How to Write a Book Report
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Book Report Fundamentals
Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .
Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.
Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.
What Is a Book Report?
"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )
This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.
"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)
Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.
"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )
This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting.
"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )
Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.
What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?
"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)
In this article from the education resource Classroom, you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.
"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)
In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.
"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)
This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.
What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?
"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)
The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.
"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.
Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.
Selecting and Finding a Book
"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)
This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.
"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)
This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.
"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)
Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."
"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)
The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.
The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.
Formats of Book Reports
"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )
Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.
"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)
Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.
How to Write an Outline
"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)
The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.
"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)
Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.
"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)
EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.
"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)
This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.
In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.
"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )
This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.
"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )
Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.
"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)
This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.
"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )
This brief but helpful post from Classroom details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.
The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.
Plot Summary and Description
"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )
This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.
"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )
In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report.
"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)
Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.
Analyzing Characters and Themes
"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )
Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.
"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)
The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.
"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )
Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."
"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )
This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.
Selecting and Integrating Quotations
"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)
This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.
"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)
This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.
"Quote Integration" (YouTube)
This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.
"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)
This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.
Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.
"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )
This brief article from the education resource Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.
"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.
"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)
Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.
Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.
How to Be an Active Reader
"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)
Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.
"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)
The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.
"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )
In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea.
"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)
Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.
Assessing Your Reading Comprehension
"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)
Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.
"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)
ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.
"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )
The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.
How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension
"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )
ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.
"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)
This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.
CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)
This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.
"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )
From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.
Methods of In-text Annotation
"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)
This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.
"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)
This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.
"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )
This article from the Book Riot blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.
"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )
This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.
Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.
Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports
"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )
These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.
"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )
This printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"
"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )
ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.
"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )
This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.
Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports
"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)
Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.
"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)
This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.
"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )
In this article for Classroom, Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.
"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )
Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .
"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)
These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.
Sample Rubrics
"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)
This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.
"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)
This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.
"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )
Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.
Creative Book Report Assignments
"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)
This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.
"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )
Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.
"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )
This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.
"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)
This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.
"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)
In this PDF resource from the NCTE's English Journal, Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.
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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example)
Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..
Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.
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How to write a book report (+ book report example)
Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.
Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples
What is a book report?
Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.
You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.
Types of book reports
Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.
Plot summary
When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.
Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:
The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.
Character analysis
If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.
- Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
- What positive characteristics does the character possess?
- Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
- Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
- Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.
In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.
Theme analyses
Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.
- Explain exactly what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
- Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
- Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
- After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.
In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.
How to write a book report
1. Thoroughly read the book
Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.
2. Identify the main elements of the book
Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.
3. Formulate a thesis statement
Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.
4. Create a detailed outline
Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.
5. Craft the introduction
The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.
6. Write the body of the report
In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.
7. Write a strong conclusion
Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.
8. Review and edit your report
After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.
9. Include citations
If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.
10. Proofread
Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.
Book report example
Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
In To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.
The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.
Book report checklist
Always include the following elements in any book report:
- The type of book report you are writing
- The book's title
- The author of the book
- The time when the story takes place
- The location where the story takes place
- The names and a brief description of each of the characters you will be discussing
- Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
- A thesis statement
- The point of view of the narrator
- Summary of the book
- The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
- The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
- The writing styles of the author
- A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book
Don't forget!
No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.
Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .
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A Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book Report (with Examples)
Last Updated: June 25, 2024 Fact Checked
- Researching
- Drafting the Report
- Reviewing & Revising
Sample Book Reports & Summaries
Expert q&a.
This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,422,061 times.
A book report is a short essay that summarizes and analyzes a work of fiction or nonfiction. Writing a book report may not seem fun at first, but it gives you a great chance to fully understand a work and its author. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to write a book report, from choosing a book and outlining to drafting and editing your final paper.
Things You Should Know
- Read the entire book and take notes on important themes, characters, and events. Use your notes to create an outline with evidence that supports your analysis.
- Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book.
- Analyze the author’s writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements.
Researching Your Book Report
- For example, find out if your teacher wants you to include citations, such as page numbers from the book, in your report.
- Ask your teacher how much of your paper to devote to summary versus analysis. Most book reports are direct summaries with objective analysis rather than your personal opinions. In contrast, a book review or commentary is more opinion-driven.
- Some popular books for book reports include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Choose a book at your grade level.
- Author: Who wrote the book? Do you know any other works by this author?
- Genre: Is the book fiction or nonfiction? If it’s fiction, is it historical, fantasy, horror, etc.? If it’s nonfiction, is it a biography, memoir, science, etc.?
- Audience: Who would find this book appealing? Is it intended for a specific age range or gender? Do you typically enjoy books like this?
- Title: Does the title catch your interest? Does it fit well with the book’s content?
- Book Cover/Illustrations: What does the book cover convey and does it accurately represent the book? How do you feel when you look at it? If the book has illustrations, what are they and do they hold your interest?
- Take breaks while reading to keep your attention sharp. Try to find a pace that is comfortable for you. If you get distracted after 15 minutes, read in 15-minute intervals. If you can go an hour, read for an hour at a time.
- Give yourself enough time to read the entire book. It’s very difficult to write a book report if you’ve just skimmed over everything. Don’t procrastinate!
- Don’t trust online book summaries. You can’t guarantee that they are accurate or true to the text.
- For example, look for a sentence that clearly describes a main setting in the book, such as “The castle was gloomy and made out of large black stones.”
Outlining Your Book Report
- Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book’s genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report.
- Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts. Focus on important aspects while avoiding spoilers.
- Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the author’s writing style and use of literary devices, like foreshadowing, metaphors, imagery, etc. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and use quotes and examples from the text.
- Themes and Messages: Identify the book’s main themes or messages and how they develop through the course of the book. Provide specific quotes and examples.
- Character Analysis: Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships. Explain their motivations, personalities, and significance to the story. Provide examples and quotes to support your analysis.
- Personal Reflection: Depending on your teacher’s instructions, you might share your personal opinions and discuss what you liked and disliked about the book. Reflect on how the book relates to broader themes or issues.
- Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with your final thoughts or reflections on the book.
- Bibliography: If required, include a works cited page or bibliography listing all the sources you used to write your book report.
- Outlining takes time, but it saves you more time once you reach the editing stage.
- Some people prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others just type up a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.
- Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like every other line is a quote, try to dial back. Aim to include a maximum of one quotation per paragraph. Quotes and examples should still take a backseat to your summary.
- For example, you’ll likely need to focus primarily on discussing the most important characters or the characters that appear most frequently in the text.
- When you are finished with your outline, go back through it to see if it makes sense. If the paragraphs don’t flow into one another, move them around or add/delete new ones until they do.
- Also, check to see if your outline covers all of the major elements of the book, such as the plot, characters, and setting.
Writing Your Book Report
- For example, a sentence summary might state, “This book is about the main character’s journey to Africa and what she learns on her travels.”
- Don’t take up too much space with your introduction. In general, an introduction should be 3-6 sentences long, though in rare cases, they may be longer or shorter.
- Use vivid language when you can and include plenty of details. For example, you might write, “The farm was surrounded by rolling hills.”
- For instance, if the main character moves to Africa, you might describe what happens before the move, how the move goes, and how they settle in once they arrive.
- For example, you might write that the main character is “a middle-aged woman who enjoys the finer things in life, such as designer clothes.” Then, connect this description to the plot summary by describing how her views change after her travels, if they do.
- Expect to introduce the characters in the same sentences and paragraphs as the plot introduction.
- You might write, “The author argues that travel gives you a new perspective. That is why her main characters all seem happier and more grounded after visiting new places.”
- For fiction, determine if the author is using the story to pass along a certain moral or lesson. For example, a book about an underdog athlete could encourage readers to take chances to pursue their dreams.
- For example, an author who uses lots of slang terms is probably going for a hip, approachable style.
- Some teachers require, or strongly suggest, that you include the author’s name and the book title in your concluding paragraph.
- When writing a conclusion , don’t introduce any new thoughts. Any important points should be made in your body paragraphs. Save the space for your recap.
Reviewing and Revising Your Book Report
- Before you submit your paper, make sure that you’ve spelled the author’s name and any character names correctly.
- Don’t trust your computer’s spell check to catch all the errors for you. Spell check can be helpful, but it isn’t perfect and can make mistakes.
- If you’re nervous about asking, try saying something like “It would be great if you could go over my book report and make sure that it reads smoothly.”
- Remember, no one’s first draft is perfect, so don’t get upset if someone suggests you do something differently. They want to help make your report the best it can be, so don’t take constructive criticism personally.
- For example, double-check that you are using the correct font, font size, and margins.
- Once you've finished proofreading, revising, and checking that you've addressed all the requirements, you're ready to submit your book report!
- Even though your book report is your own work, avoid using “I” too much. It can make your writing feel choppy. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- It might be tempting to watch the movie or read the online notes instead of reading the book. Resist this urge! Your teacher will be able to tell the difference. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Tips from our Readers
- Calm down and walk around if you get too frustrated while writing. If you write a book report while angry, you're more likely to misspell things!
- Choose a unique book. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is an absolute no. Everyone chooses those. Try something different!
- Write when anything comes to mind! You don't want to lose your ideas!
- Give yourself plenty of time to write your report. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may feel rushed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
- Stealing or using another person’s work is considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure that the work you submit is all your own. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
You Might Also Like
- ↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-book-report.html
- ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
- ↑ https://grammark.org/how-to-write-a-book-report/
- ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/steps-to-writing-a-book-report
- ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
- ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-setting
- ↑ https://www.tcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/writing-center-handouts/essay-types-plot-summary.pdf
- ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/
About This Article
To write a book report, start by introducing the author and the name of the book and then briefly summarizing the story. Next, discuss the main themes and point out what you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader. Finally, write about the author’s style of writing, paying particular attention to word choice and the overall tone of the book. For tips on editing and polishing your paper before turning it in, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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Writing a Book Report
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Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words.
Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. If you are looking to write a book review instead of a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Review .
Before You Read
Before you begin to read, consider what types of things you will need to write your book report. First, you will need to get some basic information from the book:
- Publisher location, name of publisher, year published
- Number of Pages
You can either begin your report with some sort of citation, or you can incorporate some of these items into the report itself.
Next, try to answer the following questions to get you started thinking about the book:
- Author: Who is the author? Have you read any other works by this author?
- Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? What types of people would like to read this kind of book? Do you typically read these kinds of books? Do you like them?
- Title: What does the title do for you? Does it spark your interest? Does it fit well with the text of the book?
- Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: What does the book jacket or book cover say? Is it accurate? Were you excited to read this book because of it? Are there pictures? What kinds are there? Are they interesting?
As You Read
While reading a work of fiction, keep track of the major characters. You can also do the same with biographies. When reading nonfiction works, however, look for the main ideas and be ready to talk about them.
- Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them? Were there good and bad characters?
- Main Ideas: What is the main idea of the book? What happens? What did you learn that you did not know before?
- Quotes: What parts did you like best? Are there parts that you could quote to make your report more enjoyable?
When You Are Ready to Write
Announce the book and author. Then, summarize what you have learned from the book. Explain what happens in the book, and discuss the elements you liked, did not like, would have changed, or if you would recommend this book to others and why. Consider the following items as well:
- Principles/characters: What elements did you like best? Which characters did you like best and why? How does the author unfold the story or the main idea of the book?
- Organize: Make sure that most of your paper summarizes the work. Then you may analyze the characters or themes of the work.
- Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
- Recommend: Would you recommend this book to others? Why? What would you tell them before they read it? What would you talk about after you read it?
Revising/Final Copy
Do a quick double check of your paper:
- Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
- Check the punctuation and grammar slowly.
- Make sure you provide enough summary so that your reader or instructor can tell you read the book.
- Consider adding some interesting quotes from the reading.
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How To Write a Good Book Report in Seven Steps
Are you having trouble writing your book report? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you seven easy steps that’ll help you write the perfect book report.
Quick Summary on How To Write a Book Report
- As you read the book, highlight and take notes.
- Reread the instructions of the assignment.
- Organize your notes and create an outline.
- Write a compelling introduction.
- Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.
- Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.
- Edit and proofread.
What Is a Book Report?
A book report is an essay in which students explain and support their thoughts and views on a story, novel, or any other literary work.
There are several different types of book reports. Regardless of which type you’re writing, teachers and professors usually assign book reports as a way to ensure that their students have thoroughly understood the book. Below, we’ll go over how to write a good book report in seven easy steps.
How To Write a Book Report
1. as you read the book, highlight and take notes..
The first step of writing a good book report is to read the book, of course. However, it’s important to highlight and takes notes while reading it. Highlight anything that stands out to you or that evokes certain emotions. Write notes on patterns, themes, and characters. If you’re writing a book report on a nonfiction book, write notes on the major points of the book and what you think about them.
2. Revisit and reread the instructions of the assignment.
Once you’re done reading and taking notes, reread the instructions of the assignment. Find what it is you’re supposed to write about. Is it a character analysis? A plot summary? An exploration of themes and patterns, or something else? It’s also essential to follow the formatting guidelines, so make sure to use the correct font and spacing. If you have any questions, reach out to your teacher or professor.
3. Organize your notes and create an outline.
Gather your notes and arrange them into categories. Once you’ve completed this, write an outline and organize the categories to become the paragraphs of your book report. Jot down bullet points on what each paragraph will include and what part of the book can support it. As you start writing the book report, remain flexible. You don’t have to follow the outline exactly. You may realize that a few edits create a better flow.
4. Write a compelling introduction.
The introduction should be informative and catchy. You may want to start with a quote, climactic scene, or an unusual observation you had while reading the book. Towards the end of the introduction, you should write a one or two-sentence summary about the book, and then the last sentence should explain what exactly you’ll be writing about in the rest of the report.
Book Report Elements
Keep in mind that all book reports should contain:
- The name and author of the book.
- A thesis statement.
- If you're writing about a fiction book, mention the setting, time period, and characters.
- If you’re writing about a nonfiction book, mention the author’s main point in writing the book.
- Evidence to support your arguments.
5. Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.
The body paragraphs are where you can include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence that bring your book report together.
For example, let’s say you’re writing a character analysis. You believe that the character that everyone sees as the protagonist is actually the antagonist. You should write why you believe that and include specific scenarios that help prove your point.
Or if you’re writing about a non-fiction book, you could use the body paragraphs to write about why you agree or disagree with the author. Similarly, you’d have to use examples and evidence to support your argument.
It’s a good idea to start off with your most compelling, evidence-backed point. Leave the weakest arguments for the middle, and end with another strong point. Lastly, whether you’re writing about fiction or non-fiction, commenting on writing style and tone is recommended (especially if it’s explicitly requested in the instructions).
6. Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.
The conclusion is just as important as the introduction, so make sure to set aside enough time to write one (students tend to rush through this part). Use the concluding paragraph to pull all your arguments together. Reiterate again what the main point was about, and then briefly summarize the main idea of your book report.
7. Edit and proofread.
Now that you’ve completed the first draft of your book report, it’s time to reread and make edits if needed. Are there any paragraphs you can move around that’ll improve the rhythm of your writing? Do you have enough evidence to back up your claims? Is your introduction captivating and descriptive?
While you’re rereading the book report, you should also be looking for typos and spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. If you want an extra set of eyes to look for all types of errors, you should use LanguageTool as your spelling and grammar checker. Not only will this advanced editor correct mistakes, but it supports more than twenty languages—meaning your book report will be perfect regardless of which language you’re writing it in.
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- Writing Tips
How to Write a Book Report
- 5-minute read
- 5th September 2021
A book report is an essay that summarizes the main ideas presented by the author. But how do you write a good book report? Our top tips include:
- Check the assignment instructions so you know what you need to do.
- Read the book , making notes as you go.
- Plan your book report and create an essay outline .
- Write up your report , using examples and quotes to support your points.
- Revise and proofread your work to eliminate errors.
In the rest of this post, we look at how to write a book report in more detail.
1. Check the Assignment Instructions
Book reports come in many different types, so the first thing you should do if you’re asked to write one is check the assignment instructions carefully. Key aspects of the essay instructions to pay attention to include:
- The required length of the book report (and any maximum word count ).
- Whether you will be assigned a book to write about or whether you will be asked to pick one yourself (either from a list supplied by the tutor or based on a set of requirements, such as a book about a set topic).
- What aspects of the book to write about (e.g., will it just be a summary of the book’s content, or will you also need to offer some critical analysis?).
- Any requirements for structuring and formatting your report (e.g., whether to break the essay up into sections with headings and subheadings).
If anything about the instructions is unclear, check it with your tutor.
2. Read the Book and Make Notes
Next, you’ll need to read the book you’re writing about in full, not just skim through or read a synopsis! This means you’ll need to leave enough time before the deadline to read the text thoroughly (and write up your report).
When you are reading, moreover, make sure to take notes on:
- Basic bibliographic details, including the title, author name(s), year of publication, publisher, and number of pages.
- How the book is structured (e.g., whether it uses chapters).
- The overall plot or argument, plus key ideas and/or plot points from each part.
- For works of fiction, important characters and themes.
- Significant quotations or examples you might want to use in your report.
Where possible, make sure to note down page numbers as well. This will make it easier to find the relevant parts again when you’re reviewing your notes.
3. Outline Your Book Report
How you structure your report will ultimately depend on the length (e.g., a short, 500-word report is unlikely to use separate sections and headings, while a longer one will need these to help break up the text and guide the reader) and the assignment instructions, so make sure to review these carefully.
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However, common elements of a book report include:
- An introductory paragraph or section with basic book details (e.g., the title, author(s), genre, publisher, publication date, and intended audience).
- Information about the author’s background and, where relevant, credentials.
- An overview of the book’s plot (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or its main idea (other non-fiction), sometimes with a section-by-section breakdown.
- Information on characters, setting, and themes (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or key ideas and concepts set out by the author (other non-fiction).
- Where required, critical analysis or evaluation of the book.
When planning your book report, then, use your notes and the assignment instructions to outline your essay, breaking it down into clearly defined sections and noting what you will include in each one.
4. Write Up Your Book Report
When it comes to writing up your report, helpful tips include:
- Imagine the reader will be unfamiliar with the book and try to ensure your report covers all the information they’d need to know what it is about.
- Use clear, concise language to make your report easy to follow. Look out for wordiness and repetition, and don’t be tempted to pad out your report with irrelevant details just to increase the word count!
- Use examples and quotations to support your points (but don’t rely too heavily on quotations; keep in mind that the report should be in your own words).
- Follow the formatting instructions set out in your style guide or the assignment instructions (e.g., for fonts, margins, and presenting quotations).
If you use quotations in your report, moreover, make sure to include page numbers! This will help the reader find the passages you’ve quoted.
5. Revise and Proofread Your Work
When you have the first draft of your book report, if you have time, take a short break (e.g., overnight) before re-reading it. This will help you view it objectively. Then, when you do re-read it, look out for ways you could improve it, such as:
- Typos and other errors that need correcting.
- Issues with clarity or places where the writing could be more concise (reading your work aloud can make it easier to spot clunky sentences).
- Passages that would benefit from being supported with a quote or example.
It’s also a good idea to re-read the assignment instructions one last time before submitting your work, which will help you spot any issues you missed.
Finally, if you’d like some extra help checking your writing, you can have it proofread by a professional . Submit a free sample document today to find out more.
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How to write a book report
Published September 27, 2020. Updated May 8, 2022.
Book Report Definition
A book report is essentially the summarization of a fictional or non-fictional piece of literature.
Overview of Book Report
There are 10 steps that can be followed while writing a book report:
Step 1 – Carefully read the details of your assignment
Step 2 – Read the book
Step 3 – Take notes while reading
Step 4 – Create an outline
Step 5 – Write the introductory paragraph
Step 6 – Provide some background information
Step 7 – Summarize the book and provide analysis (if requested)
Step 8 – Write a concluding paragraph
Step 9 – Edit your book report
Step 10 – Revise and check your documentation of the primary text and any outside sources you used
Is a book report the same as a book review?
No, a book report is not the same as a book review. While a book review involves your personal opinions about the piece, a book report is usually free from judgment and comparisons to other books. That being said, different instructors have different ideas about book reports, and some will actually encourage you to voice your opinion as you write your report.
Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.
Step 1: Carefully read the details of your assignment
Read the details of your assignment and make sure that you understand the task ahead. Instructors will have differing requirements, so here are a few common things to look for:
- Is there a word count or page requirement?
- The number of sources, the types of sources used (e.g., primary and secondary, peer-reviewed, etc.), where the sources are found, etc.
- Do you need to submit an outline or a thesis first?
- Are there formatting requirements? If yes, in what style? Most English and humanities courses require the use of MLA format.
- Do you need to add in-text citations and a bibliography or works cited page?
- Are there parameters around the type of book you can choose?
Make sure you understand whether your instructor thinks opinions are acceptable in a book report, or whether they simply want a fact-based overview of the book. Many instructors want students to pay special attention to specific aspects of the book, such as characters, themes, literary elements, etc.
- Have you carefully reviewed your assignment?
- Are there specific steps the professor requires for your book report?
- How does the essay need to be formatted?
- Does your book report require a bibliography and formal documentation?
- Do you need to submit an outline to your professor for approval before starting the formal drafting process?
- Are you required to summarize every chapter?
Step 2: Read the book
This step is pretty self-explanatory. Yes, you actually have to read the book in order to write a top-notch book report. While it’s true that you can find quick book summaries on the web, it’s always best to read the book yourself.
When you absorb the text yourself, you can contribute personal insights and analysis to your book report. In addition, most instructors can easily spot which students have actually read the book and which ones are simply basing their book report on someone else’s brief summary.
Step 3: Take notes while reading
Taking notes while you read a book (or any text) is an excellent strategy to help you better understand what you read and how to begin writing about it. This is referred to as annotation . It is a matter of personal preference as to whether you use an actual book or digital text.
Tips for annotation:
- Write (or type) notes in the margins.
- Underline important passages.
- Highlight sections you do not understand.
- Summarize long sections with a few main ideas.
- Identify main themes and arguments.
- Identify supporting details and sources the author uses to help prove her point.
You should also write down any direct quotes that you might want to use for your book report, but be careful not to stuff your report with too many quotes. By the time you have finished reading the book, you should have a plethora of information and insights from which to build your outline.
Step 4: Create an outline
After you’ve finished reading the entire book, it’s time to start thinking about the outline of your book report. This is the “skeleton” of your assignment, and creating an organized, general guideline will make the entire writing process easier and more streamlined.
Be careful not to go overboard when creating your outline. Remember, it’s going to be impossible to cover every single detail of the book you’ve read. Instead, target the most important moments or topics.
When creating your outline, you should also plan to devote a certain number of words to each topic or chapter. This ensures that you’re not placing too much emphasis (or too little) on one aspect of the book.
Step 5: Write the introductory paragraph
When you’re ready to start writing the main body of your book report, start with the introductory paragraph. Include the author’s name and the book’s title in the first sentence; maybe even a powerful quote that sums up the entire narrative. Remember, your first paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and “get them hooked.”
Finish your introductory paragraph with a summary of the entire book in one final sentence. Let the reader know what the book is all about before moving on.
Write from a critical point of view that assumes the reader is not familiar with the book or author at all. It is easy to mistakenly think of your audience as only your professor, but most of these assignments require you to write for a “general academic audience.” This audience would include your instructor that assigned the essay and will grade it, your classmates, and the larger academic community.
Step 6: Provide some background information
After you’ve finished your introductory paragraph, launch into your book report by providing the reader with some background information. For a fictional piece, this might involve going over the setting of the book. For a nonfiction piece, you can explore why the book was written and what kind of information it provides.
You might also want to talk about the time period in which the book was written and what the author was experiencing when he or she wrote it. In this second paragraph, you need to set the stage for the rest of the book report.
Step 7: Summarize the book and provide analysis (if requested)
It’s now time to summarize the book in its entirety. Follow your outline and go through each section. Refer to your notes and add direct quotes wherever necessary. This is the most important part of your book report and also the most time-consuming.
- Describe the setting (time and location).
- Introduce and summarize the main characters. How does the author develop them over the course of the book or narrative (story)?
- For books that contain many chapters, avoid summarizing every chapter in its entirety (unless required). Instead, focus your summary on major sections of the book and/ or plot developments.
- To keep the summary interesting, write about how the major events impact the characters.
Remember, a book report is more than simply summarizing each chapter. What are the primary plot developments? Think about what the author is trying to say. Are there any major themes? What are his/her characters trying to communicate to the reader through their actions? How do the characters transform and evolve throughout the book? By the end of the story, are their worldviews different? If so, how?
If you’re writing a report on a nonfiction book, search for the author’s primary thesis statement or argument. Is the author trying to convince the reader about something? Is she successful in her argument? How and why? What makes the book persuasive and convincing? Your book report should show that you understand the author’s central argument and assess the credibility of the research/ support the author uses to make their thesis more persuasive.
Other topics to write about:
- Devote a few paragraphs to the style and tone of the book. You may choose to hint at these points in your introduction and then give examples in the summary you provide later in your paper.
- Other literary elements to write about include characterization, setting, themes, plot, dialogue, irony, and satire. For nonfiction books, give an overview of the research and outside support the author uses to make their point more persuasive.
- Again, refer to your notes. If a specific passage or quote has a distinctive style or tone, make sure to mention this.
Step 8: Write a concluding paragraph
After you’ve finished writing your book report, it’s time to wrap everything up with a concluding paragraph. Keep this paragraph concise, and don’t introduce any new ideas. Quickly summarize everything you’ve just said and write a few succinct sentences that reestablish the general outline of the book.
Many instructors have very clear instructions regarding the concluding paragraph, and some require you to mention the author’s name and the book’s title. If your instructor allows you to voice your opinion in your book report, the concluding paragraph is the ideal place to do so. For example, you can reveal whether you’d recommend the book to others and why.
Click here to see a book report example.
Step 9: Edit your book report
While self-editing can be effective, it’s always helpful to use another pair of eyes. Ask a friend or your parents to read your book report. A fellow student may also edit your report.
Step 10: Revise and check your documentation of the primary text and any outside sources you used
After an initial editing stage, go over the report once again and search for any glaring errors. These might be small grammatical or spelling mistakes. You should also check over your quotes to make sure they have been worded correctly and confirm any outside sources used.
Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.
Book report checklist
Here’s a checklist you can go over to make sure your book report is ready to hand in. Some of these items may not be required, and your professor may also have additional requirements not mentioned on this list. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to check the specific criteria of your book report before you hand it in. Ask yourself if you included the following:
- The author’s name
- The title of the book
- The publication date
- The name of your professor/instructor and class
- A bibliography or works cited page
Also make sure you mentioned all the major events, characters, and ideas within the story.
Additional tips for writing a book report
- Use a thesaurus to increase your vocabulary.
- Use transition words to ensure readability.
- Focus on the “why” instead of the “how.”
- When reading the book, search for a quote that encapsulates the entire narrative. You can use this in your introductory paragraph.
- Make sure you understand whether your instructor accepts personal opinions in the report and write it accordingly.
- Make sure to correctly cite from the primary source (the book) and any outside sources (if required or allowed).
- Use current MLA documentation style, unless otherwise directed.
- Use concise and engaging language, logical organization, and a variety of summary, paraphrasing, short direct quotations, and explanations that lead the reader through each section you are writing about.
- Avoid unnecessary wordiness, repetition, slang, jargon, informal phrases, and, obviously, grammatical mistakes.
Example book report on One Hundred Years of Solitude
By Andy Block. Block received his B.A. in English from the University of South Carolina and his M.A. in comparative literature from the University of New Mexico. After teaching ESL in Asia and Europe as well as public school in New York City, briefly, Andy taught writing at a community college for more than a decade — before transitioning to a new career in EdTech. He is currently at work on a creative non-fiction book and enjoys freelance writing.
Common Writing Assignments, Apps & Tests
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COMMENTS
Preparing to Write. Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you'll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.
Step 2. Once you have finished reading the book and have taken thorough notes, it is time to start organizing your thoughts. Create an outline to structure your report like the one in the example above. Make sure you over all the necessary components.
2. Identify the main elements of the book. Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report. 3. Formulate a thesis statement. Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book.
Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book. Analyze the author's writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements. Part 1.
A well-designed book report prompts students to analyze characters, plotlines, themes, and literary devices, and express their thoughts and opinions in a structured manner. By using rubrics, you can provide clear guidelines and expectations, allowing students to understand the criteria for assessment.
Recording emotional flags: Emotional flags are merely points in the book that bring about emotion. Sometimes, the smaller the better. For example, for an assignment for The Red Badge of Courage, the teacher might ask students to address whether they believe Henry, the main character, is a hero.In this book, Henry sees lots of blood (emotional symbol) and death (emotional symbol) and this ...
They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 ...
3. Organize your notes and create an outline. Gather your notes and arrange them into categories. Once you've completed this, write an outline and organize the categories to become the paragraphs of your book report. Jot down bullet points on what each paragraph will include and what part of the book can support it.
2. Read the Book and Make Notes. Next, you'll need to read the book you're writing about in full, not just skim through or read a synopsis! This means you'll need to leave enough time before the deadline to read the text thoroughly (and write up your report). When you are reading, moreover, make sure to take notes on:
Writing a Book Report (plus a Rubric) Graphic Organizers can help students think about and list the major topics that will be covered in a (fiction) book report. First, read the book. As you're reading, take notes on key information, such as the names of the main characters, personality quirks of these characters, the setting, key plot twists ...
A Teacher's Guide: Assessment Criteria for Book Reports Criterion 1: Book Summary - Catching the Book's Essence. Let's start with the basics—a stellar book summary. Encourage your students to capture the heart of the book by sharing the main plot, introducing the key characters, and highlighting significant events.
Overview of Book Report. There are 10 steps that can be followed while writing a book report: Step 1 - Carefully read the details of your assignment. Step 2 - Read the book. Step 3 - Take notes while reading. Step 4 - Create an outline. Step 5 - Write the introductory paragraph. Step 6 - Provide some background information.
Creates a book report that goes above and beyond the success criteria. Includes a title, author and publisher and gives a brief description of either the author illustrator or publisher. Includes author even thought that is not something that needs to be done.
Assessment of Text. Now it's time to unleash the analytical beasts within your students! The assessment of text in a book report allows them to showcase their critical thinking and evaluation skills. A rubric that focuses on this aspect will consider criteria like the depth of analysis, identification of themes, and use of supporting evidence.
the genre (type or category) of the book (for example, biography, autobiography, or fiction) the main subject, plot, or theme of the book. a brief summary of the key points or ideas treated in the book. the reader's response to the book, identifying its apparent strengths and weaknesses. brief quotations from the book to support general ...
The key to getting an A on a book report is having the correct book report format. Use these useful book report outline tips and steps for success.
Lists most of the important events in the book, but either highlights unimportant points or reveals the conclusion. Lists some events in the book, but information is incomplete or focused on less important points. Uses multiple criteria to judge the book, such as creativity, plot, characterization, setting, and figurative language.
8. ALUATING THE BOOK AS A WHOLE: THE BOOK REVIEW A book review tells not only what is in a book but also what. book attempts to achieve and how it can be used. To discuss the uses of a book, you must explore your own reactions, for these re. ctions reveal how you have responded to the book. Thus, in writing a review, you combine the skills of ...
Elementary Book Reports Made Easy An easy one-page pdf download of a book report worksheet that would be good for elementary students. Printable Book Report Forms (Non-Fiction, Fiction, Biography, Mystery & Fable) You have lots of different options for book report templates. Whether or not you need a book report form for a biography, non ...
Name: ANDREA A. SANTOS Section: 3 BEED Book Report Rubric Task Description: The grade 4 pupils will select a classic novel and they will make a book report for it. Criteria Accomplished (4). Average (3). Developing (2). Beginning (1) Score. Introduction. Completely follows the format that should include, the title of the book, author of the book, publication date, and the name of student.
Our book report rubric maker breaks assesses students in five key criteria. Book Summary (30%) 30% of the students score on their rubric will be based on their ability to comprehend the key ideas. Summarizing chapters and/or the entire book is a valuable skill that will require the student to infer, explain, and critique.
For more than 85 years, health care professionals have "referred to the Red Book" for trustworthy guidance on pediatric infectious disease prevention, management, and control. The new 33rd edition continues this tradition of distinction with the latest clinical guidance on the manifestations, etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment ...
The Italian, Angela Carini, stopped fighting only 46 seconds into her matchup against Imane Khelif of Algeria, who had been barred from a women's event last year.