How to Write a Book Report for 4th Graders

Book reports don't have to be boring.

Writing a book report can be a challenging assignment, but if you have a guide or template to follow, then the assignment can be much easier. Also, if you choose a book that is fun to read, then writing about it is more enjoyable than writing about a book you found boring. It's important to pick a book that is at your reading level. If you read the first page and there are more than five words that you can't read and understand, then try another book. If you pick a book that's too difficult to read, then writing about it is going to be difficult also. If you choose the right book for you, then writing your book report will be a breeze.

Things You'll Need

• Book for your report
• Notebook
• Pencil
• Notebook paper

Instructions

Before Writing Your Report

1. Get a small notebook or staple a few pieces of paper together for story notes. You will be using this notebook to take some notes as you are reading your story. It's important to keep your story notes together. On the front page of the notebook, write down the title and author of your book.

2. Jot down a few notes as you are reading to help you when you are ready to write your book report. Write down the setting of the story. Remember the setting is where and when the story takes place. Write down names of the main characters. Also, write down any parts of the plot that you really like. Maybe something was particularly funny, sad or scary.

3. Think about and write down your thoughts and feelings about the story after you are finished. Did you like the story? Would you recommend the story to a friend? Who was your favorite character or characters? Were there any characters that you didn't like? Would you change anything in the story if you could?

Writing Your Book Report

1. Write your first paragraph. Your paragraph should include the author, title, setting, genre (type of book). Remember to indent the paragraph.

2. Write your second paragraph. In this paragraph you're going to introduce the main characters and give a brief description about them. Look at the following example: "Charlotte was Wilbur's friend. Charlotte was a helpful and kind spider who cared about her friends."

3. Write your third paragraph, which is a short plot summary. Explain in order what happened in the story. Include only the major events and not every minor detail. Pretend that you are responding to someone who asked you, "What was your book about?"

4. Write your final paragraph or conclusion. This is where you include your thoughts and feelings about the book. You can explain your favorite scene or character, or why you would change something in the story.

5. Proofread and edit your writing. Look for mistakes in your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ask your parents, friends and teacher to read your report to look for errors. This is your rough draft and you will rewrite it after you and others proofread it.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your writing is neat and legible. Use a computer to type the report if it's OK with your teacher.

• Get a report cover and put your name, date and teacher's name on the cover. You can make a report cover with a piece of construction paper. Draw a picture illustrating a scene in your book for your report cover.

References

• Writing Help Central: Book Reports