6th Grade
2nd Quarter Book Project
More information coming soon!
 
7th Grade
2nd Quarter Book Project
More information coming soon!

8th Grade
​2nd Quarter Book Project
More information coming soon!
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 This may help as you write a book review
 
Though it is YOUR review, there should be no personal pronouns in the text.  The reader will know these are YOUR thoughts.
 
Read the book and take notes. Write down your notes or use a voice recorder to document any thoughts or impressions you have of the book as you are reading. They don't have to be organized or perfect, the idea is to brainstorm any impressions you may have of the book.
 
Think about the book's genre and/or field of study. Consider how the book fits or does not fit in it's genre or field of study. If necessary, use outside sources to familiarize yourself with the field of study and the genre of the book. We have read some of “Hitler Youth” and watched videos about this topic.  All of that information can be used to help you feel like an expert on the topic.
 
Determine the major themes of the book. The theme is often a lesson or overall message that the reader perceives between the lines. The theme can also be the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a book. Authors may present multiple themes in their writing, especially works of fiction.

• Pay attention to the preface, any quotes, and /or references in the book's introduction, as this content will likely shed light on the book's major themes and viewpoint.
• A simple way to determine one of the major themes of a book is to sum up the book in one word. So, for example, the major theme of “The Book Thief” could be "perseverance”. Once you have your one word summary, stretch the single word into a message or lesson, such as "humans show perseverance even in the grimmest of circumstances.”

Consider the author's writing style. Ask yourself if the style suits the book's intended audience. Remember that genre is a category of writing and style is the manner in which a subject is expressed or performed. So, depending on the style used, the author can present different viewpoints to the intended audience.
 
This book is written in the first-person narrative.  The author lived the events and is recounting them.  Is this more powerful than someone else writing about the events?
 
Think about how well the author develops the major areas or points in the book. What areas are covered/not covered? Why? Locating gaps in the time frame or character development of the book can help you think critically. As well, noticing any well developed elements of the book will help you create good points for your review.
 
Consider any literary devices in the book. If the book is a work of fiction, think about how plot structure is developed in the story. Take notes on the book's character, plot, setting, symbols, mood or tone and how they relate to the overall theme of the book.
Think about how unique the book is. Does it add new information to a genre? The author may be trying to challenge or expand the existing rules and norms of a genre. Consider how the book does this, and how this may affect the intended audience's reception of the book.
Assess how successful the book is. Was the author successful in carrying out the overall purposes of the book and did you feel satisfied by the book's ending? Would you recommend this book to others?
 
To best write a book review, it is essential to keep track of the answers to the following questions, either as you read the book or as soon as you have finished it. All of the answers can then be incorporated into your review.
 
Questions to Consider in your Review
Narration

• Who narrated the story?
• Was it first-person narration or third-person narration?
• Was the narrator a reliable source of information?

Setting

• Note the time period and location the book is set in.
• How did setting drive or influence the plot of the book?

Theme

• Note the overall theme or message of the book.

Genre

• What genre of literature was it?
• How did it compare to another work in this genre?

Author

• Name the author.
• Discuss any previous works.
• How did previous works compare with this work?

Plot

• Give a brief plot summary without giving away any key details.

 
EVALUATION
Your Opinion

• This is the most important part of the review.
• Did you like it? Why?
• Dislike it? Why?
• Would you read more by this author? Why or why not?
• Would you encourage others to read this book? Why or why not?

 






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