The book that you use for your book report must be age appropriate. A book like Charlotte's Web is too young for high school. If you are not sure if your book is age appropriate, speak to me. I do not accept graphic novels for the book report. Diary of a Wimpy Kid will not be accepted. I also do not accept picture books. Your novel can have some pictures in it, but it mostly must have words. You have three book reports a year. You may only use one book in a series by the same author. For example, I will only accept one Goosebumps novel. Your book must be fiction. I do not accept autobiographies or biographies.
This book report has five paragraphs. Each paragraph is worth 5 marks for a total of 25 marks. It is very important that you follow this format to ensure a good mark. I expect to see five paragraphs. I do not want subtitles. Do not write “Paragraph 1” or any other subtitle. Your book report should be done in pen (blue or black ink) or on the computer. You are expected to have a cover page with a title (example: Book Report #1). Underline your title. You must write at the bottom right corner your name, your course number, and the date the book report is due.
Paragraph #1:
In a sentence or two, write the book title, author, and publisher, and the type of book. Remember to always underline your title. Then write a brief summary of the plot or what happens in the story. Don’t give away the ending! Your summary should be no more than 15 sentences.
For example: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was written by J.K. Rowling and published by Scholastic. This is a fantasy story. This story is about a boy named Harry Potter who discovers he is a famous wizard. An evil wizard named Voldemort killed his parents when he was a baby and somehow, Harry survived. Harry is brought up by his Aunt and Uncle who do not tell him he is a wizard and do not treat him nicely. He finds out what he is when his letter arrives from Hogwarts School of Witches and Wizards inviting him to learn to be a trained wizard. He ends up becoming close friends to two other students and they have an adventure trying to find the Philosopher’s Stone before the evil wizard does.
Paragraph #2:
Describe the main characters. You should have no more than three main characters in your book. Speak to me if you are unsure. Describe what the main characters look like (physical description), their personality, and their role in the story.
For example: There are three main characters in this novel. They are Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Harry has dark hair and is pretty thin. He is a good friend to Ron. He has a scar on his forehead that an evil wizard gave him when he was a baby. Ron has red hair and he is average in size. He has many brothers and one sister. His family does not have a lot of money. He is brave like Harry. Hermione has long brown hair and she is very smart. It takes a while for her to make friends, but she is also brave. All three characters help to keep the Philosopher’s Stone away from the evil wizard, Voldemort.
Paragraph #3:
Describe the setting or where or when the story takes place. Does the story happen in the present, past, or in the future? Does it happen in winter, summer, spring, or fall? Does it happen in a dark and scary house or another planet? You tell me where and when. I expect that this paragraph will be extremely short. That’s fine. I expect at least two sentences.
For example: This story takes place in London, England and at Hogwarts Castle which is also somewhere in England. It happens in modern time. The story takes place over a school year.
Paragraph #4:
Describe one brief scene in the story and explain why you think it is important to the rest of the story. Use a quote to justify why you think it is an important scene.
For example: The most important part of the story is when Professor Quirrell is looking in the Mirror of Erised to try to find the Philosopher’s Stone. He is unsuccessful and makes Harry look into the Mirror. “He saw his reflection, pale and scared-looking at first. But a moment later, the reflection smiled at him. It put its hand into its pocket and pulled out a blood-red stone. It winked and put the Stone back in its pocket- and as it did so, Harry felt something heavy drop into his real pocket. Somehow- incredibly- he’d got the Stone”. (p. 212). This is an important scene because Quirrell is working with Voldemort. Harry must pretend his does not have the Stone and hope help arrives soon. If Harry gives up the Stone, then Voldemort will be a powerful evil wizard again.
Remember to explain to me why this was an important to the rest of the story. Remember to use quotation marks at the beginning and at the end of quote, and then tell me which page this quote is taken from.
Paragraph #5:
You now have the opportunity to be a critic. Give your final overall impression of the book. Tell me whether you liked or disliked the book. Tell me who you would recommend the book to.
For example: I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were really interesting and a lot happens in this story. I like fantasy stories and this was well written. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and adventure mixed up with magical people.
Bonus Mark: Include information on the author at the end of your book report. Please write it in your own words. I do not want a copy and paste information from someone else.
Your book report must be organized and follow the format in the same order as I have shown you. Remember, you are writing in paragraphs, you are not answering questions. Make sure you have five paragraphs. I remove marks for everything you are missing from the format.