Book+Review

Book Review Rubric

six sentence synopsis
__Question(s) to consider if you are reviewing fiction:__ •In what ways does the author handle characterization? Think about static (unchanging) and dynamic (evolving) characters. •How does the setting contribute to the plot? Is the setting central to the conflicts? How do you know? •Discuss the diction (word choices and sentence structures) as it relates to your judgment of the novel. •How realistic is your book even if it is set in a fantastic place? What did the author do to make it realistic? •In what ways does the book represent this author's other novels? What did you learn about the author that helps you understand the book?

__Nonfiction Book Review Elements__ •What is the copyright date and how does the text reflect the time period •Does the book cover the topic adequately? Why or why not? •What overall rating would you give this book on whether it was helpful. •Is the author an expert on the subject? How do you know? •For which audience was this book written? How do you know? •For whom would you recommend this book and why?

• Make sure your review explains how you feel about the book and why, not just what the book is about. A good review should express the reviewer's opinion and persuade the reader to share it, to read the book, or to avoid reading it.

__Eighth Grade Book Review Format: (this should be typed and a page or more) Create a [|QRcode]also for extra credit__
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 * 1) Before you begin writing, make a few notes about the points you want to get across.
 * 2) While you're writing, try thinking of your reader as a friend to whom you're telling a story.
 * 3) Try to mention the name of the author and the book title in the first paragraph — there's nothing more frustrating than reading a review of a great book but not knowing who wrote it and what the title is!
 * 4) If possible, use one paragraph for each point you want to make about the book. It's a good way to emphasize the importance of the point. You might want to list the main points in your notes before you begin.
 * 5) Try to get the main theme of the book across in the beginning of your review. Your reader should know right away what he or she is getting into should they choose to read the book!
 * 6) Think about whether the book is part of a genre. Does the book fit into a type like mystery, adventure, or romance? What aspects of the genre does it use?
 * 7) What do you like or dislike about the book's writing style? Is it funny? Does it give you a sense of the place it's set? What is the author's/narrator's "voice" like?
 * 8) Try using a few short quotes from the book to illustrate your points. This is not absolutely necessary, but it's a good way to give your reader a sense of the author's writing style.
 * 9) Make sure your review explains how you feel about the book and why, not just what the book is about. A good review should express the reviewer's opinion and persuade the reader to share it, to read the book, or to avoid reading it.
 * 10) Do research about the author and incorporate what you learn into the review. Biographical information can help you formulate your opinion about the book, and gives your review a "depth." Remember, a book doesn't come directly from a printing press, it's a product of an author's mind, and therefore it may be helpful to know something about the author and how she or he came to write the book. For instance, a little research will reveal the following about author Harper Lee:
 * // To Kill a Mockingbird //, which won the Pulitzer Prize, is the only book she's ever published.
 * The town she called Maycomb is really Monroeville, Alabama. Many of the residents thought the author had betrayed them by writing the book.
 * Some people think she based the character Dill on Truman Capote, a famous writer who was her childhood friend.

Sample Book Review



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