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A Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book Report (with Examples)

Last Updated: March 13, 2024 Fact Checked

  • Researching
  • Drafting the Report
  • Reviewing & Revising

Sample Book Reports & Summaries

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,414,877 times.

A book report is a short essay that summarizes and analyzes a work of fiction or nonfiction. Writing a book report may not seem fun at first, but it gives you a great chance to fully understand a work and its author. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to write a book report, from choosing a book and outlining to drafting and editing your final paper.

Things You Should Know

  • Read the entire book and take notes on important themes, characters, and events. Use your notes to create an outline with evidence that supports your analysis.
  • Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book.
  • Analyze the author’s writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements.

Researching Your Book Report

Step 1 Follow the requirements of your assignment.

  • For example, find out if your teacher wants you to include citations, such as page numbers from the book, in your report.
  • Ask your teacher how much of your paper to devote to summary versus analysis. Most book reports are direct summaries with objective analysis rather than your personal opinions. In contrast, a book review or commentary is more opinion-driven.

Jake Adams

  • Some popular books for book reports include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Choose a book at your grade level.

Step 3 Write down the key elements of the book.

  • Author: Who wrote the book? Do you know any other works by this author?
  • Genre: Is the book fiction or nonfiction? If it’s fiction, is it historical, fantasy, horror, etc.? If it’s nonfiction, is it a biography, memoir, science, etc.?
  • Audience: Who would find this book appealing? Is it intended for a specific age range or gender? Do you typically enjoy books like this?
  • Title: Does the title catch your interest? Does it fit well with the book’s content?
  • Book Cover/Illustrations: What does the book cover convey and does it accurately represent the book? How do you feel when you look at it? If the book has illustrations, what are they and do they hold your interest?

Step 4 Read the entire book.

  • Take breaks while reading to keep your attention sharp. Try to find a pace that is comfortable for you. If you get distracted after 15 minutes, read in 15-minute intervals. If you can go an hour, read for an hour at a time.
  • Give yourself enough time to read the entire book. It’s very difficult to write a book report if you’ve just skimmed over everything. Don’t procrastinate!
  • Don’t trust online book summaries. You can’t guarantee that they are accurate or true to the text.

Step 5 Take careful notes when reading.

  • For example, look for a sentence that clearly describes a main setting in the book, such as “The castle was gloomy and made out of large black stones.”

Outlining Your Book Report

Step 1 Create an outline.

  • Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book’s genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report.
  • Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts. Focus on important aspects while avoiding spoilers.
  • Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the author’s writing style and use of literary devices, like foreshadowing, metaphors, imagery, etc. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and use quotes and examples from the text.
  • Themes and Messages: Identify the book’s main themes or messages and how they develop through the course of the book. Provide specific quotes and examples.
  • Character Analysis: Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships. Explain their motivations, personalities, and significance to the story. Provide examples and quotes to support your analysis.
  • Personal Reflection: Depending on your teacher’s instructions, you might share your personal opinions and discuss what you liked and disliked about the book. Reflect on how the book relates to broader themes or issues.
  • Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with your final thoughts or reflections on the book.
  • Bibliography: If required, include a works cited page or bibliography listing all the sources you used to write your book report.
  • Outlining takes time, but it saves you more time once you reach the editing stage.
  • Some people prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others just type up a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.

Step 2 Intermix examples and quotations from the text.

  • Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like every other line is a quote, try to dial back. Aim to include a maximum of one quotation per paragraph. Quotes and examples should still take a backseat to your summary.

Step 3 Don’t try to cover everything.

  • For example, you’ll likely need to focus primarily on discussing the most important characters or the characters that appear most frequently in the text.
  • When you are finished with your outline, go back through it to see if it makes sense. If the paragraphs don’t flow into one another, move them around or add/delete new ones until they do.
  • Also, check to see if your outline covers all of the major elements of the book, such as the plot, characters, and setting.

Writing Your Book Report

Step 1 Open with an informative intro paragraph.

  • For example, a sentence summary might state, “This book is about the main character’s journey to Africa and what she learns on her travels.”
  • Don’t take up too much space with your introduction. In general, an introduction should be 3-6 sentences long, though in rare cases, they may be longer or shorter.

Step 2 Describe the book’s setting.

  • Use vivid language when you can and include plenty of details. For example, you might write, “The farm was surrounded by rolling hills.”

Step 3 Include a general plot summary.

  • For instance, if the main character moves to Africa, you might describe what happens before the move, how the move goes, and how they settle in once they arrive.

Step 4 Introduce the main characters.

  • For example, you might write that the main character is “a middle-aged woman who enjoys the finer things in life, such as designer clothes.” Then, connect this description to the plot summary by describing how her views change after her travels, if they do.
  • Expect to introduce the characters in the same sentences and paragraphs as the plot introduction.

Step 5 Examine main themes and/or arguments in your body paragraphs.

  • You might write, “The author argues that travel gives you a new perspective. That is why her main characters all seem happier and more grounded after visiting new places.”
  • For fiction, determine if the author is using the story to pass along a certain moral or lesson. For example, a book about an underdog athlete could encourage readers to take chances to pursue their dreams.

Step 6 Comment on the writing style and tone.

  • For example, an author who uses lots of slang terms is probably going for a hip, approachable style.

Step 7 Write a concise conclusion.

  • Some teachers require, or strongly suggest, that you include the author’s name and the book title in your concluding paragraph.
  • When writing a conclusion , don’t introduce any new thoughts. Any important points should be made in your body paragraphs. Save the space for your recap.

Step 8 Include a bibliography, if required.

Reviewing and Revising Your Book Report

Step 1 Edit your paper.

  • Before you submit your paper, make sure that you’ve spelled the author’s name and any character names correctly.
  • Don’t trust your computer’s spell check to catch all the errors for you. Spell check can be helpful, but it isn’t perfect and can make mistakes.

Step 2 Ask someone else to read it.

  • If you’re nervous about asking, try saying something like “It would be great if you could go over my book report and make sure that it reads smoothly.”
  • Remember, no one’s first draft is perfect, so don’t get upset if someone suggests you do something differently. They want to help make your report the best it can be, so don’t take constructive criticism personally.

Step 3 Polish your final draft.

  • For example, double-check that you are using the correct font, font size, and margins.
  • Once you've finished proofreading, revising, and checking that you've addressed all the requirements, you're ready to submit your book report!

how do you write a book report

  • Even though your book report is your own work, avoid using “I” too much. It can make your writing feel choppy. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • It might be tempting to watch the movie or read the online notes instead of reading the book. Resist this urge! Your teacher will be able to tell the difference. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

  • Calm down and walk around if you get too frustrated while writing. If you write a book report while angry, you're more likely to misspell things!
  • Choose a unique book. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is an absolute no. Everyone chooses those. Try something different!
  • Write when anything comes to mind! You don't want to lose your ideas!

how do you write a book report

  • Give yourself plenty of time to write your report. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may feel rushed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Stealing or using another person’s work is considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure that the work you submit is all your own. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Write a Comparative Essay

  • ↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-book-report.html
  • ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
  • ↑ https://grammark.org/how-to-write-a-book-report/
  • ↑ https://library.valleycollege.edu/elements_of_book_report.pdf
  • ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/steps-to-writing-a-book-report
  • ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
  • ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-setting
  • ↑ https://www.tcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/writing-center-handouts/essay-types-plot-summary.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

About This Article

Jake Adams

To write a book report, start by introducing the author and the name of the book and then briefly summarizing the story. Next, discuss the main themes and point out what you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader. Finally, write about the author’s style of writing, paying particular attention to word choice and the overall tone of the book. For tips on editing and polishing your paper before turning it in, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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how do you write a book report

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, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll 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, you’ll 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)

Purdue’s 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. 

"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.

What’s 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.

What’s 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 Hill’s 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, you’ll 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 Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s 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)

Purdue’s 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, you’ll 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. 

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s 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-Madison’s 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, you’ll 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 Hill’s 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 Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s 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, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making 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 University’s 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 comprehension—not 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. 

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s 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 College’s 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. You’ll 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 ’s 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 Teachers’ 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 ’s 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 students’ 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 You’ll 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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  • Writing Tips

How to Write a Book Report

How to Write a Book Report

5-minute read

  • 5th September 2021

A book report is an essay that summarizes the main ideas presented by the author. But how do you write a good book report? Our top tips include:

  • Check the assignment instructions so you know what you need to do.
  • Read the book , making notes as you go.
  • Plan your book report and create an essay outline .
  • Write up your report , using examples and quotes to support your points.
  • Revise and proofread your work to eliminate errors.

In the rest of this post, we look at how to write a book report in more detail.

1. Check the Assignment Instructions

Book reports come in many different types, so the first thing you should do if you’re asked to write one is check the assignment instructions carefully. Key aspects of the essay instructions to pay attention to include:

  • The required length of the book report (and any maximum word count ).
  • Whether you will be assigned a book to write about or whether you will be asked to pick one yourself (either from a list supplied by the tutor or based on a set of requirements, such as a book about a set topic).
  • What aspects of the book to write about (e.g., will it just be a summary of the book’s content, or will you also need to offer some critical analysis?).
  • Any requirements for structuring and formatting your report (e.g., whether to break the essay up into sections with headings and subheadings).

If anything about the instructions is unclear, check it with your tutor.

2. Read the Book and Make Notes

Next, you’ll need to read the book you’re writing about in full, not just skim through or read a synopsis! This means you’ll need to leave enough time before the deadline to read the text thoroughly (and write up your report).

When you are reading, moreover, make sure to take notes on:

  • Basic bibliographic details, including the title, author name(s), year of publication, publisher, and number of pages.
  • How the book is structured (e.g., whether it uses chapters).
  • The overall plot or argument, plus key ideas and/or plot points from each part.
  • For works of fiction, important characters and themes.
  • Significant quotations or examples you might want to use in your report.

Where possible, make sure to note down page numbers as well. This will make it easier to find the relevant parts again when you’re reviewing your notes.

3. Outline Your Book Report

How you structure your report will ultimately depend on the length (e.g., a short, 500-word report is unlikely to use separate sections and headings, while a longer one will need these to help break up the text and guide the reader) and the assignment instructions, so make sure to review these carefully.

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However, common elements of a book report include:

  • An introductory paragraph or section with basic book details (e.g., the title, author(s), genre, publisher, publication date, and intended audience).
  • Information about the author’s background and, where relevant, credentials.
  • An overview of the book’s plot (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or its main idea (other non-fiction), sometimes with a section-by-section breakdown.
  • Information on characters, setting, and themes (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or key ideas and concepts set out by the author (other non-fiction).
  • Where required, critical analysis or evaluation of the book.

When planning your book report, then, use your notes and the assignment instructions to outline your essay, breaking it down into clearly defined sections and noting what you will include in each one.

4. Write Up Your Book Report

When it comes to writing up your report, helpful tips include:

  • Imagine the reader will be unfamiliar with the book and try to ensure your report covers all the information they’d need to know what it is about.
  • Use clear, concise language to make your report easy to follow. Look out for wordiness and repetition, and don’t be tempted to pad out your report with irrelevant details just to increase the word count!
  • Use examples and quotations to support your points (but don’t rely too heavily on quotations; keep in mind that the report should be in your own words).
  • Follow the formatting instructions set out in your style guide or the assignment instructions (e.g., for fonts, margins, and presenting quotations).

If you use quotations in your report, moreover, make sure to include page numbers! This will help the reader find the passages you’ve quoted.

5. Revise and Proofread Your Work

When you have the first draft of your book report, if you have time, take a short break (e.g., overnight) before re-reading it. This will help you view it objectively. Then, when you do re-read it, look out for ways you could improve it, such as:

  • Typos and other errors that need correcting.
  • Issues with clarity or places where the writing could be more concise (reading your work aloud can make it easier to spot clunky sentences).
  • Passages that would benefit from being supported with a quote or example.

It’s also a good idea to re-read the assignment instructions one last time before submitting your work, which will help you spot any issues you missed.

Finally, if you’d like some extra help checking your writing, you can have it proofread by a professional . Submit a free sample document today to find out more.

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How to write a book report: 9 simple steps.

  • January 8, 2024

Table of Contents:

Step 1: choose the book, step 2: read the book carefully, step 3: take notes, step 4: understand the assignment guidelines, step 5: outline., step 6: write a draft, step 7: analyze and evaluate, step 8: conclude thoughtfully, step 9: submit or share, conclusion:, book report.

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When writing a book report, you want to do more than just list the characters’ names, describe the plot, and summarize the action. You want to give a thoughtful analysis of each of these aspects and provide a context for your ideas by explaining how your experience reading the book affected your reaction to it.

But what if you’ve never written a book report before? What if you’ve only read one or two and gotten an F on them? How can you write a great book report?

That’s why we put together this guide: by following our 9 simple steps, you’ll be able to learn how to write a book report that will wow both your teacher and yourself!

To learn how to write a report, you must first pick up a book.

When choosing a book, many options are available, especially from American book writers . Look for authors who have made significant contributions to literature and have a writing style that resonates with you.

Consider the genre and subject matter that you find intriguing. Whether it’s a classic novel, a thought-provoking non-fiction work, or a contemporary bestseller, ensure it fits your assignment or personal reading goals.

An important aspect to consider is your comprehension level. It’s essential to choose a book that you can understand and engage with fully. If the language or complexity of the book is too challenging, it might hinder your enjoyment and comprehension. To avoid this, you can read reviews or sample chapters to understand the writing style and difficulty level.

Additionally, think about how the chosen book aligns with your interests. Reading something that genuinely captivates you will make the journey more enjoyable. It will also encourage you to delve deeper, analyze different aspects, and gain a more profound understanding of the book’s themes and messages.

When reading the book, it’s crucial to approach it with careful attention and focus. As you delve into the pages, make note of the essential elements, such as the plot, characters, and themes. Doing this step will help you learn how to write a book report.

Take time to understand the details of the story and how they interconnect. Pay attention to any notable quotes or passages that resonate with you.

It’s also important to consider the author’s writing style and the book’s overall tone. Some authors have a poetic or descriptive style, while others may have a more straightforward and concise approach. Understanding the writing style can enhance your appreciation for the book and help you analyze how effectively the author communicates their ideas.

Experienced book publishers play a vital role in the selection and publication of books. They have a keen eye for quality writing and can identify books that have the potential to engage readers. Taking note of the experiences and recommendations of trusted publishers can be a helpful guide in selecting well-crafted and engaging books.

As you read, take notes in the margins and use a highlighter to mark important passages. This will help you to remember what you found interesting or relevant.

It’s also helpful to write down any questions while reading. These can be used as prompts for an introductory paragraph or section of your report.

When writing a report, it’s important to be concise. You don’t want to just list the facts and figures–you want your reader to understand what they mean and how they relate to one another.

This is where your notes will come in handy. You can use them to ensure that the information you include is relevant, clear, and concise. You might start by briefly outlining what you want to include in each section of your report.

Understanding the guidelines and expectations of a book report assignment is crucial in learning how to write a book report and create insightful analysis.

For an academic task or personal project, familiarizing yourself with the specific requirements set by your instructor or the parameters of your project is essential. Pay attention to details such as the desired report length, formatting guidelines, and the depth of analysis expected.

In addition to adhering to assignment guidelines, employing a structured approach enhances the quality of your book report. Creating an outline delineating sections like introduction, summary, analysis, and conclusion helps organize your thoughts and ensures a coherent presentation of your ideas.

As you’re reading, it’s easy to get lost in the details of a book and forget its overall structure. Before writing it out, you must think about how your paper will be organized.

Your outline should include:

  • A summary of what happened in each chapter (or section). This is especially helpful if there are many characters or locations in your story; having this information written down will help keep them straight as you write about them later.
  • A list of important facts from each section/chapter that support your thesis statement (the main idea behind your essay). For example, if my thesis is “This book was very confusing,” then I would want examples from throughout the book where things were confusing to use as evidence when defending this point later in my essay.

In this step, you will write a draft of your book report. You may want to use some sticky notes or index cards to help organize your thoughts. But try not to get too caught up in formatting at this point. The most important thing is that you’ve got all the information on paper, making it easy for others to read and understand.

If possible, get feedback from someone else who has also read the book. Perhaps another student who took this class with you or even one of their parents! Ask them if they agree with how much detail went into each section of your report. Also, ask them if there were any areas where more explanation would benefit readers.

Once you have finished reading the book, it’s time to dive into a deeper analysis and evaluation. Start by identifying the book’s strengths and weaknesses. Consider aspects such as character development, writing style, themes, and the overall message conveyed by the author.

This evaluation will help you understand the book better and allow you to form your own opinions and interpretations.

For instance, if you read one of the best psychological horror books , analyze how effectively the author builds suspense and delivers psychological chills. Explore how the characters are developed and whether their psychological struggles are portrayed convincingly. Evaluate the writing style and how it adds to the atmosphere of fear and unease.

Be sure to offer personal insights and opinions. Discuss what resonated with you, what surprised you, or what you found particularly effective. Share any connections you drew between the book and your own experiences or beliefs.

Concluding a book report requires a thoughtful reflection on the main points discussed throughout the report. There is a simple way to learn how to wrap a book ; Consider it a way to encapsulate your thoughts and impressions after engaging with the book.

Start by summarizing the main points you raised throughout the report. Highlight key elements such as the plot, characters, themes, and writing style that stood out to you. This summary allows the reader to recollect the important aspects of the book you discussed.

Next, reflect on the book’s impact and relevance. Did the book leave a lasting impression on you? Did it challenge your perspectives or offer new insights? Consider how the book fits into the larger literary landscape.

Lastly, share your recommendation. Would you recommend this book to others? Explain your reasoning behind your recommendation. Discuss who might enjoy the book and why it could benefit different readers.

By concluding thoughtfully, you provide a satisfying end to your book report while leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your thoughts and recommendations. Remember to combine your main points and insights to create a cohesive and impactful ending.

Sharing your insights on a book report can be as rewarding as the reading process itself. After completing the analysis and crafting a comprehensive report, the final step is crucial—submitting or sharing your work. This step aligns with the purpose of your assignment, whether it’s for academic evaluation or sharing valuable perspectives.

When submitting your book report, ensure adherence to any specific guidelines your instructor or institution provides. Format the document according to the required structure, including title pages, citations (if applicable), and additional components.

On the other hand, if you’re sharing your thoughts and recommendations informally, consider the audience. Whether it’s peers, friends, or fellow book enthusiasts, engagingly conveys your key takeaways. Highlight the aspects that resonated with you, discuss the character’s themes, and provide insightful critiques.

Remember, the essence of sharing your book report lies in enthusiasm and confidence. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your analytical skills and understanding of the book, inspiring others to explore the same literary journey. Ultimately, enjoy the process and be proud of the effort you’ve dedicated to the report!

Writing a book report is a great way to get your name and show off your writing skills. It’s also a great way to improve your reading comprehension skills, as you must read the book closely and analyze it to write a good report.

If you’re ready to get started with your book report, use these 9 steps as a guide!

By following these nine steps and considering the additional tips, you’ll be able to craft a comprehensive and insightful book report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example) 

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example) 

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report? 

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Close up shot of student writing a book report in class. Book report example.

Types of book reports 

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

  • Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
  • What positive characteristics does the character possess?
  • Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
  • Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
  • Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

  • Explain  exactly  what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
  • Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
  • Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
  • After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

Close up shot of male student writing a book report in journal. Book report example.

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

High school teacher hands back graded book reports. Book report example.

Book report example 

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In  To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall,  To Kill a Mockingbird  is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always  include the following elements in any book report:

  • The type of book report you are writing
  • The book's title
  • The author of the book
  • The time when the story takes place
  • The location where the story takes place
  • The names and a  brief  description of each of the characters you will be discussing
  • Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
  • A thesis statement
  • The point of view of the narrator
  • Summary of the book
  • The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
  • The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
  • The writing styles of the author
  • A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget! 

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

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Writing a Book Report

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Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words.

Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. If you are looking to write a book review instead of a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Review .

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider what types of things you will need to write your book report. First, you will need to get some basic information from the book:

  • Publisher location, name of publisher, year published
  • Number of Pages

You can either begin your report with some sort of citation, or you can incorporate some of these items into the report itself.

Next, try to answer the following questions to get you started thinking about the book:

  • Author: Who is the author? Have you read any other works by this author?
  • Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? What types of people would like to read this kind of book? Do you typically read these kinds of books? Do you like them?
  • Title: What does the title do for you? Does it spark your interest? Does it fit well with the text of the book?
  • Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: What does the book jacket or book cover say? Is it accurate? Were you excited to read this book because of it? Are there pictures? What kinds are there? Are they interesting?

As You Read

While reading a work of fiction, keep track of the major characters. You can also do the same with biographies. When reading nonfiction works, however, look for the main ideas and be ready to talk about them.

  • Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them? Were there good and bad characters?
  • Main Ideas: What is the main idea of the book? What happens? What did you learn that you did not know before?
  • Quotes: What parts did you like best? Are there parts that you could quote to make your report more enjoyable?

When You Are Ready to Write

Announce the book and author. Then, summarize what you have learned from the book. Explain what happens in the book, and discuss the elements you liked, did not like, would have changed, or if you would recommend this book to others and why. Consider the following items as well:

  • Principles/characters: What elements did you like best? Which characters did you like best and why? How does the author unfold the story or the main idea of the book?
  • Organize: Make sure that most of your paper summarizes the work. Then you may analyze the characters or themes of the work.
  • Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
  • Recommend: Would you recommend this book to others? Why? What would you tell them before they read it? What would you talk about after you read it?

Revising/Final Copy

Do a quick double check of your paper:

  • Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
  • Check the punctuation and grammar slowly.
  • Make sure you provide enough summary so that your reader or instructor can tell you read the book.
  • Consider adding some interesting quotes from the reading.

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Creative and Excellent Book Report Ideas for Students

Writing a book report can be a challenging task for students at all levels of education. Many struggle to strike the right balance between providing a concise summary and offering insightful analysis.

The pressure to submit a well-structured report often leaves students feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to begin. Unlike a book review that is longer and more detailed, the purpose of writing a book report is to summarize what happened in the story. 

In this blog, we will learn the book report writing, providing you with step-by-step instructions and creative ideas. Whether you're a reader or just starting your literary journey, this guide will help you write book reports that shine. 

So, let's dive in!

Arrow Down

  • 1. What is a Book Report?
  • 2. How to Write a Book Report Outline?
  • 3. How to Write a Book Report?
  • 4. Book Report Formatting
  • 5. Book Report vs. Book Review - How Do they Differ from Each Other? 
  • 6. Book Report Templates for Different Grades
  • 7. How to Write a Book Report for High School?
  • 8. How to Write a Book Report for College Level?
  • 9. Book Report Examples
  • 10. Book Report Ideas

What is a Book Report?

A book report is a written summary and analysis of a book's content, designed to provide readers with insights into the book's key elements. It's a valuable exercise for students, offering a chance to look deeper into a book's characters, and overall impact. Why are book reports important? They serve as a way to not only showcase your reading comprehension but also your critical thinking skills. They help you reflect on the book's strengths and weaknesses, and they can be a great tool to start a discussion.

How to Write a Book Report Outline?

Before you start writing a book report, it's crucial to create a well-organized outline. A book report outline serves as the roadmap for your report, ensuring that you cover all essential aspects. Here's how to create an effective book report outline:

How to Write a Book Report?

Writing an effective book report is not just about summarizing a story; it's a chance to showcase your analytical skills.

Let’s go through the process of creating a compelling book report that will impress your instructor.

How to Start a Book Report

To start a book report follow the steps below:

  • Pick the Perfect Book  Selecting the right book for your report is the first crucial step. If you have the freedom to choose, opt for a book that aligns with your interests. Engaging with a book you're passionate about makes the entire process more enjoyable.
  • Dive into the Pages Reading the book thoroughly is non-negotiable. While summaries and online resources can be helpful, they can't replace the depth of understanding gained from reading the actual text. Take notes as you read to capture key moments and insights.
  • Document Key Insights Keeping a physical notebook for jotting down important points and insights is a tried-and-true method. This tangible record allows for quick reference when you're ready to write your report.
  • Collect Powerful Quotes Quotes from the book can be the secret sauce that adds weight to your report. Choose quotes that align with your report's themes and ideas. These quotes will serve as evidence to support your analysis and perspective.
  • Craft Your Report Outline An book report outline serves as your roadmap for creating a structured and coherent report. Ensure it includes all the vital elements, from basic book information to your in-depth analysis. An organized outline keeps your writing on track.

Writing Your Book Report

Now that you've completed the preliminary steps, it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Follow these guidelines for an exceptional book report:

  • Introduction: Open with a captivating introduction that introduces the book, its author, and your main thesis. This initial "hook" draws readers in and sparks their interest.
  • Plot Summary: Concisely summarize the book's plot, including key events, main characters, and the overall narrative. Offer enough information for understanding without revealing major spoilers.
  • Analysis: The core of your report, where you dissect the book's themes, characters, writing style, and any symbolism. Back your insights with book quotes and examples, revealing the author's intentions and how they achieved them.
  • Conclusion: Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and share your overall evaluation of the book. End with a thought-provoking statement or recommendation to leave readers engaged and curious.

Book Report Formatting

When it comes to formatting a book report, simplicity and clarity are key. Here's a straightforward guide on the essential formatting elements:

Book Report vs. Book Review - How Do they Differ from Each Other? 

The table below highlights how is a book report different from a book review :

What are the SImilarities between Book Report and Book Review?

Here are the things that are added in both a book report and a book review.

  • Bibliographic details
  • Background of the author
  • The recommended audience for the book
  • The main subject of the book or work
  • Summary of the work and the only difference is that in the review, a critical analysis is also added

Due to the similarities, many students think that both of these are the same. It is wrong and could cost you your grade.

How to Write a Nonfiction Book Report? 

Writing a nonfiction book report may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can craft an informative report. Here's a streamlined guide:

  • Read Actively: Carefully read the chosen nonfiction book, highlighting key information. For instance, if you're reporting on a biography, mark significant life events and their impact.
  • Introduction: Begin with the author's name, the book's publication year, and why the author wrote the book. Create an engaging opening sentence, such as "In 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,' Rebecca Skloot delves into the fascinating world of medical ethics."
  • Focused Body: Structure the body into three paragraphs, each addressing crucial aspects. For instance, in a report on a science book, one paragraph could cover the book's key scientific discoveries.
  • Concluding Thoughts: Share your personal opinion, if applicable. Would you recommend the book? Mention reasons, like "I highly recommend 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari for its thought-provoking insights into human history."

Writing a nonfiction book report requires adhering to facts but can still be enjoyable with a strategic approach.

How to Write a Book Report without Reading the Book?

Short on time to read the entire book? Here are quick steps to create a book report:

  • Consult Summary Websites: Visit websites providing book summaries and analyses. For instance, SparkNotes or CliffsNotes offer concise overviews.
  • Focus on Key Details: Select 2-3 crucial aspects of the book, like major themes or character development. Discuss these in-depth.
  • Consider a Writing Service: Utilize professional writing services when time is tight. They can craft a well-structured report based on provided information.
  • Offer a Unique Perspective: Differentiate your report by approaching it from a unique angle. For example, explore a theme or character relationship that hasn't been extensively covered by peers.

While challenging, writing a book report without reading the book is possible with these strategies.

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Book Report Templates for Different Grades

Students studying at different levels have different skills and ability levels. Here is how they can write book reports for their respective academic levels.

How to Write a Book Report for an Elementary School?

The following are some book report templates that you can use for your primary or elementary school.

how to write a 3rd-grade book report - MyPerfectWords.com

How to Write a Book Report for Middle School

Here are the book report worksheets that you can use to write your middle school book report.

how to write a 6th-grade book report - MyPerfectWords.com

How to Write a Book Report for High School?

Writing a high school book report includes the following steps:

  • Read the book thoroughly and with purpose.
  • Make an outline before writing the report as a pre-writing step.
  • Follow the guidelines and the given format to create the title page for your report.
  • Add basic details in the introduction of your book report.
  • Analyze the major and minor characters of the story and the role they play in the progress of the story.
  • Analyze the major and significant plot, events, and themes. Describe the story and arguments and focus on important details.
  • Conclude by adding a summary of the main elements, characters, symbols, and themes.

How to Write a Book Report for College Level?

Follow this college book report template to format and write your report effectively:

  • Understand the Assignment: Familiarize yourself with the assignment and book details to ensure proper adherence.
  • Read Thoroughly: Read the book attentively, noting essential details about the plot, characters, and themes.
  • Introduction: Craft an informative introduction with bibliographic details. 
  • Summary: Summarize key aspects like setting, events, atmosphere, narrative style, and the overall plot. 
  • Plot: Cover the entire story, highlighting essential details, plot twists, and conflicts. 
  • Conclusion: Summarize the story and assess its strengths and weaknesses. Unlike a review, a book report provides a straightforward summary.

Book Report Examples

Book Report of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Book Report of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

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Book Report Ideas

Basic ideas include presenting your narrative and analysis in simple written form, while more creative ideas include a fun element. Some notable books to choose from for your book report writing assignment are mentioned below:

  • "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
  • "1984" by George Orwell
  • "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
  • "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
  • "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
  • "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
  • "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank
  • "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Need more ideas? Check out our book report ideas blog to get inspiration!

To Sum it Up! Crafting a good book report involves striking the right balance between introducing the book, summarizing its key themes, and avoiding spoilers. It's a delicate art, but with the right guidance you can grasp this skill effortlessly. 

Need expert assistance with writing your book report? MyPerfectWords.com is here to help you out!

If you're asking yourself, "Can someone write my essays online ?"Our professional writers have the answer. We can write a custom book report according to your personalized requirements and instructions. Get a high-quality book report to help you earn the best grades on your assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the parts of a book report.

FAQ Icon

A book report often contains different sections that describe the setting, main characters, and key themes of the story. A common type is an expository one which details what happened in detail or discusses how people feel about it.

Is a report a summary?

No, a summary is more detailed than a book report. A book report is usually based on a short summary of the book, while a standalone summary is more detailed and could have headings, subheadings, and supporting quotes.

How many paragraphs should be included in a book report?

The book report is a typical assignment in middle and high school, usually with one introduction, three body, and one conclusion paragraph.

The number of paragraphs could vary depending on the academic level, with an expert or professional book report having more than three body paragraphs.

How long is a book report?

It should not exceed two double-spaced pages, be between 600 and 800 words in length. Your book report is a written reflection on the content of a novel or work of nonfiction.

How do you end a book report?

Sum up your thesis statement and remind the readers of the important points, one final time. Do not add any new ideas or themes here and try to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Book Report Outline

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How to Write a Book Report

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We explain the pre-writing steps to writing a book report

Writing a book report can be a difficult task that requires you to deal with a large amount of information in a relatively small space. But don't be discouraged—in this article we outline how to prepare for your book report and in our later article we discuss how to write report on a book .

Tips for taking notes

Before you can sit down to write a book report, you must first read the required novel. As you read, remember to take notes on each chapter of the book. Simply reading the book and then writing your book report will likely result in a poorly organized assignment and a lot of flipping pages back and forth to find information. College book reports or essays are different from high school literary assignments in the sense that while you will be summarizing the text to some extent, you'll also be required to deal with the book on a meaningful level (i.e., interpret or extract meaning from the events of the story). For this reason, noting the following important elements in each chapter (as you read and before you begin to write) is highly important:

Main characters and their actions

While you don't need to write down every single thing that a character does, it's important to notice patterns of behavior across the entire arc of the story. Let's say you note that, in Chapter 1, the main character robs a convenience store because the owner fired him. Later, in Chapter 7, the same character slashes the tires of his neighbor's car because she parked in his parking space. While you wouldn't necessarily have to mention these two specific details in the book report, your careful examination of this character's actions allows you to call him "vindictive" in your report and have the proof to back it up.

The setting

Just as with noting the main characters and their actions, taking notice of settings will allow you to uncover patterns throughout the story. Perhaps you note that Chapters 1 through 3 take place in Brooklyn, and then in Chapter 4, a new character that lives in Tempe is introduced. As the story progresses, the character from Brooklyn makes his way to Columbus, Des Moines, and finally to Salem. Likewise, the character in Tempe travels to Santa Fe, Salt Lake City, and Boise before reaching Salem and reuniting with our first character. In your report, it's probably unnecessary to mention all of these cities. However, your examination of patterns throughout the plot of the story could lead you to report that two characters, one from New York City and the other from Tempe, reunite in Salem.

This one is quite simple. You should be writing down at least one noteworthy event from each chapter of the book.

Symbols and symbolism

Symbols are tricky. It can be said that symbols/symbolism are what ultimately allow readers to make meaning from a story that spans hundreds of pages. For example, in Dylan Thomas's "Do not go gentle into that good night," references to the "close of day" and "night" are generally deemed, by scholars, to be symbolic representations of death. Another example that everyone is familiar with is a red rose, which generally symbolizes love. Noting symbols in stories takes some practice, but this is what will ultimately make your book report stand out. If a symbol repeats throughout a story, it's likely not accidental; the author wants the readers to extract some sort of meaning from this symbol. If you can do this, you will likely receive a better grade than those who ignore this admittedly difficult point. If you think you've come upon a symbolic element in a story, we recommend asking yourself the following questions: How does this symbol relate to the actions of the characters and the events in the story? Does this symbol help explain an aspect of a character's personality or an event in the story? If so, how is this accomplished? Do any events in the story mirror real-life events? Do any characters mirror real-life people who are in the public eye? If so, what is the author trying to say by doing this? Finally, remember that symbols are useless unless related to the events and characters. Symbols should be considered tools that help you better understand the meaning behind a story.

If you've taken notes correctly, your book should be a little worse for wear when you're done reading it: you should have made notes in it, stuck tabs on noteworthy passages, and/or dog-eared important pages. The book is now yours ; you've connected with its contents in a meaningful way and are ready to start organizing your thoughts.

Organize your information into headings

Once you've finished reading the novel, look through your notes and, on a blank piece of paper, write down what you feel are the ten most important elements in the book, in no particular order. Next, take another page and write "Main Characters/Actions," "Setting," "Events," and "Symbols" as headings. Look at your first list and categorize each of your ten elements. This way, you can clearly see if you're ignoring one of the headings. For example, if you notice that you don't have anything under the "Symbols" heading, you'll need to look at your notes and include one or two elements there.

From note-taking to connection-making

Learning how to take good notes, while reading, is an important skill that every student should master. Granted, note-taking will slow your reading process down in the beginning (where you could once speed-read through a 350-page novel in one sitting, it may now take you three or four nights), but ultimately, this will be time well spent. This way, when it comes time to write your book report, you'll be armed with informative ideas and well thought-out interpretations. And remember, if you need a second opinion on your notes, be sure to send your document over to our essay editing services .

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How to write a book report

How to write a book report

A book report is one of the first types of essays you probably learned to write in elementary school. But no matter how many book reports you turn in over the course of your student life, they can still inspire some anxiety and some confusion about the best way to write a book report, especially as you reach the high school and college level.

The good news is that the basics you learned in the early grades will serve you in good stead, since the book report format remains mostly the same. The very same structure and tools you used to dissect Charlotte’s Web and Superfudge will work just as well for Animal Farm and The Handmaid’s Tale . What changes is the depth and breadth of your analysis as a high school and college student.

So, If you are wondering how to start a book report for a college class assignment, here are some of the key pieces of information you need to know.

What is a book report?

Let’s start off with some definitions. In the most general terms, a book report is a summary of a written text, often a fiction novel, but can also include other genres such as memoir and creative non-fiction. It includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc.

While the analysis should be reasoned and objective, it should also include your opinion and assessment of the impact and overall success of the author’s choices on the final work.

Book reports usually fall into one of the following types:

Plot summary

This type of book report isn’t just a re-telling of the story, it’s a comment on your overall impression of the plot — whether you thought it was engaging or maudlin or vapid, for example — backed up by direct quotes from the text to support your opinion.

Example of a plot summary thesis statement: The plot of Herman Melville’s short story, “Bartleby the Scrivener,” offers a poignant portrait of how depression robs a person of all motivation and momentum in life.

Character analysis

A character analysis zeroes in on a particular character (their characterization and actions) and their impact on the unfolding of the plot and its eventual outcome.

Example of a character analysis thesis statement: In J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye , the character of Phoebe, Holden’s bright and precocious younger sister, is a catalyst for rekindling his hope in humanity and reconsidering the choices he’s made in his life.

Theme analysis

A theme analysis looks at the overarching concepts, or themes, that run through a book and that give the text meaning and direction. Themes tend to be broad in nature, such as love, the importance of family, the impact of childhood, etc.

Example of a theme analysis thesis statement: Banana Yoshimoto’s novella, Kitchen , explores the theme of death and how everyone sooner or later has to come to terms with the mortality of the people they love as well as their own.

How to start a book report

The very first step in writing a stellar book report that earns a top grade is actually reading the book. This may seem obvious, but many students make the assignment much harder on themselves by not putting in the time up front to do a thorough and complete reading of the book they’re going to be writing their report on. So resist the urge to skim the text or to rely on the Cliff’s notes version. A nuanced analysis requires a deep grasp of the text, and there is no substitute for focused, firsthand reading.

It’s a lot easier to stick with a book that you enjoy reading! If you have the chance to choose the book you’ll be writing a report on, take some time to select a book that appeals to you, considering the genre, time period, writing style, and plot.

It can be helpful to start thinking about your book report while you are still making your way through your initial reading of the text. Mark down passages that provide key turning points in the action, descriptive passages that establish time and place, and any other passages that stand out to you in terms of their word choice and use of language. This makes it much easier to go back later and start collecting the evidence you’ll need to support your argument and analysis.

Once you finish reading the book from cover to cover, you’ll likely find that your mind is swirling with thoughts, impressions, and burgeoning analyses. At this stage, trying to distill all of these half-formed thoughts into one cohesive report may seem like a daunting task. One way to make this task more approachable is to start by collecting and listing the objective facts about the book. The following list covers the basic elements that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

  • The book’s title and author
  • The historical context of the book (when it was written)
  • The time(s) during which the story is set
  • The location(s) where the story takes place
  • A summary of the main characters and action of the story
  • Quotes from the book that will function as evidence to support your analysis

With all of the basics in hand, you can start to write your book report in earnest. Just like most other essay types, a well-written book report follows a basic structure that makes it easy for your reader to follow your thoughts and make sense of your argument.

A typical book report will open with an introduction that briefly summarizes the book and culminates with a thesis statement that advances an opinion or viewpoint about it. This is followed by body paragraphs that provide detailed points to flesh out and support that opinion in greater detail, including direct quotes from the text as supporting evidence. The report finishes with a conclusion that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader with an understanding of the book, its aims, and whether or not you feel the book (and its author) was successful in doing what it set out to do. Ideally, the conclusion will also make a statement about how the book fits into the larger literary world.

A book report template you can use for any book report

If you find yourself stuck on how to start a book report, here’s a handy book report template you can use to get things off the ground. Simply use this structure and start filling it in with the specifics of the book you are writing your report on. Feel free to expand upon this book report template, adding more sections as appropriate.

Introduction

Write three to five sentences introducing the book and author as well as important contextual information about the book, such as the publication year and the overall critical reception at the time. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.

Body paragraphs

Include at least three body paragraphs that offer detailed information and analysis to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should contain one idea, backed up with direct quotes from the text alongside your critical analysis.

Write three to five sentences that restate your thesis and summarize the evidence you’ve presented in support of it. Relate your findings to a larger context about the book’s place within both the literary world and the world at large.

Frequently Asked Questions about book reports

A book report follows the format of most papers you write - it will have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Depending on the type of book report, you will fill these parts with the required information.

These are the basic parts that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

  • The historical context of the book and time(s) during which the story is set

The book report is, among other things, also a summary of the plot, main characters, and ideas and arguments of the author. Your book report should help readers decide whether they want to read the book or not.

How many pages a book report should have depends on your assignment. It can be a half page, but it can also have many pages. Make sure to carefully read through your assignment and ask your professor if you are unsure .

A book report is a summary of a written text. A good book report includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc. A good book report helps the reader decide whether they want to read the book or not.

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Book Report

Caleb S.

What is a Book Report & How to Write a Perfect One

Published on: Jan 26, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Writing a book report is a terrifying experience for many students. The terror begins with reading and understanding what you're reading but then continues as your thoughts become paper in front of you.

Have you ever been assigned a book report and thought, ‘Ugh! This is going to be terrible?’ Well, we're here to help. 

Below you can find a helpful guide to understand how to write a perfect report. Here we have also provided some sample book reports and a free book report template for your help. 

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What is a Book Report?

A book report is an informative piece of writing that summarizes the novel and presents some brief analysis on its main elements like plot, setting, characters.

This could either be a work of fiction or nonfiction with a tone covering everything from serious to humorous.

A book review is not the same as a book report.

Although they may look similar, one requires in-depth analysis and an objective point of view while the other is more descriptive and subjective.

Some course instructors may ask students to add relevant themes of the book and plot elements into their book reports. But, on a very basic level, a book report is an extremely simple form of review for any given text - no matter what its genre or author.

How does a book report writing benefit you?

Writing a good report will help students to improve their analytical and communication skills. They also get the opportunity to practice expressing themselves through creative or critical thought about the different aspects of books they read.

Assessing the Book Before Writing the Review 

Before delving into the content of a book, it's essential to gather some key information. Begin by noting the following details:

  • Author: Who authored the book? Are you familiar with any other works by this author?
  • Genre: What category does the book fall into—fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? 
  • Which audience would find this type of book appealing? Is this your typical genre preference? Do you enjoy reading books within this genre?
  • Title: How does the title impact you? Does it pique your interest? Does it align well with the book's content?
  • Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: Analyze the book jacket or cover. What does it convey? Is it an accurate representation of the book? Did it generate excitement for you to read it? Are there any illustrations or images within the book? If so, what type are they, and do they captivate your interest?

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Book Report Outline

Writing a book report becomes more manageable when you follow a structured outline. Here's an outline you can use as a guideline for your book report:

How to Write a Book Report? - H2

Writing a book report involves several key steps that can help you effectively communicate your understanding and analysis of a book. Here's a guide on how to write a book report:

Introduction

  • Begin with an engaging introductory paragraph that includes the book's title, author, and publication information.
  • Provide a brief overview of the book's genre and main theme.
  • Include any initial reactions or expectations you had before reading the book.
  • Summarize the main plot or central idea of the book without giving away major spoilers.
  • Highlight key events, conflicts, and characters that drive the narrative.
  • Focus on the most significant aspects of the story and avoid excessive details.

Analysis and Evaluation

  • Analyze the author's writing style, storytelling techniques, and use of literary devices.
  • Discuss the book's strengths and weaknesses, supporting your statements with examples from the text.
  • Evaluate how effectively the author conveys their message and engages the reader.
  • Consider the book's impact on you personally and its relevance to broader themes or issues.

Themes and Messages

  • Identify the main themes or messages explored in the book.
  • Discuss how these themes are developed throughout the narrative.
  • Provide specific examples or quotes to support your analysis.

Character Analysis

  • Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships.
  • Discuss their motivations, personalities, and how they contribute to the story.
  • Use examples and quotes to illustrate your points.
  • Summarize your main points and overall assessment of the book.
  • Offer your personal opinion on the book, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
  • Reflect on the impact the book had on you and who you would recommend it to.

Formatting and Proofreading

  • Structure your book report into paragraphs with clear topic sentences.
  • Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
  • Ensure your report is well-organized and follows a logical flow.
  • Citations may be required if you quote or reference specific passages from the book.

Remember, a book report is not just a summary; it also involves critical analysis and interpretation. 

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and insightful book report that effectively conveys your understanding.

Book Report Examples

Before you head into the writing process of your book report, it's a great idea to take some time and look at examples of other people's book reports.

In this way, you'll see how others have written their own work in an engaging manner that will inspire creativity on your part as well.

Book Report Sample

Book Report on Harry Potter

Book Report on Matilda

Book Report on Pride and Prejudice

Book Report for Kids

Book Report MLA Format

Book Report Worksheet

High School Book Report Template

Non-Fiction Book Report Template

Book Report Template 4th Grade

3rd Grade Book Report Template

Book Report Ideas

Picking a book for your report can be an intimidating task. You don't have any idea which books to read or what the professor will prefer, but there are some ideas of different subjects you could write about:

  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
  • The Fault in Our Stars book report
  • Animal Farm by George Orwell
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • Hunger Games book report
  • A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
  • Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
  • Charlotte's webbook report

If you are still not sure about how to write a book report that will help you earn an A, then our essay writer AI is the perfect solution for you. Consider taking professional essay writing assistance from one of our experienced writers who specialize in this area.

No matter if you need help with your college essay, book review, book report, or full-length research paper, we provide essay writing service for students . Contact our expert essay writing service today to get the best assistance with all your academic tasks! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main parts of a book report.

The main parts of a book report are the bibliography, characters, setting, themes, and plot. These four elements form a descriptive book report. However, most reports that you will read in high school or college are expository-based, meaning they explore an idea rather than discuss it. 

Are book reports essays?

A book report is, quite simply, an essay about a book. A book report is a type of essay that students are asked to write by their teachers. Different formats for this writing assignment may be used, but the most common one is expository style (i.e., telling about something). 

How long should a book report be?

Your book report should not exceed two double-spaced pages, and it should be somewhere between 600 and 800 words in length. 

What is a thesis in a book report?

After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic. This sentence is the thesis statement and serves as an overview of what will be discussed in this paper. 

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

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Trump VP contender Kristi Noem writes of killing dog – and goat – in new book

South Dakota governor includes bloody tale in campaign volume – and admits ‘a better politician … wouldn’t tell the story here’

  • Kristi Noem’s story of killing her dog points to class two misdemeanor

In 1952, as a Republican candidate for vice-president, Richard Nixon stirred criticism by admitting receiving a dog, Checkers , as a political gift.

In 2012, as the Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney was pilloried for tying a dog , Seamus, to the roof of the family car for a cross-country trip.

But in 2024 Kristi Noem , a strong contender to be named running mate to Donald Trump , the presumptive Republican nominee, has managed to go one further – by admitting killing a dog of her own.

“Cricket was a wirehair pointer, about 14 months old,” the South Dakota governor writes in a new book, adding that the dog, a female, had an “aggressive personality” and needed to be trained to be used for hunting pheasant.

What unfolds over the next few pages shows how that effort went very wrong indeed – and, remarkably, how Cricket was not the only domestic animal Noem chose to kill one day in hunting season.

Noem’s book – No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward – will be published in the US next month. The Guardian obtained a copy.

Like other aspirants to be Trump’s second vice-president who have ventured into print , Noem offers readers a mixture of autobiography, policy prescriptions and political invective aimed at Democrats and other enemies, all of it raw material for speeches on the campaign stump.

She includes her story about the ill-fated Cricket, she says, to illustrate her willingness, in politics as well as in South Dakota life, to do anything “difficult, messy and ugly” if it simply needs to be done.

By taking Cricket on a pheasant hunt with older dogs, Noem says, she hoped to calm the young dog down and begin to teach her how to behave. Unfortunately, Cricket ruined the hunt, going “out of her mind with excitement, chasing all those birds and having the time of her life”.

Noem describes calling Cricket, then using an electronic collar to attempt to bring her under control. Nothing worked. Then, on the way home after the hunt, as Noem stopped to talk to a local family, Cricket escaped Noem’s truck and attacked the family’s chickens, “grabb[ing] one chicken at a time, crunching it to death with one bite, then dropping it to attack another”.

Cricket the untrainable dog, Noem writes, behaved like “a trained assassin”.

When Noem finally grabbed Cricket, she says, the dog “whipped around to bite me”. Then, as the chickens’ owner wept, Noem repeatedly apologised, wrote the shocked family a check “for the price they asked, and helped them dispose of the carcasses littering the scene of the crime”.

Through it all, Noem says, Cricket was “the picture of pure joy”.

“I hated that dog,” Noem writes, adding that Cricket had proved herself “untrainable”, “dangerous to anyone she came in contact with” and “less than worthless … as a hunting dog”.

“At that moment,” Noem says, “I realised I had to put her down.”

Noem, who also represented her state in Congress for eight years, got her gun, then led Cricket to a gravel pit.

“It was not a pleasant job,” she writes, “but it had to be done. And after it was over, I realised another unpleasant job needed to be done.”

Incredibly, Noem’s tale of slaughter is not finished.

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Her family, she writes, also owned a male goat that was “nasty and mean”, because it had not been castrated. Furthermore, the goat smelled “disgusting, musky, rancid” and “loved to chase” Noem’s children, knocking them down and ruining their clothes.

Noem decided to kill the unnamed goat the same way she had just killed Cricket the dog. But though she “dragged him to a gravel pit”, the goat jumped as she shot and therefore survived the wound. Noem says she went back to her truck, retrieved another shell, then “hurried back to the gravel pit and put him down”.

At that point, Noem writes, she realised a construction crew had watched her kill both animals. The startled workers swiftly got back to work, she writes, only for a school bus to arrive and drop off Noem’s children.

“Kennedy looked around confused,” Noem writes of her daughter, who asked: “Hey, where’s Cricket?”

On Friday, reaction to news of Noem’s description of killing her dog and her goat included satire, the Barack Obama adviser turned podcaster Tommy Vietor calling the governor “Jeffrey Dahmer with veneers”, a reference to a famous serial killer and a recent scandal over Noem’s cosmetic dentistry treatment .

But most responses, particularly from dog lovers and people who hunt with dogs, simply expressed disgust.

Rick Wilson, of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, called Noem “deliberately cruel” and “trash”. Ryan Busse, the Democratic candidate for governor of Montana, said : “Anyone who has ever owned a birddog knows how disgusting, lazy and evil this is. Damn.”

Noem herself posted a screengrab of the Guardian report – and an admission that she recently “put down three horses”.

“We love animals,” she said, “but tough decisions like this happen all the time on a farm. Sadly, we just had to put down three horses a few weeks ago that had been in our family for 25 years.”

The governor also said her book contained “more real, honest and politically incorrect stories that’ll have the media gasping”.

In the book, however, she sums up her story about Cricket the dog and the unnamed, un-castrated goat with what may prove a contender for the greatest understatement of election year: “I guess if I were a better politician I wouldn’t tell the story here.”

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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem defends her account of killing own dog in new book

South Dakota governor and Republican vice presidential contender Kristi Noem on Friday responded to a news report about a section of her forthcoming book where she describes killing her 14-month-old dog.

“We love animals, but tough decisions like this happen all the time on a farm,” she said in a post to X above a headline from The Guardian , which obtained a copy of Noem's upcoming book, “No Going Back.”

South Dakota Govv. Kristi Noem speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Dallas on July 11, 2021.

The Guardian's article describes a section of Noem's book, set for release next month, in which she recounted shooting her dog after deciding it was “less than worthless” and “untrainable.”

In her account, Noem grabbed her gun and led the dog, named Cricket, to a gravel pit.

“It was not a pleasant job, but it had to be done. And after it was over, I realized another unpleasant job needed to be done,” Noem wrote.

She then went on to kill a family goat, which she called “nasty and mean.” Noem also led the goat to a gravel pit, where she said her first shot wounded but did not kill the animal. She got another shell for her gun and killed the goat, according to the book.

Noem wrote that her daughter seemed confused when she came home from school, asking, “Hey, where's Cricket?”

NBC News has not obtained Noem's book or independently verified the section reported by The Guardian.

Noem was lambasted Friday on social media; some said they were “ horrified ,” while others posted pictures of their dogs .

The Biden campaign p osted p hotos of the president walking with the family dog Commander, who has had numerous biting incidents , and Vice President Kamala Harris cuddling a dog.

Noem is widely viewed as a top contender to be Trump's running mate. She is in her second term as South Dakota governor, and she previously served as the state's lone representative in the U.S. House.

how do you write a book report

Megan Lebowitz is a politics reporter for NBC News.

How to Start a Book Report

  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

No matter what you're writing, be it the next great novel, an essay for school, or a book report , you have to capture your audience's attention with a great introduction. Most students will introduce the title of the book and its author, but there's so much more you can do. A strong introduction will help you engage your readers, hold their attention and explain what is coming up in the rest of your report.

Giving your audience something to look forward to, and perhaps even creating a little mystery and excitement, can be great ways to make sure your readers stay engaged with your report. How do you do this? Check out these three simple steps:

1. Hook the Audience's Attention

Think about what you experience in your daily life that captures your attention. The news and radio shows "promo" upcoming stories with a little teaser, often called a hook (because it "hooks" your attention). Corporations use snappy subject lines in emails and enticing headlines in social media to get you to open their messages; these are often called "clickbait" as they get the reader to click on the content. So how can you grab your reader's attention? Start by writing a great  introductory sentence .

You may choose to begin by asking your reader a question to hook his or her interest. Or you may opt for a title that hints at the topic of your report with a dash of drama. Regardless of the way you choose to start a book report, the four strategies outlined here can help you write an engaging essay.

Starting your book report with a question is a good way to grab your reader's interest because you're addressing them directly. Consider the following sentences:

  • Do you believe in happy endings?
  • Have you ever felt like a total outsider?
  • Do you love a good mystery?
  • What would you do if you discovered a secret that changed everything?

Most people have a ready answer for questions like these because they speak to common experiences we share. It's a means of creating empathy between the person reading your book report and the book itself. For example, consider this opening to a book report about "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton:

Have you ever been judged by your appearance? In "The Outsiders," S.E. Hinton gives readers a glimpse inside the tough exterior of a social outcast.

Not everyone's teenage years are as dramatic as those in Hinton's coming-of-age novel. But everyone was once an adolescent, and odds are everyone had moments when they felt misunderstood or alone.

Another idea to hook someone's attention is, if you're discussing a book by a well-known or popular author, you might start with an interesting fact about the era when the author was alive and how it influenced his or her writing. For example:

As a young child, Charles Dickens was forced to work in a shoe polish factory. In his novel, "Hard Times," Dickens taps into his childhood experience to explore the evils of social injustice and hypocrisy.

Not everyone has read Dickens, but many people have heard his name. By starting your book report with a fact, you're appealing to your reader's curiosity. Similarly, you may choose an experience from the author’s life that had an impact on his or her work. 

2. Summarize the Content and Provide Details

A book report is meant to discuss the contents of the book at hand, and your introductory paragraph should give a little overview. This isn't the place to delve into details, but draw off your hook to share a little more information that is crucial to the storyline. 

For example, sometimes, a novel's setting is what makes it so powerful. "To Kill a Mockingbird," the award-winning book by Harper Lee, takes place in a small town in Alabama during the Great Depression. The author draws on her own experiences in recalling a time when a small Southern town's sleepy exterior hid a vague sense of impending change. In this example, the reviewer might include a reference to the book's setting and plot in that first paragraph:

Set in the sleepy town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Depression, we learn about Scout Finch and her father, a prominent lawyer, as he desperately works to prove the innocence of a black man wrongly accused of rape. The controversial trial leads to some unexpected interactions and some terrifying situations for the Finch Family.

Authors make a deliberate choice when selecting the setting of a book. After all, the location and setting can set a very distinct mood. 

3. Make a Thesis Statement (if applicable)

When writing a book report, you might also include your own interpretations of the subject matter. Ask your teacher how much personal interpretation he or she wants first, but assuming that some personal opinion is warranted, your introduction should include a thesis statement. This is where you present the reader with your own argument about the work. To write a strong thesis statement, which should be about one sentence, you might reflect on what the author was trying to achieve. Consider the theme and see if the book was written in such a way where you were able to determine it easily and if it made sense. As yourself a few questions:

  • Was the book meant to be entertaining or informative? Did it accomplish that goal?
  • Did the moral at the end make sense? Did you learn something?
  • Did the book make you think about the topic at hand and assess your beliefs? 

Once you've asked yourself these questions, and any other questions you may think of, see if these responses lead you to a thesis statement in which you assess the success of the novel. Sometimes, a thesis statement is widely shared, while others may be more controversial. In the example below, the thesis statement is one that few would dispute, ​and uses dialogue from the text to help illustrate the point. Authors choose dialogue carefully, and a single phrase from a character can often represent both a major theme and your thesis. A well-chosen quote included in your book report's introduction can help you create a thesis statement that has a powerful impact on your readers, as in this example:

At its heart, the novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" is a plea for tolerance in an atmosphere of intolerance, and is a statement on social justice. As the character Atticus Finch tells his daughter, 'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.'"

Quoting Finch is effective because his words sum up the novel's theme concisely and also appeal to the reader's own sense of tolerance.

Don't worry if your first attempt at writing an introductory paragraph is less than perfect. Writing is an act of fine-tuning, and you may need several revisions. The idea is to start your book report by identifying your general theme so that you can move on to the body of your essay. After you've written the entire book report, you can (and should) return to the introduction to refine it. Creating an outline can help you best identify what you need in your introduction.

Article edited by  Stacy Jagodowski

  • How to Write a Great Book Report
  • Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay
  • The Introductory Paragraph: Start Your Paper Off Right
  • Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
  • 10 Steps to Writing a Successful Book Report
  • How to Design a Book Cover
  • The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
  • How to Write a Good Thesis Statement
  • How to Structure an Essay
  • How to Write a Response Paper
  • How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story
  • How To Write an Essay
  • What an Essay Is and How to Write One
  • Understanding Organization in Composition and Speech
  • 6 Steps to Writing the Perfect Personal Essay
  • How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement

how do you write a book report

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Kari Lake earned a senator’s salary for talking and writing: documents

Mark Alesia, Investigative Reporter

Mark Alesia, Investigative Reporter

Investigative reporter, mark is an indiana-based reporter who spent 16 years at the indianapolis star as an investigative news reporter, sports enterprise reporter and assistant sports editor. he is one of the three indianapolis star reporters who broke the larry nassar/usa gymnastics story, which revealed how nassar serially raped and assaulted child athletes while serving as the gymnastics team's doctor. the reporting, chronicled in books and the netflix documentary "athlete a", won numerous awards, including the university of missouri’s honor medal and the tom renner award from investigative reporters & editors. mark’s reporting on a wide variety of other subjects has won 15 national and 20 first-place state awards, including indiana journalist of the year as selected by the society of professional journalists. a graduate of indiana university, alesia most recently worked as communications director for indiana state university. earlier in his reporting career, alesia worked at cbs sportsline, the daily herald of suburban chicago, the los angeles daily news and riverside (calif.) press-enterprise. he's frequently appeared on tv and radio, including cnn, espn and npr..

University of Missouri’s Honor Medal

Tom Renner Award from Investigative Reporters & Editors

Kari Lake

Kari Lake, the probable Republican candidate this year for the U.S. Senate in Arizona, made more money last year just from speaking and writing than she would make as a senator, according to Raw Story ’s analysis of her most recent financial disclosure.

That’s $175,000 for Lake — and $174,000 for a U.S. senator .

Lake disclosed the specific terms of her book deal royalty agreement in an amended personal financial disclosure report filed Friday. She reported receiving a $100,000 advance, against 25 percent of net profits from sales, from her book “ Unafraid ,” released last June.

ALSO READ: 17 worthless things Trump will give you for your money

The Guardian described Lake’s book as a “grievance-packed audition in Lake’s tireless quest to be named [Donald] Trump’s running mate in 2024.”

The Daily Mail says Lake uses the book “to lay out her political manifesto and settle scores, all while describing how she made the move from much loved TV news anchor to one of the county's most divisive politicians.

how do you write a book report

Lake’s book failed to reach the level of commercial success achieved by other MAGA-adjacent tomes, including those by members of the Trump family and a roster of Republican senators. The book is published by Winning Team Publishing, which was co-founded in 2021 by Donald Trump Jr.

Lake added the terms of her book deal — omitted in her amended February report and her original January report — as she prepares for Arizona’s July 30 primary .

ALSO READ: Trump-nominated FEC leader: let political donors hide their identities

Lake lost her only general election — for Arizona governor in 2022. She never conceded to Democrat Katie Hobbs after losing the race by more than 17,000 votes. Lake continues to deny the legitimacy of the election, despite losing multiple times in court on the issue.

During 2023, she commanded at least $5,000 — and as much as $15,000 — for each of seven speaking engagements she disclosed between March and September. Only one of the speeches was delivered in Arizona.

how do you write a book report

The Washington Post reported recently that Trump, the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee, has soured on Lake’s prospects to win the Senate seat this year, despite writing a sunny foreword to her book. Trump has grumbled that Lake could be a drag on his presidential campaign in the key state of Arizona.

Lake’s campaign did not immediately respond to Raw Story’s request for comment.

Lake faces Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego in November. Through March, the latest federal campaign finance report, Gallego had a substantial lead over Lake in fundraising.

how do you write a book report

Gallego’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) announced in March that she would not seek reelection after leaving the Democratic Party. Polling showed her finishing third against Gallego and Lake in a three-way race that now will not happen because of Sinema’s departure.

Stories Chosen For You

Should trump be allowed to run for office, u.s. centenarian to marry at normandy, 80 years after allied landing.

Americans Harold Terens and Jeanne Swerlin promise their courtship is "better than Romeo and Juliet": He is 100, she's 96, and they marry next month in France, where the groom-to-be served during World War II.

U.S. Air Force veteran Terens will be honored on June 6 at a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, the historic Allied operation that changed the course of the war.

Two days later Harold and Jeanne will exchange vows in Carentan-les-Marais, close to the beaches where thousands of soldiers waded ashore -- and many died -- that day in 1944. The town's mayor will preside over the ceremony.

"It's a love story like you've never heard before," Terens assures AFP.

During an interview at Swerlin's home in Boca Raton, Florida, they exchange glances, hold hands and smooch like teenagers.

"He's an unbelievable guy, I love everything about him," Swerlin says of her fiance. "He's handsome -- and he's a good kisser."

The youthful centenarian is also cheerful, witty, and gifted with a prodigious and vivid memory, recalling dates and locations and events without hesitation -- a living history book of sorts.

Shortly after Terens turned 18, Japan bombed the US Navy base at Pearl Harbor. He, like many young American men, was keen to enlist.

By age 20 he was an expert in Morse code and aboard a ship bound for England, where he was assigned to a squadron of four P-47 Thunderbolt fighters. Terens was responsible for their ground-to-air communication.

"We were losing the war by losing a lot of planes and a lot of pilots... These pilots became friends and they got killed," he laments. "They were all young kids."

His company lost half of its 60 planes during the Normandy operation. Soon after, Terens volunteered to travel to that region of northern France to help transport German prisoners of war and liberated Allied troops to England.

- Secret mission -

One day Terens received an envelope with instructions not to open it until he reached a certain destination. Thus began a remarkable journey that took him to Soviet Ukraine via Casablanca, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Cairo, Baghdad and Tehran.

When he finally arrived in Poltava, a city east of Kyiv, a Russian officer informed him he was part of a secret mission. US B-17 aircraft were taking off from England bound for Romania, where they would bomb Axis oil fields controlled by Nazi Germany.

Terens was part of the resupply team in Ukraine that provided the Flying Fortresses with fuel and ordnance.

The operation lasted 24 hours until the Germans discovered the Allied base in Ukraine and attacked it.

Terens says he escaped but was left in no-man's land. He contracted dysentery, and only survived thanks to the help of a local farming family.

Returning to England, he cheated death once more. When a pub proprietor refused to serve him a drink because she was about to close, he shrugged and left. He had barely walked two blocks when a German rocket destroyed the establishment.

- 'Luckiest guy in the world' -

After the war he returned stateside and married Thelma, his wife of 70 years with whom he raised three children.

Terens worked for a British multinational, and when he and Thelma retired, they settled in Florida.

Her death in 2018 sank Terens, and he endured "three years of feeling sorry for myself and mourning my wife," he recalls.

But life offered him a fresh start. In 2021 a friend introduced him to Jeanne Swerlin, a charismatic woman who had also been widowed.

Sparks did not fly. On their first meeting Terens could barely look at Swerlin.

But persistence paid off. A second date changed everything, and they haven't been apart since.

"She lights up my life, she makes everything beautiful," he says. "She makes life worth living."

Terens, wearing a World War II cap with "100 Year Old Vet" embroidered on the side, is over the moon about returning to France, where President Emmanuel Macron bestowed on him the nation's highest distinction, the Legion of Honor, in 2019.

He is also thrilled, of course, about getting married. Surrounded by family and friends, December lovebirds Jeanne and Harold will say "I do" at a ceremony in which a Terens' granddaughter will sing "I Will Always Love You" as a great-grand-daughter scatters flower petals on the ground.

At 100, this decorated military veteran acknowledges his good fortune.

"I got it all," he says. "I'm probably the luckiest guy in the world."

Morning Joe rips Trump lawyers for sitting 'half-asleep' through Stormy Daniels testimony

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough ripped Donald Trump's lawyers for sitting "half-asleep" through Stormy Daniels' testimony before asking for a mistrial.

The adult film actress provided detailed testimony of her 2006 sexual encounter with the former president, whose lawyer paid her $130,000 a decade later to bury that story ahead of the 2016 election, and the "Morning Joe" host agreed with Judge Juan Merchan that Trump's attorneys should have lodged more objections to block some of those lurid details from reaching the jury's ears.

"You don't call for a mistrial after you're sitting there, maybe he was half-asleep with Donald Trump , while she is giving this testimony that, I don't know that you would call it graphic, but it went in to very personal details," Scarborough said. "As the judge said, it would have been better if nobody had heard inside that courtroom, but when somebody goes there, the judge stands up and -- or the defense stands up and they object, so that would have stopped the testimony. The defense didn't stand up and object along the way because the judge clearly thought – at one point told Stormy Daniels, 'Hey, too much information, okay? You just give us a general outline. We don't care what you two did.'"

"Again, the judge is exactly right," Scarborough added. "If the defense had a problem with it coming in, that is when you stand up and you object."

READ MORE: RFK Jr. won't reveal his personal finances — yet

Legal analyst Lisa Rubin found her testimony relevant and important, especially in light of testimony from other witnesses who've told the jury about the level of concern within the Trump campaign about how her story would land in the wake of the "Access Hollywood" tape in the closing days of October 2016.

"I have a slightly different take on all of this than I think some folks do," Rubin said. "I didn't think that the testimony was graphic at all. I actually thought that while she provided lots of details that were extraneous in the judge's mind at times or in team Trump's mind, they were the things like the color of the tile on the floor of his penthouse or the fact that his toiletries kit in the bathroom had Pert Plus and Old Spice in it. When it came to what actually transpired between them, she was fairly circumspect. She added one detail about the sexual encounter that I think the judge wished she hadn't, but when he said that at times she said too much, she said things that were better left unsaid, a lot of that had to do with her own state of mind and what she was experiencing at the time."

Prosecutors don't need the jury to believe Daniels is credible, Rubin said, but they want them to understand what the impact of her story would have been in the final days before the 2016 presidential election – which Trump has been charged with illegally trying to influence by paying off the porn actress and then trying to hide those payments by falsifying business records.

"What they want is the jury to understand what the impact of her story would have been had Michael Cohen never, in the final days of the campaign, rushed to reach a settlement with her," Rubin said. "In other words, in a 'but for' universe and [Daniels attorney] Keith Davidson to represent her and get to what was signed and paid in the last days of October, what would have happened? What would the impact have been on the campaign, a campaign that was already reeling from the 'Access Hollywood' allegations and the things that followed in those ensuing days, including a number of other women, beyond Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels coming forward to the New York Times on Oct. 10 saying they were sexually assaulted by Donald Trump. That is what they want the jury to hear, what would that have sounded like, and can you understand then why Donald Trump and Michael Cohen were ultimately motivated to want her to say nothing, given what that story would have sounded like?"

Watch the video below or at this link .

Judge Merchan is showing everyone how to respond to Trump’s 'incessant lies': legal expert

Former President Donald Trump has been a peddler of disinformation for years, with the Washington Post tallying more than 30,000 "false or misleading claims" since the start of his presidency. But legal experts are now saying Trump may have met his match in Judge Juan Merchan.

Trump has repeatedly (and falsely) said he wants to take the witness stand in his own defense, but that he is unable to do so due to a gag order Merchan imposed ahead of trial proceedings. Of course, the gag order only prevents Trump from attacking witnesses, court staff and their families, and does not muzzle Trump from defending himself on the stand if he chooses to do so.

In a recent column for MSNBC , lawyer and diplomat Norman Eisen — the former impeachment counsel to the House Judiciary Committee — along with former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade and Samara Angel of the Brookings Institution broke down how Merchan has decided to respond to the former president's false claims about his gag order . The authors noted that Merchan did three things to deftly redirect the court's attention away from Trump's claims, reinforce the truth and "offered the dozens of journalists in the courtroom some pointers on how to deal with Trump’s incessant lies ."

READ MORE: Trump attacks 'un-American' Judge Merchan and his daughter in response to gag order

"First, he reaffirmed the law: 'I want to stress to Mr. Trump: You have an absolute right to testify at trial.' Next, the judge did not quote or even paraphrase Trump’s falsehood, which would have risked amplifying it and spreading it further. Instead, he focused on the truth, noting correctly that the gag order has nothing to do with his testimony," Eisen, McQuade and Angel wrote.

"Finally, the judge made his remarks in an even-tempered fashion that maintained order in the proceedings. Disinformation is designed to inflame emotions, but Merchan refused to take the bait," they added. "The judge then moved on matter-of-factly to decide other routine evidentiary matters before the court, ruling in Trump’s favor on one of them — further proof that he had been unaffected by the disinformation."

McQuade defined disinformation as "the deliberate spread of false information with bad intent," and argued that both Trump and Blanche were spreading it.

"It is clear they know this information is false, and they spread it to try to manipulate the electorate’s perceptions to their advantage," the column read.

READ MORE: 'Trump is threatening violence on Americans': Internet pounces on ex-president's new video

Trump was found in violation of the gag order nine times, with prosecutors pointing to several posts Trump made to his Truth Social platform in which he posted text and links to articles naming and attacking witnesses. Trump paid the maximum allowable fine of $1,000 for each violation, and Merchan didn't rule out temporary incarceration for future violations.

On Monday, Merchan found Trump in violation of the gag order for a 10th time. He once again threatened to jail Trump should he continue to attack witnesses. Should Trump have to be jailed, it's likely that the permanent Secret Service detail he enjoys for the rest of his life as a former president would have to follow him inside should he be incarcerated.

Click here to read Eisen, McQuade and Angel's column in full.

READ MORE: 'It has to stop': Prosecutors say Trump violated Merchan's gag order 7 times this week

how do you write a book report

Governor Kristi Noem didn’t have to shoot her dog — she wanted to

Rfk jr. won't reveal his personal finances — yet, 'ridiculous,’ ‘chaos,’ ‘foolish,’ ‘turmoil’: senate gop smites marjorie taylor greene.

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how do you write a book report

Money latest: Struggling iconic tea brand spends £12m on ad but poll suggests Britons much prefer rival

PG Tips has launched a high-budget advertising campaign after falling behind Yorkshire Tea, Twinings and Tetley. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance below - and leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering.

Wednesday 8 May 2024 13:39, UK

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Ask a question or make a comment

The French capital is about to raise the cost of public transport - impacting any city-breakers or those heading to the Paris Olympics this summer. 

Metro ticket prices will rise by more than 85% from 20 July, jumping from €2.15 (£1.85) for a single ticket to €4 (£3.43). 

The price for a city bus ticket will double from €2.50 (£2.15) to €5 (£4.29). 

It comes into force six days before the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and will remain in place until 8 September. 

The price of transport passes will stay the same, meaning regular travellers such as residents should be unaffected. 

To avoid the extra cost, you could buy a weekly travel pass. 

These are priced at €30.75 (£26.39) for zones 1 to 5 while a Navigo Day Pass costs €8.65 (£7.42) to travel across two zones. 

Tourists can also buy a Paris Pass which is aimed at people travelling for the Olympics and Paralympics. 

 The banking group has said some of its branches will close starting in September and continuing until May next year. 

Job cuts will be in the fraud operations department of the bank, central operations and staff who work at the branches earmarked for closure.

After this round of closures, TSB will have 175 branches across the UK. 

It announced earlier this year it would make cost-saving plans including cutting jobs and closing branches.

Trade union Unite said the decision by the UK high street lender was a "grave mistake".

"The decision to close a branch is never taken lightly, but our customers are now doing most of their banking digitally and we need to move to a better balance of digital and face-to-face services," a spokesperson for TSB said. 

"We remain committed to a national branch network and through innovation and integration with video, telephone, digital, branch and other face-to-face services TSB customers have more ways to bank with us than ever before."

See the list of closures here ...

A new savings account is offering customers a rate of 5.2% AER - making it a market leader. 

Raisin UK has partnered with Al Rayan Bank to offer the one-year Fixed-Term Deposit account. 

Those who deposit £1,000 can expect to have £1,052.00 in their account by the end of the year. 

The minimum deposit is £1,000, while the maximum is £85,000. 

Customers will not be able to withdraw from the account for the year. 

It is operated under Shariah principles, meaning interest cannot be earned but some of the profit the bank earns will be returned to you - meaning you can grow your savings without earning interest. 

Anna Bowes, co-founder of Savings Champion , tells the Money blog...

"It's good to see that although the markets are expecting the base rate to fall in the near future, the anticipated date for this keeps being pushed back, and this seems to have stimulated a little bit of competition among some savings providers – in particular fixed-term bonds - pushing rates upwards.

"This latest increase from Al Rayan Bank, available both directly and via the Raisin UK cash platform, is exactly what we like to see, and hopefully it will create a little more competition from other providers - pushing rates further in the right direction."

Anna points out this rate can be beaten with shorter fixes but in that instance "you'll need to find another home for your money on maturity, so fixing for a bit longer could actually realise more of a return in the end".

A district council in Prague is looking at banning "silly costumes" worn by stag and hen party groups. 

Officials from the Prague 1 area, which is largely a UNESCO World Heritage site, have said the ban is aimed at clamping down on noisy and drunken tourists. 

The area has long struggled with tourism focused solely on nightlife activities, including bar crawls. 

Local news outlet Prague Morning said the proposal was made by councillor Bronislava Sitar Baborakova, who argued the costumes exceeded acceptable social norms and were negatively impacting residents. 

However, another councillor said the proposed ban on "silly costumes" seemed "excessive". 

Prague 1 has previously implemented a nighttime ban on non-delivery vehicles in part of the area, although the measure was swiftly cancelled after criticism. 

The struggles of fast fashion retailer Boohoo continue with news this morning that revenue dropped 17% in its financial year compared with a year earlier. 

The company, which also owns the PrettyLittleThing and Nasty Gal brands, had pre-tax profits of £58.6m in the year up to February.

That's down from £63.3m the year before as online retailers struggle with the comedown from COVID-19 pandemic era highs. 

Boohoo has faced increased competition from the likes of Chinese rival Shein and had more returns. Its share price is down 4.3% following the announcement and a fall of 20% since late December. 

Meanwhile, oil prices are now at their lowest since mid-March with a barrel of Brent crude oil - which is the pricing benchmark - costing $82.22, down from highs of $91 a barrel at one point last month. 

For one pound you can buy $1.2476 and €1.1613. 

 PG Tips has launched a high-budget advertising campaign after falling behind Yorkshire Tea, Twinings and Tetley. 

It's the tea maker's first campaign in eight years - and there isn't a chimp (or knitted chimp) in sight.

The ad is titled "Rock Solid" - it cost £12m, stars Top Boy actor Ashley Walters, has a soundtrack by Ezra Collective and is directed by Oscar-winning Steve McQueen. 

Those behind the ad, which you can watch in the embedded tweet below, say it is an attempt to appeal to a new generation.

Karen Owen, global senior marketing executive at Lipton Teas and Infusions, which owns the brand, said: "We separated the tea business from Unilever just under two years ago. PG Tips hasn't really been invested in for many, many years. So, we said no, this is the nation's tea. It is the nation's favourite tea."

In the 70-second clip, Walters can be seen coaching himself "out of the doldrums" over a cup of PG Tips.

On the concept, Ms Owen continued: "When you look at Gen Z culture, there's a real fear of burnout. They are not interested in coffee because that's burnout culture; it's pushing the problem down the road. They are much more about recovery and reconnecting with their self."

PG Tips lost £2.8m last year - and our social media polls suggest it's well behind Yorkshire Tea in terms of popularity.

This is how our LinkedIn followers have been voting in our ongoing poll ...

And it's a similar story on Instagram...

Previous PG Tips adverts starred comedians Peter Sellers, Bob Monkhouse, and Johnny Vegas.

This one is the brainchild of indie agency Calling, which is making a name for itself by modernising heritage brands.

It appears to be the first in a series.

"We don't know quite what's going to happen next but what we do know is it's going to be about progress. And Steve, when I was with him last week, he's said, 'So, what are we going to do next?'" Ms Owen said. 

The brand has invested £40m in new machinery, training and blends at its Trafford Park site in Manchester as it attempts to turn around its fortunes.

Here's what some of our LinkedIn followers and Money readers have been saying:

None of the above. Your poll is flawed. Other brands are available. Ray K
None of these... Tick tock organic rooibos tea 🍵 Fay Still
If you ain't drinking Punjana you are missing out.  Stuart Elder
Sainsbury's red label is by far the best tasting tea and has been for decades… and is almost half the price of Yorkshire tea! David100
Tetley one cup all the way , hate strong tea 🤮 Mark Osborne
Unpopular opinion but Yorkshire tea is 🤮🤮 Jo Humphrey 
I ONLY drink tea, ONLY ever pg tips :) Jason Prout
Have to admit I buy Yorkshire Tea by Taylor's of Harrogate (as I live in Bristol, the Hard Water blend if I can) or Twinings Breakfast or Strong. PG Tips and Tetley always seem to wishy washy to me. Chinks
Why do you not mention Waitrose Gold Blend tea? By far the best! Carol Waugh

Every Wednesday we ask a Michelin chef to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and at home. This week we speak to  Tom De Keyser,  head chef at Tom Kerridge's two-starred The Hand and Flowers, Marlow.

What is your favourite place for a meal for two for up to £40 in Buckinghamshire?

The Cedar Marlow is a local gem, it's a fantastic coffee shop and spot for a lovely lunch. I always have the pastrami bagel which is brilliant, my wife loves the chicken shawarma salad, and my young daughter has a fluffy bowl of scrambled eggs. You can happily feed the three of us with a couple of delicious coffees for less than £40.

When I moved to Marlow it was the first place I went for coffee before starting at The Hand and Flowers, I remember the staff being so welcoming and friendly with lots of smiles. It's a gorgeous family-run place with Ralph and Aldo making sure that everyone is looked after, the food is super fresh and the atmosphere is great.

For the nights spent at home – your favourite, low-effort meal to whip up quickly?

My go-to meal for something quick and tasty is quite often pasta and red pesto with grated cheese and fresh herbs with an Italian side salad.

How did you get into cheffing?

In my last year of university, my beer money ran out and I began working in a restaurant, before joining The Hand and Flowers in 2012, the year it became the first in the world to be awarded two Michelin stars.

Read the recommendations of other top chefs around the UK here ...

From Sunday, eligible working parents of children from nine-months-old in England will be able to register for access to up to 15 free hours of government-funded childcare per week.

This will then be granted from September. 

Check if you're eligible  here  - or read on for our explainer on free childcare across the UK.

Three and four year olds

In England, all parents of children aged three and four in England can claim 15 hours of free childcare per week, for 1,140 hours (38 weeks) a year, at an approved provider.

This is a universal offer open to all.

It can be extended to 30 hours where both parents (or the sole parent) are in work, earn the weekly minimum equivalent of 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year.

Two year olds

Previously, only parents in receipt of certain benefits were eligible for 15 hours of free childcare.

But, as of last month, this was extended to working parents.

This is not a universal offer, however.

A working parent must earn more than £8,670 but less than £100,000 per year. For couples, the rule applies to both parents.

Nine months old

In September, this same 15-hour offer will be extended to working parents of children aged from nine months. From 12 May, those whose children will be at least nine months old on 31 August can apply to received the 15 hours of care from September.

From September 2025

The final change to the childcare offer in England will be rolled out in September 2025, when eligible working parents of all children under the age of five will be able to claim 30 hours of free childcare a week.

In some areas of Wales, the Flying Start early years programme offers 12.5 hours of free childcare for 39 weeks, for eligible children aged two to three. The scheme is based on your postcode area, though it is currently being expanded.

All three and four-year-olds are entitled to free early education of 10 hours per week in approved settings during term time under the Welsh government's childcare offer.

Some children of this age are entitled to up to 30 hours per week of free early education and childcare over 48 weeks of the year. The hours can be split - but at least 10 need to be used on early education.

To qualify for this, each parent must earn less than £100,000 per year, be employed and earn at least the equivalent of working 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage, or be enrolled on an undergraduate, postgraduate or further education course that is at least 10 weeks in length.

All three and four-year-olds living in Scotland are entitled to at least 1,140 hours per year of free childcare, with no work or earnings requirements for parents. 

This is usually taken as 30 hours per week over term time (38 weeks), though each provider will have their own approach.

Some households can claim free childcare for two-year-olds. To be eligible you have to be claiming certain benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit, or have a child that is in the care of their local council or living with you under a guardianship order or kinship care order.

Northern Ireland

There is no scheme for free childcare in Northern Ireland. Some other limited support is available.

Working parents can access support from UK-wide schemes such as tax credits, Universal Credit, childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare.

Aside from this, all parents of children aged three or four can apply for at least 12.5 hours a week of funded pre-school education during term time. But over 90% of three-year-olds have a funded pre-school place - and of course this is different to childcare.

What other help could I be eligible for?

Tax-free childcare  - Working parents in the UK can claim up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of their children to help with childcare costs. 

If the child is disabled, the amount goes up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year).

To claim the benefit, parents will need to open a tax-free childcare account online. For every 80p paid into the account, the government will top it up by 20p.

The scheme is available until the September after the child turns 11.

Universal credit  - Working families on universal credit can claim back up to 85% of their monthly childcare costs, as long as the care is paid for upfront. The most you can claim per month is £951 for one child or £1,630 for two or more children.

Tax credits -  People claiming working tax credit can get up to 70% of what they pay for childcare if their costs are no more than £175 per week for one child or £300 per work for multiple children.

Downsizing your home as you get older has a lot of practical benefits - including cutting down on household bills and maintenance costs.

But new analysis shows that moving to a smaller home could also unlock hundreds of thousands of pounds to help clear your mortgage or tuck away in savings.

Research by consumer champion Which? found that - predictably - downsizers in London were likely to make the most in overall cash terms due to high property prices in the capital.

A Londoner moving from a four-bed to a two-bed property,  and staying in the city, could release as much as £414,000, it found.

But Which? says that people downsizing within the capital are only getting back 46% of the total value of their original home on average - the lowest of any region.

In contrast, people in the North East could release as much as 56% of their four-bed home's worth.

People moving to a two-bed from a four-bed in Scotland would make an average of £159,264 in profit - the lowest in cash terms of all regions in Britain. However, they'd get back 50% of the total value.

Londoners wanting to break away from the Big Smoke could make as much as £771,097 by moving to the North East, according to Which? 

Movers doing the big trek from the South West to the North West could also unlock a profit of up to £283,586, it said, while people in the South East downsizing in the North East could get £462,763.

Researchers at Which? analysed Office for National Statistics average property price data and factored in moving costs such as estate agent fees, stamp duty and conveyancing fees.

Sam Richardson, Which? deputy money editor, said while downsizing is "far from easy", it can unlock "a significant amount of money". 

"Even after additional expenses, such as stamp duty and removal fees, the sums you free up could make a big difference, especially if you're concerned that your pension won't go far enough, or you're looking to help loved ones financially," he said.

Average UK house prices have risen only slightly in the past month, according to data from Halifax. 

The average house price rose by 0.1% in April month-on-month, after a fall of 0.9% in March. 

Halifax said typical house prices in early 2024 have "largely plateaued", with the housing market "finding its feet in an era of higher interest rates". 

It added it expected property prices to "rise modestly" over the course of 2024.

Read more here ...

A British driverless car company has raised more than a billion dollars from three major tech companies to commercialise its products. 

Start-up Wayve has secured funds from SoftBank, Nvidia and Microsoft to help develop its artificial intelligence software which can make any vehicle hands-free. 

This is the biggest venture investment so far in a European AI start-up, and could see the London-based company valued at several billion dollars.

The technology teaches autonomous vehicles how to drive using videos and data from real life, and could mean cars are more responsive to incidents such as someone running into the road or another vehicle swerving.

Waitrose workers have claimed the supermarket lowered redundancy payouts for warehouse staff already at risk of losing their jobs. 

Under the proposal, those made redundant will only be paid one week's salary per year of service, on top of statutory payouts received from the government. 

John Lewis said earlier this year it was planning to halve redundancy payouts.

But workers are claiming a review into the planned closure of an Enfield warehouse had begun before the changes were made to redundancy packages. 

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how do you write a book report

IMAGES

  1. Book Report Format

    how do you write a book report

  2. Book Report Writing for Students

    how do you write a book report

  3. How to Write a Book Report: A Step-by-Step Guide

    how do you write a book report

  4. How to Write a Book Report

    how do you write a book report

  5. Writing a Book Report, Free PDF Download

    how do you write a book report

  6. How to Write a Book Report

    how do you write a book report

VIDEO

  1. Lesson: Book report template

  2. 10 Year Old Had To Write Book Report About Kobe Bryant For Punishment

  3. 13 Year Old Made To Write Book Report After Planning Mass Deletion At Ohio Synagogue

  4. How do you write a book #businesscoach #entrepreneur #writing

  5. How to Write a Book Report for 5th/6th Grade

  6. How to Write a Book Report for 7th Grade and Up

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Book Report: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book. Analyze the author's writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements. Part 1.

  2. How to Write the Perfect Book Report (4 easy steps)

    Step 2. Once you have finished reading the book and have taken thorough notes, it is time to start organizing your thoughts. Create an outline to structure your report like the one in the example above. Make sure you over all the necessary components.

  3. How to Write a Book Report

    Develop the body: You can follow your outline or a book report template to write the body of your report. Discuss each element (plot, characters, themes, etc.) in separate paragraphs or sections. Conclude your report: Summarize your main points and offer your final thoughts and evaluation of the book. Review and revise: Finally, review and ...

  4. How to Write a Book Report

    A guide to help you write a book report, from selecting a book and reading actively to revising your work. Learn the basics of what a book report is and is not, how to write the main body and conclusion, and how to use an outline and resources. Find tips and examples for teachers and students of different levels and purposes.

  5. How to Write a Book Report

    2. Read the Book and Make Notes. Next, you'll need to read the book you're writing about in full, not just skim through or read a synopsis! This means you'll need to leave enough time before the deadline to read the text thoroughly (and write up your report). When you are reading, moreover, make sure to take notes on:

  6. How to Write a Book Report With Examples in 4 Easy Steps

    Give the book a quick glance to make it more readable. Provide enough information so that the reader may readily understand the text. Show the book's style and tone. Encourage the reader or buyer to read and purchase the book. Discuss a book's main parts. Provide a summary and evaluation of a piece of fiction.

  7. 10 Steps to Writing a Successful Book Report

    Learn how to write a book report with these 10 steps, from identifying and recording symbols and themes to developing a clear thesis and paragraphs. Follow the tips and examples to create a well-written and interesting paper that covers the basic elements of a book report.

  8. How to Write a Book Report: 9 Simple Steps

    Step 2: Read the Book Carefully. When reading the book, it's crucial to approach it with careful attention and focus. As you delve into the pages, make note of the essential elements, such as the plot, characters, and themes. Doing this step will help you learn how to write a book report.

  9. Writing a Book Report in Seven Steps

    Learn how to write a book report in seven easy steps, from reading the book to editing and proofreading. Follow the tips and examples to create a compelling and organized report that supports your arguments and highlights the main points of the book.

  10. How to Write a Great Book Report

    Use your sticky flags to mark pages. When you run into clues or interesting passages, mark the page by placing the sticky note at the beginning of the relevant line. Look for themes. As you read, you should begin to see an emerging theme. On a notepad, write down some notes on how you came to determine the theme.

  11. How to Write a Book Report

    Overview of Book Report. There are 10 steps that can be followed while writing a book report: Step 1 - Carefully read the details of your assignment. Step 2 - Read the book. Step 3 - Take notes while reading. Step 4 - Create an outline. Step 5 - Write the introductory paragraph. Step 6 - Provide some background information.

  12. How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example)

    2. Identify the main elements of the book. Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report. 3. Formulate a thesis statement. Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book.

  13. Book Reports

    Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words. Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional ...

  14. How to Write a Book Report in 4 Easy Steps

    Start as soon as possible once you're given the assignment. As soon as you pick your book,, factor in at least two weeks for writing and wrapping up your report. Divide the number of pages by the remaining days: that will be the number of pages you will have to read per day. Practice narration.

  15. How to Write a Book Report

    Writing a high school book report includes the following steps: Read the book thoroughly and with purpose. Make an outline before writing the report as a pre-writing step. Follow the guidelines and the given format to create the title page for your report. Add basic details in the introduction of your book report.

  16. Book Report: Definition, Guidelines, and Advice

    the name of the author. the genre (type or category) of the book (for example, biography, autobiography, or fiction) the main subject, plot, or theme of the book. a brief summary of the key points or ideas treated in the book. the reader's response to the book, identifying its apparent strengths and weaknesses.

  17. How to Write a Book Report

    Once you've finished reading the novel, look through your notes and, on a blank piece of paper, write down what you feel are the ten most important elements in the book, in no particular order. Next, take another page and write "Main Characters/Actions," "Setting," "Events," and "Symbols" as headings. Look at your first list and categorize each ...

  18. How to write a book report

    The following list covers the basic elements that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you're writing: The book's title and author. The historical context of the book (when it was written) The time (s) during which the story is set. The location (s) where the story takes place.

  19. How to Write a Book Report

    Writing a book report is monotonous. But teachers want us to write a book report to know what we have understood from it. So it is a valuable exercise. If yo...

  20. How to Write a Book Report

    "How to Write a Book Report" is a series of videos giving tips for writing better book reports. This channel discusses and reviews books, novels, and short s...

  21. How to Write a Book Report

    Here's an outline you can use as a guideline for your book report: I. Introduction. A. Introduce the book with the title, author, and publication information. B. Provide a brief overview of the book's genre and main theme. C. State your purpose for writing the report and any initial expectations you had. II.

  22. Trump VP contender Kristi Noem writes of killing dog

    In the book, however, she sums up her story about Cricket the dog and the unnamed, un-castrated goat with what may prove a contender for the greatest understatement of election year: "I guess if ...

  23. Kristi Noem defends her account of killing own dog in new book

    The Guardian's article describes a section of Noem's book, set for release next month, in which she recounted shooting her dog after deciding it was "less than worthless" and "untrainable."

  24. How to Start a Book Report

    2. Summarize the Content and Provide Details. A book report is meant to discuss the contents of the book at hand, and your introductory paragraph should give a little overview. This isn't the place to delve into details, but draw off your hook to share a little more information that is crucial to the storyline.

  25. Kristi Noem's Team Told Her to Nix the Dog Story 2 Years Ago

    Noem's new book — which doesn't officially publish until May 7 — meets that standard: Whatever you think of putting down a dog for attacking a neighbor's chickens, the decision to keep ...

  26. Kari Lake earned a senator's salary for talking and writing: documents

    Kari Lake, the probable Republican candidate this year for the U.S. Senate in Arizona, made more money last year just from speaking and writing than she would make as a senator, according to Raw ...

  27. Money latest: PG Tips enlists Top Boy star for £12m ad to revive

    PG Tips has launched a high-budget advertising campaign after falling behind Yorkshire Tea, Twinings and Tetley. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance below - and leave a ...