Indie book reviews

IndieReader’s reviewers are tough, but fair

Our Reviewers won’t judge your book as compared to other self-published titles, but against other books, period. Our ratings are based on the following criteria, although reviewers are able to award partial stars (i.e. a 1.3 or a 4.7), rather than rounding up or down to a whole or half number.

1/5

Really bad 
Work on it.

2/5

Mediocre
1-2 bright spots.

3/5

Good
Worth reading.

4/5

Very Good
1-2 spots that need work

5/5

Excellent!
Must-read.

* IndieReader receives compensation for most of the books it reviews, along with copies of those books.

IR Approved
August 7, 2023

GOODBYE KISSES

By Georgia Trussart
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

GOODBYE KISSES by Georgia Trussart is an enjoyable children’s picture book with simple rhymes, cute illustrations and a strong, positive message that parents and caregivers...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

Rebecca Marklund's MOMMA WOULD YOU EVER? is a simple, yet subtle, children’s picture book that touches on serious life events such as aging and dying...

IR Approved
July 19, 2023

WEEKEND WITH A FASHIONISTA

By David and Emberli Pridham
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

With an assist by illustrator Nadia Ronquillo, David and Emberli Pridham's WEEKEND WITH A FASHIONISTA combines the educational with the aspirational with the aim of...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.5 / 5.0

Author Gemal Seede's and illustrator David Macedo's CHUG AND THUG'S SCARY MOVIE offers children, parents and caregivers a clever and empowering approach to managing irrational...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.4 / 5.0

Beautifully written by Madelaine MacRae with illustrations by Anna Fernandez, THE UNUSUAL PENGUIN is a beautiful picture book with an important and always timely message....

Rating:
3.5 / 5.0

Replete with wacky inventions and glorious illustrations (with some important lessons thrown in for good measure), Steven Joseph's SNOODLES IN SPACE offers a diverting introduction...

IR Approved
March 29, 2023

SANTA CAMP

By Michael Strobl
Rating:
4.8 / 5.0

With a truly unique premise, Michael Strobl's SANTA CAMP is a laugh-out-loud funny middle grade novel that can be enjoyed at any time of the...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

Nancy Manet's book MY EXPANSION, beautifully illustrated by Michelle Buvala, is an original, creative and compassionate story to encourage and offer guidance to a child...

IR Approved
February 6, 2023

THE YEAR OF THE CAT

By Phuong Chi Nguyen, Daniel Rettig, Mae Linh Rettig
Rating:
4.7 / 5.0

THE YEAR OF THE CAT by Phuong Chi Nguyen, Daniel Rettig and Mae Linh Rettig is a visually-appealing, lively story told in two languages, with...

Rating:
3.0 / 5.0

A brightly-illustrated fantasy story aimed at young children, Monika Anna Blichar's MY MAGICAL GNOME STORY BOOK is charming, but hampered by a focus on a...

IR Approved
Rating:
4.0 / 5.0

Emily Dreeling's RIVER AND THE AMAZING YELLOW WELLIE ADVENTURE is a cheerful, brightly-colored adventure that gives personality and charm to kids' rain gear.

IR Approved
Rating:
5.0 / 5.0

A heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and overcoming the odds, Caroline Rayfield's THE ADVENTURES OF MILO CHOW is a sweet and touching story that will...

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