How to Write a Book Review for School

A first graph of a book report needs to include an opinion of its contents.

At some point in school, everyone is asked to write one or more book reviews. A book review must summarize what the student has read, but it must also express the student's opinion of the material. Most book reviews have a fairly straightforward format. Unless a teacher requests a specific format, most of them can be approached in the same way.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A book or textbook
• Pen and paper
• Computer

1. Write a statement that tells what you are reviewing in the first paragraph. This paragraph must be four to five sentences long. It will list what you are reading, who wrote it, and where and when it was published. The last sentence should state your opinion of some aspect of the book.

2. Write a sentence that supports (or backs up) your opinion, the main idea. Use details from the book to clarify your first support point. This will be your second paragraph and should also be four to five sentences.

3. Put your second support point in the third paragraph. Again, use as many details from the book to support your main Idea and make the paragraph no longer than five sentences.

4. Add the third and final supporting point to the fourth paragraph. Back up your support point with details from the book.

5. Sum up the three supporting points in the fifth paragraph. Restate your opinion with extra insight.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using transitional words such as first, next and finally to begin each paragraph.

• Double-space the review unless instructed to do differently. The text should be in a 12-point font.

• Don't use a super-sized font. Unless told otherwise, use only a 12-point font.

References

• Temple University: How to Write a Book Review
• Purdue University: Writing a Book Review