Writing a Book Report

In classrooms all over the country, teachers are having children write book reports at younger ages. It is common for first graders to get up and discuss the book they have read. Formal book reports are common in many elementary school grades. Written book reports in most U.S. are often assigned in fourth grade.

A book report should consist of six key features:

Title

Characters

Setting

Plot

Ending

ThoughtsUnlike a book review, a book report must give details regarding how the book ends. This allows the teacher to be certain the child has read the complete book. If you can, give details from the ending of the book without giving away spoilers (the manner in which the book really ends.) If a character dies, state that a character dies, but do not tell the class or teacher which character does die.

Often book reports must include colorful illustrations to add variety. This is not true of every book report, but many students are being asked to provide a book report with complementing illustrations.

When assigned a book report, it is best to find a book that you know you will like. If you have free choice, pick a book by a favorite author. You can pick a subject that appeals to you, but you may find that the author's style is dull in comparison to your favorite. For a book report, you want a book that will hold your interest from start to finish. If your teacher picks for you, do the best you can. Often, teachers assign a genre and allow a student to find a book in that genre. This will make the selection process tricky, but rely on the recommendations of friends, online book review sites, or even your librarian.

The next step involves reading the book. Take notes along the way. It is a great idea to keep a book journal that tracks the books you have read and includes notes on the characters, setting, and plot. This prevents you from having to flip back through the book in search of information. Write down the main characters' names and double check the spelling is correct. Take notes on the setting, including the time period, state, and city, if possible. Some professionals feel that reading the book twice is the best idea, but time often fails to allow a student to read a book more than once. This is why notes are incredibly important.

Once you have read the book, organize your notes and begin an outline of your book report. Your book report will need to offer detailed answers for the following questions:

Where and when does the story take place?

Which characters are essential to the story? What is their role?

What is the main idea of the story?

Did the book end in a manner in which you felt was suitable?

How did you feel about the book? Would you willingly pay money for the book?Once you have organized your thoughts into an outline, you can begin writing your book report. Avoid listing every detail in the book, stick to the main idea or message that the author is trying to relay to the reader. After you have finished writing or typing the book report, go over it for punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors. Reading a report backwards (start at the final word and work backwards) can help catch all spelling errors. Make sure your sentences flow naturally and give enough information.

Book reports do not have to be as stressful as students make them out to be. Providing you keep your notes organized and truly read the book, your book report will wow both your peers and teacher!