GUIDELINES FOR THE SUBMISSION OF BOOK REVIEWS

Normally, book reviews are solicited directly by the Book Review Editor, Kristopher Wells.
Inquiries should be sent directly to him.

Complicity book reviews are normally short, approximately 1000-1500 words. They should be designed to provide a quick, informative, and insightful service to Complicity readers. They bring attention to new publications and trends in the field that the reader may wish to utilize in their research and teaching or add to their own personal library. Therefore, the reviewer plays an important role in becoming a part of an unfolding dialogue that shapes the field of complexity and education. Critical reviewers are cognizant of how books and authors can reinforce dominant modes of thinking or prompt new directions for inquiry. As a result, the purpose of an effective review should be to expand boundaries as they question under developed positionings and promote promising and engaging practices. A good review should also help the reader to locate a book within current theoretical and educational perspectives and issues as they work to expand emergent understandings of complexivist principles.

An effective review accomplishes three important tasks: (1) Assesses and conveys the content and contribution of the book to the field of complexity and education, (2) provides for a critical assessment of the quality and usefulness of the book for educational researchers and practitioners, and (3) seeks to make a scholarly contribution to discourses within the emerging field of complexity and education.

Complicity also publishes essay reviews, in which one or more books, journal articles or other publications are analyzed and weaved together to provide a sophisticated review that explores complexivist themes and sensibilities and their potential implications for expanding the boundaries for educational research and practice.

Characteristics of a good book or essay review include:

• Written in an engaging and accessible language that is open to a generalist audience. Complicity readers are knowledgeable about education, but may not have in-depth experience or specialization within particular scientific disciplines.
• Reviews are timely and current to the field of complexity and education. Books indirectly related to the field of complexity and/or education that draw from complexivist understandings in science, philosophy, cultural studies, and other areas will also be considered for review.
• Reviewers should detect and describe any implicit bias or exclusion related to gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or ability.