Book Reviews Have you ever wondered what others have thought of a book you are considering to read? That's why book reviews are important -- you get a feeling for the book before you read it. Of course, your opinion might be totally different, and you then can write your own. So, we'll start writing some short book reviews. On Monday, use your prompt responses to help you write a review of your book so far. Reading Prompts Grade 8: Fiction Nonfiction Grade 7: Fiction Nonfiction Grade 6: Fiction Nonfiction Scholastic Book Review Support Monday Short Book ReviewsRead over your notes from last week. Then write these paragraphs: Paragraph 1:Grab your reader with an interesting event from the story. Tell: Title Author Genre Number of Pages Thesis: Your opinion [good or bad] so far. If you are writing a second Monday Review on this book, has your opinion changed? Why? Paragraph 2:Without giving away the ending, summarize the story and explain the story so far using the responses you have written.Paragraph 3:Explain what you like [ or not ] about the book so far.Paragraph 4:Conclude your Monday Short Review with a good question that leads your reader to your opinion. Final Book ReviewParagraph 1:Grab your reader with an interesting event from the story. Tell: Title Author Genre Number of Pages Thesis: Your opinion [good or bad] Paragraph 2:Without giving away the ending, summarize the story and explain one or two themes the story presents. Paragraph 3 - 4- 5 [break into paragraphs according to your topics] Evaluation:Explain what you liked [or not] about the plot, setting, characters, problem. Explain how the author developed the characters in the beginning. Explain how the author introduced the problem. Explain the writer's style [ ability to describe characters, setting; ability to use humor or suspense, etc.]
Paragraph ______ Final Opinion
Give your opinion about the book. Was it too easy to read or too hard? It was _____ because.... Was it predictable/ believable? It was [not ] believable because... Did you like the ending? [ Do not tell the ending -- you can explain what you liked about how the author led up to the ending ] What was your favorite part? -- this is important What connections did you make with your life or other books?
Paragraph _____ RecommendationWhat is your recommendation for others to read the book? What kids would like it? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the book and why? ConclusionLeave your reader with a question about the book. Scholastic Book Review Support Resources:Sample Middle School Book Reviews Time4Writing Book Review Directions Middle School Review Suggestions Scholastic Book Review Support A clear explanation and instructions for a book review are here, from UNC Writing Center, or from the Purdue Writing Center Book Review help. A template for grades 3, 4, 5: here. |