Our Mission

To help readers find the right book for them by age, genre, literary review, and content.

Compass Book Ratings Provides a standardized rating system so everyone can more easily evaluate their reading options. Theses book reviews are for parents, teachers, librarians, readers, and anyone looking for a book that best fits their preferences for story and content.

Mature Themes and Alcohol/Drug Use Also Noted

Recent Book Reviews

I Must Betray You
by Ruta Sepetys

November 20, 2021Historical FictionRecommended for Ages 14+

The purpose of historical fiction is to awaken empathy in the reader. It’s to make historical events more than just dull facts in a history book, to make them the stories of people we care about and r…
Bright Island
by Mabel L. Robinson

November 9, 2021Historical FictionRecommended for Ages 12+

Initially published in 1937 and awarded with a Newbery Honor in 1938, Bright Island is a classic coming-of-age story that holds up wonderfully to this day. The plot is simple enough, with no major sur…
Crown Duel
by Sherwood Smith

November 9, 2021FantasyRecommended for Ages 14+

When I first started Crown Duel, I thought it was going to be a trite YA fantasy and not worth my time. This was mainly because the main character, Meliara, was repeatedly described as a short, feisty…
Newt’s Emerald
by Garth Nix

November 9, 2021RomanceRecommended for Ages 12+

Newt’s Emerald is simply a lot of fun. It manages to be light-hearted, easy to read and adventurous in a delightful alternate Regency England setting. The protagonist, Lady Truthful, is loveable and s…
Reckless
by Cornelia Funke

November 9, 2021FantasyRecommended for Ages 14+

Finding books that appeal to teenage boys is tricky, but Cornelia Funke provided a story densely packed with adventure that is sure to appeal to anyone in need of a diversion from the real world. Y…
Love and Lavender

November 9, 2021RomanceRecommended for Ages 18+

Return to Regency England in Love and Lavender, a Mayfield Family Romance. This character-driven Proper Romance from Shadow Mountain Publishing is penned by the award-winning author Josi S. Kilpack. …
The Act of Marriage After 40
by Tim and Beverly LaHaye

November 4, 2021Non-FictionRecommended for Ages 18+

The Act of Marriage, by Tim and Beverly LaHaye, has been my go-to gift for bridal showers for years. I was delighted to discover a version of the book for those who are of a more mature age. The seque…
The Paris Betrayal
by James R. Hannibal

November 4, 2021Action/AdventureRecommended for Ages 18+

James R. Hannibal knows how to write a fast moving spy thriller. The Paris Betrayal serves as a reminder that the author is talented and has a way of crafting a novel full of technology without …
By the Light of Fireflies
by Jenni L. Walsh

November 3, 2021Historical FictionRecommended for Ages 9+

I absolutely loved I Am Defiance, so when I saw that Jenni L. Walsh had a new book, it was a must-read. Even with the high expectations, Walsh didn’t disappoint with By the Light of Fireflies. It’s al…
Giant: The Unlikely Origins of Shim (Merlin Saga)
by T.A. Barron

November 3, 2021FantasyRecommended for Ages 9+

Big Foot, a.k.a. Shim is quite the kid. Like your typical 12-year-old boy, he loves food! He’s also a wonderful son and friend who when he’s not thinking about food is looking for adventure but is als…