You probably have to write book reviews in school. When I was a kid, I used to hate to write them. But now I use book reviews that other people have written all the time. They help me to decide which books I want to read next. So if you're a kid and you have to write a book review, here is how to write one about a book you think other kids will like.
Actually, it doesn't have to be about a book you really like. Negative reviews are helpful too. Sometimes a book you don't like is still a great book, just not for you. Another kid with other interests might find that book perfect for them. So write your book review anyway.
Here are some things you must include in your book review:
Title
Be sure to get the correct and complete title for the book you are reviewing. Sometimes series of books have parts of the titles that are the same, and parts that are different. If you don't include the whole title, another kid might read your review and get the wrong book to read.
For example, you probably know about Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney. But if you are reviewing one of the later books in the series, you must be sure to include the whole title, like this: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (Book 5.)
Author
You probably hate it when people say or spell your name wrong. I bet the authors of the books you are reading feel exactly the same way!
Be sure to spell the author's name correctly. Check and double check it in your report.
Recommended ages or grades
You might read a funny book but know it is too hard for your younger sister to read. So include the ages you think would be able to enjoy the book.
You can say something like, "Recommended for 4th and 5th graders." Or something like, "I'm 10, but I usually read books that are much harder than what we are supposed to be reading in school. So I think this would be better for sixth or seventh graders."
Summary of the story
Give a brief description of the main things that happen in the beginning of the story, or the beginning and middle. But be sure not to give away the ending, especially if there is something really surprising that happens.
Here are other things you might want to include in your book review:
Something you really enjoyed
If you thought the book was funny, say so. If you thought it was exciting or scary, and you love adventure, mention that.
Something you didn't like about the book
Maybe the beginning is really good, but the ending is boring. Perhaps the book seemed too scary for kids, or it gave you nightmares. You can warn others about that.
Other similar books
Compare the book you are reviewing to other similar books. That way, kids can get a better idea if it might be something they would like to read.
Others who might enjoy the book
Say what kind of kids you think might like the book. For example, "If you love to read books about spies or adventure, you will enjoy the Alex Rider book series." Or, "If you like books about witches that are not too scary, you might enjoy "Which Witch?" by Eva Ibbotson.
Recommend other books or authors
It's a lot of fun to find a whole bunch of books by another author that you didn't even know about. So you can mention other authors with books like the one you are reviewing. Or you can suggest other books that are similar to this one, that other kids might also enjoy reading.
Think about the kids who will be reading your book review. Use some of these tips I've given you when you write. If you do, you will be able to write kids' book reviews and help other children by sharing your love of reading and great books.
I want kids' book reviews by kids!
If you want to write a review about great books for kids, I will put it on my site at http://greatbooksforkids.info/. You can also read about other books I think you might enjoy.
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