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 .
As a Christian Book and Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
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!
Share this:
Over 6,200 homeschool resources and growing!
FREE Book Report Templates (All Grades Included)
Published: October 17, 2019
Contributor: Bonnie Rose Hudson
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.
Some kids love them. Other kids dread them. But nearly every kid has to learn how to write a book report. Help make it fun (and less painful!) with these FREE Book Report Templates .
This set of 16 book report templates helps alleviate the stress of staring at the blank page. With prompts and questions, they help students remember key parts of the book as well as what is important to share in a book report.
These FREE Book Report Templates include forms for:
- middle school
- high school
They are designed to be used with:
- biography or autobiography
- informational books
Print just the ones you need. Scroll down to get your FREE Book Report Templates.
Could you use some more tools to help your kids learn (and enjoy!) writing? Be sure to take a look at all the writing resources available in our Subscriber Library! They are all FREE to our subscribers. Check them out today! There is even another DIY Book Report Kit.
You Might Also Like…
- 33 Free Book Report Forms and Templates for Kids
FREE Instant Download
Book Report Templates
- Instant Download
- reports & templates
Bonnie Rose Hudson
Bonnie Rose Hudson’s heart’s desire is for every child to feel the love of God and know how special they are to Him. She would love for you to stop by her website WriteBonnieRose.com for homeschool and history curriculum, resources to help teach your children about missions and the persecuted Church, free history and writing printables, and to check out her newest release from JourneyForth, The Hidden Village , an early reader set in India.
Related resources
8 FREE McGuffey Resources to Help Kids Learn to Read
25 of the Best Outdoor Survival Books for Your Teens
50+ Creative Writing Prompts 3rd Grade Kids & Up Will Love
41+ Thrilling Ted Dekker Books List in Order for Teens
2900+ Free Copywork Worksheets for Your Homeschool
All 37 Dear Canada Books in Order
Book Report Worksheets
Beginner and intermediate book report worksheets.
A Book Report is a summary of a book that you read. It usually consists of a few paragraphs describing the plot of the book, without giving major events away. A book report is a good way to check reading comprehension. By reading a book report, you can learn about what the student knows about the book read.
Here is a graphic preview for all of the Book Report worksheets. Our Book Report worksheets are free to download and easy to access in PDF format. Use these Book Report worksheets in school or at home.
a. Grades K-5 Book Report Worksheets b. Grades 6-12 Book Report Worksheets
Here is a graphic preview for all kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade Book Report Worksheets. Click on the image to display our PDF worksheet.
My Fun Book Report Worksheet
One Page Book Report Worksheet
Book Review Book Report Worksheet
Grades 6-12 Book Report Worksheets
Here is a graphic preview for all the 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade, 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade and 12th grade Book Report Worksheets. Click on the image to display our PDF worksheet.
Two Page Book Report Worksheet
One Page Book Review Worksheet
Plot Diagram Book Report Worksheet
Story Guide Worksheet
My Book Report Worksheet
Fiction Book Report Worksheet
High School Book Report Worksheets
Biography Book Report Worksheets
Advanced Book Report Worksheets
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.
Add to Folder | |
---|---|
creative writing | |
children's book | |
activities | |
classroom tools | |
language arts and writing | |
vocabulary |
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.
Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .
IMAGES
VIDEO