Page Turners
Love to read? Help us find the books that can spark a lifelong love of reading.
Page Turners volunteers read and review books Words Alive is considering for our programs. Your perspective helps us identify books that are engaging, relevant, diverse, and meaningful for the children, teens, and families we serve.
How It Works
Three simple steps
Get started
Complete our short application to join Page Turners. We'll review it and share what you need to know to begin.
Choose a book & get a copy
Browse our current book list and choose a title you'd like to review. You can get a copy through your local library, bookstore, online retailer, or another source. You'll tell us which title you picked when you submit your review.
Read & submit your review
Read the book at your own pace, then tell us what you think. Your review helps our team determine whether a book is a good fit for Words Alive programming. We'll ask about things like the book's themes, representation, age range, and, most importantly, whether you think young readers will connect with it.
Good to know
Page Turners is flexible and self-paced.
- All ages are welcome. Volunteers under 18 will need a parent/guardian waiver.
- You choose what you read. Select from the books currently under consideration.
- You provide the book. Borrow, purchase, or otherwise obtain a copy of your selected title.
- You volunteer on your own time. Once you select a book, we ask that you follow through with the review.
Questions?
How do Page Turners help?
There are endless books in the world, and more are being added every day. We want to make sure the best of the best make it into our program, and that every title is reviewed and vetted thoroughly, with final review always happening by Words Alive staff. Have a book you'd like to recommend that's not on the list? Let us know.
How much time does it take?
It varies by book. You'll be asked to estimate your reading time when you submit your review.
Can I review more than one book?
Absolutely. Once you've submitted a review, you can choose another title.
Can children and teens participate?
Yes! Page Turners is open to all ages, with a parent/guardian waiver required for volunteers under 18.
Can I volunteer from outside San Diego?
Yes. Page Turners is a virtual opportunity.
Ready to become a Page Turner?
Fill out our short application and we'll get you set up with everything you need to begin.
Fill Out the Application