Description
A strong book review critically evaluates the makings of the novel. As the writer, it is not your job to summarize the book. That is what can be found on the back cover if any of your readers decides to check the book out. Instead you will discuss your opinion of the book, in writing, using information from the book as support.
Required Components
Paragraph 1 | Summary
Paragraph 2 | Characterization
Paragraph 3 | Conflict
Paragraph 4 | Theme
Professional Publication
The book review should be published on the Reading Log page of your digital Reading Portfolio.
A strong book review critically evaluates the makings of the novel. As the writer, it is not your job to summarize the book. That is what can be found on the back cover if any of your readers decides to check the book out. Instead you will discuss your opinion of the book, in writing, using information from the book as support.
Required Components
Paragraph 1 | Summary
- What is the book about?
- When does the story take place? Where does the story take place?
- What is another book that is similar to this story? What makes them similar?
Paragraph 2 | Characterization
- Who are the main characters? Who is the hero (protagonist)? Who is the villain (antagonist)?
- How do the characters interact with each other?
- What do you like about the characters? What don’t you like about the characters? Why?
Paragraph 3 | Conflict
- What is the main conflict in the story?
- How do the characters respond to the conflict?
- What do you think about their response to the conflict? Why do you think they respond the way they do? What do you think they should have done differently?
Paragraph 4 | Theme
- What do you think you are supposed to learn from the story? What is the story suggesting about young adults? About human nature? About society?
- Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why?
- Rate your book. Five stars means it was one of the best books you have ever read. Zero stars means you hated it so much you can’t even comprehend why your teacher forced you to read it. Remember just because you hated the ending or the conflict or a character, doesn’t mean you hated the book. In fact, generally the more impassioned or emotional you are with a book (even a negative emotion) means you enjoyed it in some way.
Professional Publication
The book review should be published on the Reading Log page of your digital Reading Portfolio.
- Title: title of the novel (in italics) and author’s name
- Format: block paragraphs, no indents, spaces between paragraphs
- Image of the book cover
Rubric