In my experience, adults rarely bother reading the reviews of children's books and almost never read the books themselves - particularly if they don't have children.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I don't read young adult or children's books, now that my grandchildren are beyond the age of my reading to them. I read reviews, and so I'm aware of what's out there. But I tend not to read the books.
Kids and adults have a difference of opinion when it comes to what constitutes legitimate reading. Adults often push books that they loved as children, which, ironically, were often books that their parents weren't particularly keen on.
I rarely read or buy a book because of a review.
I wish that the adults who are 'in power' cared more about what their children read. Books are incredibly powerful when we are young - the books I read as a child have stayed with me my entire life - and yet, the people who write about books, for the most part, completely ignore children's literature.
I have so little patience with the whole Y.A. book thing. As far as I'm concerned, you either read books for children or you read books for adults.
I don't think kids have a problem reading books meant for adults; the problem is on the other side of the fence, a misconception of what one kind of literature is 'supposed' to be, perceived to be, as opposed to another: if it's for kids, it can't be any good; it's got to have been dumbed down and/or sweetened up.
As far as I'm concerned, you either read books for children, or you read books for adults.
Children will often write, 'We love your books because there are no adults in them.'
Children will not pretend to be enjoying books, and they will not read books because they have been told that these books are good. They are looking for delight.
I'm not terribly conversant with children's literature in general. I tend to read books for adults, being an adult.