Blog Writer – Children’s Book Reviews (Volunteer)

Description

Blog Writer – Children’s Book Reviews (Volunteer)

PromisePress | Editorial & Publishing Office

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: PromisePress — Editorial & Publishing Office

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer (Editorial Writing Role)

About Mentor A Promise & PromisePress

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, and creative expression.

PromisePress is MAP’s publishing and editorial division. Through books, blogs, and critical writing, PromisePress helps families, educators, and communities understand children’s literature as a tool for healing, representation, literacy, and emotional development.

Role Overview

The Blog Writer – Children’s Book Reviews contributes thoughtful, accessible reviews of children’s books to MAP’s blog and publishing platforms. Reviews focus on literary quality, age appropriateness, representation, emotional safety, and trauma-informed storytelling, with particular attention to books that support children experiencing instability or adversity.

This role helps guide parents, educators, and caregivers toward books that reflect dignity, care, and imagination.

Key Responsibilities

• Write clear, engaging blog posts reviewing children’s books
• Evaluate books for:
  • Age and developmental appropriateness
  • Emotional tone and safety
  • Representation and inclusivity
  • Alignment with trauma-informed and dignity-centered values
• Provide thoughtful analysis while remaining accessible to general audiences
• Collaborate with editorial leadership on tone, structure, and revisions
• Meet agreed-upon writing deadlines
• Support MAP’s broader literacy and publishing mission

Qualifications

• Strong writing and critical reading skills
• Interest in children’s literature, literacy, or education
• Ability to write clearly for parents, educators, and community readers
• Sensitivity to trauma-informed, child-centered storytelling
• Reliability and openness to editorial feedback
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and values

Preferred Skills

• Background in education, librarianship, publishing, or writing
• Experience reviewing or blogging about books
• Familiarity with picture books, early readers, or middle-grade literature
• Experience working with or supporting children and families

Commitment

• Volunteer editorial role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration

What You’ll Gain

• Published writing experience with a mission-driven nonprofit
• Editorial feedback and mentorship through PromisePress
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to influence how families and educators choose books
• A meaningful role in promoting literacy, care, and representation

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing interest in children’s literature and MAP’s mission
• Writing sample (book review or similar piece preferred)

Help amplify books that help children feel seen, safe, and inspired—one review at a time.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.