How to Write a Book Review

Due: Friday, May 26

This week, you are going to write your four book review about your independent reading book. This should be about the book you agreed to finish by today.

Title your work: Your Name Book Review 4. For example Dan’s review would be called “Dan Book Review 4.” Put it in a folder called “Book Reviews”  or in your Reading Folder and don’t forget to share it with us at draphael@lrei.org and tfitzpatrick@lrei.org.

Follow these guidelines carefully.

Don’t forget that we will edit/revise your review. The more attention you pay to your grammar, spelling, and the guidelines now, the less work you’ll have later.

In the first paragraph include:

– the title of the book and author. (If the book is part of a series, mention the name of the series.)

– a description of what the book is about and a mention of who the main characters are (Your description of what the book is about should be no fewer than four sentences.)

– the setting of the book (setting is where and when)

In the second paragraph include:

– give three adjectives that describe one of the main characters. (Each adjective should be backed up with an example from the book. This part should be no fewer than four  sentences. Your first sentence should list all three adjectives. The sentences after that should give examples from the book.)

Example: Lynda Blackmon is brave, determined, and resilient. She is brave because she kept marching even though she had been hurt on Bloody Sunday. She is determined because …. Lynda is resilient because ….

In the third paragraph include:

– more details about the plot including two or three parts of the book that you found the most interesting or important with an explanation why (This part should be no fewer than 4-6 sentences.)

NEW: Include a quote from the main character that helps the reader understand the character better or that  you think is important to the plot of the book.

Example: One of the most interesting parts of the book is when Lynda woke up one morning completely petrified by the National Guardsman in front of her tent. I found this part interesting because ….

4) In the fourth paragraph include:

• whether you enjoyed the book or not (Back this up with two specific examples. This part should be no fewer than two sentences.)
• whether you would recommend this book or not (Why or why not? No fewer than two sentences.)
• your thoughts on what other books (or television shows or movies) are similar to this book and why. If the book doesn’t remind you of anything, explain why it is so unique.
• a rating of your book from one star to five stars

Five stars = I loved it. I want to read it again.

Four stars = I really liked it.

Three stars = It was pretty good.

Two stars = I didn’t like it.

One star = I didn’t like it that much.

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Deborah and Joel’s Guidelines

How to Write a Book Review

Please make sure that the book you are writing about is fourth grade book blog appropriate. If you have any questions, ask Deborah or Joel. This writing should be done in a Google Doc. Title it Your Name Book Review 2. For example Deborah’s review would be called “Deborah Book Review 2.” Put it in a folder called “Book Reviews”  or in your Reading Folder and don’t forget to share it with us at dhodge@lrei.org and jzigman@lrei.org.

Follow these guidelines carefully.

Don’t forget that we will edit/revise your review. The more attention you pay to your grammar, spelling, and the guidelines now, the less work you’ll have later.

In the first paragraph include:

– the title of the book and author. (If the book is part of a series, mention the name of the series.)

– a description of what the book is about and a mention of who the main characters are (Your description of what the book is about should be no fewer than four sentences.)

– the setting of the book (setting is where and when)

In the second paragraph include:

– give three adjectives that describe one of the main characters. (Each adjective should be backed up with an example from the book. This part should be no fewer than four  sentences. Your first sentence should list all three adjectives. The sentences after that should give examples from the book.)

Example: Lynda Blackmon is determined, brave, and resilient. Lynda’s father did not want her to march in the protests, but she was determined. So she marched. She is brave because she kept marching even though she had been hurt on Bloody Sunday. 

In the third paragraph include:

– more details about the plot including two or three parts of the book that you found the most interesting or important with an explanation why (This part should be no fewer than 4-6 sentences.)

Example: One of the most interesting parts of the book is when Lynda woke up one morning completely petrified by the National Guardsman in front of her tent. I found this part interesting because ….

3) In the fourth paragraph include:
– whether you enjoyed the book or not (Back this up with two specific examples. This part should be no fewer than two sentences.)
– whether you would recommend this book or not (Why or why not? No fewer than two sentences.)
your thoughts on what other books (or television shows or movies) are similar to this book and why
– a rating of your book from one star to five stars
Five stars = I loved it. I want to read it again.
Four stars = I really liked it.
Three stars = It was pretty good.
Two stars = I didn’t like it.
One star = I didn’t like it that much.