners, and students. Avoid language that is highly technical or jargon that may not be accessible to a global audience.
- Reviews should be written with a professional tone. Any critiques should be clearly articulated in productive and respectful language.
- The review may be edited by the book review editor for minor revisions or it may be returned to authors for major revisions.
- Submissions should not be under review by other journals.
Book Review components:
All reviews should include the following:
- Citation of book and cost
- Summary of content and main arguments: consider the topic, perspective, main ideas and arguments of the book. This should be a concise summary of key points of the book
- Assessment/ analysis of the significance of the contribution: situate the book within other relevant literature. Is this a widely researched topic? An emerging field? This section is not a literature review but a glimpse at how this book interacts with the field(s).
- Audience and relevance: explore the relevance/ potential of this book for different audiences. Consider that Community Organizing Journal seeks to engage scholars, practitioners, organizers and students around the world.
- Critiques, Recommendations, Takeaways: the journal seeks dialogue and co-creativity around democratic and relational work that enables leadership development, community power, and structural change. Thoughtfully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the book.
Additional Resources:
Writing a Book Review. Purdue Online Writing Lab
How to Write an Academic Book Review. San Jose State University Writing Center