Here is the format for the non-fiction book report. Remember non-fiction means that it is a
true book. Examples of non- fiction are biographies, autobiographies, true diaries, and books about
topics or time periods in history.
Here you go: Scroll down for the essay requirements.
Book Review for Non-fiction Book
Goal: This format is a more holistic approach to explaining and evaluating a piece of non-fiction
literature. Students will be able to explain the type of non-fiction book, what they have learned as
well as what else they would like to learn about the book’s topic.
Learning Results:
D: Reading informational texts: 3 – Identify the author’s purpose and point of view. 5 – Describe new
knowledge presented in the text
E. Process of writing
F. Standard English conventions
General Guidelines for the Non fiction book review
You will be expected to write a 5-paragraph book report using the following format. Your report
should be a carefully planned essay that will explains your views and what you have learned from
careful reading of the non-fiction book.
• 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 & double spaced
• Turn in both the rough draft and the final copy.
• Follow Standard English conventions.
Format for a Non Fiction Book: You should include the following sections in your book review
Paragraph one: Introduce the book- cover basic information about the book.
• Title/ author
• Type of non fiction: autobiography, biography or information related to a topic
• Who or what is the book about.
• If the book is about a person, when and where did they live?
• What is the author’s purpose in writing this book?
• Is informative but make it interesting.
Paragraph two: Prior knowledge
• Why did you select this book?
• What is your interest or connection to this topic or person?
• What did you already know about this person or topic?
• What did you expect to learn about this person or topic?
• Be specific – give details.
Paragraph three and four: Explain what you learned
1. If you book is about a person:
Explain the two most important things you learned about this person.
Such as:
• Who were they?
• What are they famous for?
• What is most interesting about them?
• What was their biggest problem they had to overcome?
• What was their biggest, most important accomplishment?
2. If your book is about a topic:
• Explain the two most interesting things you learned about your topic
• Explain how you will use this information.
• Be clear /use enough detail to fully explain your new knowledge
Paragraph five: Reflection/ connections/ opinion
• Summarize the one most important idea you want the reader to remember from your book review
• Did the author have a specific bias or point of view about the person or topic? Explain.
• Does this book remind you of other books or movies you have read of viewed?
• Explain.
• What is your opinion of the book? Does it clearly explain about the person or topic? Is it interesting
to read?
• How does the book fit the genre?
• 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 something from the book/mobile/diorama
Other ideas? See me.
Reference Sources: Write Source 2000 Mrs Bucciantinimade2006
Non Fiction Book Review Assessment Rubric
_______ Stimulating Ideas: (up to 30 points)
The writing….
• Focuses on a single piece of literature.
• Maintains a clear, consistent focus from start to finish.
• Clearly explains who or what the book is about.
• Focuses on the important aspects of the topic or person’s life
• Includes when and where the event occurred or the person lived.
_______ Logical Organization: (up to 30 points)
• Includes a discussion of the required elements as listed in the assignment sheet.
• Includes a clear beginning, strong support and thoughtful conclusion/reflection.
• Introduction explains title, author, time frame of the book and who or what the book is about.
• Supporting paragraphs are clear and supported with examples from the text.
• Clearly explains what the reader learned from reading the book.
• Presents ideas in an organized manner.
• Closing reflection includes required elements as listed in the assignment sheet.
_______ Engaging Voice/ Original Word Choice: (up to 20 points)
• Speaks in a convincing and knowledgeable way.
• Shows clearly that the writer has read and understands the text.
• Explains or defines any unfamiliar words.
• Uses language that shows a thorough understanding of the text.
_______ Smooth- Reading Sentences: (up to 10 points)
• Flows smoothly from one idea to the next.
• Uses varied sentence beginnings and lengths.
_______ Correct, Accurate Use of Grammar: (up to 10 points)
• Follows the basic rules of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Total: _________
