How to Write a Book Review

Your full name (first and last) and your school and class information: Make sure you have included this. If your librarian has a question and needs to speak with you, this will help her find you quickly.

Your classroom or Language Arts Teacher's name: You only need to fill this in if you're doing this as an assignment.

Book Title: Make sure you have the correct and complete title.  

• For example: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone not Harry Potter

Author's Name: This should be written last name, first name.

• For example: Rowling, J.K.

Summarize: To explain briefly

• For example: Harry doesn't know anything about magic. He lives with his aunt and uncle and his horrible cousin, Dudley. Then, on his eleventh birthday, he receives a message, delivered by an owl! Uncle Vernon takes the note and tries to destroy it. Magic wins out, though, and Harry discovers he was born a wizard and is invited to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Once there, Harry finds himself in an adventure of a lifetime!

What made you want to read this book?

• For example: All my friends were reading this book. I like fantasy, so I thought I'd try it.

What was good about the book?

Plot: The events that make up the story.

Characterization: Descriptions of how the person looks, talks, acts and/or feels. The author may tell you these things or you may learn about them through other characters.

Writing Style: The story may be told from the point of view of a particular character in the story or by a narrator (someone outside the story). It may be an adventure, a mystery, humorous, science fiction, historical fiction or fantasy. It could also be informational. The author may use many descriptive words or his sentences may be short and to the point. The author may use dialog (the words characters use to speak to one another). He may use a setting (where and when the story takes place) that is important to the story. The author usually has a theme (a message or lesson) he tells through the story.

Weaknesses: Think about the plot, characterization and writing style. Was there something you didn't like?

Recommendation: Who else do you think would enjoy this book? (Boys, girls, mystery lovers, children of a certain age, etc.)

• For example: Some parts of this book are scary. I think most nine year olds would enjoy it, though, especially if they like fantasy.

Book Review Criteria

I'm ready to write a review.   Click here for the Book Review Form for your school.

Still have questions? Contact Mrs. Hauptmann by Email or stop by and see her.