How to Write a Book Review

First Draft Due 12/15/2014

Assignment Due: 12/17/2014

Assignment Instructions:

• You will choose a book of your liking and write a book review

• You are encouraged to be creative and use online-resources, pictures, illustrations, drawings and videos.

• You will present your review to the class for a grade.

• The class will vote on the best review. The winner will receive a prize.

How to Write a Book Review

Introduction:

• Start your paragraph by introducing the book. Your paragraph should include, the title, the author’s name, where and when the story takes place and a quick review of the plot of the book. In other words, a short summary.

For example: For Ms.Robles’ Reading class, we read Laurie Halse Andersons’ historical novel Fever 1793. The story took place in Pennsylvania in the time of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 and described the experiences of Matilda Cook and her family during the outbreak.

Body of Your Review:

• The body of your essay should include a detailed review of the book. You should also include details on all the main characters.

• Identify significant moments from a book and illustrate their relative impact on the overall plot.

• Point out any themes (the subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person's thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic.)

• For further examples on theme, visit:

http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/what-is-theme-in-literature-definition-examples-quiz.html#lesson

Body of Your Review (Cont.)

• Describe the time period in the story. Did it take place during a War or is based on the future?

• Include your own reactions. How did the plot make you feel? Did the characters make you angry, sad, happy, or motivated/inspired?

Conclusion:

• Sum up and restate your final judgment of your book. Describe what your expectations were before reading the book and how it may or may have not met those expectations by the time you finished reading the book. Describe how you wish it was different or why you think it’s a good book.