Writing Tips: Writing a Book Report (Fiction)
A book report should contain a factual summary of the book along with your reaction to the book. Book reports usually range from 250 to 500 words.
Your teacher may have specific requirements about what you must include in a book report. Your teacher may even provide you with a very specific form to use. A good book report should include the following:
1. Basic Information about the Book
Title - Author
- Publisher
- Year published
- Number of pages
2. Summary
- Where the story takes place (setting)
- When the story takes place (time)
- Who tells the story (narrator)
- Main character (protagonist)
- Secondary characters
- Sequence of important events (plot)
- How the book ends
3. Your Reaction
- Was the book well written?
- If you have read other books by the same author, how does this book compare with the others?
- Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
Once you have completed your book report, check to make sure you have:
- Correct spelling
- Correct punctuation and grammar
- A complete and accurate summary
Your book report makes it clear that you have read the entire book. As you read the book think about what you want to include in your book report. Jotting down some notes can be helpful. Write your book report as soon as possible after you finish reading the book.
A book report makes you think about what you are reading. You will find this adds to your enjoyment of the book.
