GUIDELINES FOR A READING REVIEW

There will be occasions during your library lessons when you will be asked to write a formal review of a book you have read. These notes will help you to write about the book in detail, and to organise your thoughts clearly for the reader.

Remember!

Always write in full paragraphs

Try to refer as closely as you can to specific details or events in the book. Where you can, use quotations from the text to support your views.

Introduction

State clearly the title, author and genre of the book. In addition, you might like to comment on why you selected it, where you found it, whether or not you have read other books by this author or in this genre.

The Review

Try to write at least one paragraph on as many of the following aspects of the book as you feel are relevant (not all of them will be).

A brief outline of the storyline (but don't give away the ending)

The setting of the novel (does it change? are the settings well described?)

The main characters (are you encouraged to admire them, like them or fear them?)

The themes of the story (does the book make you think about any main issues?)

The 'Best Bit'

Try to explain one moment, page or paragraph in the story which stands out for you as being the 'best bit'. Why was this? How does this moment make you feel? Try  to write out a quotation from this moment in your review, and explain your response to it.

Conclusion

Can you recommend this book to your friends? Who do you think would most enjoy it? Boys, girls, more able readers, people with special interests, or anybody?