How to Write a Book Review

Writing a good book review can be a challenge.

If you love a book, you need to tell other kids enough about it for them to want to read it, but not enough that you spoil the story. If you hate a book, you should warn others to steer clear.

Here are some tips for writing a good review:

• Pretend you’re writing to a friend. Write with clear sentences, and correct grammar and punctuation, but don’t be afraid to be funny or use words that other kids use.
• Be honest and be yourself. Use a voice that other kids understand. If you loved a book, use your review to make us want to read it! If you don’t like a book, don’t be afraid to let us know!
• Focus each paragraph on one idea and think about the overall message you want to send.
• Check your spelling and punctuation before you submit your review. You may want to ask a parent, librarian or friend to check it before you turn it in.

Having trouble getting started? Try using this guide:

• Paragraph 1:  Introduce the book title and its author and why you wanted to read it. Tell readers what the book is about in two or three sentences. Name the main characters and basic plot, but don’t give away any secrets or the ending.
• Paragraph 2:  Write about what you liked or didn’t like and why.  Share some of your favorite parts or quotes from the book. What did you think of the main character?
• Paragraph 3:  Share your opinion of the book. Would you recommend it to your friends? Why or why not? Do you think some people would like it but not others? Why? Did this book remind you of any other books you’ve read?

Of course, if you have your own way of writing a review, we’ll take that too! (Just make sure that it’s at least three paragraphs long.)

When you’ve finished writing your review, submit it here!

Your review will be posted to the Together Book Club blog within a week!

For more tips, visit Scholastic’s “Write a Book Review” page.