book report vs summary

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Book Review vs Book Report: Here’s How They Compare

by  Antony W

April 19, 2023

In this post, we do a front to back comparison on book review vs book report.

In particular, we’ll look at the differences between the two so that you can easily tell them apart and have an easy time writing.

Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

• A book review and a book report have aspects that easily overlap. For example, they both give a summary of a book to help readers determine the value of a book.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is an assessment of a literary work, typically written by a critic or reviewer.

It aims to provide a detailed analysis of the book's content, quality, and style, and may take various forms such as opinion pieces, scholarly reviews, or summary reviews.

Book reviews can be found in a variety of outlets, including newspapers, magazines, online directories, academic journals, and websites.

They serve as valuable resources for readers seeking to make informed decisions about what to read, and for authors seeking feedback on their work.

In both high school and college, teachers often assign book reviews as a way to assess students' ability to analyze the complexities of scholarly texts and synthesize research to demonstrate their understanding of the book's content.

You have the responsibility to read the book and provide a thorough and critical evaluation of its significance.

The length of your review will vary, ranging from a few paragraphs to an average of 2,000 words, depending on the instructor's guidelines or the complexity of the book.

It is important to remember that a book review reflects your personal opinion and taste, and what you think about a particular work of literature may differ from someone else's perspective.

What is a Book Report?

A book report is a comprehensive summary of a book's key elements, including its title, setting, plot, characters, and author.

It should also indicate the publication year and genre.

When writing a book report, it's important to focus on the most important points and key ideas addressed by the author.

Including relevant quotations from the book can also support your general observations, as long as you properly cite them.

In addition to summarizing the book's content, a good book report should also include your personal response to the material.

You may also need to evaluate the book's strengths and weaknesses to help potential readers decide whether to read it.

Book Review vs Book Report: What are the Differences?

It's common for students to conflate book reports with book reviews, which can result in poor grades if not properly understood.

Although there are similarities between the two, it's essential to differentiate their purposes and formats.

The following table provides a concise overview of the key differences between a book review and a book report.

Structure of a Book Review

A book review requires a sophisticated and elaborate structure, involving an in-depth examination of the book's elements to assist potential readers in making an informed decision about whether to read it or not.

Typically, book reviews range between 500 and 2,000 words, although the length can vary depending on the book.

The Structure of a Book Report

In contrast, a book report has a more straightforward structure and only provides a basic summary of the book's content.

Due to its simplicity, book reports are usually shorter, spanning between 200 and 500 words.

Writing a Book Review

When writing a book review, the focus should be on shedding new light on the book for the target audience and providing reasons to read or not read it.

While it is acceptable to discuss the plot, climax, biography, and characters of the story, the review should primarily focus on the author's intent, symbols, and thematic elements.

It should also evaluate the relevance of the story to its historical context and the author's effectiveness in covering the subject matter.

While it is optional to discuss the tone of the author and look at whether it is sympathetic or biased, it is not necessary.

In addition to discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the book, the review should help potential readers determine the value of the book.

Writing a Book Report

A book report typically includes biographical information about the author, such as their place of birth, education, residence, and family.

This information helps readers understand the author's perspective in writing the book.

The report should also include a summary of the book, covering important details such as the main characters, setting, plot, and climax.

While it is uncommon, some instructors may ask students to identify and discuss relevant symbols and themes in the book report, which can help readers understand the book better.

Get Help with Book Review Writing

Despite having a clear understanding of the distinction between a book review and a book report, completing the assignment can still be a challenging task.

If you find yourself struggling with a book review project, there's no need to worry.

Our team of book review writers is available to assist you in completing the task within the shortest possible time.

Simply reach out to us, and our team of professional writers and editors will guide you in the right direction.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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Difference between a book review and book report

Imagine you work really hard to produce a good book review : it seems like you are doing everything diligently to present all the points that seem relevant to you. So you obviously expect the “A” grade for the assignment. But what you get is not an “A” and not even “B” or “C”. The shock can be too overwhelming when such things happen. There are a lot of students who find themselves in the situations like this simply because they fail to understand the difference between a book review and a book report. In most cases when students get low grades for a book review, the issue is that they actually turn in a book report which is different from a book review. So the reason why students receive such low grades is sometimes because they never take time to check and understand book review requirements which should be the number one step when writing any type of assignment. In this article we are going to talk on the difference between a book report and book review and also where a book summary falls in between these two.

Book Report vs Book Review

First of all, a book report is simpler in its structure and it doesn’t require any deep text analysis as opposed to a book review. That is why professors and teachers grade papers very low when they receive reports instead of reviews. They take it as a student choosing a shortcut to make his/her job easier when in fact one may simply have not understood the difference between the two assignments. Well, in order to prevent that from happening we would like not simply to list the characteristics of a good book review but rather to approach these assignments at a very practical angle. Below you can find some insightful tips on how to write both a book report and book review from scratch. Before we do that, let us briefly explain the terms and how they are different.

Whenever you are asked to write a book report, all you need is to explain the topical details about the author of the book and its plot. Usually book reports present biographical data about the author in order to establish a background for the book. This should also help the reader understand the perspective the author had when he/she approached writing the novel. After the bio goes the summary of the story (the plot, setting, climax, etc.) along with the list of main characters. So as you can see, book report requirements are not that demanding as opposed to those of a book review.

When you are required to write a book review, you are basically asked to analyze the story. Students always have to fight the temptation to simply retell the story in their own words as this is not what a book review requires of a student. The whole point of this assignment is to bring some new light or perspective to the people reading, let’s say, the novel. This paper may still present the information about the plot, main characters and the bio of the author but these sections have to be very brief because they are not the main focus of the writing. The core of every book review is to discover the intent of the author, specific symbols that have significant meaning in the interpretation of the story and thematic elements contributing to the overall purpose of the work. A good review would also discuss where the novel fits in the historical context and whether the author has fully covered the chosen subject. This assignment should also dwell on the limitations of the book discussing whether or not it will have value in the generations to come. As you may have noticed, a book review is all about the in-depth analysis of the literary work.

How to Write a Book Report?

• Before you sit to read the book, note down and consider the information about the author, title, publisher and number of pages.
• As you read, take note of the main characters, main ideas, and the quotes that appear interesting to you.
• Start your report from introducing the general information about the book and its author.
• Explain what happens in the book and you also can discuss a few things that you believe require special attention.
• Answer the questions “What did you like the most?” and “How would you evaluate the book in general?” That is where you have to dwell on the themes, motifs and different terms of the novel.
• End with your recommendations for those willing to read the book. Even if you didn’t like it, still explain why.

Further reading: 7 Effective Tips on How to Write a Book Report

How to Write a Book Review?

• Before you get down to writing, you need to consider some of the elements that you will need to include into your review. These elements include but are not limited to:
• Author (Who is the author and what is his/her writing style? What works of this author do you know were written before this particular book?)
• Genre (Fiction, romance, poetry, etc. – which genre does the book belong to and what makes you think so?)
• Title (Why do you think the author came up with this title? Does it reflect the main message of the book?)
• Preface (Is there any important information here that helps us understand the author’s intent?)
• Take notes of the characters, themes, key ideas and style of the book when reading.
• Determine how you will structure the summary/background information section first. Don’t list too much information here, this is not a report after all.
• Establish a background for the readers – make sure that everybody will be engaged with your review even those who have never read the book.
• Then talk on the most important ideas of the text. Choose those that seem to be the most pressing ones.
• Keep in mind that your evaluation should be in the center of the entire project. Pick a few points to discuss about the text.
• Include the information about the publisher and price of the book.

Comparison of Book Reviews and Book Reports

Book summary vs book review.

The difference between a book review and summary is something we would like to close the article with. There are those who confuse two terms and as a result don’t know which of the two requires what. Well, we have already covered what a book review is – an in-depth analysis of the book. While a review gives an evaluation of the book along with the background information about the author, a summary is to describe what the book is all about. A summary usually presents the main idea of the book and may list one or two intrigues developed in the text. The purpose of a summary is to help people who have never read the book, understand what it is all about, how the author developed his/her thought, and what are the key ideas that are interwoven within the text. Summaries can be a part of book reviews as well as autonomously stand alone. The requirements of a summary are similar to the book report requirements although they have some substantial distinctions that keep them as separate assignments.

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How to write a book review and a book report

A book review is a descriptive and critical/evaluative account of a book. It provides a summary of the content, assesses the value of the book, and recommends it (or not) to other potential readers.

A book report is an objective summary of the main ideas and arguments that the book's author has presented. The purpose of the report is to give enough information to help decide whether the book will be of use or interest to any potential readers.

Common points that both book reviews and book reports share are presented below. The last point, Critical Comments, is intended only for those writing book reviews.

Bibliographical Information

Give the author's name; full title of book including subtitle; editor, if any; place, publisher and date of publication; edition, if necessary; and the number of pages - all this in the appropriate bibliographical style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) under the title of the review or report.

Background information

Supply any information about the author which shows their credentials for writing in this field or which reveals any influences which may have affected the author's point of view. Note any interesting circumstances that led to the writing of the book.

Intended audience

The author's intention may be apparent by the way the subject of the book is treated. Is the material meant for specialists, students, or the general public? Is it focused on a specific subject or is it a general survey of a wider subject? Several areas may provide clues: appendices, bibliographies and general indexes usually accompany scholarly works; prefaces and introductions often contain an author's explicit statement of intention; the content and style of expression will be a good indication of the intended audience.

Subject and thesis statement

What is the book about? Tell your reader not only the main concern of the book in its entirety (subject) but also what the author's particular point of view is on that subject (thesis statement). If you cannot find an adequate statement in the author's own words or if you feel that the stated thesis statement is not that which the book actually develops (make sure you check for yourself), then you will have to compose a thesis statement that does cover all the material. This statement must be brief (a sentence or a paragraph), accurate and comprehensive.

Summary of content

The summary is based on your reading notes, follows the author's order, and consists solely of the main ideas which advance the author's argument. It may be presented with the analysis of structure or discussed separately.

Critical comments (book reviews)

Critical comments should form the bulk of the book review. State whether or not you feel the author's treatment of the subject matter is appropriate for the intended audience. Ask yourself:

• Has the purpose of the book been achieved?
• What contribution does the book make to the field?
• Is the treatment of the subject matter objective?
• Are there facts and evidence that have been omitted?
• What kinds of data, if any, are used to support the author's thesis statement?
• Can the same data be interpreted to alternate ends?
• Is the writing style clear and effective?
• Does the book raise issues or topics for discussion?

Support your evaluation with evidence from the text. In conclusion, you may want to state whether you liked or disliked the book.

Sources on writing book reviews

Concordia Library sources:

• Buckley, J. (2013). Fit to print: the Canadian student's guide to essay writing . (see pages 180-185).
• Drewry, J. E. (1974). Writing book reviews .

Sources on writing book reports

• Northey, M. & McKibbin, J. (2010). Making sense: A student's guide to research and writing .
• Teitelbaum, H. (1982). How to write book reports .
• Purdue Online Writing Lab. (2011). Writing a Book Report

For more information, ask a librarian

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Book Summary vs. Book Report: Unveiling the Similarities

• June 16, 2023
• Book Summaries

Have you ever found yourself confused about the difference between a book summary and a book report? Fear not, dear reader, for we are here to shed light on this murky topic! In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the similarities between book summaries and book reports, providing you with expert insights and advice along the way.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Book Summary: The Essential Elements
• Book Report: A Closer Look
• Similarities Between Book Summary and Book Report
• Quick Tips and Facts

1. Introduction

Before we embark on this enlightening journey, let's clarify what a book summary and a book report actually are. A book summary is a concise overview of the main ideas and key points of a book, written in a reader-friendly style. On the other hand, a book report is a more in-depth analysis that includes not only a summary but also an evaluation of the book's content and structure.

Now, let us dive deeper into the unique characteristics of each form.

2. Book Summary: The Essential Elements

When it comes to book summaries, there are a few key elements that set them apart from book reports:

• Brevity : A book summary aims to condense the essence of the book's content into a concise format, capturing the main ideas and plot points within a limited word count. This allows readers to get a quick overview of the book without delving too deeply into the details.
• Objective Tone : Unlike a book report, which includes personal opinions and evaluations, a book summary focuses solely on presenting the facts and main ideas in an objective manner.
• Reader-Friendly Style : Book summaries are designed to be easily understood by a wide audience, using accessible language and avoiding excessive jargon or academic terminology.

To get a better idea of what a book summary looks like, let's take a look at an example: "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Book Summary of "The Great Gatsby" :

In the roaring twenties of New York City, Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, throws lavish parties in the hopes of capturing the heart of his long-lost love, Daisy Buchanan. As the story unfolds, we witness the tragic consequences of unfulfilled dreams and the destructive power of wealth and obsession.

From this example, you can see how a book summary provides a concise overview of the main plot points, capturing the essence of the story in a few sentences.

3. Book Report: A Closer Look

Now, let us turn our attention to the book report, which expands upon the elements found in a book summary:

• In-depth Analysis : Unlike a book summary, a book report goes beyond summarizing the main plot points and dives deeper into the book's themes, characters, and literary devices. It provides a thoughtful and critical examination of the author's message and techniques.
• Personal Evaluation : Unlike a book summary, which remains objective, a book report allows the writer to express their personal opinions and judgments about the book. It often includes a detailed analysis of the book's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the writer's thoughts on its overall impact.
• Structure and Style : A book report may also include an examination of the book's structure and the author's writing style. This analysis helps readers gain a deeper understanding of how the author constructs their narrative and conveys their ideas.

To illustrate the difference more clearly, let's take a look at an example of a book report for "The Great Gatsby":

Book Report on "The Great Gatsby" :

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby," set amidst the opulence of the Jazz Age, the author explores themes of wealth, love, and the elusive American Dream. Through the character of Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald unveils the hollowness of material wealth and the tragic consequences of unfulfilled dreams. The vivid descriptions and lyrical prose used by Fitzgerald transport the reader into a world of excess and decadence, serving as a scathing critique of the hollow values of the American society of the time. While the novel has received widespread acclaim for its evocative portrayal of the era, some critics argue that the female characters, such as Daisy Buchanan, are underdeveloped and serve only as symbols rather than fully realized individuals.

In this example, the book report delves into the book's themes, author's techniques, and critical assessment, offering a more comprehensive analysis.

4. Similarities Between Book Summary and Book Report

Now that we have a clearer understanding of the differences between book summaries and book reports, let's explore the similarities they share:

• Content Overview : Both book summaries and book reports provide readers with an overview of the book's content, helping them determine whether the book aligns with their interests.
• Promotion of Reading : Both forms aim to promote reading by enticing readers with a glimpse into the world of a book, sparking their curiosity, and encouraging them to explore further.
• Conciseness : While book reports tend to be more detailed and expansive than book summaries, both forms require writers to condense and distill the book's essence, presenting the information in a concise and coherent manner.
• Analysis of Literary Elements : Although book summaries focus more on the plot, they still touch upon certain literary elements, such as characterization and setting. Book reports, on the other hand, engage in a deeper analysis of these elements.

In essence, both book summaries and book reports serve as valuable tools in helping readers navigate the vast world of literature. Whether you prefer a quick summary to get the gist of a book or a thorough analysis to deepen your understanding, both forms have something to offer.

Is a book review the same as a book summary?

While a book review may include a summary of the book, it is important to note that a book review and a book summary are not the same thing. A book review is a critical analysis that assesses the book's strengths and weaknesses, evaluates its content, and provides an opinion on its overall quality. On the other hand, a book summary is a condensed overview of the book's main ideas and plot points. While both may contain elements of summarization, the purpose and approach differ.

What might be some similarities between a chapter summary and a whole book summary?

A chapter summary and a whole book summary share the common goal of providing an overview of the book's content. Both types of summaries aim to capture the main ideas and key points, allowing readers to grasp the essence of the book without reading every word. However, while a whole book summary provides an overview of the entire book, a chapter summary focuses solely on a specific section, offering a more detailed analysis of that particular part.

Are book reports and book reviews the same type of assignment?

While book reports and book reviews may seem similar on the surface, they serve different purposes and require different approaches. Book reports are more commonly assigned in an educational setting and focus on summarizing the book's main content, analyzing its themes, and evaluating its structure. On the other hand, book reviews are often written for a more general audience and include personal opinions and critical assessments of the book's quality. So, though they both involve writing about a book, the goals and intended audiences differ between these two types of assignments.

6. Quick Tips and Facts

Here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind when navigating the world of book summaries and book reports:

• Know Your Audience : When writing a book summary or report, consider the intended audience. Are you writing for teachers, fellow students, or the general public? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your writing style and content accordingly.
• Cite Your Sources : Remember to provide proper citations when referencing the book or other external sources. This adds credibility to your work and enables readers to explore the book further if they wish.
• Read Actively : Whether you're reading a book to write a summary or a report, make sure to read actively by taking notes, highlighting key points, and jotting down your initial reactions. This will help you remember important details and facilitate the writing process.
• Balance Summarization and Analysis : When writing a book report, strike a balance between summarizing the book's content and providing thoughtful analysis. Avoid including excessive plot details at the expense of critical examination, and vice versa.
• Proofread and Edit : Finally, always proofread your work and edit it for clarity and coherence. This step ensures that your writing is polished, error-free, and impactful.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, while book summaries and book reports share similarities in providing readers with a valuable overview of a book's content, they have distinct differences in terms of depth and analysis. A book summary offers a concise outline of the main ideas and plot points, while a book report delves deeper into the themes, characters, and structure of the book. Both forms serve their unique purposes, catering to different reading preferences and needs. Whether you're looking for a quick summary or a thorough analysis, both book summaries and book reports will guide you on your literary journey.

So, the next time you find yourself faced with a task of summarizing or analyzing a book, you can confidently navigate the realms of book summaries and book reports, armed with the knowledge of their similarities and differences. Happy reading and writing, dear book-lovers!

Reference links:

• Book Report VS Book Review: Similarities and Differences
• The 10 Best Book Summary Websites and Apps

Review Team

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How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, 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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Book Report: Definition, Guidelines, and Advice

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

A book report is a written composition or oral presentation that describes, summarizes , and (often, but not always) evaluates a work of fiction or nonfiction .

As Sharon Kingen points out below, a book report is primarily a school exercise, "a means of determining whether or not a student has read a book" ( Teaching Language Arts in Middle Schools , 2000).

Characteristics of a Book Report

Book reports generally follow a basic format that includes the following information:

• the title of the book and its year of publication
• 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
• brief quotations from the book to support general observations

Examples and Observations

• "A book report is a way for you to let others know about a book you have read. A good book report will help others decide whether they want to read the book or not." (Ann McCallum, William Strong, and Tina Thoburn, Language Arts Today . McGraw-Hill, 1998)
• Contrasting Views on Book Reports - "Keep in mind always that a book report is a hybrid, part fact and part fancy. It gives hard information about the book, yet it is your own creation, giving your opinion and judgment of it." (Elvin Ables, Basic Knowledge and Modern Technology . Varsity, 1987) - "Your instructor may occasionally assign a book report . A book report is to be sharply distinguished from a research paper , for it deals with one book in its entirety—not with certain aspects of several books and documents . . .. The book report is also to be clearly distinguished from a book review or a critical essay , for it merely reports on a book without undertaking to compare it with other books or to pass judgment on its value." (Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn Warren, Modern Rhetoric . Harcourt, 1972) - "A book report is a summary of the contents, plot , or thesis of a particular book, . . . preceded by a full bibliographical citation . The writer of a book report is not required to evaluate the author, although he oftentimes does so." (Donald V. Gawronski, History: Meaning and Method . Sernoll, 1967)
• Quick Tips "I'll give you some tips on how to write a good book report right now. "Tell the name of the book. Tell the name of the author. The Wizard of Oz was written by L. Frank Baum. "Tell if you think he's a good writer. Tell the names of all the characters in the book. Tell what they did. Tell where they went. Tell who they were looking for. Tell what they finally found. Tell how they treated each other. Tell about their feelings. "Tell that you read some to your sister. Tell that she liked it. "Read some to a friend. Then you can even tell that your friend liked it." (Mindy Warshaw Skolsky, Love From Your Friend, Hannah . HarperCollins, 1999)
• Problems Associated With Book Reports "Typically a book report is a means of determining whether or not a student has read a book. Some teachers also consider these reports as a major part of their composition program. However, there are several problems associated with book reports. First, students can generally find out enough about a book to write a report without actually reading it. Second, book reports tend to be boring to write and boring to read. The writing is usually uninspired because students have no ownership of the task and no commitment to it. Furthermore, book reports are not real-world writing tasks. Only students write book reports." (Sharon Kingen, Teaching Language Arts in Middle Schools: Connecting and Communicating . Lawrence Erlbaum, 2000)
• The Lighter Side of Book Reports "I took a speed-reading course and read War and Peace in 20 minutes. It involves Russia." (Woody Allen)
• How to Write a Great Book Report
• The Definition of a Review in Composition
• What Is a Synopsis and How Do You Write One?
• Hispanic and Latino Heritage Books for Kids and Teens
• How to Start a Book Report
• Third Grade Reading Comprehension Books
• An Introduction to Literary Nonfiction
• What Does Critical Reading Really Mean?
• Strong Report Card Comments for Language Arts
• 10 Steps to Writing a Successful Book Report
• 50 General Book Club Questions for Study and Discussion
• A Review of Accelerated Reader
• The Difference Between an Article and an Essay
• What Is Prose?
• Genres in Literature

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Book Report Vs. Book Review (Differences and Similarities)

Many of us become accustomed to writing book reports at a very young age. Elementary classrooms are often decorated with templates for this paper: author, title, characters, setting, problem/conflict, main events, conclusion, etc. These common stepping stones are in place to prepare students for years of formal book reporting. The good news is that they actually do represent the necessary components. If this is what a book report entails, what sort of things the review will offer?

A book review is an analysis or critical review of a story that evaluates how well it achieves its purpose. Ultimately, did the author accomplish what they set out to do?

• Did they efficiently convey their argument to the reader?
• Were you convinced by their evidence and support statements?
• Was their writing organized?
• How well did they compare to similar pieces in the same category?

In this article, we will look at the key elements of and the difference between a book report and book review and how to avoid confusing the two. We will also provide a guide to writing a paper that will fit all the needed criteria.

Book Report: Main Characteristics

A book report is primarily a factual account of the contents of a story. Your main goal would be to accurately summarize the information in the piece. You would need to provide the reader with the author's name, title, the number of pages, publication date, author's thesis, main events or main ideas, the organization of the book, and setting and characters (if you can apply it).

The book report should also give the reader a full picture of the story by including an equal summary of each section. Lastly, you are allowed to, and should, insert some of your final thoughts and the opinions of the piece. Your opinion should be small in comparison to your summary but may highlight your recommendations or any particular things that you liked or disliked. You may want to indicate your preferences of a particular genre or writing style. Do you normally prefer fiction books over non-fiction ones? If this is a non-fiction piece, did that aspect influence your opinion about it at all?

Book reports are easy to prepare and straight to the point. Keeping your summary substantial and your final thoughts minimal should ensure you've prepared a suitable paper.

The Tricky Part: Book Review

A book review can be seen as a more sophisticated approach to understanding and relaying the same information presented in a report. It can be described as "sophisticated" in that the work requires a greater level of effort, thoughtfulness, and is an analysis as compared to a book report. As students grow, so does their ability to think critically. The graduation from a report to a review enables an individual to take the information obtained in a report and apply it to higher order thought processes: analyzing, criticizing, persuading, and evaluating.

At times, the greatest challenge for students is establishing solid points of analysis and identifying what aspects of the book are worth exploring. Before attempting to probe any area of the story, students should have:

• a precise understanding of the author's main argument (that requires you to read the book);
• a preliminary list of issues addressed with appropriate evidence;
• a clear position on whether to recommend the novel to others and why.

This is the information about the piece that your review will include. When explaining your position, you can argue about many issues in favor or disfavor of the plot. Examples include the author's voice and writing style. Was it clear? Did you enjoy the style of writing? What changes would you like to see and why?

After reading and identifying these key points, you will hopefully be more prepared to provide a critical assessment. Keep in mind that your end goal is to persuade the audience and provide clear arguments.

Evaluation Areas to Consider

Look for some key points found in an evaluation rubric for a writing assessment.

• audience/purpose
• organization
• elaboration (support details)
• use of language

Think of it as "checking" the author's work and reviewing it as you would be a peer or, in some respects, as a teacher would for a student. Though you should not be as much concerned about the technical setup as you should be about how well of a job the author did when writing a book conveying the message and achieving the purpose of their writing.

Additionally, note any significant flaws in the author's general writing ability and highlight their strengths. A strength would be an area in which the author did an exceptional job exhibiting their point to the reader.

Sample Book Review Setup

• Introduction/Background. This section of your review is self-explanatory and should contain the title, publication information, author's name and background, category of writing they present, a bit of history, the purpose of the writing, and your main thesis statement.
• Short Summary. In this brief section, you will replicate what is done by simply summarizing the piece. Keep it concise. Try to only highlight the main events and noteworthy aspects.
• Analysis/Assessment. This is the meat of your paper and the main reason for writing. As stated earlier, your purpose is to analyze and evaluate. Here, you should provide a critical assessment of the story's central argument, evidence to support it, organizational structure, and how well it fulfills its objective.
• Conclusion. Sum up what you have been suggesting throughout your review. Restate your opinion in a concise sentence or two and provide a final statement. Would you recommend it or not? How does it fit in on a larger scale as it relates to its impact and contribution to its genre and literature?

Avoiding Confusion

A lot of the confusion usually lies with the book review . It's not difficult for many people to write a report because it is primarily a summary. If asked to write a review, the student may extend the summary section a bit too far and include details that do not support their argument (to persuade the reader one way or the other). Likewise, when doing a report, the writer should be cautious of not inserting too much opinion and losing the focus which is to relay factual information.

Maintaining the needed balance between fact and opinion is one of the best ways to successfully write both book reports and reviews.

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How To Write A Book Report (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re a student who needs to write a book report, you may be wondering where to start. 

Writing a book report may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a straightforward and rewarding experience. 

As someone who has mastered the art of writing a book report, I’m here to provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you write a precise book report. 

In this article, I will cover everything from what a book report is to the steps you need to follow to write a successful report. 

So, let’s get started!

What is a Book Report?

A book report summarizes and analyzes a book’s content, providing an overview of the plot, characters, themes, and your evaluation. 

Additionally, a book report often explores the main characters, their motivations, and their roles in the story. It delves into the book’s themes, messages, and the author’s writing style, discussing how these elements contribute to the book’s overall impact. 

A book report may also contain the writer’s evaluation and opinion, reflecting their thoughts on the book’s strengths, weaknesses, and relevance. 

It is an excellent way to showcase your understanding of the book and demonstrate your critical thinking skills. Book reports are commonly assigned in schools and serve as a valuable exercise in literary analysis.

What are the various forms of a Book Report?

There are several different forms of book reports, and the type you choose will depend on the guidelines provided by your instructor. Some common forms of book reports include:

• Plot Summary Book Report:

This type of book report focuses primarily on summarizing the book’s plot. It should provide a concise story overview, including the main events, conflicts, and resolution. You can also include your thoughts and opinions on the plot and whether it effectively conveyed the intended message.

• Character Analysis Book Report

In this form of book report, the emphasis is on analyzing the characters in the book. You should delve into the main characters’ personalities, motivations, and development and their impact on the story. 

Additionally, you can include examples from the book to support your analysis and provide insight into the character’s actions and decisions.

• Theme-Based Book Report

Theme-based book report explores the themes and messages conveyed in the book. It requires a deeper analysis of the underlying ideas and concepts explored by the author. 

To write this type of report, you should identify the major themes in the book and discuss how they are developed throughout the story. You can also include your thoughts and opinions on the themes and what they mean to you.

• Comparative Book Report

A comparative book report compares and contrasts two or more books with similar themes or subject matter. It requires a careful analysis of how the books relate to each other and what sets them apart. 

In this type of report, you should focus on the similarities and differences between the books and how they address the themes or subject matter. You can also include your thoughts and opinions on which book effectively conveyed the intended message.

How to Write a Book Report: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have an overall idea about the different forms of a book report, let’s explore how to write a book report precisely.

1. Choose the Book

The first step is to select a book on which you want to write a report. It’s important to choose a book that is appropriate for the assignment’s requirements and aligns with your interests or the subject matter.

2. Read the Book Thoroughly

Before you start writing, read the book attentively. Take notes on important plot points, characters, themes, and any significant details that stand out to you. It’s essential to thoroughly understand the book’s content before attempting to analyze and interpret it.

3. Introduction

Begin your book report with an engaging introduction. Include the book’s title, author, genre, and a brief overview of what the book is about. This is your chance to hook the reader’s interest and set the tone for your report. 

You can also provide some background information on the author or the book’s historical context if it’s relevant.

4. Summary of the Plot

Provide a concise summary of the book’s plot, covering the main events and the central conflict. Be careful not to give away major spoilers; the purpose is to give an overview without revealing too much. 

You can also highlight any important subplots or secondary characters that contribute to the story.

5. Character Analysis

Now you can discuss the main characters in the book, their personalities, motivations, and how they contribute to the story’s development. Use specific examples and quotes from the text to support your analysis. 

You can also compare and contrast different characters or explore their relationships with one another.

6. Setting and Context

Explain the setting and context of the story. Describe the time and place in which the events occur, and discuss how these elements influence the plot and characters. 

You can also analyze the significance of the setting and how it relates to the themes of the book.

7. Themes and Messages

Explore the central themes and messages conveyed by the author. Discuss the author’s intentions and how these themes are developed throughout the book. Analyze their significance in the overall narrative and how they relate to the characters and the setting.

8. Writing Style and Techniques

Evaluate the author’s writing style and the literary techniques used in the book. Consider elements such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and imagery. 

Discuss how these techniques enhance the story’s impact and contribute to the book’s overall meaning.

9. Comparisons (Optional)

You can compare the book with other works by the same author or books of a similar genre if applicable. Analyze similarities and differences, and offer insights into the author’s recurring themes or writing style. 

This can help you provide a broader context for the book and deepen your analysis.

10. Personal Opinion

Sharing a personal opinion of the book will be ideal. You can talk about what it is that you liked or disliked about the book and point out your reasons. 

Support your opinions with text evidence, such as specific scenes or character developments. Your opinion is an essential part of the book report, demonstrating your engagement with the material and your critical thinking skills.

11. Conclusion

Summarize the key points of your book report and restate your overall impression of the book. Provide a thoughtful closing statement that leaves the reader with a lasting impression. 

You can also offer some final thoughts on the book’s significance or its relevance to contemporary issues.

12. Proofreading and Editing

After writing the report, carefully proofread and edit your work to correct any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Make sure that the report flow is logical and coherent. You can always use Grammarly to check for the proof-reading purpose.

Unsure if Grammarly Premium suits your needs? Then you are at luck, Grammarly provides its users with a 7-day free trial .

13. Citation (if necessary)

If required, include a bibliography or works cited page to give credit to the sources you used while writing the report. This is important to avoid plagiarism and to demonstrate your research skills. Here I have mentioned the best plagiarism checker in the market.

14. Finalize and Submit

Once thoroughly reviewing and editing your book report, finalize it and submit it according to your instructor’s guidelines. Congratulations, you have successfully written a comprehensive and insightful book report!

Related Read:

• Books on Writing: Handpicked List For Aspiring Writers
• Mechanics of Writing: For Fine Writing

Conclusion: How To Write A Book Report

Writing an effective book report requires closely reading the book, developing a thesis, organizing your thoughts, and drafting an analysis of the key elements of the text. 

Be sure to include relevant details from the work to support your central ideas. 

Carefully proofread your report and make any necessary revisions to create a polished final product. With proper planning and an organized approach, any student can master the art of writing engaging and insightful book reports. 

I hope this step-by-step guide provided tips to help you successfully draft your next book review assignment.

The format of a book report typically includes an introduction, a summary of the plot, a character analysis, themes and messages, an evaluation/opinion, and a conclusion.

The length of a book report can vary depending on the assignment’s requirements, but typically it ranges from 500 to 2000 words.

Including quotes from the book can enhance your report, especially when providing evidence to support your analysis and opinions.

While it’s possible to write a book report without reading the entire book, it is strongly recommended to read the complete book to provide a comprehensive and accurate analysis.

Yes, using first-person pronouns is acceptable in a book report as it allows you to express your personal opinions and thoughts about the book.

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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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How to Write a Good Summary for a Book Report

Last Updated: January 28, 2024

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . 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. This article has been viewed 313,023 times.

Many grade school and high school English classes require their students to complete book reports. Often, it is difficult to know what to include and leave out of your report. A summary tells your readers about the most important points and elements of a book you read in your own words. Depending on your teacher's requirements, you may also need to give your opinion of the book, such as what you enjoyed or disliked about it. If you do a little careful prep work, writing a summary for a book report is nothing to be scared of!

Preparing for Your Book Report

• If you can, pick a book on a topic that interests you, as this will make it more enjoyable for you to read.

• Don't confuse a book report with a book review. A book report typically summarizes a book and may offer your opinion on a book, but it usually focuses more on facts about the book. A book review usually describes what a book says and evaluates how the book works.
• If you have any questions, ask your teacher. It's much better to ask questions when you don't understand something than to try to muddle through only to produce work that isn't what your teacher expected.

• Characters. If your book is fiction (or a biography or memoir), keep track of who the major characters are. What are they like? What do they do? Are they different at the end of the book than the beginning? Did you like them?
• Setting. This category mainly applies to fiction. The setting of a book is where and when the story takes place (for example, the Harry Potter novels' main setting is the school of Hogwarts). The setting may have significant influence on the characters and the story.
• Story. What happens in the book? Who did what? Where in the book (beginning, middle, end) do important things seem to happen? Were there any clear “turning points” in the story, where things seem to change from what came before? How did the story resolve? What parts are your favorite parts of the story?
• Main ideas/themes. This category will be slightly different for nonfiction or fiction. Nonfiction may have a very clear main idea, such as presenting a biography of a famous historical figure. For fiction, there will probably be a key theme that runs throughout the book. Think about this in terms of what you learned from the book that you didn't know before reading it. You may find it easier if you take a few notes on each chapter.
• Quotations. A good book report not only tells, but shows. For example, if you really enjoyed the author's writing style, you could use a quotation in your book report that shows why you liked it. A juicy quote that sums up the main idea of the book could also be a good idea. You don't have to use every quotation that you write down in your report, but jot down any quotations that catch your attention.

Drafting Your Book Report

• Pro: You can go in chronological order, which could be helpful when you're summarizing books with a lot of plot elements.
• Con: This kind of organization can be more difficult to figure out if you need to talk about multiple chapters in one paragraph.
• Pro: You can tackle a lot of plot summary in very little space. The paragraphs are clearly divided, so you know what to cover in each one.
• Con: This may not be appropriate if your assignment is mostly to summarize the book rather than give your opinions about it.

• For chronological order: Give each chapter or section of the book its own section. Write down the most important story elements and character developments that happened in each chapter.
• For thematic organization: Put your notes about the various elements, such as characters, plot, and main ideas, into separate sections. Each will become a paragraph.
• When you write your first draft, think about what elements move the story forward, because those will probably be the most important. You can give more detail as you revise, if you want.
• For example, many things happen in Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games, but you can't talk about them all. Instead, focus on the overall movement of the story. Begin by explaining what the Hunger Games are and how Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are chosen. Then you would summarize their time in the Capitol, including information on how sponsorship works. Following that, you would summarize the most important moments from the Games, such as Katniss injuring her leg in the fire, the attack by tracker-jackers, Rue's death, the kiss in the cave, Cato's final battle, and the decision to eat the poisonous berries. Then, you would conclude by wrapping up the most important moments from the book's ending.

• Give publication information for the book, including the book's title, author, year of publication, and genre. Your teacher may ask you to include other information. If your book was written by someone important, won an award, or is a best-seller, give that information too.
• For example, a short overall summary of Lois Lowry's The Giver might look something like this: “Lois Lowry's young-adult novel The Giver was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 1993, and it won a Newbery Medal in 1994. It is set in what appears to be a utopian society that thrives on 'Sameness.' There is no hunger, sadness, or poverty in this society. However, this utopia depends on keeping its people from feeling true emotions. This lack of emotion causes serious issues for the main character, Jonas, once he is chosen to become the new Receiver of Memory.”
• For a nonfiction book, summarize the author's main idea or purpose for writing the book. State what you think their thesis is. For example, a short overall summary for the book I Am Malala might look like this: “The youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai tells her incredible true story in I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. This book was published by Little, Brown and Company in 2013. Malala wants to inspire other young people to believe in their power to change the world by sharing her own experience about the value of education and peaceful protest.” [5] X Research source

• For nonfiction, your summary should focus on what you think the author's main idea is and how that idea is developed in the book. What important points does the author make? What evidence or stories from their personal experience do they use to support their points?

• Introductory paragraph: summarize the book in general and gives the publication information.
• Body paragraph 1: summarize Gandalf's plot to get Bilbo Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin Oakenshield and the party of Dwarves. End with Bilbo's choosing to go on an adventure (because this is a major changing point for the character).
• Body paragraph 2: summarize the adventures Bilbo and the Dwarves have, such as almost being eaten by trolls, getting kidnapped by goblins, and Bilbo finding Gollum and the One Ring. There are a lot of adventures, so you wouldn't talk about them all; instead, pick the most important points. You might end with the Dwarves being captured by the Wood-Elves, because this is another "turning point" in the story. Bilbo has to decide whether he is brave enough to rescue everyone.
• Body paragraph 3: summarize the interactions between the Dwarves and the Lake Town people, Bilbo getting into the Lonely Mountain and talking to Smaug, Smaug destroying everything and getting killed (spoiler!), and the many groups of Dwarves, Elves, and Men deciding to fight over the spoils. This is a good place to stop this paragraph, because it's the climax of the story and your reader wants to know the resolution, or how everything turns out okay.
• Body paragraph 4: summarize how Bilbo tries to stop the fighting, the argument Bilbo and Thorin have, the outcome of the battle, and Bilbo coming home to discover all of his stuff is being sold off. You can also talk about how the main character, Bilbo, ends up as a different character than the way he started off. That would be a good transition into...
• Conclusion paragraph: talk about the main ideas of the book and what you learned. You might talk about how important it is to learn to be brave, or how greed is criticized in the book. Then, wrap up with your opinion about the book overall. Would you recommend it to a friend?

• Begin with a VERY brief plot summary. Talk about the type of book it is, where the book is set (Hogwarts, outer space, a mythical past), what the main character is trying to do or learn, and how the plot ends up.
• For example, a paragraph about the characters in The Hobbit would probably focus the most on Bilbo Baggins, the "protagonist" or hero of the novel. It would probably also need to talk a little bit about the other important characters: Thorin Oakenshield and Gandalf the wizard. This paragraph would consider Bilbo's character development from someone who starts off afraid of new things to someone who ends up being brave and saving his friends.
• For example, if you were writing about The Giver , you might want to discuss the importance of feelings in human lives. You could also talk about the idea that in order to experience life fully, you have to experience pain as well as pleasure. Another big theme is the idea of becoming your own person: the hero Jonas has to learn how to reject the "Sameness" of society to follow his own path.

• Imagine your conclusion as a way of telling others whether they should read the book or not. Would they enjoy it? Should they read it? Why or why not?

Revising Your Book Report

• As you read, ask yourself: if you were telling this summary to a friend who hadn't read the book, would they understand what happened? Would they have a good idea of whether or not they would like the book?

• For example, instead of beginning sentences with just the word “This” or “It,” remind your reader what happened in the previous sentence. “This” is vague, but “This (contest, lottery, murder)” is clear.

• Don't tell your friend what the book is about or what you're focusing on before you have them read your report. That way, they will have to focus only on what's on the paper -- which is what your teacher will be doing too.

Expert Q&A

• Try to think about how you would tell the story to a person who doesn't know it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't wait until the last minute! Start early and read and summarize one chapter a day. This will give you less work to do all at once. It also helps to write your summary right away, while it's fresh in your mind. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• For parents: quickly read each chapter's summary. If you can't understand it, tell your child what information you feel like is missing so that they know what they need to add when they revise. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Jake Adams. Scholarship & Admissions Counselor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/703/01/
• ↑ http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/malala-yousafzai/i-am-malala/9780316322409/
• ↑ http://library.concordia.ca/help/howto/bookreports.html

About This Article

A good book report summary includes the most important points of the book and explains what your opinion of it is. As you read, take detailed notes of the main characters, the setting, the main ideas, and any important quotations, since this will make putting your book report together a lot easier. Then, when you’re done reading, outline each chapter so you can keep track of everything. When you write your summary, give a basic idea of the book, what it’s about, and what themes it covers, such as growing up, poverty, or perseverance. You should also include when the book was published and if it has won any awards. After this, briefly explain whether or not you liked the book and why. To learn how to revise your book report, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Review Mode

Quick Guide to Assessing A Book Report

Hey there, fellow educators! Let’s dive into the exciting world of book report assessment. We all know it can be a bit tricky to evaluate students’ work when everyone has their unique style and interpretations. But fear not! Today, we’re going to explore the wonders of a free book report rubric. A book report rubric l brings clarity, objectivity, and consistency to your assessments. So, get ready to discover how a rubric can help you evaluate book summaries, assess the text, evaluate idea presentation, analyze language use, and celebrate the perfect word choice. Let’s make assessing book reports a breeze!

Book Summary

Alright, let’s start with the foundation of any book report: the book summary. Think of it as the “SparkNotes” version that captures the essence without spoiling all the juicy details. A good rubric for book summaries helps you evaluate things like completeness, coherence, and accuracy. Did the student hit the main plot points? Are the essential characters and their development addressed? A well-designed rubric lets you assess these factors and provide helpful feedback to your students.

A level 4 Book summary would be if the student shows a command of the book’s contents, purpose, and ideas.

Assessment of Text

Now it’s time to unleash the analytical beasts within your students! The assessment of text in a book report allows them to showcase their critical thinking and evaluation skills. A rubric that focuses on this aspect will consider criteria like the depth of analysis, identification of themes, and use of supporting evidence.

It’s like a treasure hunt for literary gems! A great rubric enables you to evaluate your students’ comprehension, their ability to uncover hidden meanings, and present their thoughtful interpretations. You’ll be amazed at their insights!

Presentation of Ideas

Okay, let’s break free from the monotony of regurgitated facts and embrace the power of creative expression!

A book report is not just a dry recitation; it’s a chance for students to share their ideas and opinions. With a rubric, you can assess their creativity, originality, and how well they organize their arguments.

Teachers should think: Do they bring a fresh perspective? Are their ideas presented in a logical and engaging manner?

A rubric that encourages students to think critically and express themselves effectively? Yes, please!

Use of Language & Conventions

Language is the magic wand that helps students weave their thoughts into captivating stories. That’s why it’s essential to have a criterion in your rubric that assesses their language usage. Evaluate their grammar skills, vocabulary selection, and sentence structure.

Things to look for: clarity, coherence, and effective communication. A well-crafted rubric gives you the power to provide targeted feedback and helps your students refine their writing skills. Together, you’ll create a symphony of words!

Word Choice

Let’s talk about the power of words, my teacher friends! In your rubric, make sure to include a criterion for word choice. This aspect helps you evaluate if students are using appropriate and engaging vocabulary. Are they adding descriptive and evocative language? Do their words fit the context of the book? A rubric that values word choice provides invaluable feedback, encouraging students to expand their vocabulary and express themselves beautifully.

Hooray! You’re now armed with the knowledge to revolutionize your book report assessments. With a well-structured rubric encompassing book summaries, text assessment, idea presentation, language usage, and word choice, you’ll bring clarity and fairness to your evaluations. The rubric empowers your students to develop essential skills while providing you with a solid framework for guidance. Let’s make assessing book reports a journey of growth and celebration together!

Try our Free Book Report Rubric Today! 

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Difference Between Book Review And Book Report?

Imagine you try to pull off a great book report. So you expect a perfect A+ grade. But you couldn’t even get ‘B’ or ‘C.’  It’s no wonder that some students get help with assignments to ease this overwhelming shock. 

There are good numbers of students who find themselves in a similar situation. It’s not because they don’t understand the subject matter. It’s a question of structure. They cannot differentiate a book report from a book review.

Tutors must have provided some requirements tailored to book reviews or reports on the instruction board. Hence, most students get bad grades because they don’t pay attention to these details. In any case, the first step in getting an assignment right is by following simple instructions. 

This article will walk you through how you can tell the difference between a book report and a book review. 

• 1.1 Elements of a Book Review
• 2.1 Parts of a Book Report
• 3 Key Differences  between a Book Review and Book Report 
• 4.1 Scope/Purpose
• 4.2 Word Count
• 4.3 Perspective
• 5 Conclusion

What is a Book Review?

A book review is an illustrative, subjective, evaluative, and critical account of a book. It typically describes a book based on style and content. 

Book reviews typically range from 600 to 2,000 words. However, it could be more depending on the assignment requirements.

Elements of a Book Review

You may think that a book review is all about a brief opinion of a book. No more, no less. That’s not true. This is not only the piece of information that your tutor wants from you. 

A resourceful book review comprises four elements. They are as follows:

• Short Summary

It’d best to assume that your audience does not know what the book is about. This way, you can summarize the book better. A good summary requires you to map out the main ideas and why they are essential. 

Another information to include in a book review is the book’s background. A solid background requires comparing the author’s argument to related historical information. This applies to both fiction and non-fiction works. 

• Author’s Information

It’s also essential to incorporate the author’s information into the review. For instance, what is the author’s educational background? Does it influence his beliefs? This way, your reader can understand why the author has raised a specific argument. 

Evaluation is the conclusive part of the review. It’s an appraisal of the strengths and pain points of the book. An evaluative account also shows how the book has achieved its purpose. 

Note that book reviews may also include your opinions. However, you should reread your assignment instructions to determine whether it’s part of its requirements. 

Now that you know what a book review is let’s get to a book report. 

What is a Book Report?

Unlike a book review, a book report discusses a book from an objective and informative perspective. People often interchange with book reviews. But it tilts toward a book summary than a critical account of it. 

Book reports give a concise account of what happened in a book. They navigate through the thesis and characters of a work.

Most book reports stretch from 250 to 500 words. 

Parts of a Book Report

• Introduction

The first part of a book report should include the title of the work and the author’s name. After that, you may open with an exciting extract from the creation to grab the reader’s attention. 

If it is a story, you should introduce the specific place where it takes place. For non-stories, we recommend that you include the integral setting. Integral setting means the societal elements in work, such as language. 

Introduce the main ideas

It’d be best to mention every character in your report. 

• Evaluation/Recommendation

Key Differences  between a Book Review and Book Report 

Now that we’ve walked you through the basics let’s get to business. , scope/purpose.

A book review analyses the work. It encompasses the main ideas in a piece of work critically. Hence, a book review aims to shed new light on the readers.

On the other hand, a book report rehashes the work. The purpose of a book report is to give information about the work. In any case, a book review takes a diagnostic approach that tests the significance of the text. 

A book review typically ranges from 600 to 2,000 words. It’s because teachers expect students to write as much as possible in book reviews. However, it would help if you stuck to the word count in your assignment instructions. 

On the other hand, a book report typically stretches from 250 to 500 words. It’s because your teachers don’t expect you to write beyond what happened in a book. However, you may highlight your recommendations. 

Perspective

A book report requires you to write from an objective perspective. 

On the other hand, a book review requires you to write from a subjective perspective. That is to say, your opinions matter.

It can be challenging to strike a balance between opinion and facts. However, mastering them will go a long way in helping you to differentiate a book review from a  book report. 

A Book Report vs. a Book Review

The difference between book report and book review is critical, so you have to pay close attention to what you are expected to come up with: if you need to sum up and enumerate, you’re in for a book summary (book report), but if you need to analyze, you want to write a book review.

There is a great deal of confusion when it comes to discussing book reports and book reviews. As a matter of fact, these two terms keep used quite interchangeably, while a deeper dig-in shows some principal differences between the two.

If you submit a book report and you were asked to write a book review, your grade is most likely to go down. The opposite situation, i.e. when you submit a book review instead of a book report, may also entail adverse consequences. Book review writing is believed to require greater intellectual effort than book reports, that’s why your marker will most likely ‘forgive’ you this mistake.

Speaking of differences, first of all, you will have to understand that a book report is simpler (a more primitive if you will) kind of writing, where you have to narrate & re-tell the story.

A book report is practically identical to a book summary and they can be used interchangeably. In contrast, a book review requires you to analyze the book and see beyond the obvious. In it, you will need to examine its contents, understand the plot, the main message of the book, see if the author has managed to convey the message to the reader; you will also have to state strong and weak sides of the book and say whether or not you like it. More differences between the two terms are as follows:

LENGTH.  Book report will usually take 200-250 words. Book reviews will range from 200 words if it’s a simple book to 1000+ words if it’s a piece of scholarly literature that needs thorough analysis and evaluation.

ACADEMIC LEVEL.  Book report is considered to be a K-12 level assignment. Book review is more of a college-level type of assignment.

STRUCTURE.  The structure of two papers resemble one another: first off, you would need to introduce the author, the book, state when and who the book was published by. You would need to mention characters, mention the plot, genre, and major themes.

MESSAGE.  If you write a book report, you would need to simply sum up the book plot, characters, state major themes and say a few words about the major characters. If you are writing a book summary, the main idea is to say whether or not you like the book, whether or not you would recommend this book to other readers and why.

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REPORT

Either of these assignments is generally easy to write, however, each has its own nuances that you need to know. If you have either a book report or a book review to write, feel free to contact us for assistance and we will be happy to help. Our team of professional writers will be glad to help you through book report or book review writing. In the end of our cooperation, you will have learned how to tackle these assignments effectively and ace your assignments.

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The primary purpose of persuasive essay is to persuade or convince the reader that a certain claim or viewpoint is right. A persuasive essay can be written from either a subjective or an objective point of view simply because persuasion is found in a variety…

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Book Reports vs. Book Reviews: An Important Distinction

There's nothing quite as frustrating in academia as earning a low score on an assignment not because we didn't do a good job but because we misinterpreted the rules. Sometimes we think we have a solid grasp on details only to learn – too late and to our chagrin! -- that we spent hours meticulously writing something our instructors never wanted. One of the most common examples of this wavelength malfunction comes in the form of book reports versus book reviews. It's not just a change in word. It's a change in meaning. Let's dive in and see why full knowledge of the distinction can save the grade.

Book reports

When it's a book report on your teacher's mind, it's a topical overview of the source material and its writer that needs to be on yours. Your goals are twofold: paint a clear image of the author and then explain the story he or she has published. You'll spend at least a full paragraph on that author, describing where they were born, how they were raised, which schools they attended, so on and so forth. You have limited window for implication in this section, so don't take too many liberties. If it's deemed rather common knowledge that something influenced a writer's creative output, though, do be sure to note it. For example, Edgar Allan Poe was infamous for his rough life and difficult interpersonal relationships. This can be seen pretty clearly (no offense, Edgar) in the beautifully haunted style he so perfected.

Once you've gotten that out of the way, the rest of your paper will be spent summarizing your reading. Pay attention not just to the characters and setting but to the sequence and tone. Clearly distinguish the beginning of the story from its middle and climax and resolution, but try to carry the information across so neatly that readers don't require you actually pointing out these segments. In other words, don't open a paragraph with, "and then, in the middle of A Christmas Carol..." when you can instead convey the summary capably enough that it feels like the middle of A Christmas Carol just from reading your paper. It's a fine line, but practicing this will go a long way with your teachers.

Here's a quick checklist:

• Information on the author.
• Great representation of each section of the story.
• Make sure that it flows and is fun to read. Your reader should recognize when the story's plot tension rises and descends.

Book reviews

So the #1 issue that students have when confusing these two assignment types is that they pen book reports when a book review is needed. Reviews are far more in-depth and require more brainpower to really master; a comparatively simpler book report is probably more likely to elicit eye rolls from a disappointed teacher than if you made the opposite mistake. (Hand in a sterling book review when all she wanted was a summary and you'll be commended for your wholly unnecessary hard work, at least.)

Thus, the remainder of this article will be spent helping you to recognize what magic a review needs to truly shine. You're analyzing a story with this format, which means you need to understand the themes on a far deeper level. You need to be able to explain to your teacher what exactly the author seems to have wanted to convey. Emotional resonance like a character losing a child and finding it in themselves to carry on? Political commentary like a government on the verge of crumbling over bureaucratic squabbles? Messages of hope or of love lost or of new beginnings – or perilous ends. Stories have it all and it's up to you, the student, to identify with your assigned text. Search for symbols within the various chapters. Is there any deeper meaning behind a gangster wearing a holy cross around his neck? Latch on to that and describe your thoughts.

Closing thoughts

You can also analyze whether or not a particular story is reasonable, in your estimation, about its subject. You can even spend some time telling your teacher just what you think about the author's approach. Maybe you feel an element was unfairly represented or insensitively handled. Tell your teacher. Do it in an academic and grammatically sound format, and they will very likely be impressed you took the time to develop those feelings. These are the kinds of things that elevate a decent review into a great one. And now that you're sure you'll never confuse them with reports, you're ready to get out there and begin writing proudly!

What’s the Difference Between a Book Summary and a Book Review?

Published on April 21, 2014 by Igor Mateski

Our weekly Book Summaries here at Books At a Glance are available only to our premium members , and it was suggested that we explain what you are missing if you’ve not joined!

First, what is the difference between a Book Summary and a Book Review ? The easy way to say it is that a Book Review is evaluative in nature and interactive, whereas a Summary is simply a condensed re-presentation of the book’s contents. In a Review our staff will tell you generally what a book is about and then offer comments assessing the work, commending or criticizing this or that about its contents, and so on. But in our Summaries we “crunch” the book into 7-10 pages, condensing the argument(s) of each chapter into a paragraph or two.

Book summaries are the heart of what we do here. They are designed to help you keep up to date and informed regarding new and significant publications. After reading a given summary you will know what that book is about and how it develops its thoughts. From there you can decide if that is all you need or if you should purchase the book yourself to study the matter further.

“Executive summaries” like these have a long and proven value in the business world, and we are excited to bring the same to Christian readers and students of biblical studies.

As an example, we posted a summary of Greg Beale’s The Morality of God in the Old Testament (P&R, 2013), in which Beale addresses the question of the seemingly “cruel” treatment of the wicked, such as in Joshua and the imprecatory Psalms. Here is a sample paragraph from that Summary:

Some attempts to answer the question have been offered that Beale finds to be less than completely satisfying, and he recites them briefly. Most would acknowledge that there is a “wartime ethic” that stretches the normal bounds of justice, but even the extenuating circumstances of war do not account for the intentional extensiveness of the commands God gives to the Israelites concerning the Canaanites. So also, even if these commands were not to be understood literally, details remain that such considerations simply cannot handle. And in any case, it certainly appears that the commands were intended to be taken (at least essentially) literally. This latter suggestion (that the extermination commands are not to be understood literally) would dissolve the problem considerably, and as such it is an important consideration, and so Beale treats it separately in a 10-page excursus at the end of the book.

Beale proposes his own five-fold approach to the question. In his own words, this approach is as follows. First, how does the killing of the Canaanites demonstrate God’s justice and righteousness? Second ….

As you can see, our Book Summaries take you a long way in tracing out the book’s arguments, from beginning to end.

Our members receive a Book Summary every week, and you can see how quickly and easily they keep up to date!

Note that we offer a free, one-month trial membership with no obligation. Give us a try, and see what you’re missing!

Claim your free, one-month trial membership by clicking HERE .

Thanks for checking us out!

Jim Zaspel Business Manager, Books At a Glance

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Book Report: Different Formats, Types, and Book Review

Introduction to book report.

A book report is of different types and formats.

A most common form of book reports are

• Plot summaries
• Theme and character analysis.    

How to write a book report?

• Specify the kind of book report
• Include the title of the book
• Put the name of the author
• Indicate the time when the story takes place.
• Mention the location of events taking place in the book.
• List the names of the characters briefly describing each one of them.
• Add quotations in order to back up your opinions.

Book Report Format:

1. Introduction (2-3 sentences , including a “topic” sentence) Include:

The title (underlined) and author of the book

Why did you choose the book (if this applies) or how it fits into our history program this year (if this applies)?

What kind of story is it?

Fiction (made up): Fantasy, Science fiction, Realistic fiction, Historical fiction, Mystery, or Traditional Literature (folktale, myth, fable, fairytale)?

Non-Fiction (true) Narrative nonfiction , Biography, Expository nonfiction, or Informational?

2. Body (1-2 paragraphs supporting the topic and including the following):

In this section you want to describe the main parts of a story: theme, setting, characters, and plot (not necessarily in that order – paragraph 1). Then you give your opinions about the book (paragraph 2).

The Theme is the main idea of the story. Some examples might be the importance of friendship/hope/honesty/integrity/etc. or how to be courageous in a difficult situation. Tell what you think the theme is and how you know (example from the book).

The Setting is the time and place of the story. Is it set a long time ago or now?  Does it take place in another country or in an imaginary place?  How much time passes in the story – a day? a year? A lifetime?

The Characters are who the story is about. The main character is called the protagonist. Who are the other important characters? Do they help or hinder the protagonist?

The Plot is what happens. You want to briefly tell what the story is about. What is the main event or conflict? What things led up to it? What happens as a result? How does the story end?

Conclusion (2 sentences)

This is just a sentence or two, to sum up your report. Give your overall opinion of the book and the most important thing you want other people to know about it.

Difference between Book Report and Book Review:

Book review.

A book review is more about analysis and evaluation where students are required to identify the author’s main message and ideas as well as to understand the meaning of symbolic elements present in the text.

Book Report

Book reports are all about explaining topical details and the storyline of the book. Those writing this type of assignment are to present biographical information about the author of the book (year of birth, marital status, his/her education and worldview, etc.). After the biographical information, there should be a brief summary of the book content – the main characters and the development of the plot.

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Differences Between a Book Review and a Book Report

• Book Review                                                                      
• What is a book review?
• How to Write a Book Review
• What is the purpose of a book review?
• Book Report
• What is a book report?
• How to Write a Book Report
• What is the purpose of a book report?
• Book Review vs. Book Report
• When are the book report and book review usually assigned?
• Book review and book report writing service for students

There are many different types of written projects, but some of their aspects tend to overlap. As with the case on term papers and research papers , students find it hard to distinguish the differences between a book review and a book report. For instance, most written projects are composed of the same basic elements, like the introduction, body, and conclusion. Most of these, too, require you to do a ton of research. Say you’ve been assigned to do a review on The Catcher in the Rye by your instructor, and upon passing the paper, you feel good – your analysis of each of the characters was spot on, with themes identified clearly – you beam at that “A” grade looming across the horizon. To your shock and disappointment, however, that supposed “A” merely translated to a “D”. The pit of your stomach sinks; you’ve worked so hard for it and spend much of your free time pondering over the novel. And it’s only until you’ve spoken to your instructor that you realized that you’ve made a book report, not a book review. 

At some point in your academic life, you have been asked to write either a book report or a book review, and many of times we interchange the two writing projects. Despite their seemingly similar purpose, there is a difference between the two. Simply put, a book report is much less complex than a book review, as it does not require an in depth analysis of the text at hand. To further understand their distinctions, we have gathered everything you need to know about that book review and that book report in this master post. 

Book Review                                                                      

A  book review is an incisive assessment of a text, object, event or phenomenon. These reviews can encompass more than just books and written texts – it can also be written for architecture, art, fashion, and food, among others. An important component of a book review is the argument, followed by the commentary, which should be more than a summary. Here, you are enabled to enter into a dialogue that centers on a discussion with the author and the intended audience. You are free to either agree or disagree, and identify which aspects in the text are exemplary or lacking. With this in mind, your opinion should be clearly stated. Usually, however, reviews are brief. While some may require an extensive analysis, such as journals and newspapers, they seldom exceed a thousand words. In whichever case, remember that reviews are always succinct. To illustrate the composition of a book review, here are its features: 

• It must have a concise summary of the content. This concise summary should include an appropriate description of the topic, along with its general perspective, argument, or purpose.
• It should offer an in-depth assessment of the content. This pertains to your feedback directed towards the book under review. Here, you are free to point out which parts strike you as notable, its effectiveness or persuasiveness, and how it has helped further your understanding of the issues tackled.
• It should suggest whether or not the audience would appreciate the written work.

In addition, there are generally two approaches to writing a book review:

• Descriptive review –  Here, the content and structure of the book is presented as objectively as possible. Only the essential information about the book’s purpose is needed. 
• Critical review  – A critical review evaluates and describes the chosen book with relevance to literary and historical standards. It should include a statement on the author’s purpose and technique, along with how (in your perspective) the author has succeeded in doing this. 

As soon as you’ve gathered and made your assessments and observations of the written work, ensure that you survey your notes accordingly. This will help you combine all your impressions into statements that would best describe the purpose of your review, as well as the thesis. After doing this, the next step is to outline your entire framework according to the following: 

• Introduction

Due to its brief and concise nature, people usually begin their reviews using anecdotes and catchy quips, so long as it effectively delivers their proposed argument. This approach varies according to the audience and argument, however, although in general, you should include the following elements:

• Author’s name, the book title, and main theme
• Relevant details about the author, such as his identity and stand on the issue. 
• The context of the book and/or your review, as your choice of context supports your argument.
• The book’s thesis. If you are reviewing fiction, however, this may be difficult since they rarely display obvious arguments. But the process of identifying the book’s angle can allow you to show what specific contribution the book is trying to make
• Your own thesis about the book
•   Summary of the content

This part of the book review should be brief, as your analysis is of utmost importance. As you begin writing your assessment, remember to support your arguments with concrete evidence directly taken from the book; this means that parts of the summary will be dispersed throughout your review.

• Your analysis and evaluation of the book

The book review’s analysis and evaluation should be organized into paragraphs in accordance with the subdivisions of your argument. This is particularly challenging when you’re considering the entire book as a whole, but it will aid in differentiating the many elements of your arguments, which could then allow you to provide supporting evidence much clearly. As you cite evidence, make sure that you avoid the excessive use of quotations. 

The basic purpose of a book review is to help the audience or readers decide whether or not they should dedicate some time to read the book. As such, a book review should be able to identify the book’s central idea, along with the author’s approach and style, followed by a complete evaluation of its entirety. 

By textbook definition, a book report is a written composition that summarizes, describes, and at times, evaluates a written work, which can be fiction or nonfiction. While this applies, to the academe, a book report is primarily used as a school exercise, usually determining whether or not a student has indeed read and understood a book. It discusses the contents of the book, which includes the title, plot, characters, and author, as this also shows that the student understands the text at hand. To reiterate, a book report is not a book review, because the latter requires the writer to give personal critique regarding the book. A book report usually follows a basic format, which includes the following details:

• Book’s title and year of publication
• Author’s name
• Book’s genre
• The book’s primary subject, plot, or theme 
• Concise summary of all the key points or ideas incorporated in the book 
• The reader's reaction to the book, which can include the identification of its obvious strengths and weaknesses
• Quotations from the book used to support general observations

To further understand what comprises a book report, its many forms should be taken into consideration. Book reports can be written in different forms, such as the plot summaries, theme analyses, and character analyses. No matter which type of book report you wish to write, necessary are the key elements which help you convey why the book should be read or not. In any book report, the following elements should always be present:

• Book report type
• Setting, which includes both place and time
• Character names and description
• Quotations and passages from the books as supporting evidence

Writing a book report can be fun and exciting, but its framework can make things quite difficult. Here’s a simple guide to help you with the process:

• Choose the book you wish to work on

Should you be allowed to choose your book, choose a title that truly evokes enthusiasm in you. It could either be a work of fiction or nonfiction, so long as the subject remains appropriate according to the classroom setting. In case you find yourself without the luxury of that choice, try to be open-minded. Although skeptical at first, perhaps you’ll find yourself enjoying the book if you give it a chance.

• Read the book religiously 

While much too obvious to point out, reading the book from cover to cover is essential to the process of making a book report. Some students choose to just skim over the book, reading only certain parts. Others resort to information already available online. To truly understand the book, though, you must read the book religiously, even to the point of rereading it. As you read the book, remember to take down notes. This will help you later as you begin the actual writing part. 

If you’re reading fiction, try to ponder on the following elements of a story:

• Story plot - what is it about?
• Setting - where do the events take place in the book?
• Characters – who are the significant characters? Identify their relationships with each other.
• Themes - what are the main ideas about society and life that the characters and plot symbolize? 
• Symbols – Are there any symbols the writer used to convey abstract concepts?

For non-fiction books, consider the following:

• What is the topic of the book?
• Identify the relevant events
• List down all the important people described in the text
• What have you learned?
• Work on your outline

An outline serves an important purpose, as it helps you ease into the writing process quite well. It works as a sort of framework, which will give you a clear picture of what your successful book report will look like. Organize all the information you have gathered into sections that flow logically, including the introduction, body, and conclusion. Your ideas must also be included here, closely followed by your supporting evidence.

• Ask for help. If you're in need of a book report writing service , don't hesitate to reach out.

A book report serves an objective summarization of the arguments and main ideas presented in the book. The report, then, should give enough information to help decide the level of interest the book evokes.  

The two written projects are often confused with one other, and it happens so often that their respective definitions get blurry. To emphasize once more the differences between a book review and a book report, a book review is an in-depth analysis of the book in question. It requires the writer’s critique and rigorous analysis. On the other hand, a book report is an objective summarization of the book. Here, its different components are cited, such as the plot, themes, characters, and overall main ideas of the book. 

It varies depending on your school’s curriculum; also keep in mind that you may be asked to accomplish this task more than once. Academic institutions usually require students to hand in their book reviews and book reports to check if one has read the book or not, as well as to evaluate how clearly they have understood the book’s message.

Although both the book review and book report come with some sense of familiarity (you’ve been doing it for quite sometime, we suppose), writing it can still be complex. The mere fact that students often think that there aren’t many differences between a book review and a book report already qualifies as a problem, thus resulting to a less than ideal grade, no matter the effort. There’s also the issue that not all students are readers, and discerning the differences between a book review and a book report becomes an even bigger obstruction. This prompts students to resort to writing services available online, such as CustomEssayMeister. As the premier academic writing service, we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping students like you. Even better, though, we can make more than your book reviews and book reports for you; our writers are more than capable of taking on your other writing projects – custom essays, custom research papers and even custom term papers. If you’re interested and truly in need help, don’t hesitate to contact us! 

more in Writing Guides / Book Report

• What Not To Write In Your Book Report May 19, 2019
• Tips and Tricks in Writing A Character Analysis May 18, 2019
• How to write a literary analysis Jun 30, 2018

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The Difference . Book Reports & Book Reviews

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Book Report or Book Review: Explanation

You just received the grade from a review you did on Great Expectations from your instructor, and to your shock and disappointment the "A" grade that you had worked so hard to achieve only translated into a "D+." You don't understand why, after all the time you spent reading the novel, you earned such a low grade. It is not until you spoke with the instructor that you realize that what you turned in is a book report not a book review. At sometime or another, we have all been asked to write a book review or a book report , and many times what we think is a book review is in fact a book report. Yes, there is a difference between the two. The difference lies in the fact that a custom written book report is much simpler in structure than a book review and a book report does not require any in depth analysis of the text.

When your teacher asks you to write a book report, all she/he is asking you to explain is the topical details about the author and the plot of the story. Most book reports explain biographical information about the author like where and when he/she was born, what schools he/she attended, what degrees he/she earned, and where he/she lived, what his/her marital status was or whether he/she had children or not. This information gives background detail so that whoever is reading the report will have an understanding of the perspective the author is writing from. After he/she gives background material, the academic writer will then summarize the story. The writer may include details like the plot, setting, climax, and main characters so that the book report is well understood by the reader. Some instructors may ask for relevant themes and symbols, but for the most part, the book report summarizes the relevant details of the story - very simple.

On the other hand, a book review is an analysis of the story . Students really have to be careful in not retelling the story because that is not the purpose of the assignment. The purpose of the assignment is to bring new light to the audience reading of the story. Like the book report, the paper may discuss the characters, plot, climax and the biography of the author, but only briefly. The emphasis of the review will, however, cover the author's intent, thematic elements, or symbols within the text. The review will also often discuss the story's relevance to its historical setting, and whether the author's expertise fully covers the subject of the book. The review will discuss the strengths or limitations of the book, in addition to whether the book will have lasting value or not. The book review may additionally address whether the author's tone is sympathetic or biased toward the subject or fair and objective about the material discussed. In all, the book review is an analysis of the book, which is centered on elements of the story and not a summary.

Overall, the book report is a simple explanation of the author's background and a summary of the plot of the story while a book review is an analysis that covers the themes or ideas in the text in a much more in depth and critical manner . While a book report just provides information about the text, the book review is a diagnostic that explores the text's significance and relevance to the time and place in which the story takes place. To avoid confusing the two, just remember that any custom book report rehashes the story while the book review is an examination of its contents.

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Vertiv Holdings Co reports results for the quarter ended in March - Earnings Summary

Revenue rose 7.8% to $1.64 billion from a year ago; analysts expected $1.62 billion.

Vertiv Holdings Co's reported EPS for the quarter was a loss of 2 cents​.

The company reported a quarterly loss of $5.9 million.

Vertiv Holdings Co shares had fallen by 3.1% this quarter and gained 64.8% so far this year.

FORECAST CHANGES

The mean earnings estimate of analysts had fallen by about 2.5% in the last three months.​

In the last 30 days, there have been no negative revisions of earnings estimates

RECOMMENDATIONS

The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 13 "strong buy" or "buy," 1 "hold" and no "sell" or "strong sell."

The average consensus recommendation for the electrical components & equipment peer group is also "buy"

Wall Street's median 12-month price target for Vertiv Holdings Co is $96.00

This summary was machine generated from LSEG data April 24 at 01:31 p.m. UTC. ​All figures in US dollars unless otherwise stated. (For questions concerning the data in this report, contact [email protected]. For any other questions or feedback, contact [email protected] )