book review sheet ks3

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How to write a book review — book review template

This comprehensive and differentiated book review template provides structured prompts and scaffolded sentence starters, making it an invaluable resource for KS3 teachers to help students analyse and review both fiction and non-fiction texts effectively.

What’s included

• FREE book review template — guided book review questions and writing frame
• An editable version of the book review template for subscribers

How to use this book review template in the classroom

This differentiated book review template includes a comprehensive list of questions on plot, character and style for higher-attaining English students to use as paragraph or sentence prompts when writing a book review.

There is also a book review template writing frame, with scaffolded sentence starters for KS3 students who need more structured writing support when analysing a text and help expressing personal opinions. These students will find it helpful to use the book review example sentences, headings and the structured template to guide them.

Suitable for key stage 3 learners, this printable English teaching resource is designed for fiction book reviews, but could be adapted to support students with non-fiction books reviews too.

How to write a book review - Step-by-step guide

Getting started

The book review template includes a list of questions about the book. Answer the questions carefully and in detail the answers to form a detailed book review. Answer in sentences to form paragraphs under the following headings rather than numbering answers or using bullet points.

• What happened in the story?
• What was the story about?
• What length of time did it cover? (This is the amount of time that passes during the course of the story, not how long it took you to read it.)
• Was what happened unusual or ordinary?
• What was the opening of the story like? Exciting? Slow? Dramatic? Dull?
• How did the events of the story follow on from each other?
• Who were the main characters?
• What were they like?
• Were they described in much detail?
• Which did you find most interesting? Most sympathetic? (If you find a character sympathetic, you like them as you can understand their feelings. Perhaps you have had a similar experience to them.)
• What kind of relationships and/or conflicts were there?
• Did these characters change throughout the story?

Comments on style

• Was the story written in the first or third person? (‘I’ or ‘he/she’)
• How important was this to the story?
• Was the setting described in detail?
• Were feelings and attitudes described in depth?
• Was it a good story? Why?
• What was your favourite moment in the story? Why?
• Were there any moments (or characters) that might have been improved? If so, what changes would you make?
• Do you think the writer had a particular reason for telling this story?
• How did you feel during and after reading it?
• Do you think you learned anything from the book about people? Ways of life?
• How would you compare it to other books you’ve read?
• What else do you think is important to say about it?
• Would you recommend this book or read another by the same author?

Example sentence starters from the template:

I think the writer wanted to tell this story because...

The book made me feel...

I think it is important to say that the book is...

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Book Review Template

About this printout

Students can use this template as a means of communicating about a book that they have read.

Teaching with this printout

More ideas to try.

As students begin reading books at a young age, it is important to teach them to communicate their thoughts and ideas about the books they read.  This template is a good way to teach students to begin putting their thoughts on a text into written form.  Students will be able to process the information they read in a given text and process their ideas.  Additionally, the Book Review Template allows the teacher to check a student's comprehension of a certain text to assess and inform instruction.

• Create a bulletin board with book reviews done by different students.  The bulletin board can be organized by different genres of books or in other ways that are useful to students. Students can use this bulletin board as a way to read about their peers' thoughts on different books and to find books that they, too, might enjoy reading. 
• At the beginning of the school year, do a read aloud and have students each do a book review on the same book that was read to the class. Have select students share their book reviews and/or thoughts on a book.  Follow up by having a class discussion about why all of the book reviews are not alike, even though they were done on the same book.  This discussion will familiarize students with different opinions and thoughts on the same books, and will also give struggling students a more concrete idea of how to do future book reviews on their own.
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Book Review Template for Kids

Are you looking for a book review template for older kids? This simple book review template is ideal for grown-up children. Prompt your child to write a book review each time after finishing a book. It will encourage them to brainstorm and share their viewpoint.

Reading books and writing reviews also aids in developing good literacy skills. Other than writing reviews, you can also ask your child questions about the book. Not only they will learn how to analyze and evaluate, but it will also start a healthy conversation with them.

Book Review Format

Book reviews are not just a summary of the plot; they are your ticket to sharing your thoughts, opinions, and insights about a literary work with the world. Crafting an engaging book review requires more than just enthusiasm – it demands a well-structured format that brings out the essence of the book and your perspective on it. Here’s a simple format guide to help you master the art of writing a captivating book review if you are writing one for young kids or want your kids to master it.

• Introduction: Introduce the author, the book’s title, and provide some context about the book’s significance. Then, kick off with a catchy sentence that makes us want to read more. How about a sneak peek into the most exciting part?
• Peek into the Plot: Give us a taste of the story without giving away all the secrets. Who are the main characters? What’s the adventure they’re going on? But remember, no spoilers are allowed! Keep it engaging and intriguing to pique the reader’s curiosity.
• Characters’ Corner: Let’s talk about the characters. Did you find a friend in one of them? Who made you laugh the most? Share your thoughts and tell us what you liked about them. Dive into the characters’ personalities, motivations, and development throughout the story.
• Story Themes and Lessons: What did the book teach you? Did it make you see things differently? Maybe it had a big message hidden in the story. Tell us what cool things you learned.
• Style Spotlight: Describe how the author writes. Is it funny and clever? Does it feel like magic? Let us know if the words painted pictures in your mind as you read.
• Twists and Turns: Discuss any plot twists, surprises, or turning points that added excitement or depth to the story. Did the story have any surprises that made you gasp? Maybe a twist that you never saw coming? Spill the beans on those exciting moments!
• Your Feelings Matter: Did the book make you smile, cry, or laugh out loud? Share how the story made you feel and why those emotions were bubbling up.
• The Big Finish: Wrap up your review by sharing your final thoughts. Did you absolutely love the book? Would you tell your friends to read it? Tell us if this adventure is a must-read or not, and why you think so.

Remember, a book review is your chance to share your thoughts and feelings. There’s no right or wrong – it’s all about your unique perspective. Your review could help another young reader find their next favourite book. So, have fun writing, and let your excitement shine through!

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Book Review & Report Templates

This book review template for kids includes the following questions:

What was the title of the book? Who was the author of the book? What did you like best/least about this book? Would you recommend this book to your friends? Why or why not? Which characters in this book did you like the best? Describe their traits What happened in the story? What was your favourite part?

Print the pdf file by clicking the pictures below or the download button.

Simple One-Page Book Review Template

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Fun Simple Book Review Template

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What is the purpose of a book review?

A book review serves the purpose of providing potential readers with insights and information about a book. It offers an evaluation of the book’s content, style, and overall quality. Additionally, book reviews help readers decide whether the book aligns with their interests and whether it’s worth investing their time in reading it.

What is the format of a book review?

A typical book review follows a structured format that includes an introduction, a brief summary of the book’s content and context, an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses, a discussion of characters and themes, and a concluding evaluation. The introduction engages the reader, the summary offers a snapshot of the book, the analysis delves into its various aspects, and the conclusion provides a final recommendation or judgment. This format ensures a comprehensive and organized review that informs readers while conveying the reviewer’s perspective effectively.

Why is it important to include a brief summary of the book in a book review?

Including a brief summary of the book in a review helps readers understand the context and premise of the book. This summary provides essential background information, introduces key characters and plot elements, and ensures that readers have a basic understanding of what the book is about before delving into the reviewer’s analysis and opinions.

In a book review format, what does the “Introduction” section typically include?

The “Introduction” section of a book review typically provides a hook to capture the reader’s interest. It may contain background information about the author, the book’s genre, and its relevance. The introduction also sets the tone for the review and often includes a thesis statement that gives a hint of the reviewer’s overall opinion.

What key information should be covered when discussing characters in a book review?

When discussing characters in a book review, key information to cover includes their names, roles, and significance within the story. It’s important to analyze their development, motivations, and how they contribute to the plot’s progression. Mentioning whether the characters are relatable or well-crafted adds depth to the review.

Why is sharing your personal feelings and opinions important in a book review?

Sharing personal feelings and opinions in a book review adds a subjective element to the analysis. Readers often connect with reviewers who express genuine emotions, and this can help potential readers determine if their tastes align with the reviewers. However, it’s crucial to balance personal opinions with objective analysis to provide a well-rounded evaluation of the book’s merits and drawbacks.

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Book Review Templates

50 best book review templates (kids, middle school etc.).

A book review template enables you to illustrate the intentions of the author who wrote the book while creating your own opinions and criticisms about the written material as a whole. By writing this template, you formulate your own opinions about the ideas presented by the author. In some cases, teachers assign students with the task of writing a book review template too. Through this, the teachers can determine how well the students understood the book.

Table of Contents

• 1 Book Review Templates
• 2 How long should the book review template be?
• 3 Book Review Templates For Kids
• 4 Parts of a book review template
• 5 Book Review Templates Middle School
• 6 Planning to write your book review
• 7 Book Review Templates High School
• 8 Starting to write your book review
• 9 Book Review Templates for College
• 10 What to include in your book review?

How long should the book review template be?

One main purpose of a book review template is to help other people determine whether or not they would feel interested to read a book . A book review worksheet serves as a “sneak peek” at a book. Written well, it can encourage others to read the same book to see what all the fuss is about.

Just don’t make your review too short as it might not serve its purpose. Conversely, a review that’s too long might bore the reader, thus, prompting them not to finish reading all the way to the end. Instead of focusing on the length of your review, focus on what you want to say in it.

Book Review Templates For Kids

Parts of a book review template

If you’re a student, all you have to do is give your own opinions and thoughts about the book you have read. But if you want your review to stand out, you may want to include more information:

• A brief summary When writing a book review template, include a brief summary along with some background information about the topic and the author. As you write, don’t assume that the readers have already read the book. This is why you should explain the main ideas and topics you have read and their significance.
• Background information about the topic As you write the background information, do a lot of research about the main topic to provide comprehensive data. Even if it’s a fictional story, doing research is essential. That way, the opinions and evaluations you share about the book come from your own good understanding of what you have read. For non-fiction, you may choose to include studies or research about the topic of the book to come up with a comprehensive review that your readers will appreciate.
• Your evaluation Conclude your book review worksheet with an evaluation of what you’ve read. More than just your opinions, provide an evaluation of the strong points, weaknesses, and even the objectives of the book and if the author met these objectives. After this evaluation, you can include your opinions. Explain your reactions and the reasons for these reactions. Don’t just say “I didn’t like the book.” Specify the parts you didn’t appreciate and your reason why. This makes your review more believable, especially when you’re writing for a book that’s available for purchase.

Book Review Templates Middle School

Planning to write your book review

You can write a book review template for books of all genres and for different purposes. Of course, writing a book review template for different genres requires skill. While you would follow a single format for these reviews, the content varies greatly. Part of the writing process is to plan what to write in your review. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Create an outline that includes all of the most important points that you want to include in your review. In the outline, include information about the plot, the characters, and other important details in the book.
• For each point in your outline, create a paragraph that talks about it.
• You should have a good understanding of the plot so that you can write your review effectively.
• Analyze the writing techniques that the author used. This makes it easier for you to understand why and how the author wrote the book.
• Analyze the characters of the book to see if they seem realistic, believable or even logical, especially in terms of the roles they play in the plot of the story.
• Decide whether you would recommend the book you’ve read to other people. If you want to recommend it, explain why. If not, provide an explanation for this decision too.

Book Review Templates High School

Starting to write your book review

Most book review templates start with a brief summary of the book. If you decide to start the “traditional” way by writing a summary, make sure that you don’t give away too many details about the book. You shouldn’t retell the story or share too much information that the reader won’t even bother to read the book because they already know what it’s about. More importantly, people don’t appreciate it when reviews include spoilers.

When it comes to reviews, you can also begin in different ways depending on your preference or the requirements given to you by your teacher. Here are some suggestions for you:

• Provide background information about the book Here, you share what makes the book interesting or important. It might have a well-known author, it may be part of a series of books or it may even be a bestseller. The background information you provide should hook the reader and make them feel curious.
• Explain an important term used in the book If you think that an important term or phrase in the book might confuse the readers, you can start your review by providing a short explanation for it. This makes it easier for readers to understand the book and not feel intimidated by it.
• Share an interesting fact about the book This way of starting your review is particularly effective for nonfiction books. By sharing an interesting fact that you have taken from the book, you will catch the interest of your readers.
• Start with a quote Finally, you can also begin your review using a striking quote you’ve taken from the book. This is a powerful way to begin your review and it also makes the whole document more interesting to read.

Book Review Templates for College

What to include in your book review?

Thinking about what you want to say in your book review template can feel like a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. As long as you have an idea of the content to include in your review, the words may start flowing easily. Here are some ideas of what your book review may contain:

• General information Talk about what kind of book is it – is it an adventure book, a fantasy book, a nonfiction book, a novel, and more. State if it is a standalone book or if it’s part of the series. You can even share interesting facts about the author of the book if you feel like this information can help your readers. Here, you can also compare the book to others of the same genre or topic. Talk about the style of the book and the language the author used for it. You can even recommend the age groups the book is most recommended for.
• Plot Writing this part is the most challenging since you want to provide your readers with a taste of what the book is all about without divulging too many details or spoilers. When writing a book review for stories, never give away the ending!
• Characters Your review should provide good information about all the characters in the story. You can learn more about the characters by analyzing their dialogues, actions, and how they interact with the other characters in the story. When talking about the characters, you can share some examples of instances that stood out in your mind. But again, don’t give away too much.
• Theme Here, you talk about what the book is really about. Apart from the plot, you should also try to share the ideas behind the story that you’ve read. For instance, is the book about hope, love, friendship, the triumph of good over evil, and so on. This is another important piece of information that your readers may appreciate.
• Setting This refers to the place and time when the story happens. When including this information, don’t just share the location. You can even add descriptions to make this part more interesting to read.
• Opinions and analyses Finally, this is where you would share your reactions to the book. After giving the facts, it’s time to talk about how the book moved you, what you thought about it, and how you interpreted everything you’ve read. This would be the “meatiest” part of your book so you should spend more time on it. This also happens to be the main purpose of the book – your review – which is why it’s called a review!

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Book review template

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

14 December 2014

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We are pleased to let you know that your resource Book review template, has been hand-picked by the Tes resources content team to be featured in https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/blog/get-reading-childrens-book-week and https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/blog/writing-templates-primary in June 2024 on https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/blog. Congratulations on your resource being chosen and thank you for your ongoing contributions to the Tes Resources marketplace.

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Great resource thank you

a great resource for my library lessons. Thank you!

St-Christopher

Very practical. Thank you.

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