FAQs
General
Why do you call yourself The Horn Book? What is a horn book?
According to Bertha Mahony Miller’s first Horn Book Magazine editorial, in 1924, the mission of The Horn Book is to “blow the horn for fine books for boys and girls.” In the sixteenth century, English monks taught students to read by using a wooden paddle with an alphabet and a verse glued to the surface. These early children’s books, known as hornbooks, derived their name from the piece of transparent horn protecting the verse.
What is the difference between The Horn Book Magazine and The Horn Book Guide Online?
Published bimonthly, The Horn Book Magazine features commentary, articles, book reviews of selected new titles, and other information related to children’s and young adult literature. Its sister publication, The Horn Book Guide Online, updated monthly, offers short, critical reviews by trusted professionals of all recommended hardcover trade books published in the United States for young people.
Is the full text of The Horn Book Magazine or The Horn Book Guide Online available on this website?
The full text of The Horn Book Magazine, current or past, is not available on this website, but sample reviews, editorials, articles, and columns are posted throughout the Horn Book, Inc. site. Reviews dating back to the year 2000 from our former publication, The Horn Book Guide, are available in The Horn Book Guide Online, accessible anytime with a subscription.
What is the difference between The Horn Book Guide and The Horn Book Guide Online?
Previously published twice a year, the former print version of The Horn Book Guide contained reviews of virtually all children’s hardcover books from the previous spring or fall publishing season (a six-month period). The Horn Book Guide Online, a subscription-based site, offers short, critical reviews by trusted professionals of all recommended hardcover trade books published in the United States for young people.
What is Fanfare?
Chosen by Horn Book editors, Fanfare is the Horn Book’s selection of the best children’s and young adult books of the year. Published annually since 1938, with a few exceptions, the list currently appears in the January/February issue of The Horn Book Magazine.
What is the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award?
Awarded annually since 1967, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature honors outstanding titles in three categories: Fiction and Poetry, Nonfiction, and Picture Book.
Subscriptions & Ordering
Who subscribes to the Horn Book’s publications?
Most of our subscribers are professionals who work with younger readers: librarians and educators. We are also read by artists and writers, scholars, graduate students, and parents.
How do I purchase a new subscription?
Visit our online subscription page for The Horn Book Guide Online and our online subscription page for The Horn Book Magazine. You can also reach us by phone at 1-877-523-6072 (US) or 760-317-2335; via fax at 760-738-4802; or via mail at The Horn Book Inc., 7858 Industrial Parkway, Plain City OH 43064.
My subscription has expired. How do I renew?
Visit our online subscription page for The Horn Book Guide Online and our online subscription page for The Horn Book Magazine. You can also reach us by phone at 1-877-523-6072 (US) or 760-317-2335; via fax at 760-738-4802; or via mail at The Horn Book Inc., 7858 Industrial Parkway, Plain City OH 43064.
How do I cancel or change the address of my subscription?
You can reach us at 1-877-523-6072 (US) or 760-317-2335; via fax at 760-738-4802; via email at: subscribe@hbook.com; or via mail at Horn Book Customer Service, 7858 Industrial Parkway, Plain City OH 43064.
Where can I purchase the current issue?
A number of bookstores carry The Horn Book Magazine. If you can’t find a local bookstore on our US/Canada vendor list (PDF), please call us at 1-877-523-6072 (US) or 760-317-2335.
How do I purchase back issues?
Go to our back issues page for ordering information. You can also call us at 1-877-523-6072 (US) or 760-317-2335.
How do I order a specific Horn Book article or book review?
Individual photocopies of articles and book reviews cost $10.00 each. To order, email Customer Service at: subscribe@hbook.com; or call 1-877-523-6072 (US) or 760-317-2335. Please have the issue date (month and year) ready when ordering.
Editorial
When are The Horn Book Magazine and The Horn Book Guide Online published?
The Horn Book Magazine is published six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The Horn Book Guide Online is updated monthly and all content back to the year 2000 may be accessed by subscribers.
How do I submit books for review?
Please send two copies of all titles, prior to publication date, to be considered for review in The Horn Book Magazine and The Horn Book Guide Online to: Book Reviews, Horn Book, Inc., 300 The Fenway, Palace Road Building, Suite P-311, Boston, MA 02115. Include all publication information, including prices, publication date, and ISBN.
How do I submit an article for The Horn Book Magazine?
Articles submitted should be of a critical nature on some aspect of children’s literature and should be no longer than 1600 words. Potential contributors are advised to have a solid familiarity with The Horn Book Magazine before submitting manuscripts. Please allow four months for a decision about acceptance. Payment is received upon publication. The magazine does not publish fiction, nor does it publish work by children. To submit an article send via email to magazine at hbook.com.
Who are the reviewers?
Go to our masthead page for a list of our current reviewers.
How can I be a reviewer?
While The Horn Book Magazine rarely hires new reviewers, The Horn Book Guide Online has occasional openings and does accept applications from interested individuals. Please send a cover letter, resume, and relevant writing samples to The Horn Book, Inc., 300 The Fenway, Palace Road Building, Suite P-311, Boston, MA 02115 or email guide at hbook.com.
How do I get permission to reprint an article or review?
Email Demetrius Watson at dwatson@mediasourceinc.com with your request or call 1-888-278-0225 (US) or 646-380-0752.
