Book Review Prompt – English 2 and 3

English II, English III, Reading / / by

Here are the requirements for your book reviews.  1st drafts due November 1st.

Task: Write a concise review on the book you just completed.

Purpose: To inform the reader about your book as well as to persuade them to read or not to read your book.

Keep in Mind: You are reviewing the book and the writing – not the cover art and the author

Audience:  Your classmates and potential for publishing!

Elements:

  1. BRIEF Summary – should be 4-8 sentences in length
  2. NO SPOILERS – don’t give away that the brother’s girlfriend’s cousin’s dog is the killer!
  3. Include the book title and the author
  4. Consider your audience
  5. Include the genre of the book (at minimum fiction or non-fiction)
  6. Discuss likes and dislikes – consider style of writing, pacing, artwork, how the book is constructed

Outline:

This is NOT a 5-paragraph essay.  Most book reviews are not given that much space either online or in print.  Here is a rough outline to follow:

1st Paragraph:  Hook + Summary = 4-8 sentences total (1-2 sentences for the hook)

2nd Paragraph:  Review = 4-8 sentences total (this is where you include your praise and criticism of the book)

Last Sentence:  Final Verdict = 1-2 sentences total (this is styled after Voya magazines review – final recommendation to the reader as to read or not read)

TOTAL: 9-20 sentences…which means word choice and precise writing is essential!  EVIDENCE is expected!