How to Write a Book Review

You must include the following items:

• Interesting opening sentence
• Description of the book
  • Title and author of book at beginning of review
  • Description of Main Characters – provide character traits
  • Setting (time & place) – state where and when the story takes place as described in the story
  • Conflict or problem – explain the basic conflict or problem
  • Main theme/plot without giving away the ending.  Do not tell the entire story.  Just provide a little summary.
• Your evaluation/opinion of the book – Explain why you liked it and why should others should read it.  Support your opinion.
• Your first name and last initial only.

Scholastic has a great web site to learn how to write book reviews check it out at http://teacher.scholastic.com/wrItewIt/bookrev/index.htm

Read Sample Book Reviews

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Shiloh is about a boy, Bryan, who forms a special relationship with a dog, named Shiloh. Unfortunately, a cruel owner already owns the dog. Bryan is so attached to this dog, that he is willing to sacrifice almost anything to possess it. The vivid descriptions make you experience the longing the boy and the dog have to belong to each other. The author, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, makes you aware of how some people strive to be together. Shiloh is a great book to read because of the scenes and emotions that occur in the book. If you enjoy heartwarming stories, I recommend this realistic fiction book.

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl

Fantastic Mr. Fox tells the story of Mr. Fox, a kind fox who cares for his family, many other animal families that live in his tree, and three mean farmers. The three farmers tire of Mr. Fox stealing food from their farms, so they decide to camp out at his hole knowing that sooner or later Mr. Fox will have to come out to get more food. But, Mr. Fox does not come out, so the angry farmers dig into his hole. He digs further away from them. The characters in this book are fantastically funny.  Read this fantasy story to find out how Mr. Fox gets food and outsmarts the three frustrated farmers!

Reviewed by Jennifer H.

My Everest Story by Mark Pfetzer and Jack Galvin

My Everest Story is about a boy who climbs mountains. He climbs with people he doesn't know and people from his hometown. While Jack (the climber) climbs, his family is in a crisis. His dad has cancer. Jack has to go back and forth from his hometown to a mountain. Then, he has to climb the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest. Will he make it? This book is really suspenseful. I recommend this book to people who like autobiographies. This book was great!

Reviewed by Jonathan C.

A Rat's Tale by Tor Seidler

The book A Rat’s Tale, is a story about the adventures of a rat named Montague Mad-Rat.  This book is about a poor, male, messy rat and a rich, neat, female rat.  When the poor rat, Montague saves the rich rat, Isabel’s life, they fall madly in love, but neither of their parents approve.  The book starts out in central park with Montague picking berries.  The main characters in the book are Montague, Isabel, Mr. Pick Person and Pembroke.  If you have read and liked The Cricket in Times Square or Stuart Little this might be just the kind of book you have been waiting for.  This book is great for long rainy days because once you start reading it is hard to stop.  This is a great book for people of all ages.

Reviewed by Danielle P.

The Wainscott Weasel by Tor Seidler

The Wainscott Weasel is about a weasel who tries to save the town of Wainscott, by getting rid of an ospreys nest.  The weasels name is Bagley Brown Jr.  The other main characters are Wendy, Zeke and Paddy.  This book will leave you hanging after every chapter.  I think that Tor Seidler is a very good author.  Some of his other books are Mean Margaret and Rat’s Tale.  I have read both of them, but I think that this one is the best.  It is very interesting, yet exciting at the same time.  One of my favorite things about the wonderful book is the pictures. They are very well drawn.  The titles of the chapters are also very grabbing.  For example, Dry as Dust, is one of those names that when I heard it, I had to keep right on reading.  I hope that you will find the joy in reading such a great book.

Reviewed by Ayman S.