Blog Writer – Children’s Book Reviews; Volunteer

Overview

Blog Writer – Children’s Book Reviews (Volunteer)

Promise Press | Editorial & Publishing Office — Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location:

Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type:
Volunteer (Editorial Writing Role)

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.

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

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• Published writing experience with a mission-driven nonprofit
• Editorial feedback and mentorship through Promise Press
• 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

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.