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5th and 6th Grade Written Book Report Instructions
Student instructions for writing a book report in fifth and sixth grade. Includes the number of paragraphs in the report and three or four things to include in each paragraph.
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FREE Printable Book Report Worksheets and Template Form
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Make sure kids are understanding what they read with these book report worksheets . These fun, free printable book report template pages are perfect for older kids in 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students. Being no-prep, these book report forms help to ensure readers are understanding what they are reading. Simply print the printable book report template to write down information about the book including the title, author, setting, main characters and the ending.
Book Report Worksheets
Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler â you will love these no-prep book report templates for children in grade 3, grade 4, grade 5 and even grade 6 students. Children need to practice writing and summarizing the major parts of the book, and ensuring they understand what they are reading, but staring at a blank page isnât going to help your early reader succeed! With the help of a book report form like these book report worksheets you can guide children to remember the most important parts of the literature they read and use it as a fun and exciting report on any book they have been reading.
Book report form
Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> _________ <<. The pdf file will open in a new window for you to save your freebie. Now print off the pages. This pack is fully black and white, which will help with printing costs.
Free printable book report template
The activities on these book reports include:
- Title of Book
- Describe the setting of the book
- Describe the main characters of the book
- Write a short summary of the book
- My Opinion of the book
- Main conflict in the story
- The solution to the conflict
My Book Report
- Recommendation
- Number of Pages
- Design a new cover
- Favourite part of the book
- Rate the book
- Draw your favorite part of the book
- Write a new ending
- What changes would you make to the story
- Interesting facts about the story/book
- New words that were learned and their definitions
Printable book report template
Whether you are a parent, teacher, homeschooler, daycare provider, or planning a summer camp â you will love these no-prep book report worksheets for kids of all ages in grade 4, grade 5 and even grade 6 and 7!
Book report for kids
Looking for other ways to help kids work on reading comprehension and summarizing a book they read? Try these free resources:
- Handy, book report template in the form of a bookmark (any book: fiction or non fiction)
- Free Printable Book Report Template for elementary age kids, works with any books
- Simple, one page Book Report Template s to ensure kids are understanding the main charaters, setting, and idea of what they are reading
- Super cute Pizza Book Report Idea with Free printable template!
- Book Report Template 3rd Grade and other elementary age kids – lots of free printable choices!
- Printable Sandwich Book Report allow kids to recall the main point, climax, characters, setting, and more in each delicious layer
- 26 more clever Book Report Ideas
- See if kids remember the moral of the story with these FREE Aesop Fables Worksheets
- While not book report, this Library Scavenger Hunt helps kids learn to navigate a library, the Dewey decimal system, book genres, and so much more with this pack of free printable scavenger hunts for kids!
- Bookshelf Reading Log printable pdf – to help encourage kids to read!
- Handy Book Report Worksheets for elementary age kids
- Parts of a Book Coloring Page
- Free Parts of a Book Worksheets
Book Recommendations
First of all, whether you stock up on books at your local library, have a robust home library, or not. You can still order books and have them conveninetly shipped to your house from Amazon. Wondering what should I read – we’ve got tons of great book recommendations for you! Click on the list you want to read and then you can conveninetly order from Amazon or print a book list to take to the library.
- 50 Books for Kindergarten Book List – books for Kindergarteners to read themselves
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- 1st grade reading books pdf – 100 Books for 1st Graders to Read Themselves
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- 2nd grade reading books pdf
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Book report printable
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>> Book Report Printable <<
Beth Gorden
Beth Gorden is the creative multi-tasking creator of 123 Homeschool 4 Me. As a busy homeschooling mother of six, she strives to create hands-on learning activities and worksheets that kids will love to make learning FUN! She has created over 1 million pages of printables to help teach kids ABCs, science, English grammar, history, math, and so much more! Beth is also the creator of 2 additional sites with even more educational activities and FREE printables – www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com and www.preschoolplayandlearn.com. Beth studied at the University of Northwestern where she got a double major to make her effective at teaching children while making education FUN!
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Thank you for these!
Thank you, your work is awesome!
these r so amazing!!! thank you for all ur hard work!!!
7 Printable Book Reports
There are numerous ways to present a book report. Over the years, my kids have created bookmobiles, book posters, and even a book shoe box. Yes, there is such a thing. Book reports encourage reading comprehension, the skill of summarizing, sequencing, and even reflection. However, sometimes we don’t want a book report to become a week-long project. That’s where printable book reports become beneficial. There are 7 FREE Printable Book Reports below! Take a look at which one would work for you and yours!
* Be sure to check out our Hamburger Paragraph Organizers and for your younger students, take a look at our large collection of Draw & Write sheets .
As a Christian Book and Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
Why Printable Book Reports
For starters, Printable Book Reports are flexible. They can be used once a year, month, quarter, or for every book your student reads. For us, we use them multiple times in a year. Printable Book Reports are also versatile and easily accessible. There are 7 different versions of our Printable Book Reports to choose from. Some versions are more appropriate for younger students while others are geared toward an older student. My 4th grader chooses a different one than my 6th grader, but both book reports offer the same benefits.
How to use Printable Book Reports
Any time you add an activity to your homeschool, make sure it is worth your time and your student’s effort. For us, these book reports allow my student the opportunity to summarize and work on their writing skills. Specifically, my kids practice developing concise sentences, editing, sequencing, and writing with a flow. That can be difficult for even experienced writers.
Before assigning your student the book report, engage in open dialogue with your child about the book. Ask them questions about their book. Get them talking about the characters, plot, setting, and dynamics of the story. This alone will assist your budding writer greatly. It is almost like verbal brainstorming. Once you have gotten a grasp on your student’s take of the book, assign them one of the 7 book reports.
From my experience, print two copies of the book report. The first copy will be their rough draft. After they complete it, address any grammar or sentence structure errors. This is also the appropriate time for them to clarify details or add sentences to connect ideas. Once this has been done, your student is ready to write their final draft. For those of you looking to expand this into a full book report project, encourage your student to illustrate a book cover on a separate sheet of paper. Then, have your student attach the illustration and written book report onto a small poster board side-by-side. It makes an impressive display!
So, no matter what book report template you choose, these can be a valuable language arts teaching tool!
DOWNLOAD 7 PRINTABLE BOOK REPORTS
Another reading comprehension option for younger students.
Your student may not be ready for the Printable Book Reports above. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t an appropriate teaching tool to use after they have finished reading a book. We use a very simple 4-square graphic organizer for our younger students when wanting to work on reading comprehension. It is something that you can work on together and can be used for a mere storybook rather than a novel. Check out our 4-Square Graphic Organizers here.
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How to Write a Book Report (+ a FREE Step-by-Step Printable for Your Kids)
Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. That means if you use them to make a purchase, I may earn a commission. You can read my full affiliate disclosure HERE .
We read a lot of books (homeschool moms, can you relate?). Right now, we are reading the Harry Potter series together as a family, and as my kids have grown, itâs been fun to see them become more interested in reading for fun. As part of our homeschooling this year, we have been learning how to write a book report, which has been a great way for me to evaluate how well my kids are understanding what they read.
My son is in 3rd grade this year and recently had a book report as one of his assignments in English. While there were a couple of steps given to him, he struggled with the process and actually putting the book report together. So I decided to create a step-by-step book report printable to help him learn how to write a book report.
I hope these printables will be a big help to your kids, too! They will walk your kids through the steps of organizing their book report, writing a draft, revising and proofreading, and writing a final copy. Plus, Iâve included a rubric for you that you can use to give helpful feedback if youâd like.
Not only will this template help your kids learn how to write a book report, but they will be fun to add to your homeschool portfolio and look back on in the future.
Why Should You Use Book Reports in Your Homeschool?
Writing a book report or using an organizer to respond to what they have read is a great way to help your kids with their reading comprehension . Itâs also fun to see their unique writing styles come to light and learn what they think about the books they have read.
Plus, I have found that incorporating book reports into our homeschool is a fun way for my kids to practice their writing skills because they get to write about a book they have loved. My son doesnât necessarily love to write, so making the writing topic interesting is really important in our current season.
They also will obviously get to practice their handwriting, and you can include an oral presentation component if youâd like to as well!
Teach Your Kids How to Write a Book Report
A book report is just what it sounds like â a detailed report your kids will write after reading a book. In the report, they will give a summary of the book and share some of the important plot points, as well as share their opinion of the book.
When my son first attempted to do his book report from his English assignment, he struggled with what to write, and how to pull it all together in one cohesive report. I wanted to really lay out the process for him, to break it down into manageable steps .
If your child is new to writing book reports, I would recommend doing the first one together . Choose a book you have been reading aloud as a family (or a new one to read together), so you can then walk through the template and process with them.
If you are reading the book together, model how to take notes of important characters and plot points as you read . These notes will be great to reference later when writing the report.
Once you are finished reading and taking notes, grab your book report template and work through the process of putting together the report ( this printable makes it so easy! ).
My Book Report Template for Kids
There are many options out there with ideas for creative and different styles of book reports (I love these ideas from We Are Teachers), but if you are looking for a simple way for your elementary-aged student to organize their thoughts into a basic book report, these are for you.
The pages include:
- 2 Book Report Planning Pages where your kids will organize their thoughts about the main characters, important plot events, and what they learned and liked about the book. They will also have space to draw out their favorite scene from the story.
- First Draft Pages where they will write a rough draft. These sheets also include checklists that will walk them through the revision and proofreading process.
- My Book Report Pages where your kids will write their final copy of their book report.
- Book Report Rubric which is a sheet you can use to offer comments and suggestions on their work, if desired.
- Reading Log page that your kids can use to keep track of what they are reading (great for your homeschool record keeping as well!)
Using a template like this will help your kids organize their thoughts in the planning pages, so itâs easier for them to put the final review together. They will see all of the important parts that need to go into their book reports, which will help them learn how to write effective reviews and recommendations.
Printable Book Report Template
Iâd love for this book report template to be a blessing to you and your family as well! Grab it below when you join my subscriber list â I love to send out freebies, homeschool tips, inspiration and more as I go through my own homeschooling journey.
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And if you love all of those, take a peek at my shop where I share some other helpful printables Iâve created for your home and homeschool.
Drop a comment below and let me know â what are some of your kidâs favorite books they have read, or what are they reading now?
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Raise the Bar Reading
A Reading Teacher's Blog
Nonfiction Book Report Templates and Ideas for 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Students
Generally, when we think of book reports, we think of fiction reading response. However, nonfiction book report templates serve equally as important of a purpose for digging deep into nonfiction texts. Â
Book reports are such a great way to encourage the use of many different reading skills with the same text. With one nonfiction text, students can practice skills like identifying main idea and details, analyzing text structure, finding nonfiction text features, summarizing, quoting, paraphrasing, finding the authorâs purpose, citing text evidence, etc. The list goes on and on!
By allowing students to practice so many skills at once, they are able to deeply analyze the text and think critically about the topic. Students can then form their own opinions on the topic and the authorâs writing style, and ask important questions for further investigation.
1. BACKPACK BOOK REPORT:
Backpack Book Reports are an engaging, hands-on twist on a classic book report. They are very easy to prep and make a great bulletin board display when completed.Â
Each page focuses on an important nonfiction reading skill. These include:Â
- Main Idea & Supporting Details
- Summarizing
- Nonfiction Text Features
- Authorâs Point of View & Text Evidence
- Text Structure
- Academic Vocabulary
- Interesting Facts
- Back Up Opinions
- Reflection (What I Learned, My Connection, Questions I Still Have)
2. BOOK REPORT TAB BOOKS:
These tab books really bring nonfiction texts to life! Students re-create the cover of their informational book on the front of their book report. Then, each of the 10 tabs represent an important nonfiction reading response skill. The tabs include:
They also come in full page option to maximize student writing space, or half page size to maximize wall space for a display.
3. INFORMATIONAL TEXT LAP BOOK REPORT:
These lap books are great in that you can have students 1.) completely design their own lap books, or 2.) provide them with more structured directions.
- Lap Book Free-Writes: The teacher tells students what nonfiction elements they are responsible for reporting on, but does not tell them exactly how to present them. The teacher provides students tools like paper, envelopes, scissors, etc. and students can present the information however they would like.
- Structured Lab Book: With this option, the teacher can set clear expectations and provide a model for how to present each nonfiction element on their lap books.
4. NONFICTION BOOK REPORT TEMPLATES:
Students can fill in each template and staple them together with the included cover page. These 10 templates are versatile in that if thereâs a skill you havenât yet covered, you can easily leave that page out until later into the school year and it wonât affect the finished book report product.
5. DIGITAL NONFICTION BOOK REPORT TEMPLATES:
These digital slides are the same as the nonfiction book report templates above, just in a digital Google Slides format. With this format, teachers can just delete any of the slides that cover skills that their students are unfamiliar with before making them their own copy.Â
6. CEREAL BOX BOOK REPORT IDEAS:
Cereal boxes are a popular 3D way to have students present their book report since cereal boxes are easily accessible for any student to get their hands on. Students cover their boxes with paper to create drawing and writing space.
The front of the box is transformed into a type of cereal that is fitting for the text they read. For example, a student reporting on owls might name their box âHoot Loopsâ. Then, the back and sides of their box are filled with information on the text.
Similar to the lap book options described above, it is up to the teacher in how much structure they want to provide in this activity. Students can follow a model of how to present each element of nonfiction, or come up with their own ways to present each element on their box.
7. ONE PAGE BOOK REPORT (One Pager) :
Not every single book report we assign needs to take up tons of class time. A one-page book report option is an essential resource as it can be used as a quick, zero prep assessment tool. Although short, this type of report can still have students dig deep into reading comprehension. Â
On the one pager that is pictured, students still use many important nonfiction skills. These include writing a nonfiction summary, identifying text structure, finding facts, giving an overall opinion, writing a recommendation, reflection on what they learned, and providing a rating.
8. PARAGRAPH WRITING WITH GUIDELINES:
If you are looking for a way to provide a lot of structure and clear expectations, you can give students a nonfiction book report writing rubric for what their reports need to include from the very start.
Students can also use graphic organizers that break down necessary points to include according to their rubric. Using a graphic organizer for prewriting is a great support for students in organizing their ideas before jumping into their drafts.Â
No matter what book report format you go with, it is important that students know and understand what is expected of their writing content. Displaying a Nonfiction Book Report Bulletin Board is such a helpful way to provide students with steps to writing a book report as well as terms they will come across in their templates.
All of the nonfiction book report templates from this blog post are included in the Nonfiction Book Reports Bundle as well as the Fiction & Nonfiction Book Reports Megabundle !
Next up: Fiction Book Report Writing Ideas
Teaching Book Report Writing: Book Report Ideas and Formats (Grades 3-5)
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Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples
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Book Report Templates
30 book report templates & reading worksheets.
Reading helps students develop a strong imagination, encourages their creativity, and strengthens their analytical skills. Teachers assign a lot of book reports to ensure that students read lots of books, especially at that critical early age when they are still trying to master the written word. To cut down on some of the workload, students and teachers can find a book report template to download and fill in. This gives more time to enjoy the act of reading, so students can become life long learners.
Table of Contents
- 1 Book Report Templates
- 2.1 Why Provide A Book Report Form
- 2.2 Sections Of A Simple Book Report
- 2.3 Sections Of A Multi-Page Report
- 3 Sample Book Reports
- 4 Difference Between The Book Report Types
- 5.1 What To Do Once You’ve Written The Report
- 6 Book Report Examples
- 7 Tips for Teachers
- 8 Tips for Students
What Is A Book Report
A book report is typically given as an assignment to students in elementary and middle school. Students fill out a form answering basic questions about the book they were assigned to read. Turning in the report serves as proof to the teacher that the student read the book and, hopefully, got something out of it.
These reports may ask students to detail what the book was about, the names of the main characters, what the theme of the book is, and where the events are set. Some reports may ask specific questions about events or characters to ensure that the students read the book all the way through. The report can also help students understand the book better by asking them to think about its meaning and the plot.
Reading Worksheets
Teachers may also hand out worksheets for students to complete in class or as homework. These are usually limited to the earlier grades when students are still learning to read. Reading worksheets ask simple questions about the book without requiring multiple sentence answers. These questions may ask students to name a favorite character, or mention the main conflict in a few words.
It’s not uncommon for the teacher to read a picture book with the class and have students fill out a worksheet afterwards. If the classroom has a bookshelf, there may also be a ‘Reading Time’ when students pick out a book to read. When they finish, the students fill out the worksheet and submit it to their teacher.
Why Provide A Book Report Form
Book report forms are a popular choice of assignment for elementary school classes. These forms make it simple for students to complete the report by filling out the worksheet. These sheets can be generic with standard questions, or teachers may create a unique sheet with questions specific to each different book that is assigned.
These forms also help introduce students to the idea of a book report format and show them what kind of information may be expected on longer, multi-page reports that they are expected to complete in the higher grades. A form is also easier to grade , especially for teachers who have a large classroom and more assignments to go over than usual.
Sections Of A Simple Book Report
A simple book report features a few sections that ask students to answer questions in paragraph format. These each ask students to detail a different element of the book. All book report forms will ask for the title, author name, and the illustrator’s name, if it is a picture book. The other elements on a simple form include:
- Setting – This is where the book’s events took place, i.e. New York.
- Characters – A list of who the main characters are and their names.
- Plot – A basic overview of the major events in the book.
- Your impressions – Whether you like the book or not, and why.
A simple form may also just ask the students to describe the beginning, middle, and end events of the book in three questions. Students may also be expected to identify the climax, which is the most intense point of the book where the main character’s problems are resolved or made worse. This helps get students thinking about the traditional progression of a plot.
Sections Of A Multi-Page Report
Eventually, teachers transition students to writing a multi-page book report. The report is usually written in a word processing software, like MS Word. Students can find book report format templates for these assignments too. These longer reports are written out in paragraph form. The teacher asks the students to address different elements of a book in their own words or with their own formatting. A simple way to organize these reports is to divide them into three basic sections, the introduction, main body, and conclusion. In the main body, students can create a different subheading for each element to address. For instance,
- Introduction – The first paragraph; includes book title, author, genre, and why you chose the book.
- Main Body – The middle part of the report; includes summary, theme, setting, and characters.
- Conclusion – A short summary of the book report and opinion of the book.
Sample Book Reports
Difference Between The Book Report Types
The short book report form is handed out by the teacher and can be completed in one night like a homework assignment. A multi-page report is created by the student and may take more than one night to finish.
Short templates are available in lots of fun book report ideas suitable for young children. They have questions with a few lines to hand write the answers in a few short sentences. Some templates may include activities to make them more interesting to students, such as having them draw out a scene from the book or re-write the ending.
Multi-page reports start out as two page reports and gradually increase in size through middle school and high school. Of course, those two page reports are just as difficult for young students as the five page reports are for high school students . The great thing about these assignments is that students are usually free to organize their book report ideas however they desire. They can create bold sub-headers for the main body of the report. Students can write about the theme, characters, and setting separately. Or they can leave out the headers and devote their report to a specific element, such as the book theme. This allows students to weave information about characters and setting into the report where they are most relevant to the theme. The former works well for short chapter books, and the latter is better for books that may feature multiple themes.
Ideas for Different Kinds of Book Reports
There is more than one way to complete a book report. Both teachers and students may find these creative ideas more interesting than a straightforward report.
Write a review of the book. Create the report in the form of a newspaper or blog review. Summarize the book without giving away the plot or the ending. Talk about what made you like it or, if you hated it. Feel free to give the book a thumbs up or down rating at the end.
Do a diary. Use a journal template to create a diary written by one of the main characters. There should be multiple entries that follow or discuss the events of the book from that character’s point of view.
Interview one of the characters. Create an imaginary interview with one of the characters in the book. Ask them questions about where they come from, why the character did something important to the plot, and what the character thinks about the outcome of the events in the book.
Write a newspaper article. Create an imaginary newspaper article detailing one of the major events in the book, such as a theft or an important discovery. Make sure to answer the who, what, where, when, and why of these events in your article.
What To Do Once You’ve Written The Report
When students finish writing out their book reports, they have completed what is called the “First Draft” or “Rough Draft”. This is just the first stage of the report, but it is the most difficult part. Finishing up that report in the following steps is a lot easier.
Read and mark the report. Read through the book report from beginning to end to get a feel for it overall. Get a brightly colored pen to mark any spelling or punctuation errors you find in the report. Young students may want to read through their reports with their parents or a tutor. Sometimes, teachers actually make students submit a rough draft of their reports for points before the final report is due. The teacher reviews the draft, makes edits, and suggestions for changing the report before final submission.
Make edits to the report. Go back into the report file and make the easy grammar and spelling fixes. Take a look at your teacher’s suggestions or the ideas you wrote down for things to change in the report. Create a plan to make those additions or changes. Make the changes to the report. Don’t forget to save your file as a separate document. For instance, save your rough draft as, Report1.doc, and this updated version as, Report2.doc.
Review the report. Print out a fresh copy of the report. Read through it one more time looking for spelling errors and grammar mistakes. Keep an eye out for spots where the text doesn’t make sense. This can sometimes happen when you add new content to a report. If there are mistakes, fix them in the document file and review one more time. Your final draft is ready to print out when you can no longer find any mistakes.
Book Report Examples
Tips for Teachers
Book reports are a big part of the curriculum. That doesn’t mean they have to be a lot of work for the students or the teacher. Make assigning these reports less of a hassle with these tips.
- Assign one book for the entire class to read. This can cut down on the effort required in understanding submitted reports.
- Pick out a short book report template to use. There is no need to use valuable time in creating one from scratch.
- Print out more copies of the form than are needed. Some students may lose theirs and need an extra form.
- Make reminder announcements when a due date approaches. Remind students at least twice before a book report due date.
- Keep the word count requirement low. Teachers also have to spend more time reviewing longer reports.
- Consider creative alternatives to some written reports. When your curriculum includes a lot of book reports, give students the option of turning in a drawing, diorama, or another project as a break.
Tips for Students
Being assigned a book report to complete can seem like a daunting task, especially if if you have never written a multi-page report. Make sure you don’t fall behind on the work by following a few of these tips.
- Make up a reading schedule to complete the book well in advance of the report being due. Use a calendar to remind yourself.
- Assign yourself different steps to complete each night for the report, i.e. make an outline, write 200 words, or revising
- Ask the teacher for help with ideas if you can’t figure out how to get started.
- Look for examples of completed reports to see how they are structured.
Book reports vary in their length and complexity. Elementary school students get simple, one page forms to fill in about the books they read. Those in middle school and high school usually have to write multiple page reports. Nearly all reports require students to talk about the plot, theme, characters, and how they liked the book. Both students and teachers can find a lot of templates to use. Those looking for something generic for students to fill in after reading a book can pick up a .pdf or .jpg form. Those who want more control over the look and wording of the template should download a .doc file.
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42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students
Inspire your students to share their love of books.
Responding to what you read is an important literacy skill. Reading about other peopleâs experiences and perspectives helps kids learn about the world. And although students donât need to dive deeply into every single book they read, occasionally digging into characters, settings, and themes can help them learn to look beyond the prose. Here are 42 creative book report ideas designed to make reading more meaningful for kids.
1. Concrete Found Poem
This clever activity is basically a shape poem made up of words, phrases, and whole sentences found in the books students read. The words come together to create an image that represents something from the story.
2. Graphic Novel
Have students rewrite the book they are reading, or a chapter of their book, as a graphic novel. Set parameters for the assignment such as including six scenes from the story, three characters, details about the setting, etc. And, of course, include detailed illustrations to accompany the story.
3. Book Snaps
Book Snaps are a way for students to visually show how they are reacting to, processing, and/or connecting with a text. First, students snap a picture of a page in the book they are reading. Then, they add comments, images, highlights, and more.
4. Diary Entry
Have your students place themselves in the shoes of one of the characters from their book and write a first-person diary entry of a critical moment from the story. Ask them to choose a moment in the story where the character has plenty of interaction and emotion to share in a diary entry.
5. Pizza Box Book Report
If youâre looking for creative book report ideas that use upcycled materials, try this one using a pizza box. It works well for both nonfiction and fiction book reports. The top lid provides a picture of the book cover. Each wedge of the pizza pie tells part of the story.
6. Book Jacket
Have students create a new book jacket for their story. Include an attractive illustrated cover, a summary, a short biography of the author, and a few reviews from readers.
7. Mint Tin Book Report
There are so many super-creative, open-ended projects you can use mint tins for. Teacher blogger Teacher Thrive describes the process of creating book reports using them. Thereâs even a free template for cards that fit inside.
8. Fictional Yearbook Entries
Ask your students to create a yearbook based on the characters and setting in the book. What do they look like? Cut out magazine pictures to give a good visual image for their school picture. What kind of superlative might they get? Best-looking? Class clown? What clubs would they be in or lead? Did they win any awards? It should be obvious from their small yearbooks whether your students dug deep into the characters in their books. They may also learn that who we are as individuals is reflected in what we choose to do with our lives.
9. Book Report Cake
This project would be perfect for a book tasting in your classroom! Each student presents their book report in the shape of food. Learn more about book tastings .
10. Current Events Comparison
Have students locate three to five current events articles a character in their book might be interested in. After theyâve found the articles, have them explain why the character would find them interesting and how they relate to the book. Learning about how current events affect time, place, and people is critical to helping develop opinions about what we read and experience in life.
11. Sandwich Book Report
Yum! Youâll notice a lot of our creative book report ideas revolve around food. In this oldie but goodie, each layer of this book report sandwich covers a different element of the bookâcharacters, setting, conflict, etc.
12. Book Alphabet
Choose 15 to 20 alphabet books to help give your students examples of how they work around themes. Then ask your students to create their own Book Alphabet based on the book they read. What artifacts, vocabulary words, and names reflect the important parts of the book? After they find a word to represent each letter, have them write one sentence that explains where the word fits in.
13. Peekaboo Book Report
Using cardboard lap books (or small science report boards), students include details about their bookâs main characters, plot, setting, conflict, resolution, etc. Then they draw a head and arms on card stock and attach them to the board from behind to make it look like the main character is peeking over this book report.
14. Act the Part
Have students dress up as their favorite character from the book and present an oral book report. If their favorite character is not the main character, retell the story from their point of view.
15. T-shirt Book Report
Another fun and creative idea: Create a wearable book report with a plain white tee. Come up with your own using Sharpie pens and acrylic paint.
16. Bookmark
Have students create a custom illustrated bookmark that includes drawings and words from either their favorite chapter or the entire book.
17. Rays of Sunshine Book Report
This is great for biography research projects. Students cut out a photocopied image of their subject and glue it in the middle. Then, they draw lines from the image to the edges of the paper, like rays of sunshine, and fill in each section with information about the person. As a book report template, the center image could be a copy of the book cover, and each section expands on key information such as character names, theme(s), conflict, resolution, etc.
18. Reading Lists for Characters
Ask your students to think about a character in their book. What kinds of books might that character like to read? Take them to the library to choose five books the character might have on their to-be-read list. Have them list the books and explain what each book might mean to the character. Post the to-be-read lists for others to see and choose fromâthereâs nothing like trying out a book characterâs style when developing your own identity.
19. Character To-Do List
This fun activity is an off-the-beaten-path way to dive deep into character analysis. Get inside the head of the main character in a book and write a to-do list that they might write. Use actual information from the text, but also make inferences into what that character may wish to accomplish.
20. Collage
Create a collage using pictures and words that represent different parts of the book. Use old magazines or print pictures from the Internet.
21. Book Reports in a Bag
Looking for book report ideas that really encourage creative thinking? With book reports in a bag, students read a book and write a summary. Then, they decorate a paper grocery bag with a scene from the book, place five items that represent something from the book inside the bag, and present the bag to the class.
22. Timeline
Have students create a timeline of the main events from their book. Be sure to include character names and details for each event. Use 8âł x 11âł sheets of paper taped together or a long portion of bulletin board paper.
23. File Folder Book Report
Also called a lap book, this easy-to-make book report hits on all the major elements of a book study and gives students a chance to show what they know in a colorful way.
24. Public Service Announcement
If a student has read a book about a cause that affects people, animals, or the environment, teach them about public service announcements . Once they understand what a PSA is, have them research the issue or cause that stood out in the book. Then provide a template for a storyboard so they can create their own PSA. Some students might want to take it a step further and create a video based on their storyboard. Consider sharing their storyboard or video with an organization that supports the cause or issue.
25. Triorama Book Report
Who doesnât love a multidimensional book report? This image shows a 3D model, but you can also try an accordion-folded book report, a quadrama, or an info-sphere.
26. Character Cards
Make trading cards (like baseball cards) for a few characters from the book. On the front side, draw the character. On the back side, make a list of their character traits and include a quote or two.
27. Book Report Mobile
This creative project doesnât require a fancy or expensive supply list. Students just need an ordinary clothes hanger, strings, and paper. The body of the hanger is used to identify the book, and the cards on the strings dangling below are filled with key elements of the book, like characters, setting, and a summary.
28. Fact Sheet
Have students create a list of 10 facts that they learned from reading the book. Have them write the facts in complete sentences, and be sure that each fact is something that they didnât know before they read the book.
29. Dodecahedron Book Report
Creative book report ideas think outside the box. In this case, itâs a ball! SO much information can be covered on the 12 panels, and it allows students to take a deep dive in a creative way.
30. Be a Character Therapist
Therapists work to uncover their clientsâ fears based on their words and actions. When we read books, we must learn to use a characterâs actions and dialogue to infer their fears. Many plots revolve around a characterâs fear and the work it takes to overcome that fear. Ask students to identify a characterâs fear and find 8 to 10 scenes that prove this fear exists. Then have them write about ways the character overcame the fear (or didnât) in the story. What might the character have done differently?
31. Charm Bracelet Book Report
What a âcharmingâ way to write a book report! Each illustrated bracelet charm captures a character, an event in the plot, setting, or other detail.
32. Mind Maps
Mind maps can be a great way to synthesize what students have learned from reading a book. Plus, there are so many ways to approach them. Begin by writing a central idea in the middle of the page. For example, general information, characters, plot, etc. Then branch out from the center with ideas, thoughts, and connections to material from the book.
33. Book Report Booklets
This clever book report is made from ordinary paper bags. Stack the paper bags on top of each other, fold them in half, and staple the closed-off ends of the bags together. Students can write, draw, and decorate on the paper bag pages. They can also record information on writing or drawing paper and glue the paper onto the pages. The open ends of the bags can be used as pockets to insert photos, cut-outs, postcards, or other flat items that help them tell their story.
34. Letter to the Author
Have kids write a letter to the author of the book. Tell them three things you really liked about the story. Ask three questions about the plot, characters, or anything else youâre curious about.
35. Cardboard Box TV
This cardboard box TV book report project is a low-tech version of a television made from a cereal box and two paper towel rolls. Students create the viewing screen cut out at the top, then insert a scroll of paper with writing and illustrations inside the box. When the cardboard roll is rotated, the story unfolds.
36. Board games
This is a great project if you want your students to develop a little more insight into what theyâre reading. Have them think about the elements of their favorite board games and how they can be adapted to fit this assignment.
37. Foldables
From Rainbows Within Reach, this clever idea would be a great introduction to writing book reports. Adapt the flap categories for students at different levels. Adjust the number of categories (or flaps) per the needs of your students.
38. Timeline
Create a timeline using a long roll of butcher paper, a poster board, or index cards taped together. For each event on the timeline, write a brief description of what happens. Add pictures, clip art, word art, and symbols to make the timeline more lively and colorful.
39. Comic Strips
If youâre looking for creative book report ideas for students who like graphic novels, try comic strip book reports. Include an illustrated cover with the title and author. The pages of the book should retell the story using dialogue and descriptions of the setting and characters. Of course, no comic book would be complete without copious illustrations and thought bubbles.
40. Movie Version
If the book your students have read has been made into a movie, have them write a report about how the versions are alike and different. If the book has not been made into a movie, have them write a report telling how they would make it into a movie, using specific details from the book.
41. Wanted Poster
Make a Wanted poster for one of the bookâs main characters. Indicate whether they are wanted dead or alive. Include a picture of the character and a description of what the character is âwantedâ for, three examples of the character showing this trait, and a detailed account of where the character was last seen.
42. Wheaties Box Book Report
Recycle a cereal box and create a book report to look like an old-fashioned Wheaties box that features sports heroes. Include a main image on the front side of the box. Decorate the sides of the box with information about the bookâs characters, setting, plot, summary, etc.
Come share your own creative book report ideas in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, dontâ miss 100 famous childrenâs books every kid should read (plus free printable).
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FREE Book Report Templates (All Grades Included)
Published: October 17, 2019
Contributor: Bonnie Rose Hudson
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.
Some kids love them. Other kids dread them. But nearly every kid has to learn how to write a book report. Help make it fun (and less painful!) with these FREE Book Report Templates .
This set of 16 book report templates helps alleviate the stress of staring at the blank page. With prompts and questions, they help students remember key parts of the book as well as what is important to share in a book report.
These FREE Book Report Templates include forms for:
- middle school
- high school
They are designed to be used with:
- biography or autobiography
- informational books
Print just the ones you need. Scroll down to get your FREE Book Report Templates.
Could you use some more tools to help your kids learn (and enjoy!) writing? Be sure to take a look at all the writing resources available in our Subscriber Library ! They are all FREE to our subscribers. Check them out today! There is even another DIY Book Report Kit.
You might also want to take a look at these free book report posts:
Instant Download: FREE Book Report Templates
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Bonnie Rose Hudson
Bonnie Rose Hudson’s heartâs desire is for every child to feel the love of God and know how special they are to Him. She would love for you to stop by her website WriteBonnieRose.com for homeschool and history curriculum, resources to help teach your children about missions and the persecuted Church, free history and writing printables, and to check out her newest release from JourneyForth, The Hidden Village , an early reader set in India.
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25+ Free Printable Book Report Templates [Word | PDF]
Home / Education Templates / 25+ Free Printable Book Report Templates [Word | PDF]
Teachers and students use book report template to cut down some of the workloads. Teachers assign a lot of book reports to the students to make sure that students read a lot of books. These well-designed book report templates help the students to enjoy the act of reading and can become lifelong learners.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a book report?
- 2.1 Simple or short book report:
- 2.2 Multi-page book report:
- 3 Parts of a simple and multi-page book report:
- 4 Tips for the teacher to assign the book reports to the students:
- 5 Tips for students to fill out book reports:
- 6 How to write book reports in different ways?
- 7.1 Read and mark the report
- 7.2 Make changes to the report
- 7.3 Review the report
- 8 Why should provide a book report form?
- 9 Conclusion:
- 10 Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a book report?
In elementary and middle school, book reports are given to the students as an assignment. It contains basic questions about the book that is assigned to the students to read. When students answer these questions, it acts as evidence to the teacher that they read the book. Moreover, a comprehensive book report contains the following elements;
- The detail what the book was about
- The names of the main characters
- What the theme of the book is
- Where the events are set
Some book reports also ask critical viewpoints about events and characters to make sure that the students read the book completely. Also, by asking such questions students can understand the book better.
Types of book reports:
Generally, there are two types of book reports;
Simple or short book report:
A simple or short book report is given by the teachers to the students and can be completed in one night like a homework assignment. They just have a few questions that students answer in a few short sentences.
Multi-page book report:
This type of book report takes more than one night to complete. For middle school students, this report consists of two pages . While for high school students, students have to submit five-page reports.
Parts of a simple and multi-page book report:
A simple book report contains a few sections. This report asks students to answer questions in paragraph format. However, all types of book reports ask for the title, author name, and the illustratorâs name (if it is a picture book). The other components are;
- Setting: the place where book events happen.
- Characters: names of the main characters
- Plot: an overview of the main events of the book.
- Comment section: whether the reader likes the book or not.
A simple report book also just asks three questions from the students the beginning, the middle, and end events. Sometimes the climax of the book where the main characterâs problems are solved or made complicated also expected to determine by the students.
Teachers also demand from the students to write a multi-page book report. This report can be written by using software like MS Word. Additionally, this report is written out in paragraph form. The best way to write this multi-page report is to divide it into three basic sections;
- Introduction: it contains the title, author, genre, and the reason why you choose the book.
- Main Body: The main body or middle part of the report contains the summary, theme, setting, and characters.
- Conclusion: in the end, provide a short summary of the book and your opinion about the book.
Tips for the teacher to assign the book reports to the students:
During assigning the book reports to the students, teachers have to keep the following tips in mind;
- At first, the teacher should assign one book to read to the whole class. It can cut down the efforts of teachers to understand the submitted reports of the whole class.
- Always use a short book report template and there is no need to create one from scratch.
- You must print out more copies of the book report template than needed because sometimes students lose theirs.
- Before a book report due date, reminds the students at least twice.
- When reading activity includes a lot of book reports then it should be turned in a drawing, diorama, or another project.
Tips for students to fill out book reports:
- Before a book report due date, make up a reading schedule to complete the book. You can also use a calendar to remind yourself.
- Next, make a schedule and assign yourself to complete different steps every day .
- You can also ask for some help from your teacher to get started. Moreover, you can also use completed reports as a reference.
How to write book reports in different ways?
Both students and teachers can use creative ideas to write book reports instead of straightforward reports.
- You can write a book report in the form of a newspaper or blog review. Write the summary of the book without using the plot or the ending headings. State the reasons why you like it or not. Also, provide an up or down rating at the end.
- A book report can be written in the form of a diary. Use journal templates to create a diary. It should be written by one of the main characters. According to the characterâs point of view, discuss the different events of the book.
- Choose one of the characters in the book and create an imaginary interview. Then, ask questions; Where they come from Why the character did something important to the plot What the character thinks about the consequences of the events in the book.
- The book report can also be written in the form of a newspaper article detailing one of the major events in the book. Answer 5Ws such as who, what, where, when, and why of these events in the article.
What to do after writing the report?
Consider the following steps to finish up the reports;
Read and mark the report
Read the report from start to end to make sure it contains all details. If you find any spelling or punctuation errors then mark them with a brightly colored pen. Young students may ask their parents or students to read through their reports. The teacher should ask their students to submit rough drafts of their reports before the final report is due. This way, they can review their drafts and give them suggestions to change the report before final submission.
Make changes to the report
Any grammatical or spelling that you highlight, fix them. Consider your teacherâs suggestions or the ideas that you wrote down to edit in the report. After making changes to the report, save your file as a separate document.
Review the report
When you are done making changes to the report, itâs time to print out a fresh copy of the report. Once again go through it for spelling errors and grammar mistakes. If you find any sentence that doesnât make sense fix them in the document file and review them one more time. When you assure that there are no mistakes left, print out it.
Why should provide a book report form?
For elementary school classes, a book report is a popular choice of assignment. With the help of this form, students simply complete the report by filling out the worksheet. It depends on the teachers whether they include standard questions in the sheet or they make a unique sheet containing questions specific to each different book that is assigned.
Furthermore, you can introduce students to an idea of a book report format by using these forms. You also show them what kind of information they have to include in the multi-page reports in higher grades. For teachers who have a large classroom and more assignments to check, a form is also easier to grade.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a book report template is helpful for the teachers and students because it cuts down some of the workloads. These templates are formatted academically. Moreover, the book report should be comprehensive and includes the authorâs background, a summary of the book, and well-reasoned arguments made by the writer of the report.
Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A book report consists of a page count of 3-4 pages if it falls between 800-1,000 words and has Times New Roman font.
There are 5 parts of a book report; 1- Bookâs author 2- Title 3- Characters 4- Setting 5- Plot
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How to Write a Book Report
Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:
Book Report Fundamentals
Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .
Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, youâll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. Youâll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.
Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, youâll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.
What Is a Book Report?
"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )
This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.
"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)
Purdueâs Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.
"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )
This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting.Â
"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )
Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.
Whatâs the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?
"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)
In this article from the education resource Classroom, you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.
"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)
In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.
"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)
This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.
Whatâs the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?
"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)
The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.
"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hillâs writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.
Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, youâll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.
Selecting and Finding a Book
"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)
This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.
"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)
This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.
"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)
Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."
"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)
The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.
The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.
Formats of Book Reports
"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )
Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.
"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)
Nancy Barileâs blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.
How to Write an Outline
"Writerâs Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)
The University of Richmondâs Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.
"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)
Purdueâs Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.
"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)
EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.
"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)
This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.
In this section, youâll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.
"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )
This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.
"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )
Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.
"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)
This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.
"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )
This brief but helpful post from Classroom  details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.
The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.
Plot Summary and Description
"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )
This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.
"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )
In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report.Â
"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)
Using Harry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.
Analyzing Characters and Themes
"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )
Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.
"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)
The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.
"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )
Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."
"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )
This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.
Selecting and Integrating Quotations
"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)
This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.
"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)
This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.
"Quote Integration" (YouTube)
This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.
"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)
This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madisonâs Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.
Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, youâll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.
"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )
This brief article from the education resource Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.
"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hillâs Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.
"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)
Pat Bellancaâs article for Harvard Universityâs Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.
Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, youâll learn how to take notesâor âannotateâ your textâmaking it easier to find important information as you write.
How to Be an Active Reader
"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)
Princeton Universityâs McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.
"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)
The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehensionânot simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.
"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )
In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea.Â
"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)
Thomas Frankâs seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.
Assessing Your Reading Comprehension
"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)
Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.
"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)
ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.
"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )
The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.
How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension
"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )
ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.
"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)
This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.
CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)
This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.
"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )
From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner  walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.
Methods of In-text Annotation
"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)
This article from Hunter Collegeâs Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.
"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)
This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.
"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )
This article from the Book Riot blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.
"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )
This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.
Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. Youâll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.
Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports
"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )
These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.
"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )
This  printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"
"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )
ABC Teach âs resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.
"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )
This page from Busy Teachersâ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.
Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports
"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)
Fact Monster âs Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.
"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)
This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.
"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )
In this article for Classroom, Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.
"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )
Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .
"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)
These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.
Sample Rubrics
"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)
This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.
"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)
This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.
"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )
Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine  will help you evaluate your studentsâ spoken presentations.
Creative Book Report Assignments
"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)
This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.
"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )
Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.
"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )
This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.
"More Ideas Than Youâll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)
This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.
"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)
In this PDF resource from the NCTE's English Journal, Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.
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10 Book Report Ideas That Kids Will Love
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Fun book report ideas for fourth, fifth and sixth graders.
Book reports don’t need to be painfully boring. In fact, they can be a ton of fun, and with the right project, students will love the entire process of creating and sharing meaningful book projects. There are loads of great book report ideas out there just waiting to happen in your classroom!
Here are 10 book report ideas that kids will love:
1. cereal box book report.
These oh-so-cool reports were always the top-ranked project by my fifth graders. Students loved creating an original book report display using a covered cereal box and ready-made templates. The finished projects made a great classroom display, and students loved looking at their classmates’ creative reports. Read more about Cereal Box Book Reports HERE .
2. Paper Bag Book Report
This is a super simple idea that is quite fun for students. Provide each student with a lunch-sized paper bag. Tell them to think about 5 objects that relate to the main character of their book . The objects have to be small enough to fit into the bag . Send the bags home and have students place the 5 objects in the bag and bring them back to school. On the day they are due, have students take turns sharing the objects in their bags and explaining how they relate to the main character of the book. You can even make a great display with the bags, objects, and books to pique the interest of other students.
3. Character Day
Have students dress up as the main character of their book. Then, have each student take a turn standing in front of the class and telling their character’s story in first person point of view.
4. Book Report Lap Book
you need are two file folders, some cardstock or construction paper, scissors, glue, and the FREE book report template found here . The finished products are quite amazing, and your students will probably keep theirs forever! Check out my photo tutorial for making a lap book .
5. Book Scene Diorama
Have students construct a diorama of one of the main events of their book. They will make a 3-dimensional scene, including models of characters, the setting, and objects. A shoebox makes a great place to build a diorama. Require students to write a description of the scene.
6. Book Report Posters
This might be the easiest option of the book report ideas. Have students first sketch their posters on a sheet of notebook paper. Then, provide students with a large piece of poster paper or chart paper. Posters must identify main characters, setting, title, problem, and solution. Display finished posters in the classroom or on hallway walls.
7. Book Report Mobiles
Mobiles are easy to make, and it’s fun to watch students use their creativity in designing their own projects. A paper plate folded in half makes a great base/topper for mobiles. Have students write the title of the book on this paper plate semi circle and hang the mobile pieces from it. Provide students with construction paper, yarn, markers, paper hole punches, and any other materials they might need.
8. Book Report Mini Books
With just one piece of paper, your students can make a complete, creative book report!
In these clever book projects , students identify:
- Title/Author
- Main Character
No tape, glue, or staples required! Photo directions are included in this download.
9. Design a Book Jacket
Show your students several examples of some outstanding book jackets. Point out the front with the title and illustration, the spine and its information, and the back with the book summary. Also show the two inside flaps with information about the author and a smaller summary. Provide them each with a larger piece of paper and have them design a jacket for the book they have just read.
10. Ready-to-Print Templates
Use NO PREP book report templates to save your sanity AND to keep things fun for your students. You could print out all 12 templates in this Book Report Templates Packet and let students choose the one they want to do each month! There is even a really nice digital option for Google classroom included!
Regardless of which of these book report ideas you choose, be sure to clearly outline the expectations before your students begin. It’s best if you can model a project to demonstrate the quality of work your students should strive for.
Keep it fun and engaging, and your students will be excited to invest their time in their projects!
Check out these ready to go, easy to use book report projects in my store:
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Pin this to your favorite classroom Pinterest board so you can come back for these book report ideas!
To recap, the 10 Book Report Project Ideas are:
- Cereal Box Book Report
- Paper Bag Book Report
- Character Day
- Book Report Lapbook
- Book Scene Diorama
- Book Report Posters
- Book Report Mobiles
- Design a Book Jacket
- Ready-to-Print Templates
Shelly Rees
Hi, I’m Shelly! Thank you for being here. I love helping third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers with fun and engaging activities that require no to little prep! Let me help you by taking some of the stress and work off your plate.
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Description.
Looking for a comprehensive Book Report resource for your classroom? Look no further! This amazing resource is sure to be a hit with both you and your students. With its 20 different book report templates , your students will have endless opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas on the books they are reading.
Our Book Report resource is an excellent way to encourage students to share their thoughts on a variety of books. With so many options to choose from, you can pick and choose the templates that work best for your students! Whether they prefer a more traditional book report, a creative book review, or something in between, this book report pack has everything they need to succeed.
With its user-friendly design, this Book Report resource is easy to use and is ready for you to Print and Go. Whether you are looking for a fun classroom activity or a way to assess your students' reading comprehension, this resource has everything you need.
- 20 Fun and Fresh Book Report Templates
- BOTH Paper and Digital Versions Included
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Take a new spin on your book report assignment with our free book report template printables including a one-pager, choice board, and more! Take a new spin on your book report assignment. đđ . ... Grades 6-12 PreK 6th Grade Kindergarten 7th Grade 1st Grade 8th Grade 2nd Grade 9th Grade 3rd Grade 10th Grade 4th Grade 11th Grade 5th Grade ...
5th Grade Book Report Templates, Outlines, & Notes. By fifth grade, it's likely your students will be typing up their book reports. This printable book report template will help your late elementary and early middle school students with their book reports. We suggest this format for 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade students.
ď¸ FREE Printable Book Report Template
Karen Nolt November 1, 2019. Student instructions for writing a book report in fifth and sixth grade. Includes the number of paragraphs in the report and three or four things to include in each paragraph. Download Document.
FREE Printable Book Report Worksheets and ...
It is almost like verbal brainstorming. Once you have gotten a grasp on your student's take of the book, assign them one of the 7 book reports. From my experience, print two copies of the book report. The first copy will be their rough draft. After they complete it, address any grammar or sentence structure errors.
How To Write A Book Report FREE Printable ...
5. BOOK REPORT TEMPLATES: These book report templates are the same as the digital book report above, just in a printable PDF format. Students can fill in each template and staple them together with the included cover page. These are versatile in that if there's a skill you haven't yet covered, you can easily leave that page out until later into the school year and it won't affect the ...
BOOK g REPORT Book Title. Main Characters Main Events. Story Symbolism and Message Important Reference Sources and Pages, Author, Story Setting Main Conflict and Resolution . Created Date: 3/5/2021 12:43:14 PM ...
Nonfiction Book Report Templates and Ideas for 3rd, 4th ...
2. 5Ws Book Report. The 5Ws book report template, which works well with fiction and nonfiction texts, is great for younger students because it guides them in answering basic questions derived from who, what, when, where, why, and how. Download template. After reading a book, students will generate questions using the question stems and answer ...
The TeacherVision editorial team is comprised of teachers, experts, and content professionals dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and relevant information in the teaching space. View TeacherVision's profile. Assigning a book report? Print and share this set of book report elements, outlines, and examples with your students.
3 Free Printable Book Report Templates
30 Book Report Templates & Reading Worksheets
42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students
This set of 16 book report templates helps alleviate the stress of staring at the blank page. With prompts and questions, they help students remember key parts of the book as well as what is important to share in a book report. These FREE Book Report Templates include forms for: elementary. middle school.
Draft a Reader's Theater Script. One of the best book report ideas for 5th grade is to have students write a script for a reader's theater play. Reader's theaters are short plays that students perform in class in order to boost reading comprehension, vocabulary understanding, and reading fluency. Though fifth graders may have experience ...
Some book reports also ask critical viewpoints about events and characters to make sure that the students read the book completely. Also, by asking such questions students can understand the book better. Download Template (517 KB) Download Template (217 KB) Download Template (24 KB) Download Template (84 KB)
How to Write a Book Report
5th-Grade-Book-Report-guidelines. 5th Grade Book Report Format. Introduction (2-3 sentences, including a "topic" sentence) Include: ⢠The title (underlined) and author of the book. ⢠Why you chose the book (if this applies) or how it fits into our history program this year (if this applies). ⢠What kind of story is it?
Are you searching for an engaging and highly motivating way for students to create their book reviews? Look no further! You will love this easy prep Book Review Teach-Go Lapbook!
Here are 10 book report ideas that kids will love: 1. Cereal Box Book Report. These oh-so-cool reports were always the top-ranked project by my fifth graders. Students loved creating an original book report display using a covered cereal box and ready-made templates.
This amazing resource is sure to be a hit with both you and your students. With its 20 different book report templates, your students will have endless opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas on the books they are reading. Our Book Report resource is an excellent way to encourage students to share their thoughts on a variety of books.