How to write a book review
How to write an online Book Review (for our blog):
- Get the reader’s attention in the first line with a catchy intro, such as a short quote.
- Give the title of the book and the author’s name near the beginning of the review.
- Give a brief outline of the story, the setting and the main characters without giving too much away.
- Explain why you liked it so much.
- To whom would you recommend this story?
- Sign the review with your FIRST NAME ONLY and Year level.
Be honest: Give your review personality and remember that kids want to know what you REALLY think.
Be detailed: Tell us exactly what you liked or didn’t. Was it a story you couldn’t put down? Were the characters just like people you know? What made it special?
Be accurate: Be sure to get the title, author, and character names right, plus double-check your spelling and grammar. We aren’t able to post reviews that don’t make sense or have the wrong information.
DON’T spoil it: Please don’t give away the ending! Tell readers enough about the plot to hook them, but keep them hanging so that they want to read the book.
Find out how to write a review in more detail at: http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/bookrev/index.htm
I particularly like the tips this author gives to young writers here.
Perhaps you’d like to use a scaffold to help you write a formal book review? Find one here: http://www.aquinas.qld.edu.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=124&Itemid=152
Remember that the more reviews you read, the better your reviews will be, because you understand the genre and know what to expect in a review’s content and writing style. Look on Goodreads for lots of great reviews.
