book review for middle school

How to Write a Book Review: The Ultimate Guide

WHAT IS A BOOK REVIEW?

Traditionally, book reviews are evaluations of a recently published book in any genre. Usually, around the 500 to 700-word mark, they briefly describe a text’s main elements while appraising the work’s strengths and weaknesses. Published book reviews can appear in newspapers, magazines, and academic journals. They provide the reader with an overview of the book itself and indicate whether or not the reviewer would recommend the book to the reader.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A BOOK REVIEW?

There was a time when book reviews were a regular appearance in every quality newspaper and many periodicals. They were essential elements in whether or not a book would sell well. A review from a heavyweight critic could often be the deciding factor in whether a book became a bestseller or a damp squib. In the last few decades, however, the book review’s influence has waned considerably, with many potential book buyers preferring to consult customer reviews on Amazon, or sites like Goodreads, before buying. As a result, book review’s appearance in newspapers, journals, and digital media has become less frequent.

WHY BOTHER TEACHING STUDENTS TO WRITE BOOK REVIEWS AT ALL?

Even in the heyday of the book review’s influence, few students who learned the craft of writing a book review became literary critics! The real value of crafting a well-written book review for a student does not lie in their ability to impact book sales. Understanding how to produce a well-written book review helps students to:

●     Engage critically with a text

●     Critically evaluate a text

●     Respond personally to a range of different writing genres

●     Improve their own reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Not to Be Confused with a Book Report!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOOK REVIEW AND A BOOK REPORT?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are clear differences in both the purpose and the format of the two genres. Generally speaking, book reports aim to give a more detailed outline of what occurs in a book. A book report on a work of fiction will tend to give a comprehensive account of the characters, major plot lines, and themes in the book. Book reports are usually written around the K-12 age range, while book reviews tend not to be undertaken by those at the younger end of this age range due to the need for the higher-level critical skills required in writing them. At their highest expression, book reviews are written at the college level and by professional critics.

Learn how to write a book review step by step with our complete guide for students and teachers by familiarizing yourself with the structure and features.

BOOK REVIEW STRUCTURE

ANALYZE Evaluate the book with a critical mind.

THOROUGHNESS The whole is greater than the sum of all its parts. Review the book as a WHOLE.

COMPARE Where appropriate compare to similar texts and genres.

THUMBS UP OR DOWN? You are going to have to inevitably recommend or reject this book to potential readers.

BE CONSISTENT Take a stance and stick with it throughout your review.

FEATURES OF A BOOK REVIEW

PAST TENSE You are writing about a book you have already read.

EMOTIVE LANGUAGE Whatever your stance or opinion be passionate about it. Your audience will thank you for it.

VOICE Both active and passive voice are used in recounts.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF TEXTS

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ELEMENTS OF A BOOK REVIEW

As with any of the writing genres we teach our students, a book review can be helpfully explained in terms of criteria. While there is much to the ‘art’ of writing, there is also, thankfully, a lot of the nuts and bolts that can be listed too. Have students consider the following elements before writing:

●     Title: Often, the title of the book review will correspond to the title of the text itself, but there may also be some examination of the title’s relevance. How does it fit into the purpose of the work as a whole? Does it convey a message or reveal larger themes explored within the work?

●     Author: Within the book review, there may be some discussion of who the author is and what they have written before, especially if it relates to the current work being reviewed. There may be some mention of the author’s style and what they are best known for. If the author has received any awards or prizes, this may also be mentioned within the body of the review.

●     Genre: A book review will identify the genre that the book belongs to, whether fiction or nonfiction, poetry, romance, science-fiction, history etc. The genre will likely tie in, too with who the intended audience for the book is and what the overall purpose of the work is.

●     Book Jacket / Cover: Often, a book’s cover will contain artwork that is worthy of comment. It may contain interesting details related to the text that contribute to, or detract from, the work as a whole.

●     Structure: The book’s structure will often be heavily informed by its genre. Have students examine how the book is organized before writing their review. Does it contain a preface from a guest editor, for example? Is it written in sections or chapters? Does it have a table of contents, index, glossary etc.? While all these details may not make it into the review itself, looking at how the book is structured may reveal some interesting aspects.

●     Publisher and Price: A book review will usually contain details of who publishes the book and its cost. A review will often provide details of where the book is available too.

BOOK REVIEW KEY ELEMENTS

As students read and engage with the work they will review, they will develop a sense of the shape their review will take. This will begin with the summary. Encourage students to take notes during the reading of the work that will help them in writing the summary that will form an essential part of their review. Aspects of the book they may wish to take notes on in a work of fiction may include:

●     Characters: Who are the main characters? What are their motivations? Are they convincingly drawn? Or are they empathetic characters?

●     Themes: What are the main themes of the work? Are there recurring motifs in the work? Is the exploration of the themes deep or surface only?

●     Style: What are the key aspects of the writer’s style? How does it fit into the wider literary world?

●     Plot: What is the story’s main catalyst? What happens in the rising action? What are the story’s subplots? 

A book review will generally begin with a short summary of the work itself. However, it is important not to give too much away, remind students – no spoilers, please! For nonfiction works, this may be a summary of the main arguments of the work, again, without giving too much detail away. In a work of fiction, a book review will often summarise up to the rising action of the piece without going beyond to reveal too much!

The summary should also provide some orientation for the reader. Given the nature of the purpose of a review, it is important that students’ consider their intended audience in the writing of their review. Readers will most likely not have read the book in question and will require some orientation. This is often achieved through introductions to the main characters, themes, primary arguments etc. This will help the reader to gauge whether or not the book is of interest to them.

Once your student has summarized the work, it is time to ‘review’ in earnest. At this point, the student should begin to detail their own opinion of the book. To do this well they should:

i. Make It Personal

Often when teaching essay writing we will talk to our students about the importance of climbing up and down the ladder of abstraction. Just as it is helpful to explore large, more abstract concepts in an essay by bringing it down to Earth, in a book review, it is important that students can relate the characters, themes, ideas etc to their own lives.

Book reviews are meant to be subjective. They are opinion pieces, and opinions grow out of our experiences of life. Encourage students to link the work they are writing about to their own personal life within the body of the review. By making this personal connection to the work, students contextualize their opinions for the readers and help them to understand whether the book will be of interest to them or not in the process.

ii. Make It Universal

Just as it is important to climb down the ladder of abstraction to show how the work relates to individual life, it is important to climb upwards on the ladder too. Students should endeavor to show how the ideas explored in the book relate to the wider world. The may be in the form of the universality of the underlying themes in a work of fiction or, for example, the international implications for arguments expressed in a work of nonfiction.

iii. Support Opinions with Evidence

A book review is a subjective piece of writing by its very nature. However, just because it is subjective does not mean that opinions do not need to be justified. Make sure students understand how to back up their opinions with various forms of evidence, for example, quotations, statistics, and the use of primary and secondary sources.

EDIT AND REVISE YOUR BOOK REVIEW

As with any writing genre, encourage students to polish things up with review and revision at the end. Encourage them to proofread and check for accurate spelling throughout, with particular attention to the author’s name, character names, publisher etc. 

It is good practice too for students to double-check their use of evidence. Are statements supported? Are the statistics used correctly? Are the quotations from the text accurate? Mistakes such as these uncorrected can do great damage to the value of a book review as they can undermine the reader’s confidence in the writer’s judgement.

The discipline of writing book reviews offers students opportunities to develop their writing skills and exercise their critical faculties. Book reviews can be valuable standalone activities or serve as a part of a series of activities engaging with a central text. They can also serve as an effective springboard into later discussion work based on the ideas and issues explored in a particular book. Though the book review does not hold the sway it once did in the mind’s of the reading public, it still serves as an effective teaching tool in our classrooms today.

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BOOK REVIEW GRAPHIC ORGANIZER (TEMPLATE)

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Book and Movie review writing examples (Student Writing Samples)

Below are a collection of student writing samples of book reviews.  Click on the image to enlarge and explore them in greater detail.  Please take a moment to both read the movie or book review in detail but also the teacher and student guides which highlight some of the key elements of writing a text review

Please understand these student writing samples are not intended to be perfect examples for each age or grade level but a piece of writing for students and teachers to explore together to critically analyze to improve student writing skills and deepen their understanding of book review writing.

We would recommend reading the example either a year above and below, as well as the grade you are currently working with to gain a broader appreciation of this text type .

BOOK REVIEW VIDEO TUTORIALS

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A Complete Book Review Format Guide For Students

Are you in desperate need of some assistance to up your book review writing game? 

We know that penning down a review can come off as a tricky challenge, but do not worry!

To help you write book reviews that carry the essence of the book and engage readers, we have collected a handful of book review examples in this blog. 

The included examples will enable you to understand different writing styles and approaches taken toward book review writing . So, you can use your words effectively to craft the perfect book review.

Let’s kickstart things off!

• 1. Good Book Review Examples for Students
• 2. Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books
• 3. Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

Good Book Review Examples for Students

You might be a professional writer, or you may not have any experience in writing book reviews. Rest assured, we’ll show you how to write perfect book reviews with the help of a sample template and great examples.

See this template to know what you should include in your book review: 

Book Review Template

Here is a good book review example for 4th-grade students:

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Book Review Examples for Middle School Students

Reading reviews written by others can help you get a feel and flavor of good book reviews. Learning how to write a perfect book review can help students to:

• Critically analyze a text
• Give a personal opinion on the text
• Improve analyzing and critical thinking skills 

Here are some interesting book review examples suitable for middle school students. 

Book Review Example for Middle School Students

Book Review Example for Kids

Book Review of Any Book in 300 Words

Science Book Review Example

Book Review Examples For High School Students

Below, you can also find some good book review examples for high school students. These real-life examples can help you get a clear understanding of the standard book review format that you should follow.

Book Review Example for High School Students

Book Review Examples for Class 9

Book Review Example for Grade 10

Book Review Examples for College Students

As a college student, you are required to demonstrate that you have examined the book from different angles. The points you raise in your book review need to be supported with clear facts and evidence.

The following are some interesting critical book review examples for college students to learn how to write a perfect review. 

Book Review Example for Class 12

Short Book Review for Students

Conclusion of Book Review Example

Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books

Fiction book reviews follow the same basic formula as writing book reviews of any other genre. For your help, we have compiled exciting examples of fiction book reviews that you can get valuable assistance from. 

Short Book Review Example for Fiction Books

Book Review of Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

“The Hazel Wood” by Melissa Albert is a work of fiction and falls into fantasy and young adult fiction genres. The novel revolves around fantastical fairy tales, and magical realism, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Here is an example of a comprehensive review of the book Hazel Wood:

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Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

For reviewing a non-fiction book, you are required to describe the book and summarize major points of interest. You should evaluate the author’s contribution to a subject that you may know very little about.

Here is a great non-fiction book review example to help you come up with a critical perspective on a text. 

Non-Fiction Book Review Example

Hopefully, with the help of the above examples, you get a better idea of how to write a perfect book review.

To wrap it up, Writing a great book review is a tricky task, no matter if you are a high school, college, or university student. Book review writing might seem like a simple task, but it requires excellent analyzing and critical thinking skills.

But, not everyone can crack this task easily. They might need additional help from expert book review writers. That’s why our expert essay writing service offers professional book review writing help whenever you need it. 

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Book Review Writing

Introduction.

If you love to read, at some point you will want to share a book you love with others. You may already do this by talking about books with friends. If you want to share your ideas with more people than your circle of friends, the way you do that is by writing a review. By publishing the reviews you write, you can share your ideas about books with other readers around the world.

It's natural for young readers to confuse book reviews with book reports, yet writing a book review is a very different process from writing a book report. Book reports focus on the plot of the book. Frequently, the purpose of book reports is to demonstrate that the books were read, and they are often done for an assignment.

A book review is a totally different task. A book review's purpose is to help people decide whether or not the book would interest them enough to read it. Reviews are a sneak peek at a book, not a summary. Like wonderful smells wafting from a kitchen, book reviews lure readers to want to taste the book themselves.

This guide is designed to help you become a strong book reviewer, a reader who can read a book and then cook up a review designed to whet the reading appetites of other book lovers.

Form: What should the review look like?

How long should it be.

The first question we usually ask when writing something is "How long should it be?" The best answer is "As long as it takes," but that's a frustrating answer. A general guideline is that the longer the book, the longer the review, and a review shouldn't be fewer than 100 words or so. For a long book, the review may be 500 words or even more.

If a review is too short, the review may not be able to fulfill its purpose. Too long, and the review may stray into too much plot summary or lose the reader's interest.

The best guide is to focus less on how long to write and more on fulfilling the purpose of the review.

How Do You Create A Title?

The title of the review should convey your overall impression and not be overly general. Strong titles include these examples:

• "Full of action and complex characters"
• "A nail-biter that will keep you up all night"
• "Beautiful illustrations with a story to match"
• "Perfect for animal lovers"

Weak titles may look like this:

• "Really good book"
• "Three stars"
• "Pretty good"
• "Quick read"

How Should It Begin?

Although many reviews begin with a short summary of the book (This book is about…), there are other options as well, so feel free to vary the way you begin your reviews.

In an introductory summary, be careful not to tell too much. If you retell the entire story, the reader won't feel the need to read it him/herself, and no one appreciates a spoiler (telling the end). Here are some examples of summaries reviewers from The New York Times have written:

"A new picture book tells a magically simple tale of a lonely boy, a stranded whale and a dad who rises to the occasion."

"In this middle-grade novel, a girl finds a way forward after the loss of her mother."

"Reared by ghosts, werewolves and other residents of the hillside cemetery he calls home, an orphan named Nobody Owens wonders how he will manage to survive among the living having learned all his lessons from the dead. And the man Jack — who killed the rest of Nobody's family — is itching to finish the job."

"In vivid poems that reflect the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, an award-winning author shares what it was like to grow up in the 1960s and 1970s in both the North and the South." Other ways to begin a review include:

• Quote: A striking quote from the book ("It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.") can make for a powerful beginning. This quote begins George Orwell's novel 1984 .
• Background: What makes this book important or interesting? Is the author famous? Is it a series? This is This is how Amazon introduces Divergent : "This first book in Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy is the novel the inspired the major motion picture."
• Interesting Fact: For nonfiction books in particular, an interesting fact from the book may create a powerful opening for a review. In this review of The Middle East by Philip Steele, Zander H. of Mid-America Mensa asks, "Did you know that the Saudi Arabia's Rub' al-Khali desert reaches temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and plummets to the freezing point at night?"
• Explanation of a term: If a word or phrase in the book or title is confusing or vitally important to understand, you may wish to begin the review explaining that term.

Process: What should I write about?

Deciding what to say about the book can be challenging. Use the following ideas as a guide, but remember that you should not put all of this into a single review — that would make for a very long review! Choose the things that fit this particular book best.

General Information What the reader ought to know

• What kind of book is it? (Picture book? Historical fiction? Nonfiction? Fantasy? Adventure?)
• Does the book belong to a series?
• How long is the book? Is it an easy or a challenging read?
• Is there anything that would be helpful for the reader to know about the author? For instance, is the author an expert in the field, the author of other popular books, or a first-time author?
• How does the book compare to other books on the same topic or in the same genre?
• Is the book written in a formal or informal style? Is the language remarkable in any way?
• What ages is the book geared to?
• Is the book written in normal prose? If it is written in poetic form, does it rhyme?

Plot What happens?

Writing about the plot is the trickiest part of a review because you want to give the reader a feel for what the book is about without spoiling the book for future readers. The most important thing to remember is that you must never give away the ending. No one likes a spoiler.

One possibility for doing this is to set up the premise (A brother and a sister find themselves lost in the woods at the mercy of an evil witch. Will they be able to outsmart her and escape?). Another possibility is to set up the major conflict in the book and leave it unresolved (Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part or He didn't know what he stood to lose or Finding your purpose in life can be as easy as finding a true friend.)

Try to avoid using the tired phrase "This book is about…" Instead, just jump right in (The stuffed rabbit wanted more than anything to live in the big old house with the wild oak trees.)

Characters Who lives in the book?

Reviews should answer questions about the characters in fiction books or non-fiction books about people. Some possible questions to answer include:

• Who are the main characters? Include the protagonist and antagonist.
• What makes them interesting?
• Do they act like real people act or are they too good or too evil to be believable?
• Are they human?
• What conflicts do they face?
• Are they likeable or understandable?
• How do they connect with each other?
• Do they appear in other books?
• Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?
• What problems did the main characters face?
• Who was your favorite character, and why?
• We learn about characters from things they do and say, as well as things other characters say about them. You may wish to include examples of these things.

Theme What is the book about at its heart?

What is the book really about? This isn't the plot, but rather the ideas behind the story. Is it about the triumph of good over evil or friendship or love or hope? Some common themes include: change, desire to escape, facing a challenge, heroism, the quest for power, and human weaknesses.

Sometimes a book will have a moral — a lesson to learn. If so, the theme is usually connected to that moral. As you write about the theme, try to identify what makes the book worth reading. What will the reader think about long after the book is finished? Ask yourself if there any particular lines in the book that strike you as meaningful.

Setting Where are we?

The setting is the time and place the story occurs. When you write about the setting in a review, include more than just the location. Some things to consider:

• Is the book set in the past, present or future?
• Is it set in the world we know or is it a fantastical world?
• Is it mostly realistic with elements of fantasy (animals that can talk, for example)?
• Is the setting unclear and fuzzy, or can you easily make the movie in your mind?
• How much does the author draw you into the setting and how does s/he accomplish that?

Opinion & Analysis What do you really think?

This is where the reviewer shares his/her reactions to the book that go beyond the essential points described above. You may spend half of the review on this section. Some possible questions to address include:

• Why do you think other readers would enjoy it? Why did you enjoy it (if you did) or why didn't you (if you didn't).
• What ages or types of readers do you think would like the book?
• How does it compare with other books that are in the same genre or by the same author?
• Does the book engage your emotions? If a book made you laugh or cry or think about it for days, be sure to include that.
• What do you like or dislike about the author's writing style? Is it funny? Is it hard to follow? Is it engaging and conversational in tone?
• How well do you think the author achieved what s/he was going for in the writing of the book? Do you think you felt what the author was hoping you would feel?
• Did the book feel complete, or did it feel as though key elements were left out?
• How does the book compare to other books like it you've read?

Are there parts that are simply not believable, even allowing for the reader's understanding that it is fiction or even fantasy?

• Are there mistakes?
• Would you describe the book as for entertainment, self-improvement, or information?
• What was your favorite part of the book?
• Would you have done anything differently had you been the author?
• Would any reader enjoy this book? If not, to what ages or type of reader would it appeal?

Special situations: Nonfiction and young reviewers

Some of the tips and ideas above work best for fiction, and some of it is a little too complicated for very young reviewers.

Nonfiction What to do if it's real

When reviewing a book of nonfiction, you will want to consider these questions:

• What was the author's purpose in writing the book? Did the author accomplish that purpose?
• Who is the target audience for the book?
• What do you think is the book's greatest value? What makes it special or worthwhile?
• Are the facts shared accurate?
• Is the book interesting and hold your attention?
• Would it be a useful addition to a school or public library?
• If the book is a biography or autobiography, how sympathetic is the subject?
• Is it easy to understand the ideas?
• Are there extra features that add to the enjoyment of the book, such as maps, indexes, glossaries, or other materials?
• Are the illustrations helpful?

Young Reviewers Keeping it simple

Reviewing a book can be fun, and it's not hard at all. Just ask yourself these questions:

• What is the book about? You don't need to tell the whole story over — just give an idea of what it's about.
• Do you think other people would like it?
• Did you think it was funny or sad?
• Did you learn something from the book?
• l Did you think it was interesting?
• Would you want to read it again?
• Would you want to read other books by the same author or about the same subject?
• What was your favorite part?
• Did you like the pictures?

Remember! Don't give away the ending. Let's keep that a surprise.

General Tips & Ideas

Use a few quotes or phrases (keep them short) from the book to illustrate the points you make about the book. If there are illustrations, be sure to comment on those. Are they well done? Has the illustrator done other well-known books?

Make sure you include a conclusion to the review — don't leave it hanging. The conclusion can be just one sentence (Overall, this book is a terrific choice for those who…).

You can use the transition word handout at the end of the Writer's Toolbox to find ideas for words to connect the ideas in your review. If you would like to read some well-written reviews, look for reviews of books for young people at The New York Times or National Public Radio .

Rating Books How to award stars?

Most places you post reviews ask you to rate the book using a star system, typically in a range of from one to five stars. In your rating, you should consider how the book compares to other books like it. Don't compare a long novel to a short poetry book — that's not a valid comparison.

It's important to remember that it's not asking you to only give five stars to the very best books ever written.

• 5 Stars: I'm glad I read it or I loved it (this doesn't mean it was your favorite book ever).
• 4 Stars: I like it. It's worth reading.
• 3 Stars: It wasn't very good.
• 2 Stars: I don't like it at all.
• 1 Star: I hate it.

How To Write A Book Review: 6 Steps To Take

Adiba Jaigirdar

Adiba Jaigirdar is an Irish-Bangladeshi writer, poet, and teacher. She resides in Dublin, Ireland and has an MA in postcolonial studies. She is currently working on her own postcolonial novel and hopes that someday it will see the light of day outside of her computer screen. Twitter:  @adiba_j

View All posts by Adiba Jaigirdar

Whether you’re a student, a novice blogger, or just someone looking to become a more active user of Goodreads, writing a book review is an important skill to have! Here are six steps for how to write a book review for school and beyond. 

1. Begin with a brief summary of the book

This is probably the best way to introduce any review because it gives context. But make sure to not go into too much detail. Keep it short and sweet since an official summary can be found through a quick google search!

2. Pick out the most important aspects of the book

I usually break this down with character, world-building, themes, and plot. But this might vary between books, genres, and your tastes!

Dedicate a paragraph to each of these important aspects, discussing how well the author dealt with it, along with what you enjoyed and what you didn’t enjoy.

3. Include brief quotes as examples

Including quotes is always a great idea, because it gives examples for everything that you’re saying! If your review talks about a character being particularly witty, a witty line from the character lets your readers see exactly what kind of witty character you’re dealing with here.

But be careful: lengthy quotes can take up big chunks of space and overpower your review. Short quotes will usually get your points across while letting your work shine through.

4. Write a conclusion that summarises everything

Like your introduction, keep your conclusion short and sweet! It should bring up the main points of your review, along with your overall opinion of the book.

5. Find similar books

A great way to wrap up a review is to find similar books to the one you’re reviewing. So you can say, “if you were a fan of X book, I think you’ll definitely like this one!”

You can also be more specific, looking at the exact things that might make two books similar. So you can suggest something like…“if you liked that the main character in X book was a kick-ass superhero, then you’ll love the main character of this book!”

6. Give it a star rating

A star rating is obviously encouraged in a lot of review sites, but they’re not necessary! If you do want to give a star rating, you can go the conventional “out of five/ten” route. You could also try something slightly less conventional, and break down your star-rating into different categories for character/plot/world-building, etc.

Now go forth and review! And share any tips you have for how to write a book review in the comments.

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How to Write a Book Review: A Guide for Kids

When I was the Youth & Education Ambassador for Mensa, I started a program called the Young Mensan Book Parade. I asked publishers for books I thought gifted readers might like, and then I asked kids in Mensa to read and review them. We published all of the reviews on Amazon.

If you’re looking for a place to find books for gifted kids in your life, I’d recommend checking out the Young Mensan Book Parade Reviews . There are now over 900 reviews written by kids!

Book Review Writing: A Guide for Young Readers

When I created the program, it quickly became apparent that many kids didn’t really know how to write a quality book review, so I also created a guide for kids on how to write a book review other people would benefit from.

The guide is designed for children 4 – 18 (although adults are welcome to use it, too!).

It’s quite comprehensive, covering how to review non-fiction texts and guiding writers step-by-step through the process. It’s a great technique for teaching different kinds of writing, and I think it would work really well in a classroom.

The guide has five pages of sample reviews from real readers so kids can see what they look like when done.

I’m a big believer in the power of example.

One of my fave reviews is this one from four-year-old Hayden.

How to Use the Book Review Guide

This would be an awesome thing for a teacher to do. To use it in your classroom, create a Goodreads or Amazon account for the class and post reviews written by students. Be sure to share with parents so others can comment on the reviews.

To protect privacy, at Mensa we used the reviewer’s first name and age (e.g., Reviewed by Ella, age 8). Teachers could do something similar.

I love Ben Sasse’s idea of creating a family canon of books. How wonderful it would be if a family reviewed all of the books they recommend or have read.

The guide would be great for homeschoolers, of course, but all families, no matter how the education is obtained, could share their thoughts about the books that are shaping them.

Wrapping Up

Authentic writing is a key to luring even reluctant writers to write. Book reviews are authentic, especially as their audience is literally the whole world.

You may also be interested in:

• How to Help Your Gifted Child: a free e-book
• 11 Tips to Get Kids to Read Good Books
• How to Start a Book Club for Kids

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30 Best Books For Middle School Boys & Girls (Ages 11, 12, & 13)

Finding books for middle school kids can be tough . Other influences fight for their attention. Plus, how do you know what books they’ll love?

This article will help! You’ll find the best books for 11, 12, and 13 year olds. These are popular page-turners even if your child doesn’t like reading .

Reading Specialist Recommendations!

This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. See our disclaimer for more.

In a hurry? Our top 3 favorites: The Lightning Thief , The Girl Who Drank the Moon , The Hobbit

Most Popular Middle School Books

Let’s start with award-winning and bestseller books for ages 10-13. Your middle schooler won’t be able to put them down!

1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

*Editor’s Inspirational Pick & New York Times BESTSELLER

Meet Auggie. He is an ordinary boy with an unusual face. His personality inspires an entire community to discuss what kindness, empathy, and compassion mean in practice.

See Wonder here >>

2. Refugee by Alan Gratz

*Teacher’s Pick

This action-packed novel follows three different kids seeking refuge.

• Josef is a Jewish boy boarding a ship out of 1930s Nazi Germany.
• Isabel is a Cuban girl who gets on a raft to escape 1994 Cuba.
• Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015 beginning a long trek.

What ties these three stories together? Find out in Refugee .

3. Ghost by Jason Reynolds

*A National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature

Ghost (Castle Cranshaw) has been running all his life. From running for his life when he was a small boy to joining an elite middle school track team.

He has the talent to be the best sprinter in the city. But will he be able to stay on track? Read this book to find out .

4. Counting by 7’s by Holly Goldberg

* New York Times Bestseller

When 12-year-old genius Willow Chance suffers the tragic loss of her parents, she pushes through her grief and feelings to discover the true meaning of family.

See Counting by 7s here >>

5. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

*Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning book

12-year old Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan are a dynamic duo on the basketball court. But when trouble starts to brew in their family, they will have to grow up on and off the court.

Find The Crossover here .

6. Restart by Gordon Korman

* New York Times Best Seller

After an accident, Chase wakes up with no memory of his previous life.

Faced with the reality of starting over, Chase has to figure out who he was and who he is going to be.

7. The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1

*#1 Best Seller: Action and Adventure Fantasy

12-year-old Percy Jackson is always in trouble. Unfortunately, his biggest troubles are just starting!

Now, he has to bring peace to Mount Olympus and find Zeus’s lightning bolt. All while facing a host of enemies trying to stop him. Will he succeed?

Read The Lightning Thief to find out!

Pro Tip: Many of these middle school books have been made into movies . Read the book, then watch the movie!

Fantasy Books to Read for Middle School

My kids LOVE fantasy adventure books. And it has been hard to separate them from the books and book series on this list!

8. Eragon: Inheritance, Book 1 by Christopher Paolini

* New York Times bestselling series

What would happen if you discovered a stone that hatches a dragon?

In this book, 15-year old Eragon will soon find out. His life will go from being simple to dangerously magical.

See Eragon here >>

9. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman: Book 1 (Ages 12+)

Seraphina is half-dragon and lives in a world where humans and dragons coexist.

She works to protect the secret of her true identity. But one day, she is flung into a crime investigation that may cost her everything.

10. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

* Newbery Medal Winner

In this fantasy story, the forest witch Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight on the way to deliver her to a family.

The baby is filled with magic, and so the witch raises her as her own. But as Luna’s magic begins to emerge near her thirteenth birthday, danger approaches with it.

See The Girl Who Drank the Moon here >>

11. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoneix, Book 5 by J.K. Rowling

*Middle school students will love the 5th book of this beloved series !

As Harry starts his 5th year at Hogwarts, tensions rise in the government of the magical world. Trust is hard to find.

Harry will lean on his friends to find the strength to face the threats upon them all.

Check it out here >>

12. Amari and the Night Brothers, Book 1 by B.B. Alston

*New York Times Bestseller

Amari is certain her missing brother is still alive. In fact, she’s uncovered a secret magical organization that could be the key to finding him.

Will Amari be able to compete in this threatening new world to find her brother?

Read Amari and the Night Brothers to find out!

13. The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Book Series

Nicholas Flamel died in 1418…unless he has the secret to eternal life? When this power gets into the wrong hands, it could destroy everything.

Magic, mystery, and the timeless struggle of good versus evil make this book series a must-read.

Start with book 1 here >>

14. Artemis Fowl, Book 1 by Eoin Colfer (Middle School Book Series)

* New York Times best-selling author

12-year-old Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind who has discovered a dangerous below-ground world.

When he gets tangled up with fairies, will he cause a larger problem than he can handle? Find out in the first book in the series.

15. Furthermore, Book 1 by Tahereh Mafi

Journey with 12-year-old Alice as she fights to find her father. She will have to travel through the dangerous, mythical land of Futhermore on her quest to bring him home.

See Furthermore here >>

16. Alone by Megan E. Freeman

*New bestseller in middle school fiction

When twelve-year-old Maddie wakes up one day, she finds herself utterly alone in her small Colorado town. With no one to rely on, and no modern-day luxuries, she must learn to survive on her own.

Can Maddie’s will carry her through? Read Alone to find out .

• Most Inspiring Books for Teens
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Fiction and Mystery Books (for 11, 12, & 13 year olds)

Next, these middle school mystery novels keep kids coming back for more.

17. A Horse Named Sky by Roseanne Parry

A young wild horse named Sky is captured for the Pony Express. He must escape to reunite with his family.

See a Horse Named Sky on Amazon >>

18. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead (Good Middle School Books to Read)

* New York Times bestselling author

A free library appears in a small town. And 11-year-old Evan’s life changes when he takes a book from its shelf. He is thrown into an old town mystery that no one wants to talk about.

Mystery readers will love this book !

19. Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson

*Made into a movie!

This hilarious and heartwarming tale starts with Rafe. He has enough problems at home without middle school. So, he hatches a plan to break all the school rules – from chewing gum to running in the halls. But one day, his bad behavior catches up with him. And he’s forced to see the truths he’s been avoiding.

“James Patterson’s debut middle-grade novel addresses some of middle schoolers’ biggest issues: bullies, first crushes, and finding out what makes each of us special.” Amazon

20. Worst Broommate Ever: Middle School and Other Disasters, Book 1 by Wanda Coven

When you are a witch-in-training, mishaps are bound to happen. But when Heidi finds out that her new roommate is an old rival, a prank war ensues. Will it go too far?

See The Worst Broommate Ever here >>

21. The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln

Join Shenanigan Swift in her quest to catch her aunt’s killer. And prove to her family that she can achieve anything, despite her mischievous name.

Check it out >>

22. City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

*New York Times Best-selling author

Ever since a drowning accident, Cass has been able to see the spirit world. But when she meets another girl like her, she realizes she has a lot to learn about the city of ghosts. And her journey will be dangerous.

Middle schoolers will love this spooky action-packed tale !

* Related: Great Spooky Books for Kids & Teens

23. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

* #1 Best Seller in Scary Stories for Children

Coraline unlocks a door and finds a hidden passage into another house. At first, everything seems better. But she soon discovers that other children are trapped there. And she is the only one who can rescue them.

See Coraline here >>

Graphic Novels For Middle School

Next, visual readers will adore these middle school graphic novels.

24. New Kid by Jerry Craft

*Newbery Medal Winner & Coretta Scott King Author Award

Navigating seventh grade in a new school is hard. Especially when faced with a different environment and unfamiliar faces. Jordan must find a balance between this new adventure and his old life.

Find New Kid here.

25. Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1) by Svetlana Chmakova

Peppi Torres just wants to survive middle school. But she has already broken the cardinal rules on her first day.

Will she make it through middle school without getting more awkward? Read this graphic novel to find out.

26. Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonazlez

When five kids are forced to complete community service hours together, they meet someone who needs their help. Will they be vulnerable enough in the middle school world to do what is needed?

See Invisible here >>

Invisible contains text in both Spanish and English.

• Fun Teen Trivia Quiz
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Classic Literature For Middle School

Finally, dig into these classics. They stand proud through the test of time, for good reason!

27. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

*Newbery Medal winner

Meg’s father has disappeared in a wrinkle of time. Join Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O’Keefe in an adventure through time and space to find him.

See A Wrinkle in Time here >>

28. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”

Journey with Bilbo Baggins on a dangerous and exciting adventure to the Lonely Mountain. There he will cross paths with a magic ring and a scary creature named Gollum.

29. The Giver by Lois Lowry

*Newbery Medal-winning classic

Jonas has lived in an ideal world. That is what he believes.

But when he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory, he learns the secrets of his life and community.

Read this Newbery medal-winning classic and powerful novel .

30. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

*Newbery Honor winner

When 13-year-old Brian Robeson survives a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness, he must use the only items he has with him- his clothes and a hatchet- to learn how to survive.

A must-read page-turner about survival and adventure >>

Quick Tips for Using Middle School Books

Here are a few great suggestions to keep kids reading!

• Books series are great for engagement : If the child loves the first book, he or she will want to keep going.
• Play to their interests : Look for books that highlight what your child loves.
• Be a reading role model : Do the kids see you reading too? If you show that reading is fun and important, they’ll think it is as well.

What’s Next?

Don’t miss the book lists for younger ages too!

• 5 Year Old Book List
• 6 Year Old Book List
• 7 Year Old Book List
• 8 Year Old Book List
• 9 Year Old Book List
• 10 Year Old Book List

Good Books for Middle Schoolers to Read

Jessica is a contributing editor for Healthy Happy Impactful. She is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and empowering women and families. Jessica holds a Master's degree in Education and is a licensed Reading Specialist. She is a mom to 2 kids.

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So What Do You Think? Writing a Review

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

Teenagers are often outspoken and opinionated. Writing reviews of the literature they read gives them a chance to express their ideas while developing style and voice. This lesson uses discussion of student opinions about yesterday's lunch or a popular TV show serves as an introduction to the genre of reviews. Students then read and analyze conflicting reviews. After examining samples of movie, music, restaurant, and book reviews, students devise guidelines for writing interesting and informative reviews. They then produce their own reviews of the literature they're reading in class. Finally, students compare their ideas and their pieces with published reviews of the same piece of literature. Though this lesson is illustrated with examples from student and professional reviews of Raymond Carver's writing, the techniques can be used with whatever literature students are reading.

Featured Resources

Components of a Review : This handout gives an overview of what is normally included in a critical review.

Review Guidelines : Students can use these guidelines when writing their own critical reviews.

From Theory to Practice

While it's important for students to learn to read and evaluate critical commentary, "Each reader has a right-and even a responsibility-to form his or her own opinions, based on that reader's reading and understanding of a piece of literature, and to be able to support those opinions with solid reasons" (97).

When students express ideas on an author's work that are also noted by critics, "it presents a perfect opportunity to introduce critical commentary naturally into class discussion in order to promote a deeper understanding of the literature" (100).

Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
• 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• 9. Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

• Sample reviews of various types (movie, music, restaurant, book, etc.), both print and online
• Specific reviews of the literature students are reading
• Components of a Review
• Creating Classroom Discussion about Reviews
• Student Example of a Book Review
• Review Guidelines
• Writing a Review Checklist
• Student Reflection Sheet

Preparation

• two conflicting reviews of a current movie, television show, or CD with which students are likely familiar.
• reviews specific to the writer(s) who students are reading. The Stauffer Library Reference and  Book Reviews in the Yahoo! Directory may be helpful in finding those reviews.
• Make appropriate number of copies of handouts.
• Test the ReadWriteThink Pinting Press on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tool and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page.

Student Objectives

Students will

• read a variety of different kinds of reviews.
• determine the qualities and characteristics of an effective review.
• use critical thinking skills to formulate their own opinions about a writer's work.
• apply their knowledge to write their own reviews.
• compare their ideas and their work to that of professional reviewers.

Session One

• In this first class session, work to generate interest in writing a review-and to convince students that they do have strong and valid opinions.
• If lunch was "gross," what made it so?
• If the show was "really funny," why did it make them laugh?
• Ask students why they go to certain movies, buy specific CDs, or choose to eat in particular restaurants. Encourage them to explore where they get their "recommendations" from.
• Invite students to share both positive and negative experiences they have had as a result of listening to someone else's opinion.
• Lead the discussion to a point where students begin to see that word-of-mouth recommendations and published reviews essentially serve the same purpose: to comment on and evaluate a work or an event.
• Share two conflicting reviews with students.
• the kind of information included in both reviews.
• the specific points the reviewers agree and disagree about.
• any differences in focus between the reviews.
• which review is more entertaining—and why.
• which review is more convincing—and why.
• Ask students to list various kinds of reviews and to suggest where they can find these reviews (newspapers, magazines, journals, and online).
• For homework, ask each student bring one to three reviews to class.

Session Two

• In this second session, focus on helping students determine the qualities and characteristics of a good review.
• the name of what is being reviewed
• a clear statement of the reviewer's opinion (i.e., a thesis)
• specific examples that support the reviewer's opinion
• a particular tone (use of humor, sarcasm, authority, etc.).
• book reviews may include quotations from the work.
• restaurant reviews may discuss atmosphere.
• both music and literary reviews may trace developments in the writer/musician's history.
• Each small group should choose one review to read to the class along with their own short oral analysis.
• As a conclusion to the activity, the class as a whole should compile a list on the board or on chart paper of qualities that contribute to a good review. If desired, share the Components of a Review handout, which reviews the parts of a review.
• The teacher should collect all reviews students brought in for homework for use in future sessions.

Session Three

• In this third session, work to get students to focus on the particular attributes of a book review in preparation for writing their own reviews of the literature they're reading.
• Ideally, the teacher should have a selection of book reviews from those collected from students the previous day. In case students have not brought in book reviews, the teacher should have such reviews available. These reviews should be carefully chosen so that their content is accessible to students. It's best if some reviews focus on works students may have read while others are of work unfamiliar to students.)
• In small groups of three or four, have students examine a book review and break it down into its components to determine how the introduction, the body, and the conclusion allow the writer to make his/her points.
• Next, students should examine the particular style of their group's review and determine how the writer achieves a unique voice. Each group should try to determine the tone of their review (i.e., pompous and authoritative, humorous, enthusiastic, analytical, etc.) by noting such things as word choice, sentence structure, and use of detail. If students have collected reviews written by the same reviewer, these "elusive" qualities may be easier to spot.
• Invite a class discussion about how a review combines the informative aspects of straight journalism with the "pizzazz" of personal narrative.
• Where did your review appear?
• What do you know about this publication?
• Who do you think the audience for this publication would be?
• What would a reader who had read the book take from the review?
• What would a reader unfamiliar with the book take from the review?
• By the end of the session, ask students to compile a class list of broad, basic guidelines for writing a review. Example guidelines are also available.
• Invite students to begin writing the first draft of a review based on the particular piece(s) of literature the class is studying.
• If students are reading one book, that one work would be the focus of the review.
• If students are reading more than one work (i.e., a number of short stories, poems, or essays) by an author, the review can cover any or all of this material.
• Ask students to design a rating system to include with the written review. The system can be as traditional as 1-5 stars or something more creative.

NOTE: Older students tend to get the style and tone of a review quite quickly, while younger students often produce something more like a book report in the early drafts. Writing instruction should be geared to the ability of each class.

• Use the Writing a Review Checklist as a guide to help students draft and edit their reviews.

Session Four

• In this fourth session, introduce critical commentary into class discussion.
• When the students have completed their reviews, invite them to publish their reviews using one of the options on the ReadWriteThink Printing Press . Print them when they are complete.
• With their final drafts complete, have students read professionally written reviews on the same text and compare their ideas as well as their writing to these reviews. Depending on the accessibility of these reviews, you can collect all published material or students can be assigned this task. (It's for this reason that this aspect of the assignment works best if the writers reviewed are contemporary.)
• When comparing their reviews with the published pieces, students should find points that are raised in both. This process demystifies critical commentary and allows students to feel comfortable discussing the work of reviewers. For example, one of my students writes of his appreciation of Carver's "deadpan humor."
• Teachers can use such excerpts to generate lively classroom discussion. If desired, use the this suggestion for creating a classroom discussion.
• After all students have reacted to each excerpt, invite the class to break into pairs or small groups, with each group responsible for sifting through the material on one of the papers.
• Finally, have students present conclusions based on their peers' responses to the critical commentary.
• a classroom bulletin board displaying reviews, accompanied by artwork and photographs of the authors.
• a class compilation of reviews. Students can use the ReadWriteThink Printing Press to compile their reviews in a reader-friendly format.
• a class publication with all reviews collected in a booklet, brochure, or binder and saved for future classes who will be studying the same author. This collection can be added to over the years to create an "historical perspective" on a particular works/authors.
• submissions to print and online publications that seek reviews. (Note: Teen Ink seeks student written reviews on all topics.)
• writing an individual response to a review to then share with the class.
• revising and rewriting their own original reviews to address points raised by the professional reviewer.
• working with a partner and each taking a side in response to a review, with one student proving the reviewer is "right" and the other proving him/her "wrong."
• When students are comparing different types of reviews, invite them to use the Venn Diagram interactive.

Student Assessment / Reflections

• Grade the review as a complete writing assignment.
• As students write and revise their reviews, guide their work with the Review Checklist , a worksheet that outlines the vital features of a good review and asks students to verify that their final review includes these specific features. This checklist can be used by the teacher in evaluating the review.
• Students can assess their own work and learning by completing a Reflection Sheet that is handed in with the review. As with all reflection sheets, the form should include 4–5 questions that make writers really think about their pieces and the process that led to their creation.
• Publish student reviews using one of the options listed above to provide further feedback and assessment for students.
• Calendar Activities
• Professional Library
• Student Interactives
• Lesson Plans

The interactive Printing Press is designed to assist students in creating newspapers, brochures, and flyers.

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Book Review

Book Review Examples

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Good Book Review Examples to Help you Write a Great Review

By: Nova A.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Mar 30, 2021

A book review is a common assignment that allows the students to demonstrate the author’s intentions in the book. It also provides them with the chance not only to criticize but also to give constructive criticism on how they can make improvements.

The purpose of writing a book review is to come up with your opinion about the author’s ideas presented in the book. On the other hand, a book analysis is completely based on opinions that are relevant to the book.

Writing a review is something that can be done with any book that you read. However, some genres are harder to write. But with a proper plan, you can easily write a great review on any book.

Read some short book review examples in this guide. They will help you understand the key elements of writing a great review in no time.

On this Page

Academic Book Review Examples

If you are assigned to write a book review, referring to some examples will be of great help. In addition, reading examples before starting the writing process will help you understand what elements are needed for a great book review. There are also many review sites online you can get help from.

Academic book reviews follow a fairly simple structure. It usually includes an introduction, middle paragraphs, and a conclusion that sums up all the ideas.

For a great book review, here are the things you need to focus on during the writing process.

• The main argument presented by the author
• Author’s methodologyAppropriateness for the audience
• Relationship to the real world

Have a look at the following book review examples for kids before beginning the writing process.

Book Review Examples for Middle School Students

Book Review Example For Kids

Book Review Examples for High School Students

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Book Review Examples for College Students

Book Review Examples for University Students

How to Write a Book Review - Examples

If you don’t know how to write a book review, look at the following steps.

The first step is to plan and create an outline that includes all the points that you will have to cover in the review. Don’t forget to include all the information about the characters, plot information, and some other parts of the chosen book.

The three parts of a book review are:

1. Provide a Summary

What is the book about? Write about the main characters and what is the conflict that is discussed in the book.

2. Provide Your Evaluation

Share your thoughts about the book and what elements work best.

3. Rate the Book

Rate and recommend the book to others who will enjoy reading this book.

If you need to submit a book review soon, we suggest you start reading some book reviews online. Here you can also find some good book review writing examples to understand how to craft each section of a book review.

Book Review Introduction Examples

Thesis Statement Book Review Examples

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Book Review Conclusion Examples

Critical Book Review Examples

A book review is a critical evaluation of the book, movie, or any other literary work. It has two goals: the first is to inform the readers about the content of the book, and the second is to evaluate your judgment about the book.

A book review is more than a book report. A review is basically a critical essay that evaluates the merits of a literary work. The purpose of writing a book review is not to prove that you have read a book but to show that you think critically about the chosen book.

When you are asked to write a critical book review, you need to identify, summarize and evaluate the ideas of the author. In simpler words, you will be examining and evaluating another person’s work from your point of view.

Science Book Review Examples

A scientific book review will contain the same elements as writing a review for a fiction book; some elements might vary. When you are reviewing a scientific text, you need to pay attention to the writing style and the validity of the content.

Most students turn to non-fictional sources of information. It is important to make sure the information you provide in your review is factual and scientific.

Book review writing can be difficult if you don’t know how to follow the standard protocols. That’s where our reliable book review writing service aims to provide the necessary help.

No matter what your academic level is, we can provide you with the best book review writing help. This type of writing assignment can be tricky and time-consuming. So, if you don’t know how to crack this task, better get professional help.

We at 5StarEssays.com provide exceptional book review writing help. Not only book reviews, but we also provide the best ‘ write an essay for me ’ help to students. Moreover, we also have an AI essay writer to help you with tight deadlines, give it a try now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a book review example.

Here are some steps that will help you to write a book review example.

• Start writing with few sentences and describe what the book is all about
• Focus on your thoughts
• Mention things that you dont like about the book.
• Summarize your thoughts.
• Give rating to the book.

Thesis, Law

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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The Essential Book List for Navigating Middle School

Stacy McAnulty |  The Children’s Book Review | July 10, 2018

Navigating Middle School with Novels

My family lives in an area of North Carolina where we have school choice. This means my kids select their school, rather than having a school assigned based on where we live. When my oldest was in fifth grade, we toured three middle schools, in an effort to find the “perfect” one. She was stressing out about the decision, so I turned to her and said, “Relax. It doesn’t really matter where you go, because middle school stinks.” Perhaps not my best parenting moment, but come on, everyone has at least a few crummy middle school memories. I had more than a few.

As in life, each middle school experience is unique, and that can make kids feel alone and isolated. It can help for kids to see characters experiencing similar issues in the books they read. I’ve touched on some common trials of middle school life, illustrated them with my own experience, and then suggested novels that do a fantastic job navigating these bumpy roads.

Books About Academic Pressure

Bonjour. Je m’appelle  Stacy. Je déteste le classe de Français.  Before sixth grade, I was excited to learn French. I imagined having secret conversations with my BFF that my mom would not be able to understand! But I quickly realized learning a language was HARD (and trés  difficult pour moi! ) And, being a kid who preferred to blend into the furniture, this class required a ton of participation. I don’t believe I raised my hand once in all of middle school (and maybe even high school). I basically felt like a failure every time I entered Madame Bonbon’s* room.

*name changed to protect the innocent

I would have loved a book that showed kids struggling, and eventually overcoming, academic hurdles. The end result does not have to be going from an F to an A. It can be a powerful thing for a kid to realize everyone’s strengths are different.

UNGIFTED by Gordon Koman (2014)

THE TRUTH AS TOLD BY MASON BUTTLE by Leslie Connor (2018)

SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB by Jackie Yeager (2018)

FISH IN A TREE by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (set in elementary school) (2015)

ABSOLUTELY ALMOST by Lisa Graff (2014)

SAVE ME A SEAT by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan (2016)

Books About Friendship and Fitting In

My middle school divided its approximately two hundred fifty students into three teams. They assigned us the creative names of Team A, B, and C. Your team assignment dictated which kids you spent your day with, from math to music, to the all important Lunchtime. If you were on C and your friend was on A, she might as well have lived on Mars. My anxiety while awaiting team assignment reminds me of the reaping in The Hunger Games . No one wants to go through life alone, and that sentiment feels magnified in middle school.

So many middle-grade books focus, at least in part, on friendship, including my debut, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl . Novels that illustrate the complexity of these relationships can become lifelines to a lonely kid trying to understand their changing world.

POSTED by John David Anderson (2017)

THE MAGIC OF MELWICK ORCHARD by Rebecca Caprara (Sept 2018)

WISH by Barbara O’Connor (2016)

THE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS by Tae Keller (2018)

THE THREE RULES OF EVERYDAY MAGIC by Amanda Rawson Hill (set in elementary school) (Sept 2018)

REAL FRIENDS by Shannon Hale (2017)

YOU GO FIRST by Erin Entrada Kelly (2018)

GOODBYE, STRANGER by Rebecca Stead (2015)

FREAK THE MIGHTY by Rodman Philbrick (1993)

Books About Social Issues and News

Every morning before school, my mom tuned our small black-and-white TV in the kitchen to the Today Show . As I ate Rice Krispies, I watched Bryant Gumbel and Jane Pauley deliver the news. I remember the Gulf War and something about Oliver North, but I don’t think my dose of morning news was anything like what kids see and hear today. I recall the ‘don’t do drugs’ message (and how a frying egg represented your brain on drugs) and a vague fear about AIDS. I think my children are exposed to much more news, including social issues and social injustices. And, at 12-years-old, they care much more than I did. Kids know about Black Lives Matters, #metoo, immigration, and March for Our Lives. They have opinions and concerns, and they don’t expect adults will take care of the problems. They’re living these moments too.

GHOST BOYS by Jewell Parker Rhodes (2018)

REFUGEE by Alan Gratz (2017)

GHOST (TRACK Series) by Jason Reynolds (2016)

FRONT DESK by Kelly Yang (2018)

FOREVER, OR A LONG, LONG TIME by Caela Carter (2017)

THE STARS BENEATH OUR FEET by David Barclay Moore (2017)

THE NIGHT DIARY by Veera Hiranandani (2018)

Books About Self Esteem

Skinny with a blond bowl cut suitable for a medieval pageboy, she hunched her shoulders because if she stood up straight, everyone would realize she didn’t even need a training bra.

That was eighth-grade me.

Middle school students are experiencing change—as any pamphlet on puberty will tell you. But it’s more than just their bodies. It can be tough to sort out your individual strengths and abilities, especially when you’re spending most of your time just trying to blend in with everyone else. Differences aren’t always celebrated.

SHORT by Holly Goldberg Sloan (2017)

ROLLER GIRL by Victoria Jamieson (2015)

THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK by Celia C. Pérez (2017)

THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND by Brenda Woods (2015)

GERTIE’S LEAP TO GREATNESS (elementary school) by Kate Beasley (2016)

LIONS & LIARS by Kate Beasley (2018)

FRAZZLED by Booki Vivat (2016)

THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Jen Wang (2018)

Books About Screwing Up Big Time

In sixth grade, I lied to a new “friend,” by telling her that a boy had a crush on her. I made up this tale because I wanted this cool girl to like me. The boy was a family friend, so she believed me. It gets worse. I forged notes from him and put them in her locker. This Parent-Trap-like ruse went on for a while until she got the courage to call him. I, inexplicably, supplied his phone number. Of course, after she made the call, the jig was up. He didn’t even know who she was. She was embarrassed and mad, and our friendship ended. Wow, had I screwed up. But I wasn’t doing it to be mean. I just wanted to connect with a new friend.

In the best novels, it’s not just the bullies making mistakes. It’s the main character making mistakes, and either fixing it or living with the results.

MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS by Lisa Yee (2004)

EVERY SHINY THING by Cordelia Jensen (2018)

LOVE SUGAR MAGIC by Anna Meriano and Mirelle Ortega (2018)

THE HOUSE THAT LOU BUILT by Mae Respicio (2018)

THE 11:11 WISH by Kim Tomsic (2018)

RESTART by Gordon Korman (2018)

“Middle school is supposed to be the worst. It’s like a giant hazing for adulthood. We all gotta go through it”. – THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL

We can’t protect kids from everything they’ll see and endure in middle school. But chances are, there’s a novel out there that can accompany them on the journey.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Written by Stacy McAnulty

Publisher’s Synopsis:  A lightning strike gave her a super power…but even a super genius can’t solve the problem of middle school. This smart and funny novel is perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish , Rain Reign , and Counting by Sevens .

Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning. She doesn’t remember it, but it changed her life forever. The zap gave her genius-level math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she’s technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test–middle school!

Lucy’s grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that’s not a math textbook!). Lucy’s not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy’s life has already been solved. Unless there’s been a miscalculation?

A celebration of friendship, Stacy McAnulty’s smart and thoughtful middle-grade debut reminds us all to get out of our comfort zones and embrace what makes us different.

Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1524767570

Available Here: 

About The Author

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a dog therapist (is that a thing???), a correspondent for  The Daily Show  (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She has written dozens of books including her debut middle-grade novel,  The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl  , a Junior Library Guild Selection, and the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor book  Excellent Ed , illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Her other picture books include  Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years , illustrated by David Litchfield;  Max Explains Everything: Grocery Store Expert,  illustrated by Deborah Hocking,  Brave   and  Beautiful , both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff;  Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite , illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and  101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath , illustrated by Joy Ang. She’s also authored the chapter book series  Goldie Blox , based on the award-winning toys, and  The Dino Files . When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 1 husband.

For more information, visit:  http://www.stacymcanulty.com

The article  The Essential Book List for Navigating Middle School was written by Stacy McAnulty, author of  The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl  (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2018). For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with  Friendship ,  Middle Grade Books ,  Middle School ,  Self-Esteem ,  Social Justice , and  Stacy McAnulty .

The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by a guest author.

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42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

Inspire your students to share their love of books.

Responding to what you read is an important literacy skill. Reading about other people’s experiences and perspectives helps kids learn about the world. And although students don’t need to dive deeply into every single book they read, occasionally digging into characters, settings, and themes can help them learn to look beyond the prose. Here are 42 creative book report ideas designed to make reading more meaningful.

1. Concrete Found Poem

This clever activity is basically a shape poem made up of words, phrases, and whole sentences found in the books students read. The words come together to create an image that represents something from the story.

2. Graphic Novel

Have students rewrite the book they are reading, or a chapter of their book, as a graphic novel. Set parameters for the assignment such as including six scenes from the story, three characters, details about the setting, etc. And, of course, include detailed illustrations to accompany the story.

3. Book Snaps

Book Snaps are a way for students to visually show how they are reacting to, processing, and/or connecting with a text. First, students snap a picture of a page in the book they are reading. Then, they add comments, images, highlights, and more.

4. Diary Entry

Have your students place themselves in the shoes of one of the characters from their book and write a first-person diary entry of a critical moment from the story. Ask them to choose a moment in the story where the character has plenty of interaction and emotion to share in a diary entry.

5. Character To-Do List

This fun activity is an off-the-beaten-path way to dive deep into character analysis. Get inside the head of the main character in a book and write a to-do list that they might write. Use actual information from the text, but also make inferences into what that character may wish to accomplish.

6. Mint Tin Book Report

There are so many super-creative, open-ended projects you can use mint tins for. This teacher blogger describes the process of creating book reports using them. There’s even a free template for cards that fit inside.

7. Fictional Yearbook Entries

Ask your students to create a yearbook based on the characters and setting in the book. What do they look like? Cut out magazine pictures to give a good visual image for their school picture. What kind of superlative might they get? Best looking? Class clown? What clubs would they be in or lead? Did they win any awards? It should be obvious from their small yearbooks whether your students dug deep into the characters in their books. They may also learn that who we are as individuals is reflected in what we choose to do with our lives.

8. Book Report Cake

This project would be perfect for a book tasting in your classroom! Each student presents their book report in the shape of food. See the sandwich and pizza options above and check out this blog for more delicious ideas.

9. Current Events Comparison

Have students locate three to five current events articles a character in their book might be interested in. After they’ve found the articles, have them explain why the character would find them interesting and how they relate to the book. Learning about how current events affect time, place, and people is critical to helping develop opinions about what we read and experience in life.

10. Sandwich Book Report

Yum! You’ll notice a lot of our creative book report ideas revolve around food. In this oldie but goodie, each layer of this book report sandwich covers a different element of the book—characters, setting, conflict, etc. A fun adaptation of this project is the book report cheeseburger.

11. Book Alphabet

Choose 15 to 20 alphabet books to help give your students examples of how they work around themes. Then ask your students to create their own Book Alphabet based on the book they read. What artifacts, vocabulary words, and names reflect the important parts of the book? After they find a word to represent each letter, have them write one sentence that explains where the word fits in.

12. Peekaboo Book Report

Using cardboard lap books (or small science report boards), students include details about their book’s main characters, plot, setting, conflict, resolution, etc. Then they draw a head and arms on card stock and attach them to the board from behind to make it look like the main character is peeking over the report.

13. T-Shirt Book Report

Another fun and creative idea: Create a wearable book report with a plain white tee. Come up with your own using Sharpie pens and acrylic paint. Get step-by-step directions .

14. Book Jacket

Have students create a new book jacket for their story. Include an attractive illustrated cover, a summary, a short biography of the author, and a few reviews from readers.

15. Watercolor Rainbow Book Report

This is great for biography research projects. Students cut out a photocopied image of their subject and glue it in the middle. Then, they draw lines from the image to the edges of the paper, like rays of sunshine, and fill in each section with information about the person. As a book report template, the center image could be a copy of the book cover, and each section expands on key information such as character names, theme(s), conflict, resolution, etc.

16. Act the Part

Have students dress up as their favorite character from the book and present an oral book report. If their favorite character is not the main character, retell the story from their point of view.

17. Pizza Box Book Report

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas that use upcycled materials, try this one using a pizza box. It works well for both nonfiction and fiction book reports. The top lid provides a picture of the book cover. Each wedge of the pizza pie tells part of the story.

18. Bookmark

Have students create a custom illustrated bookmark that includes drawings and words from either their favorite chapter or the entire book.

19. Book Reports in a Bag

Looking for book report ideas that really encourage creative thinking? With book reports in a bag, students read a book and write a summary. Then, they decorate a paper grocery bag with a scene from the book, place five items that represent something from the book inside the bag, and present the bag to the class.

20. Reading Lists for Characters

Ask your students to think about a character in their book. What kinds of books might that character like to read? Take them to the library to choose five books the character might have on their to-be-read list. Have them list the books and explain what each book might mean to the character. Post the to-be-read lists for others to see and choose from—there’s nothing like trying out a book character’s style when developing your own identity.

21. File Folder Book Report

Also called a lap book, this easy-to-make book report hits on all the major elements of a book study and gives students a chance to show what they know in a colorful way.

22. Collage

Create a collage using pictures and words that represent different parts of the book. Use old magazines or print pictures from the Internet.

23. Book Report Triorama

Who doesn’t love a multidimensional book report? This image shows a 3D model, but Elisha Ann provides a lesson to show students how to glue four triangles together to make a 4D model.

24. Timeline

Have students create a timeline of the main events from their book. Be sure to include character names and details for each event. Use 8 x 11 sheets of paper taped together or a long portion of bulletin board paper.

25. Clothes Hanger Book Report Mobile

This creative project doesn’t require a fancy or expensive supply list. Students just need an ordinary clothes hanger, strings, and paper. The body of the hanger is used to identify the book, and the cards on the strings dangling below are filled with key elements of the book, like characters, setting, and a summary.

26. Public Service Announcement

If a student has read a book about a cause that affects people, animals, or the environment, teach them about public service announcements . Once they understand what a PSA is, have them research the issue or cause that stood out in the book. Then give them a template for a storyboard so they can create their own PSA. Some students might want to take it a step further and create a video based on their storyboard. Consider sharing their storyboard or video with an organization that supports the cause or issue.

27. Dodecahedron Book Report

Creative book report ideas think outside the box. In this case, it’s a ball! SO much information can be covered on the 12 panels , and it allows students to take a deep dive in a creative way.

28. Character Cards

Make trading cards (like baseball cards) for a few characters from the book. On the front side, draw the character. On the back side, make a list of their character traits and include a quote or two.

29. Book Report Booklets

This clever book report is made from ordinary paper bags. Stack the paper bags on top of each other, fold them in half, and staple the closed-off ends of the bags together. Students can write, draw, and decorate on the paper bag pages. They can also record information on writing or drawing paper and glue the paper onto the pages. The open ends of the bags can be used as pockets to insert photos, cut-outs, postcards, or other flat items that help them tell their story.

30. Letter to the Author

Write a letter to the author of the book. Tell them three things you really liked about the story. Ask three questions about the plot, characters, or anything else you’re curious about.

31. Book Report Charm Bracelet

What a “charming” way to write a book report! Each illustrated bracelet charm captures a character, an event in the plot, setting, or other detail.

32. Fact Sheet

Have students create a list of 10 facts that they learned from reading the book. Have them write the facts in complete sentences, and be sure that each fact is something that they didn’t know before they read the book.

33. Cereal Box TV Book Report

This book report project is a low-tech version of a television made from a cereal box and two paper towel rolls. Students create the viewing screen cut-out at the top, then insert a scroll of paper with writing and illustrations inside the box. When the cardboard roll is rotated, the story unfolds.

34. Be a Character Therapist

Therapists work to uncover their clients’ fears based on their words and actions. When we read books, we must learn to use a character’s actions and dialogue to infer their fears. Many plots revolve around a character’s fear and the work it takes to overcome that fear. Ask students to identify a character’s fear and find 8 to 10 scenes that prove this fear exists. Then have them write about ways the character overcame the fear (or didn’t) in the story. What might the character have done differently?

35. Mind Maps

Mind maps can be a great way to synthesize what students have learned from reading a book. Plus, there are so many ways to approach them. Begin by writing a central idea in the middle of the page. For example, general information, characters, plot, etc. Then branch out from the center with ideas, thoughts, and connections to material from the book.

36. Foldables

From Rainbows Within Reach , this clever idea would be a great introduction to writing book reports. Adapt the flap categories for students at different levels. Adjust the number of categories (or flaps) per the needs of your students.

37. Board games

This is a great project if you want your students to develop a little more insight into what they’re reading. Have them think about the elements of their favorite board games and how they can be adapted to fit this assignment. For more, here are step-by-step directions .

38. Comic strips

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas for students who like graphic novels, try comic strips. Include an illustrated cover with the title and author. The pages of the book should retell the story using dialogue and descriptions of the setting and characters. Of course, no comic book would be complete without copious illustrations and thought bubbles.

39. Timeline

Create a timeline using a long roll of butcher paper, a poster board, or index cards taped together. For each event on the timeline, write a brief description of what happens. Add pictures, clip art, word art, and symbols to make the timeline more lively and colorful.

40. Cereal Box

Recycle a cereal box and create a book report Wheaties-style. Decorate all sides of the box with information about the book’s characters, setting, plot, summary, etc.

41. Wanted Poster

Make a “wanted” poster for one of the book’s main characters. Indicate whether they are wanted dead or alive. Include a picture of the character and a description of what the character is “wanted” for, three examples of the character showing this trait, and a detailed account of where the character was last seen.

42. Movie Version

If the book your students have read has been made into a movie, have them write a report about how the versions are alike and different. If the book has not been made into a movie, have them write a report telling how they would make it into a movie, using specific details from the book.

What creative book report ideas did we miss? Come share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most popular kids’ books in every grade..

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19 Review Activities For Middle School Students: Games, Printables, And Exercises

March 15, 2024 //  by  Mhairi Sim

At the end of a topic, the best way to get a good idea of how much your kiddos have picked up is to do a review of the learning. You’ve probably noticed that your middle school students learn more when they’re having fun, so what better way to get them engaged with your review session than with a game? Take a look at our list of 19 engaging review activities and inject some fun into your next end-of-topic knowledge check!

1. Hot Potato

This is the perfect energizing activity for a review session! Arrange your kids in a circle, start some music, and have them pass the ‘hot potato’. When the music stops, the ‘hot potato’ holder answers a review question – if it’s incorrect, they sit down, but if it’s correct, they stay in the game. The last student standing wins!

Learn More: Teaching Success With FCS

2. Heads Up

No matter how you implement this next game, as a partner or whole class review, it’s sure to generate some giggles! Your students will have to resist peeking as they place sticky notes with vocabulary words or topics on their foreheads! They’ll then provide each other with clues or actions, and ask questions to figure out their word! 

Learn More: Vocabulary Luau

3. Board Race

Ready, set, review! Start this fun game by dividing your class into two teams. A member from each team will race to the board to write their answer to your review question before quickly passing the pen to the next teammate. When you stop your timer, the team with the most correct answers on the board wins! 

Learn More: YouTube

4. Snowball Fight

A ‘snowball’ fight in school? Your kiddos won’t believe how much fun reviewing can be with this activity! Start by writing some questions on paper, crumple into balls, and then give each of your students an answer sheet. Have them start throwing ‘snowballs’ which they’ll then catch to read and answer the review questions.

Learn More: Thought Co

5. Digital Classroom Game

Your tech-loving students will enjoy reviewing their learning with a digital game. Find your favorite interactive platform like Kahoot! or Quizizz and create a multiple-choice quiz. All that’s left is to divide your class into teams and get them ready for a little healthy competition!

Learn More: TMS Outsource

6. Jeopardy

Figurative language for $400! This classic game show is a blast for reviewing with your middle schoolers. Create six categories, each with five questions of increasing difficulty, and let the games begin as your kids start answering questions. Add a little paper money for some added fun and a little math practice! 

Learn More: Jeopardy Labs

7. Trashketball

This one is for your sports fanatics! Split your class into two teams, ask a review question, and call on a student from each team to answer. If they are correct, they get to shoot a hoop for an extra point. A wrong answer gives the other team a chance to steal!

Learn More: Hooty’s Homeroom

8. Around the World

Pack your bags and get your kids moving with this active review game! Start by having the first student in a row stand behind the next student. Ask a review question and whoever answers correctly and the fastest gets to travel to the next person until the last jetsetter standing wins!

Learn More: Ice Breaker Ideas

9. Inside Outside Circles

This one is superb if you’re looking for a great whole-class review! Start by having your students sit in two circles where the inner circle faces the outer circle. Give them two minutes to ask and answer a set of review questions. When the time is up, the inside circle will rotate one position clockwise and then start again. 

Learn More: Classroom Management Toolbox

10. Crocodile

Your kiddos will love the suspense of this game! Project a 6×6 chart on your whiteboard and divide your students into teams. They’ll choose a square to answer a hidden review question, but they’ll need to be careful- some squares are actually covering a hungry crocodile that eats points! Which team will survive with the most points?

Learn More: TikTok

Bingo is a sure crowd-pleaser and is perfect for a review game across any content area! Using this customizable Bingo card, create your very own cards for your class containing answers to review questions. Once you’ve handed out the cards to your students, challenge them to search for the answers to your questions until someone yells “BINGO!”.

Learn More: Education World

12. Scavenger Hunt

Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? Start by creating review cards and hiding them around your classroom. Then, task your students with searching for cards to answer questions correctly so they can get the clue to the next card! This great activity is even more fun when done in teams!

Learn More: Team Tom Education

The classic game of Memory is perfect for a review session! A stack of cards containing matching pairs is laid face down and your players will turn over two cards to find a matching pair. Switch things up by using questions and answers as matching pairs to make this a fun review game for your middle schoolers!

Learn More: Oh Joy!

14. Pick a Card Review

This activity is all about the luck of the draw! Your kiddos will love the chance to choose a playing card from a deck of cards after answering a review question correctly. It’s a gamble as the highest card will get the most points! Use this one with partners or as a whole class review.

Learn More: Idea Galaxy Teacher

15. Snowman

This activity transforms the traditional hangman game into a more positive experience! Write spaces for the number of letters in a review word on your board. Let your kids take turns to guess, and with each incorrect letter, draw a part of a snowman. The game ends when either the word or a snowman appears! 

16. Beach Ball

Your kids are sure to have a ball playing this fun review game! Write review questions on a beach ball and then have them stand in a circle. One of your kids will toss the ball to another who will catch the ball and answer the question under their hand. They’ll then throw the ball to the next classmate!

Learn More: Hands On Bible Teacher

17. Tic-Tac-Toe

Another easy, low-prep review activity for you to try is the classic game of Tic-Tac-Toe! Just create a list of review questions and place your students in pairs. They’ll take turns answering a review question correctly to try and claim a square. The first three in a row wins!

Learn More: E-mints

18. Gallery Walk

Want to get your kiddies moving without the competition? Begin by scattering review questions around your room and let your kids start from anywhere. Just set a timer for them to complete the task before they move on to the next card. Playing classical music will create an even more relaxing experience! 

Learn More: Mud And Ink Teaching

19. Dice Roll

Your kids are sure to love the simple and classic dice roll game! Whoever answers your review question correctly will roll the dice and earn the number of points that appear. You can use virtual dice, small dice for a partner activity, or huge dice for a whole class review! 

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

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Maulik Pancholy Addresses Canceled School Visit

BY Michael Schaub • yesterday

Maulik Pancholy spoke out after his planned author visit to a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, school was canceled by the school district because of his “lifestyle.”

Thousands have signed a petition protesting the cancellation, and Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman called the district’s decision “deeply wrong.”

Pancholy addressed the decision on Instagram, saying, “As a middle schooler, I never saw myself represented in the stories around me. I couldn’t find books that featured South Asian-American or LGBTQ+ characters. They didn’t exist. And when I set out to write my own novels so many years later, I was still hard-pressed to find those stories. It’s why I wrote my books in the first place. Because representation matters.”

He continued, “When I visit schools, my ‘activism’ is to let all young people know that they’re seen. To let them know that they matter.…That’s the power of books. They build empathy. I wonder why a school board is so afraid of that?”

Michael Schaub is a contributing writer

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