Update for 5/16: The last book report is due 6/5.
Update for 4/13: The next book report is due 4/30 - that is the Wednesday after vacation. The book
report will use the essay format described below for fiction books. See the non fiction hand out if
you are reading a non fiction or true book. Happy Reading!
Update for 3/2: The next book report is a free choice. Students reading more than one adventure
book may use the second book for your book report. Use the essay format found below - scroll
down to see format.
Update for 2/24: The next book report is a free choice book. Students should select books that are
at their reading level. No more easy reads for advanced readers. Use the same essay book report
format as posted below. Due date will be adjusted for the MEA test. Stay tuned for new date.
Updatd for 2/3: I am posting the requirements for the book report here: You will use the essay
format for the remaining book reports. You may select to write about the character or the theme.
( there are 3 pages so be sure to look at them all.)
Book Review for a Fiction Book
Goal: This format is a more holistic approach to explaining and evaluating a piece of literature based
on one or more literary elements: theme, characters, conflict and plot. Students should begin to
make connections between the text and their own experiences.
Learning Results:
B. Literature and culture: Students will use reading, listening and viewing strategies to experience,
understand, and appreciate literature and culture. Using indicators 3- identify main characters; 13,
demonstrate an understanding of theme.
E. Process of Writing
F. Standard English conventions
General Guidelines for the book review
You will be expected to write a 5-paragraph book report using one of the following formats. Your
book review should be a carefully planned essay that explains your views and what you have learned
from careful reading of the novel.
• You should write a rough draft and revise the final copy.
• Paragraphs should include clear topic sentences and be 6-10 sentences long.
• Final copy should be typed, size 12, Times New Roman
• Turn in both the rough draft and the final copy
• Follow standard English conventions
Format Choices: Choose one of the following two formats for your book review
1. Format 1 focuses on the main characters in the book
2. Format 2 focuses on theme
Reference Sources: Write Source 2000
Format 1: Character focus- You should include these sections/categories in your book review.
Paragraph one: Introduce the book- cover basic information about the book.
• Title/ author
• Genre
• Describes the setting: when/ where
• Introduces the main characters
• Describe the major conflicts or problem in the book.
• Is informative but make it interesting.
Paragraph two: Describe the main character/s
• Who are they?
• Why are they the main characters?
• What is the main character/s’ outstanding character trait?
• Support your opinions with examples from the book
Paragraph three: Motive
• What is the character/s major problem or concern in the story?
• How do certain influences or circumstances – people, setting, events or ideas- make the character/
s’ act?
• What is the character/s’ motivation in the story?
• How does the conflict impact the character/s?
• Support your opinions with examples from the book
Paragraph four: Changes
• How does the character change in the story?
• What does the character learn in the story?
• How does the theme of the book impact what the character learns or how the character changes?
• What is the author’s message to us?
• Support your opinions with examples from the book
Closing Paragraph – Reflection/ connections/opinion
• How does this book relate to you? Explain.
• Explain how the motives of the characters or the causes of events in the story are similar to or
distinct from your own experiences.
• Have you ever felt the same way as the characters? Explain.
• Does this book remind you of other books you have read or movies you have seen?
• What is your opinion of the book? How does the book fit the genre? Explain.
• You must have a final closing sentence.
Format 2: Focus on theme – You should include these sections/categories in your book review
Theme: The author’s statement or lesson about life: the meaning behind the story. Theme is usually
shown through the character’s actions, the plot, or the setting, rather than stated directly.
Paragraph one: Introduce the book- cover basic information about the book.
• Title/ author
• Genre
• Describes the setting: when/ where
• Introduces the main characters
• Describes the major conflicts or problem in the book.
• Is informative but make it interesting.
Paragraphs two and three: themes
• Select two themes in the book (one paragraph each)
• Explain the theme and the author’s message for each theme.
• Give examples from the book to support your ideas
Paragraph four: Theme and character connections
• How does the theme of the book impact what the character learns or how the character changes?
Explain.
• What is the author’s message to us?
• Support your opinions with examples from the book
Closing Paragraph – Reflection/ connections/opinion
• How does this book relate to you?
• Explain how the themes in the story are similar to or distinct from your own experiences. Be
specific with the theme.
• Does this book remind you of other books you have read or movies you have seen? Explain.
• Do you agree or disagree with the theme – the author’s message about life? Why? Explain.
• Does the theme relate to modern readers? How?
• What is your opinion of the book? How does the book fit the genre? Explain.
• You must have a final closing sentence.
Extra Credit
Write a poem related to the theme of the book.
Write a letter to the author about the book.
Illustrate a scene from the book/mobile/diorama
Other ideas? See me. Mrs Bucciantinimade2006
Update for 1/20: the next book report is due 2/5. All classes will be using the essay format for the
book report. Students will have written directions to help them.
Update for 1/2/2008:
What a lot of snow! I hope you all enjoyed your snow day!
Book Report due dates: 7th grade: Book Reports are due 1/3. I can't wait to see them!
8th grade: Revised date: Monday 1/7. Poe group - you will still have Thursday and Friday to work
on your essay.
Next book report is due 2/5: Book requirment is that the book is recommended by a teacher or
parent/guardian.
Update for 11/16: Students have had 4 weeks to complete their independent reading books. Book
Projects are due 11/27.
Update for 11/4: 8th graders will be completing a project for their next book report. Students may
chose to use the book report writing format instead of a project as well. Book report is due Tuesday
11/ 27.
Stay tuned for the list of project options to be posted this week in this space.
Update for 10/15: The next book reports are due Tuesday 10/23. All students will use the book
report format - the same as last time. The book choice this time was free choice.
Update for 9/17; 7th grade book reports are due 9/21. Students should use the format given in
class. You may use the hand out or type the book report for extra credit.
8th grade student's book report is due 9/25. Use the format given out in class.
Updates for 9/4: Students have selected new independent reading books from the young adult
realistic
fiction genre. The first book report will be due 9/21. Directions will be discussed in class and
posted
here on 9/10
Students will be recieving a list of required genres for independent reading books. Book report
requirements will be discussed in class.
