How to Write a Book Review

While you read, you don't need to write summaries for me (unless those will help you with this assignment) but when you are finished the book, you can write a book review.

A book review is NOT just writing down everything that happens in the book.  A book review IS a description, analysis and your own thoughts on the book.  It has all the following things:

> The book's title and author

> A brief summary of the plot that doesn't give away too much

> Comments on the books' strengths and weaknesses

> The reviewer's (that's you!) personal response to the book with specific examples to support your thoughts

While you read Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone this week, think about these things and write down some notes about them so you don't forget:

> Does the book fit into a genre, like mystery or romance, and why?  

> When and where does the action in the book take place?  Does the author do a good job of making you feel like you are there?  How? 

> Are the main characters believable?  Do you know anyone like them?  Does the author adequately describe them? 

> What do you like or dislike about the author's writing style/  That is, do you like the way the author uses words? 

> When taking notes about these things, write down actual examples from the story (like describing a scene that you liked or a couple short quotes from the book). 

Start with an introduction paragraph that tells the title, author, and short description of the story plot.  THEN Choose 2 questions to answer (from the list above) that you want to talk about and write one paragraph for each. 

Then finish with your opinion of the book and what kind of person would enjoy this book.

Here is how I will mark it (read this carefully to find out the different sections that you need to include): https://dl.dropbox.com/u/81185403/Book-Review-Grading-Rubric.doc

Due Monday, April 15 

Enjoy reading!