How to write a book review.

Remember to think about the following notes:

When was the book published?: Skim the first few pages to find the date the book was published.

How many pages are there altogether?: You don't have to count them! Just look at the number on the final page.

The plot: This is what happens. To help you think about the main events, first draw a time line with the beginning scene of the book at the top of a piece of paper and the final scene at the bottom.
E.g. Write "Harry starts at Hogwarts" at the top and "Harry defeats Voldemort" at the bottom.

Now add a few events in the middle of the time line - ones which link the beginning and final scenes.

The setting(s): This is where and when the story takes place. E.g. At Hogwarts school of wizardry in the present day.

The characters: This is who is in the book. To help you describe the characters, first jot down these details:

• Name of character
• Role
• Adjective to describe them

For example:

• Harry Potter
• Schoolboy wizard
• Brave

Were there any highlights/What was your favourite part of the book?: This is where you describe your favourite part of the book. Was there a particular piece of action, description or characters' speech you really enjoyed?

Were there any weak bits?: Were there any chapters where you found yourself wishing for some action to liven up the plot? Any unrealistic characters? Any descriptions or chapters that you felt were ?

Was the book unputdownable?: Did you grab the book whenever you had a spare moment? Did you read it rather than playing computer games or watching TV? Or did you read the first chapter before letting it gather dust on your bookshelf?

Natasha Hicks
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/teachers/literacy_7_11/text/newsid_3881000/3881539.stm