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Writing a Book Report

Simple Help for Students

            Before you write your book report, there are some things you should do and think about. 

	Read your book (Don't fake it!)
	Take notes on what you have read
	Setting
	Plot Summary
	Theme
	Character analysis
	Evaluation

Click here to read about: Book Reports, Taking notes, Bibliography, Student samples, The Hatchet and The Cay.

All book reports must have the Title of the book and the Author at the top of the cover page.

Remember titles of books are always underlined. Right under this must be the name of the publisher, the copyright date and the genre (type of book ex. fiction). Your name and date are to be put on the cover page as well as on the top right-hand corner of the first page. Your report must either be written or typed. You do not have to hand in a rough copy with the final copy.

Fiction: 

1. Make a list of the main characters and give a brief description of each.

2. Briefly summarize the book.

3. With which character could you most identify? Why?

4. What was your opinion of the book? What do you think the author should have done differently?
 

Nonfiction:

1. What was the author's purpose in writing this book?

2. Discuss who you think is the ideal reader for this book? Why?

3. Name three (3) important facts you discovered in the book and reasons you think they are important.

4. If the book is a how-to or self-help book, do you think the advice is worthwhile? Give reasons for your answer.
 

Biography / Autobiography:  

1. Explain whom the book was about and what he/she did to make them famous enough to have a book written about them.

2. Tell when and where the subject was born and when, where, and how he/she died. If the subject is still living, where is he/she ?

3. Describe the main character. This should include a physical description as well as likes and dislikes and what other people say or think about him/her.

4. In your opinion is this book worth reading? Why or why not.
 
 

Mystery:

1. Briefly summarize the story.

2. List the elements of the mystery that are present in the story. Be specific (i.e., crime: theft of the family, Crime solver: local police detective, etc.)

3. What was your opinion of the book? Was the action believable?
 

Science Fiction: 

1. Describe the time and place of the book you read.

2. Discuss the theme of the book you read (alien life on our planet, traveling through time, etc.)

3. Discuss the most suspenseful and surprising parts of the story.

4. Give your opinion of the book and tell whether or not you would like to live in the time and place described.

Student Samples

Here are two examples of reports written by students.  Take the time to read each one and see if you can identify the parts of a book report (setting, plot, characters, theme, evaluation).

(Click on picture for student samples)

[Taking Notes] [How to Write a Book Report] [Student Samples] [Bibliography]