Write a Better Book Report

Introduction

Write a strong paragraph that states the book's title (underlines or italicized), genre, author's name, and publication information. Also give a brief statement about the book's angle or message.

Body

Before you get started on the body of the report, take a few minutes to jot down some helpful information by considering the following points.

Did you enjoy the book?

Was it well written?

If it was a fictional work, list the characters.

If it was a work of non-fiction, identify the writer's thesis.

What is the writing style?

Is this book a part of a series?

In the body of your book report, you will write an extended summary of the book, while weaving some of the points above through your remarks. For example, you could say:

"This book, the third in a series, offer insight to the bizarre childhood of Bethany Robbins, the main character. The author describes how Bethany developed a friendship with a skunk that lived in the woods behind her house. Alfred, the skunk, explains to Bethany the pitfalls of bathing too frequently."

The list of points should provide enough material for writing several paragraphs as you summarize. As you lead to your final paragraph, consider some additional impressions and opinions:

Was the ending satisfactory (for fiction)?

Was the thesis supported by strong evidence (for non-fiction)?

What interesting or notable facts do you know about the author?

Would you recommend this book?

Conclusion

Conclude your report with a paragraph or two that covers these additional points. Some teachers prefer that you re-state the name and author of the book in the concluding paragraphs. As always, consult your specific assignment guide. Unless instructed otherwise, your final last sentence should offer a one-sentence summary with your overall opinion, as in the following example.