You will probably have to write book reviews at school. When I was a kid, I hated writing them. But now I use book reviews that other people have written all the time. They help me decide which books I want to read next. So if you’re a kid and have to write a book review, here’s how to write one about a book that you think other kids will like.
Actually, it doesn’t have to be a book that you really like. Negative reviews are helpful too. Sometimes a book you don’t like is still a great book, but not for you. Another child with other interests might find that perfect book for them. So write your book review anyway.
Here are some things to include in your book review:
Qualification
Make sure you get the correct and complete title of the book you are reviewing. Sometimes book series have parts of titles that are the same and parts that are different. If you don’t include the full title, another child might read your review and get the wrong book to read.
For example, you probably know Diary of a weak childby Jeff Kinney. But if you are reviewing one of the latest books in the series, you should make sure to include the full title, like this: Diary of a weak child: the ugly truth (Book 5.)
Author
You probably hate when people misspell or misspell your name. I bet the authors of the books you’re reading feel exactly the same!
Make sure you spell the author’s name correctly. Check it out and check it again in your report.
Recommended ages or grades
You may read a funny book, but you know that it is too difficult for your little sister to read. Therefore, please include the ages that you think might enjoy the book.
You can say something like “Recommended for fourth and fifth graders.” Or something like, “I’m 10 years old, but I usually read books that are much more difficult than we are supposed to read in school. So I think this would be better for sixth or seventh graders.”
Story summary
Give a brief description of the main things that happen at the beginning of the story, or at the beginning and in the middle. But make sure you don’t reveal the ending, especially if something really surprising happens.
Here are other things you can 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, bring it up.
Something you didn’t like about the book.
Maybe the beginning is really good, but the end is boring. Perhaps the book seemed too scary for children, or it gave you nightmares. You can warn others about that.
Other similar books
Compare the book you are reviewing with other similar books. That way, children can get a better idea of whether it is something they would like to read.
Others who might enjoy the book.
Tell what kind of children you think might like the book. For example, “If you love reading books about spies or adventures, you will enjoy the Alex Rider book series.” Or, “If you like witch books that aren’t too scary, you might enjoy.”What a witch? “by Eva Ibbotson.
Recommend other books or authors
It’s really fun to find a 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 children might enjoy reading as well.
Think of the children who will read your book review. Use some of these tips I’ve given you when you write. By doing so, you will be able to write children’s book reviews and help other children by sharing your love of reading and great books.