Frequently Asked Questions

General | Subscription & Ordering | Editorial

General

Why do you call yourself the Horn Book? What is a horn book?
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 andThe Horn Book Guide?
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, appears twice a year and contains only reviews, more than 2,000 in each issue, which are rated and extensively indexed.

Is the full text of The Horn Book Magazine or The Horn Book Guide 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 Guide is available in an online format, available by subscription.

What is the difference between The Horn Book Guide and the Horn Book Guide Online?
Published twice a year, the print version of The Horn Book Guide contains 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, contains all reviews from the print Guide from 1989 to the present — more than 70,000 reviews.

What is Fanfare?
Chosen by Horn Book editors, Fanfare is the magazine'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 our January/February issue.

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.

Subscription & 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. You can also reach us by phone at 1-800-325-1170 (US) or 617-628-0225; via fax at 617-628-0882; or via mail at The Horn Book Inc., 56 Roland Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02129.

My subscription has expired. How do I renew?
Visit our online subscription page. You can also reach us by phone at 1-800-325-1170 (US) or 617-628-0225; via fax at 617-628-0882, or via mail at Horn Book, 56 Roland Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02129.

How do I cancel or change the address of my subscription?
Visit our online subscription page. You can also reach us via phone at 1-800-325-1170 (US) or 617-628-0225; via fax at 617-628-0882; or via mail at Horn Book, 56 Roland Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02129.

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 1-800-325-1170 (US) or 617-628-0225.

How do I purchase back issues?
Go to our back issues page for ordering information. You can also call us at 1-800-325-1170 (US) or 617-628-0225.

How do I order a specific Horn Book article or book review?
Individual photocopies of articles and book reviews cost $5.00 each.To order, email Katrina Hedeen at khedreen@hbook.com; or call 1-800-325-1170 (US) or 617-628-0225. Please have the issue date (month and year) ready when ordering.

Does the Horn Book offer special programs for educators?
Yes. Visit our educators' sample copies page for eligibility information.

Editorial

When areThe Horn Book Magazine and The Horn Book Guide published?
The Magazine is published six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The Guide is published twice a year, in April and October.

How do I submit books for review?
Please send two copies of all titles to be considered for review in The Horn Book Magazine and The Horn Book Guide to Review Editors, Horn Book, Inc., 56 Roland Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02129. 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 2800 words in length. 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 hard copy or disk to The Horn Book, Inc., 56 Roland Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02129. Submissions may also be sent via email to magazine@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 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., 56 Roland Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02129.

How do I get permission to reprint an article or review?
Email Katrina Hedeen at khedeen@hbook.com with your request or call 1-800-325-1170 (US) or 617-628-0228.