AP Summer Project: Book Review

Book Reviews for Summer Reading Project:

What should the book review look like completed?

Here are some old pictures of what a completed Book Review Journal might look like (this is the maximum length of 4 pages, it also has an old requirement about Historical Context that is no longer required ):

Book Reviews:

For each book that you read, you must complete a separate book review--two in total.

Book reviews should be kept in a non-spiral lined or blank (not grid) composition journal that you buy specifically for class and will use the entire year.

Minimum 2 pages (front=1 page + back=1 page) for each book review, maximum 4 pages. Please don’t be an overachiever and do more, brevity and being concise is an equally important skill. (If you read The Odyssey, which counts for 2 books, it’s a 4 page minimum and 8 page maximum. )


Here’s what each book review needs to answer (please number your responses):

1. Title

2. Author

3. Nationality of Author

4. Genre Type

    • For example: Gothic novel, Renaissance comedy, Modern Play (adjective and type of book)

5. Date of first publication

    • Not when your specific copy was printed but when the book first came out

6. Character Map:

    • Like a family tree of names or you could draw them--I also want you to include short quotes or adjectives describing them directly from the narration or from your own evaluation of them.

7. Favorite Quote Commentary

    • Minimum of three quotes with explanations of why you chose this quote and what makes it so important or memorable. Make sure to include page numbers so you can refer back to them later.

8. Symbols/Allusions

    • Identify or draw three symbols and a short description of how each extends beyond their literal meaning or identify allusions to other works of literature and how this reference adds depth to the narrative.

9. Questions

    • A minimum of three in-depth discussion questions you have about the book or you'd like to ask the author.

10. Basic plot outline

    • As detailed as possible. You can write in paragraph, bulleted list, or “flow chart” format.