book report form 5th grade

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Free Book Report Templates: Printables for Grades 3-5 for Fiction or Nonfiction Books

Take a new spin on your book report assignment. 📚😍

The Nocturnals are fun-filled animal adventure books with companion nonfiction for elementary school classrooms. Check out The Nocturnals World , a resource hub with free turnkey printable activities and educator guides, and browse The Nocturnals bookstore!

Building lifelong readers is one of the most important things we can do in our classrooms. The benefits of reading are wide-ranging, from improving vocabulary skills to boosting cognitive development, concentration skills, and curiosity for learning. So, how do we get young learners excited about reading and sharing what they’ve learned? Check out our free book report template printables .

Four different activities are ready to print to help you take a new spin on your next book report assignment for fiction or nonfiction books. Students will love filling in their mini book report one-pagers or making their selections from the choice board to share details about what they read.

Worksheets Included:

My mini book report—fiction and nonfiction.

These book report one-pagers are a great way for students to reflect on their readings as they complete different sections of the worksheet. There’s a version for both fiction and nonfiction.

Book Report Choice Board

Give students choices on how they want to complete their book report assignment. This choice board offers eight fun options, from designing a comic to creating a playlist or writing interview questions, so students can let their creativity guide them.

Designing Water Bottle Stickers

Students are obsessed with stickers. In this unique activity, students will design water bottle stickers that the main character of the book would love to have, along with a short description of their choices.

Give students fun-filled books to choose from

Animal adventure books from The Nocturnals are the perfect way to get your upper elementary students excited about reading. Paired with nonfiction companion texts that explore nocturnal animal facts, this series is great for hi-lo readers. Visit The Nocturnals World for more free printable activities and educator guides.

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5th and 6th Grade Written Book Report Instructions

Student instructions for writing a book report in fifth and sixth grade. Includes the number of paragraphs in the report and three or four things to include in each paragraph.

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Over 6,200 homeschool resources and growing!

33 Free Book Report Forms and Templates for Kids

Published: April 11, 2019

Contributor: Annette Breedlove

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

I loved writing book reports growing up. My kids, however, do not share the same sentiment. They love to read books and retell the stories to me, but they have a disconnect when it comes to putting it down on paper. That’s why I love using a free book report template to give them a little extra help. 

Fun Book Report Ideas

There are many different ways children can share about a book they read other than writing about it. Check out all of these fun ideas:

• Act it out. Young students and even older students may enjoy acting out a story that they read in lieu of writing about it. 
• Make a 3D diorama . This is a great way for students who like to work with their hands and create visuals.
• Draw it out on a poster . For young kids who don’t have strong writing skills yet, drawing out what they read is a great option.
• Make a comic book with a free comic book template we have included below. 
• Oral narration . Narrating back a brief summary of the book  they read is another alternative to writing a book report. You can see if your children comprehended what they read or at least got the main points of the story by asking them basic questions about the book.

Types of Book Reports

If you prefer using book reports, they come in a variety of types and styles. You can write plain-Jane ones or get a little more creative, like the comic strip option below for a different way to format a book report. Whichever you choose, having the option to use a book report template can be helpful for kids. 

While I enjoy book reports and see their value, I much prefer my kids enjoy reading a lot of books and sharing, over the finer points of proper form. So if we can use a simple book report template to keep them excited about reading and not dread the reports, I call that a win-win.

Mix it up with the different types of book reports that you assign to your children. Keep it fun and engaging and they will want to read more books and tell everyone about what they have read. 

Using Book Report Templates

As with anything we print out for school, I like to find cute printables with book report designs and age-appropriate graphics. This is especially for my middle school-aged daughter, who thinks some of the free worksheets I find are too childish.

Using a book report template for 3rd grade might look a little different than what I’d want to use for 7th grade. A pdf book report template for high school students definitely needs to be less kid-friendly and more informative.

There are simple book report templates for beginning writers and more advanced ones. The options are endless when it comes to choosing a book report template for your homeschool children.

Printable Book Report Forms

Whether you are looking for a short book report template or one for high school, book report templates will help students get their thoughts on paper. They will learn to organize their thoughts so that their finished book report project is a success!

Book report templates can encourage all the readers in your homeschool to crank out an organized, thorough book report that they are proud of! Once you select a free template, you can get started. Let your children choose one of their favorite books for their first report as it will help to keep them engaged.

How to Use a Book Report Template

When you are looking for the perfect book report template, keep in mind the age of your child. Some one-page forms are perfect for young children and beginning readers with boxes to draw, lines to write down main characters, setting, the plot, etc.

When you have a high school student needing to write a paper or a book report, you obviously need something more in-depth. A book report template can help them get their ideas on paper well enough to organize thoughts and personal opinions for an essay, or even a research paper. 

The key point of using worksheets for book reports is to have an easy way to get thoughts on paper. A book report template can help your student stay organized so they are able to draft a well-written paper. These types of graphic organizers make book reports a breeze!

What’s included in a book report?

• A good book report will consist of the book title, author’s name, main idea, main theme, plot points and important details.
• It will explain the narrative and setting, and cover the main elements of the story as well as describe important characters of the book.
• You’ll also want to include details on the time period, major conflicts and the book details, or rather a plot summary of the book.
• Don’t forget to include unusual facts and key elements that stand out. 

Character Description

Besides adding basic details about the key characters in the book, it’s a good idea to include character details. You will want to include details such as; appearance, interests, and list out some adjectives that describe characters on the book report form . 

Analyze what your character looks like so the reader of the book report gets a vivid description of the character. What color is their hair and skin? What is their clothing style like? Do they have a best friend or an animal that is constantly with them?

Is the character an animal? If so, what type of animal are they and what do they look like?

Character Development

Characters develop on in the story as you read about them. Make sure to make note of positive and negative character traits and how those change throughout the plot. Is there a hidden message or reason why the character is behaving the way that they are?

Make notes of how your character has changed and why you think they changed and the reasons for the actions that they took. You can take it a step further and explain how their actions either harmed or helped the story to move along.

Printable Book Report Templates and Forms

If you want a book report template quickly, simply scroll to the bottom of this post to download ours FREE.

DIY Book Report Kit {works with ANY book} This printable book report template is more like a graphic organizer , in my opinion. You can print several different template pages to organize different aspects of the book so you can create a great book report. 

Free Book Report Template for Elementary Students Get your 1st -4th graders writing book reports with ease with these pdf book report pages.

Book Review Templates This cute pack of 5 different book report template pages would be perfect for early learners who know how to write . 

Printable Book Report Form I like this simple book report template that’s perfect for a new reader. The free printable book report template is organized and will prompt your kids to be creative. 

Elementary Book Reports Made Easy An easy one-page pdf download of a book report worksheet that would be good for elementary students.

Printable Book Report Forms (Non-Fiction, Fiction, Biography, Mystery & Fable) You have lots of different options for book report templates. Whether or not you need a book report form for a biography, non-fiction resource , or even a fable, there are several  different pdf templates to choose from. There are also multiple book report poster forms for those kids who prefer to draw.

7 Different Versions of Book Report – If you are looking for different versions for different age levels or grades then these reports are worth reviewing.

Easy Book Report – This features an easy form for younger students as well as outline form for older students.

Book Report Templates for Younger Students

There are different styles of book report templates that you will want to focus on for younger students. A book report template that you use with your middle school aged child will be too difficult for beginning writers.

You will want to look for a book report format with dashed lines, boxes to draw a picture in, and more. 

My Book Report Worksheets These book report worksheets are suitable for children in kindergarten or first grade. 

Comic Strip Book Reports If you have a reluctant writer , or a comic book lover, these free printable comic strip book report templates will likely make a book report less dreaded!

Reading Logs and Bookmarks

Reading Log and Book Report Templates If you are on the hunt for cute reading log printables, these are perfect for elementary students. There are a few different templates that offer options to rate the book and write a review. Using a creative book report template like this might take the sting out of writing book reports for reluctant writers. 

Free Reading Log and Book Report Forms   My Joy-Filled Life has a 2-page book report template and a printable reading log that you can slip into your homeschool binder . 

Free Reading Logs, Bookmarks and Charts – Encourage your readers with fun and colorful bookmarks and charts that they can use to track their reading time as well as the books they have read. Free Instant Download included!

Book Report Template

Book reports don’t have to be boring or something that your children dread. They may be overwhelmed because it is a new thing that they have never done before and may need just a little guidance to get started.

Our FREE DIY Book Report template pack includes four pages of graphic organizers, question prompts, illustration boxes, and more. It is a great start to guiding your children on how to write a book report in a non-threatening way. 

You can download it for free in our subscriber library . 

In Conclusion

The body of the book report should include the title, the author of the book, characters, setting, major conflicts, direct quotes, and plot. The conclusion can include a personal opinion. Book reports are a fun way to develop critical thinking skills and teach students how to gather information to format into a writing assignment.

Annette Breedlove

Annette has been married to her husband and best friend since 2003. Together they are raising their six children to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what. Annette longs for the day when she will meet her angel babies who have entered heaven before her. She enjoys creating UNIT STUDIES and FREE PRINTABLES for homeschool families. You can follow her crazy life at In All You Do where she blogs about homeschooling, homemaking and marriage while trying to maintain her sanity. She is also the owner of Thrifty Homeschoolers where she shares her tips on homeschooling without breaking the bank.

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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example) 

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example) 

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report? 

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Types of book reports 

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

• Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
• What positive characteristics does the character possess?
• Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
• Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
• Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

• Explain  exactly  what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
• Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
• Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
• After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example 

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In  To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall,  To Kill a Mockingbird  is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always  include the following elements in any book report:

• The type of book report you are writing
• The book's title
• The author of the book
• The time when the story takes place
• The location where the story takes place
• The names and a  brief  description of each of the characters you will be discussing
• Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
• A thesis statement
• The point of view of the narrator
• Summary of the book
• The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
• The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
• The writing styles of the author
• A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget! 

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

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How to Write a Book Report (+ a FREE Step-by-Step Printable for Your Kids)

Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. That means if you use them to make a purchase, I may earn a commission. You can read my full affiliate disclosure  HERE .

We read a lot of books (homeschool moms, can you relate?). Right now, we are reading the Harry Potter series together as a family, and as my kids have grown, it’s been fun to see them become more interested in reading for fun. As part of our homeschooling this year, we have been learning how to write a book report, which has been a great way for me to evaluate how well my kids are understanding what they read.

My son is in 3rd grade this year and recently had a book report as one of his assignments in English. While there were a couple of steps given to him, he struggled with the process and actually putting the book report together. So I decided to create a step-by-step book report printable to help him learn how to write a book report.

I hope these printables will be a big help to your kids, too! They will walk your kids through the steps of organizing their book report, writing a draft, revising and proofreading, and writing a final copy. Plus, I’ve included a rubric for you that you can use to give helpful feedback if you’d like.

Not only will this template help your kids learn how to write a book report, but they will be fun to add to your homeschool portfolio and look back on in the future.

Why Should You Use Book Reports in Your Homeschool?

Writing a book report or using an organizer to respond to what they have read is a great way to help your kids with their reading comprehension . It’s also fun to see their unique writing styles come to light and learn what they think about the books they have read.

Plus, I have found that incorporating book reports into our homeschool is a fun way for my kids to practice their writing skills because they get to write about a book they have loved. My son doesn’t necessarily love to write, so making the writing topic interesting is really important in our current season.

They also will obviously get to practice their handwriting, and you can include an oral presentation component if you’d like to as well!

Teach Your Kids How to Write a Book Report

A book report is just what it sounds like – a detailed report your kids will write after reading a book. In the report, they will give a summary of the book and share some of the important plot points, as well as share their opinion of the book.

When my son first attempted to do his book report from his English assignment, he struggled with what to write, and how to pull it all together in one cohesive report. I wanted to really lay out the process for him, to break it down into manageable steps .

If your child is new to writing book reports, I would recommend doing the first one together . Choose a book you have been reading aloud as a family (or a new one to read together), so you can then walk through the template and process with them.

If you are reading the book together, model how to take notes of important characters and plot points as you read . These notes will be great to reference later when writing the report.

Once you are finished reading and taking notes, grab your book report template and work through the process of putting together the report ( this printable makes it so easy! ).

My Book Report Template for Kids

There are many options out there with ideas for creative and different styles of book reports (I love these ideas from We Are Teachers), but if you are looking for a simple way for your elementary-aged student to organize their thoughts into a basic book report, these are for you.

The pages include:

• 2 Book Report Planning Pages where your kids will organize their thoughts about the main characters, important plot events, and what they learned and liked about the book. They will also have space to draw out their favorite scene from the story.
• First Draft Pages where they will write a rough draft. These sheets also include checklists that will walk them through the revision and proofreading process.
• My Book Report Pages where your kids will write their final copy of their book report.
• Book Report Rubric which is a sheet you can use to offer comments and suggestions on their work, if desired.
• Reading Log page that your kids can use to keep track of what they are reading (great for your homeschool record keeping as well!)

Using a template like this will help your kids organize their thoughts in the planning pages, so it’s easier for them to put the final review together. They will see all of the important parts that need to go into their book reports, which will help them learn how to write effective reviews and recommendations.

Printable Book Report Template

I’d love for this book report template to be a blessing to you and your family as well! Grab it below when you join my subscriber list – I love to send out freebies, homeschool tips, inspiration and more as I go through my own homeschooling journey.

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And if you love all of those, take a peek at my shop where I share some other helpful printables I’ve created for your home and homeschool.

Drop a comment below and let me know – what are some of your kid’s favorite books they have read, or what are they reading now?

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How to Write a Book Report for Fifth Grade

How to Teach Second-Graders to Write Book Reports

Parents can remember a time when they had to write a book report in elementary school as a child. Depending on the student, being assigned a book report isn't always something a student looks forward to. According to Common Core State Standards, fifth grade is the year that students need to really practice their book report writing skills, as students are evaluated on how well they can write a piece based on information they gather from literature or other texts. In a teacher's eyes, one of the best ways to do this is by assigning a project, which can be fun and exciting if students are able to follow a few tips on writing a book report!

Choose a Book

The first step in writing a fifth grade book report is to, of course, choose a book! In some cases, the teacher will tell students which book they need to read, especially if students are all required to write a book report on a book read aloud in class. They may also tell the students which book to choose based on a certain topic the class is currently studying. Otherwise, a teacher may suggest to students which books are appropriate for them, or if the teacher trusts the student's abilities, they may say that the student is free to choose whichever book he or she wants.

Create a Story Map

After choosing a book, students will need to identify the key elements of the story they are reading. The easiest way to do this is with a story map. A story map provides space for students to write the title of the book, the author and illustrator's name, the genre, the setting, the characters, the main idea as well as the problem and solution in the story. For a fifth grade book report, the story map may be more extensive and detailed depending on the reading level of the student, and they may need to go into more depth on the story's plot, their reaction to the story, how they felt while reading it, etc. After the story map is completely filled out, students should have an easy time writing their book report because most of the information they need is already in front of them.

Understand the Objective of the Book Report

In many cases, teachers may simply ask their students to write a book report as a general summary of what they've read. But, since fifth graders need to build up their writing and text analysis skills, teachers may also dictate to students what they expect from the book report.

There are different kinds of book reports that students can write, including, but not limited to, a plot summary, a character analysis or a piece discussing the major themes in the story. Students in fifth grade may also be asked to compare two texts by the same author in their book report or make a self-to-text connection in which they compare an experience in their own lives to the experiences of the characters in the story. Students must understand the book report objective before going ahead.

Write Your Book Report Outline

With the story map in hand and the objective understood, students can now begin to write their book report outline. The outline helps students to construct their ideas one by one while seeing where they can string them together. Students can start their outline by creating several headings: introduction, at least three body paragraphs and a conclusion. Under each heading, students should write bullet points pulled from their story map along with supporting details from the text.

Afterward, each body paragraph can have a different heading based on the objective of the book report. For instance, if the book report is a character analysis, then the first body paragraph can be an introduction to the character and their role in the story, while the second body paragraph can discuss the character's personality and their actions throughout the book. Finally, the third body paragraph can be about how the student relates to the character or how they feel about the character by the end of the story. Because this is just an outline, each body paragraph can be given a heading, and underneath, the student can list bullet points of what they want to say, along with a quote or example from the text to support their writing.

Lastly, the conclusion should be somewhat of a reiteration of the introductory paragraph, with the student wrapping up their book report in a few sentences.

Things to Keep in Mind

To begin writing, students can use their teacher's guidelines, story map and book report outline to write their fifth grade book report. It's important to remember that although parents may want to help, students need to take the time to work on the book report by themselves. After the book report is complete, students should go back and read it out loud to themselves, in order to check for any mistakes and to make sure the writing flows nicely and isn't too choppy.

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• Teacher Vision: Writing a Book Report
• USA.gov: Book Report
• Read Write Think: Help a Child Write a Book Report
• Corestandards.org: English Language Arts Standards Grade 5

Hana LaRock is a freelance content writer from New York, currently living in Mexico. Before becoming a writer, Hana worked as a teacher for several years in the U.S. and around the world. She has her teaching certification in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a TESOL certification. Please visit her website, www.hanalarockwriting.com, to learn more.

7 Printable Book Reports

There are numerous ways to present a book report. Over the years, my kids have created bookmobiles, book posters, and even a book shoe box. Yes, there is such a thing. Book reports encourage reading comprehension, the skill of summarizing, sequencing, and even reflection. However, sometimes we don’t want a book report to become a week-long project. That’s where printable book reports become beneficial. There are 7 FREE Printable Book Reports below! Take a look at which one would work for you and yours!

* Be sure to check out our  Hamburger Paragraph Organizers and for your younger students, take a look at our large collection of Draw & Write sheets .

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Why Printable Book Reports

For starters, Printable Book Reports are flexible. They can be used once a year, month, quarter, or for every book your student reads. For us, we use them multiple times in a year. Printable Book Reports are also versatile and easily accessible. There are 7 different versions of our Printable Book Reports to choose from. Some versions are more appropriate for younger students while others are geared toward an older student. My 4th grader chooses a different one than my 6th grader, but both book reports offer the same benefits.

How to use Printable Book Reports

Any time you add an activity to your homeschool, make sure it is worth your time and your student’s effort. For us, these book reports allow my student the opportunity to summarize and work on their writing skills. Specifically, my kids practice developing concise sentences, editing, sequencing, and writing with a flow.  That can be difficult for even experienced writers.

Before assigning your student the book report, engage in open dialogue with your child about the book. Ask them questions about their book. Get them talking about the characters, plot, setting, and dynamics of the story. This alone will assist your budding writer greatly. It is almost like verbal brainstorming. Once you have gotten a grasp on your student’s take of the book, assign them one of the 7 book reports.

From my experience, print two copies of the book report. The first copy will be their rough draft. After they complete it, address any grammar or sentence structure errors. This is also the appropriate time for them to clarify details or add sentences to connect ideas. Once this has been done, your student is ready to write their final draft. For those of you looking to expand this into a full book report project, encourage your student to illustrate a book cover on a separate sheet of paper. Then, have your student attach the illustration and written book report onto a small poster board side-by-side. It makes an impressive display!

So, no matter what book report template you choose, these can be a valuable language arts teaching tool!

DOWNLOAD 7 PRINTABLE BOOK REPORTS

Another reading comprehension option for younger students.

Your student may not be ready for the Printable Book Reports above. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t an appropriate teaching tool to use after they have finished reading a book. We use a very simple 4-square graphic organizer for our younger students when wanting to work on reading comprehension. It is something that you can work on together and can be used for a mere storybook rather than a novel. Check out our 4-Square Graphic Organizers here.

MORE FREE RESOURCES!

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Book Report Ideas for 5th Grade that Spark Imagination

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As an experienced Montessori elementary teacher, fostering a passion for reading is a key aspect of my language curriculum.

That’s why I want to share this list of great book report ideas for your 5th grade classroom.

In elementary classrooms, I’ve learned that a fun book report makes the reading experience more memorable. That’s why it’s important to make reading and reporting a blast for every student!

Discover 13 creative book report ideas for 5th graders, perfect for enriching reading experiences in upper elementary classrooms. Explore how these ideas can make reading assignments more engaging and meaningful for students.

Make Book Reports Fun for 5th Grade Students

Indeed, when creating fun book report ideas for 5th graders, they should match the curiosity typical of kids in the second plane of development .

At this age, kids move from needing help to wanting to explore on their own. To support this shift, it’s important to add fun enjoyable vocabulary development activities and hands-on experiences to their book reports.

Fun book reports cultivate a love for reading and self-expression, blending learning with enjoyment for kids. This is what we call learning in disguise .

We’ve included activities that capture attention and align with the Montessori philosophy. They encourage independent thinking, exploration, and unique problem-solving approaches.

13 Creative Book Report Ideas for 5th Graders

Transform book reports into engaging adventures for 5th graders with these innovative and enjoyable ideas.

💡 Teacher Tip: Incorporate some of these book report ideas into your family book club for added excitement. Prepare to captivate everyone in the household!

1. Interview the Main Character s

When students interview a book’s main character, they act as reporters, igniting curiosity and engagement.

By creating captivating questions for the main characters, they not only enhance critical thinking but also look deeper into the story, making the learning process more fulfilling.

Here are some engaging interview questions for a fifth-grade student to ask the main character of a book they read:

• Are there any hobbies or interests you have that weren’t explored in the book?
• How would your friends describe you?
• If you could switch places with another character in the story for a day, who would it be and why?
• How do you see your life beyond the ending of the story?
• What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from your journey in the story?

Additionally, have students answer the questions they came up with. Encourage them to use the voices of different characters, providing answers in the unique perspective of each persona.

Based on my experience, this is one of those book report ideas for 5th grade students that stands out because it enables students to explore the main character in a captivating manner. They formulate the questions, engaging deeply with the character.

This book report prompts elementary students to think differently, fostering a thought-provoking experience.

💡 Related articles: 31 Fun Summer Reading Activities Elementary Students Will Love  Summer Brain Drain: 9 Ways to Help Elementary Children Avoid the Summer Slide 27 Educational YouTube Channels to Prevent Summer Learning Loss

2. Film a Movie Trailer for the Book

Elevate book reports by delving into multimedia storytelling. Empower students to create engaging movie trailers for the book they finished reading.

With this activity kids combine technology and creativity to showcase key moments, characters, and the story’s excitement.

My students loved making these trailers! 🎬

I’d have them work in small groups over a couple of weeks, planning and filming their creations. They really got creative, dressing up as characters and using props for authenticity. Then they’d put it all together using iMovie to create their final book trailers

We’d then gather as a class on a designated day to watch all the trailers, creating a memorable experience for everyone!

This dynamic approach not only boosts their digital literacy skills but also showcases their enthusiasm for the book.

3. Write an Alternative Ending

Encourage upper elementary students to think critically and creatively by exploring different ways a book could have ended.

Discussing alternate endings lets kids exercise creativity and analytical skills when a story takes an unexpected turn.

This engaging activity extends beyond altering endings. It serves as a platform for students to express their reasoning, providing insight into narrative choices and their impact on the overall story.

To start this engaging activity, I have students brainstorm and jot down potential alternate endings.

From these ideas, they choose one to develop further. They then embark on the task of writing a descriptive and meaningful alternate ending that flows seamlessly with the story.

This hands-on approach of putting their stamp on the story enhances their comprehension of the narrative. It also encourages them to think about character motivations, plot dynamics, and the overall impact of their chosen ending.

💡 Teacher Tip: Have students write an alternative ending, and then film a scene from the new ending they’ve written. How fun!

As you can see, these 5th-grade book report ideas are ideal for any elementary classroom.

4. Explore Different Characters’ Viewpoints

Students, in this activity, become sidekicks and antagonists, gaining different perspectives on the story’s events.

Based on Montessori principles, this method expands comprehension, thereby fostering empathy and critical thinking. Moreover, by embodying different characters’ perspectives, students develop a richer understanding of varied viewpoints in the story. This, in turn, enhances both creative and analytical abilities.

My 5th-grade students loved this book report idea. They selected 3 or 4 characters from the book, excluding the main one, and answered questions from each character’s perspective, providing distinct insights into the story.

This activity seamlessly blends creativity and analytical exploration, rendering the book-reporting process both enjoyable and insightful.

🤨 Curious about the questions my students selected? Here are some of their favourites:

• If your character was the main character, would the book title change?
• How does your character perceive other characters in the book?
• If your character were to tell the story from their perspective, how might the narrative change?
• If your character had the opportunity to change one event in the story, what would it be and why?
• What is your character’s relationship with the main antagonist or opposing force in the story?

5. Curate a Main Character Scrapbook

This 5th-grade book report idea deepens students’ connection with the main characters uniquely.

Young readers are invited to create a scrapbook that visually captures the main character’s personality, hobbies, and journey throughout the book.

In this activity, students create a visual representation to better understand and connect with the story’s main character.

By seamlessly blending pictures, drawings, insightful captions, and quotes, students can unravel the complexities of the character’s personality. This approach enhances their artistic expression while fostering attention to detail.

I encouraged my students to include stickers, clippings, quotes, and images in their projects, capturing the essence of the main character.

This allows for a truly personalized and engaging scrapbook creation that goes beyond the surface, providing a rich exploration of the character’s traits and experiences.

6. Storytelling Through a Podcast

In this book report idea designed for 5th graders, students are immersed in the popular world of podcasting. Working either in pairs or individually, students produce a podcast that mirrors the theme of the book they’ve recently read.

The initial phase of this assignment involves collaborative brainstorming to develop the theme. From there they can write a script that authentically captures the essence of the book they’ve read.

This brainstorming process encourages teamwork and sparks discussions about the book’s central themes, characters, and compelling plot points.

Adding to the versatility, I offer students two podcasting formats to choose from.

The first option involves artfully retelling the story, sparking curiosity, and encouraging others to pick up the book. Kind of like a book teaser.

Alternatively, students can choose an interview-style podcast where one interviews another about their thoughts on the book.

This choice empowers students to explore various podcasting styles, catering to diverse preferences and talents.

To guide their podcast creation, I provide students with a comprehensive outline that includes essential elements such as plot highlights, character analyses, and personal reflections. This structured approach assists in organizing their podcasts and ensures a well-rounded exploration of the book’s key components.

As these budding podcasters explore the world of audio storytelling, they refine their verbal communication skills. The podcast format encourages students to articulate their viewpoints in an engaging and concise manner, fostering analytical thought.

7. Build a Diorama to Represent a Scene in the Story

This is one of the most popular book report ideas for 5th grade, as students always love getting their hands dirty creating.

A diorama is like a tiny, 3D world that shows a scene from a story in a creative way. This option allows students to visually interpret the book’s essence by crafting a vibrant representation of a specific scene.

Equipped with a variety of art supplies, including construction paper, plasticine, magazines, paint, as well as everyday objects, students tap into their creativity to vividly portray the selected scene, making it tangible and visually engaging.

There’s so much fun and learning going on here!

Engaging in this hands-on activity nurtures students’ artistic skills and also deepens their comprehension as they depict key elements from the story.

Transforming the traditional book report into a multi-sensory experience sparks a love for literature through creative expression.

8. Paper Bag Book Report

Explore the world of literature creatively with a paper bag book report. This hands-on project combines artistic expression with literary analysis, offering students an interactive way to represent their learning.

In this unique approach, students take a simple paper bag and turn it into a representation of the book’s key elements.

Students showcase artistic talents by recreating the book cover on one side of the bag. The back features a brief plot summary for a quick overview.

As students continue their exploration, one side of the bag is dedicated to listing the characters in the story. On the opposite side, students outline the overarching theme of the book.

To add a tangible and personal touch, students fill the bag with carefully chosen artifacts that symbolize significant elements from the plot, characters, or themes.

This unique activity not only sparks creativity but also encourages thoughtful reflection, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of book report ideas for 5th grade students.

9. Book Scavenger Hunt

Another engaging book report idea is to have 5th graders channel their creativity into designing a scavenger hunt inspired by the book.

This activity taps into their comprehension of the plot and characters and also encourages them to think critically about the story.

The process involves identifying significant locations, events, or items from the book and incorporating them into the scavenger hunt checklists or clues. This tests understanding and sparks imagination in weaving the story into challenges.

Creating a scavenger hunt instills a sense of responsibility, as students must ensure that their peers can navigate the adventure they’ve crafted. A scavenger hunt is a fun activity for everyone!

💡 Printable scavenger hunts for hassle-free learning!

10. Book Character Trading Cards

This unique activity is a captivating spin on traditional book reports tailored for 5th graders. In this interactive project, students unleash their creativity by making trading cards inspired by characters from the book they read.

Whether mimicking the style of hockey trading cards or adopting the charm of Pokemon cards , students have the freedom to design these cards to match their interests. Each card becomes a canvas for vibrant images, character names, essential traits, and concise yet captivating descriptions.

This activity fosters artistic expression while allowing exploration of character traits in an engaging manner.

Elevating the book reporting experience, this hands-on project not only engages students but also adds an artistic flair to your collection of book report ideas for 5th grade.

11. Create a To-Do List for the Main Character

This book report activity blends literary exploration with practical life skills. Students will step into the main character’s shoes and write a to-do list, considering their goals, desires, and motivations.

As students delve into the intricacies of a character’s psyche, they not only sharpen their analytical skills but also cultivate crucial life skills, fostering personal growth and preparing them for success in various aspects of life.

My students enjoyed diving into the main character’s life by creating to-do lists for a day, week, or month. It’s a simple yet effective way to connect with the story and gain deeper insights into the character’s experiences.

Thinking deeply about a character from the book while making practical to-do lists for that character helps students develop a more clear understanding of their complexities, providing a valuable bridge between literature and real-life tasks.

12. Build a Timeline of the Book

Engage students in the literary journey with a book timeline project. Encourage them to create a chronological display of key events from the story, whether on a long strip of paper, with 3D objects, or through digital tools.

Enhance their comprehension by incorporating illustrations or visuals for each event on the timeline, providing a comprehensive overview that reinforces their grasp of the book’s plot progression.

This creative approach not only hones organizational skills but also fosters a deeper connection to the flow of the story.

13. T-Shirt Book Report

Students can transform a plain T-shirt into a visual representation of the book, employing artistic expression to convey characters and the books theme.

This hands-on approach not only nurtures creativity but also encourages students to delve into the book’s core message, providing a deeper understanding of the story.

In my classroom, students loved having the option to do a T-shirt book report.

I had students recreate the book cover on the back of the shirt, while the front was designed to reflect the attire of one of the characters.

Before painting the shirt, students brainstormed and sketched at least three ideas. This planning phase fueled their creativity and helped them consider how to visually represent their concepts effectively on the T-shirt.

The interactive approach, coupled with the thoughtful planning process, make the T-shirt book report a dynamic and engaging learning experience for 5th grade students.

These alternative approaches to the common book report encourage children to think outside the box and showcase their understanding of the book in a unique and personalized way.

Why Book Reports Are Important in Elementary

Book reports hold significant importance at the elementary level as they serve as invaluable tools for assessing a child’s comprehension and analytical skills.

These reports encourage students to look deeper into the plot, characters, and themes of a book, promoting a more profound understanding of what they have read.

Beyond academic benefits, book reports can nurture creativity and communication skills alongside academic growth.

And on top of that, elementary book reports teach kids about responsibility and following rules as they meet deadlines and guidelines. This helps them develop important skills for future academic tasks.

The Wrap-Up: Book Report Ideas for 5th Grade

These creative and fun book report ideas for upper elementary not only make the learning process enjoyable but also encourage independence and self-expression. By incorporating engaging activities, we can foster a love for reading and storytelling in young minds.

Let these innovative approaches inspire a newfound appreciation for literature, turning book reports into exciting adventures for every 5th-grade reader.

Happy reading and reporting!

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11 Ways to Use Our Roll A Story Dice Game The Ultimate 13 Vocabulary Development Activities for Kids A Great Set of Tricky Rebus Puzzles With Answers Rebus Puzzles for Kids: A Comprehensive Riddle-Solving Guide Classroom Vocabulary Activities: 11 Exciting Post-Picture Book Reading Ideas 31 Fun Summer Reading Activities Elementary Students Will Love The Best Neighborhood Walk Scavenger Hunt and 13 Different Ways to Use It 15 Educational Games With Three Dice for Kids 8 Easy Rebus Puzzles with Answers 27 Educational YouTube Channels to Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Donna Paul, with over 15 years as a certified Montessori teacher, is praised for her engaging teaching style. Beyond the classroom, she's a children's book author and spearheads two impactful blogs with her partner, Karen: thatssomontessori.com for Montessori insights at the elementary level and thenomadicstrays.com for simple road life living. Based in British Columbia, Canada, Donna's nomadic life allows her to share ideas and develop educational products with Karen as they travel. Donna can be found spreading smiles and knowledge wherever she roams.

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