Here's How:
1. Select a book that you would like to read from either the Cornerstones of Science Children & Youth Nominees or Adult Nominees book list.

2. Check out a copy of the book at your local library. If your library does not have the book, check to see if it can be sent from another library.

3. Read the book then write a review using the review writing guidelines listed below.

4. You may also submit an original illustration inspired by the book on 8-1/2 x 11 inch paper. Attach a paragraph explaining why the book inspired you to draw. Illustrations are judged independently of the book reviews. Submit both a review and a picture and you'll have two chances to win!

5. Print the following information at the end of your book review or on the back of your illustration:
a. Your name
b. Your grade
c. Your school's name & address & your teacher (if you are participating through your school)
d. Your home phone & address
e. Your parents' names
f. E-mail address, if you have one

6. E-mail your review and / or illustration by March 31, 2008** to: jhubbell@ curtislibrary.com
E-mail submissions are preferred. You will receive acknowledgement of receipt for e-mailed reviews.

**NEW DEADLINE ANNOUNCED: April 30, 2008
In order to allow more time for our new Cornerstones of Science libraries to spread the word about this contest, we have extended the deadline to April 30. However you are welcome to send your book review and/or illustration as soon as you have completed it.

If you must mail your submission, send it to:
Jocelyn Hubbell, Cornerstones of Science, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, ME 04011

7. Questions? Call Jocelyn at (207) 725-5242 ext. 238 or e-mail her at jhubbell @ curtislibrary.com

Contest Details:
This contest is open to all youth in 3rd through 12th grades, worldwide. Participate on your own or with your class, homeschool, library, or club. Entries must be in English. Winners will be notified by May 16, 2008. A gift certificate to the Gulf of Maine Books will be awarded to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in each grade level for both the written reviews and the illustrations. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation.
NOTE: Winning reviews will be posted on-line at the Cornerstones of Science website. Winners are listed by first name & last initial, for their protection, followed by their town or city, and state. If they participated through their school, it may be listed as well.

Teachers & Librarians
In Cumberland County, Maine may request:
A free book review writing session from Jocelyn at your school or home school
Prizes and participation certificates to be awarded during your school assembly
A FREE science outreach program if your class or group turns in at least ten book reviews
TO Schedule: Call Jocelyn at (207) 725-5242 ext. 238, or e-mail her at jhubbell@ curtislibrary.com

Book Review Writing Guidelines:
Please use the standard writing format of introduction, body and conclusion.
We recommend keeping your review to no more than 300 words.
Please use the information below to help guide your writing, but do not be limited by it.

NOTE: Use your own words and be creative!
Judges grade the review for both style and completeness. Remember, they are reading 100s of reviews. Make yours fun and engaging to read.

Introduction
Give a brief overview of the book - explain what it is about - and state your overall impression of the book.
Include the title and author in this first paragraph.

Body
Expand on the statement(s) you made in the introduction.
Describe in more detail what the book is about.
Tell why you liked or disliked the book; its strengths and weaknesses.
Explain your opinion with examples from the book.
Remember, it is okay to be critical, but you have to back up your opinion (either positive or negative) by siting specific examples from the book.

Examples of What to Consider:
Worthwhile
Did this book make you think?
Is it challenging and engaging?
Did it inspire you or fill you with wonder?
Did you learn something from reading it?

Writing Style
Is the information clear and well presented, or is it confusing?
Does the book lead you through the information in an organized way?
Is new information explained before additional information is introduced?
Does the book make you want to learn more about the topic?

Illustrations or Pictures (if included in the book)
Do they help to clarify the information presented in the book?
Are they clear and easy to see, cluttered with too much visual information, or too small?
Are the colors accurate and appealing?
How would you improve the illustrations or pictures?

Reader Resources
Mention what reader resources are included:
G lossary
Index
List of related books, websites, or other resources
Pronunciation key

Conclusion
End the review by restating your overall opinion of the book.
Examples of what to consider in the conclusion:
Did you enjoy reading this book?
Did it draw you into the subject and leave you wanting to learn more?
Would you give this a five out of five star rating? If not, how many stars would you give it?
Would you recommend this book to your friends?
Mention if you think the book should remain a Cornerstones nominee, or receive top honors and become a full Cornerstone, or be returned to the library's general science collection as a good science read.