Writing a Book Review

Activity:  Early this year you wrote a movie review on the movie version of Edgar Allen Poe's "Tell Tale Heart" story.  Now you will write a book review on a book of choice.  To prepare, visit a few book review sites and get a feeling for the writing.

Scholastic site - Maltese Falcon review

Thinkquest site - a list of middle school students' submitted reviews

Flamingnet site - A website that reviews books before they are released!  Written by teens, reviewing teen books.  You can signup to be a reviewer!  Check out some books coming out.  You may find one you want us to order for the classroom library!

Scholastic site - Learn How to Write a Book Review

Now write your own book review…on the book you have been reading for this quarter's reading log.

1ST paragraph:  Introduce the book
Brief summary.  Tell the beginning, middle, end (yes, tell the end!)  Be sure to tell the problem/major action/conflict.

2ND pargaprah:  Review specific elements:

Characters, climax, or writing style (use of figurative language...think Steinbeck)

3RD paragraph:  Verdict (thumbs up/down, stars, pick your scale)
Be sure to include a statement explaining your verdict!

The review should be written as though you were talking directly to someone thinking of reading this book. Talk to them, tell them what you thought, give them details.  Most importantly, keep it short, tight and specific.

It should be three well-developed paragraphs and should be typed.