1. Writing a Book Review A Project for 21 st Century Skills Created by K Covintree, 9/2008

2. A Book Review is Not A Book Report  It does not just tell a reader the synopsis of a plot, but includes the reviewer’s opinion of the book.  A book review answers the questions: What is the book about? Who is the author? Was it a good book?

3. A Book Review Answers Questions  Additional questions a Book Review answers: What kind of book (genre)?  What it believable/accurate?  How does it fit into other books of its genre? What is memorable about this book?  Quotes-Topics-Style of writing-Form Would it be recommended to others?

4. How To Write a Review  Write with authority  Write in a present tense style and with confidence.  Have a thesis or main idea.  Bibliographic information should precede (come before) the review.  Summation of the book needs to be clear but do not give away all crucial details

5. What Does Reviewer Need to Know  Information on the author  Evidence to support any claims you make.  Brief quotes from the book to help support a claim made. (Don’t forget to include the page numbers)  The “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” statement can come at the end of the essay.

6. Example Review: Let’s Roll by K H., Carmel, IN Let’s Roll! Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage is a biography written by Lisa Beamer with Ken Abraham. Beamer’s husband, Todd, was one of the brave heroes on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. This is not the typical 9/11 story, though. Already the mother of two boys, Lisa was pregnant when Todd died. Unlike some Americans who dealt with the tragedy simply by despising the terrorists and seeking vengeance, Lisa relied on her faith in God to help her through this horrific experience. This memoir not only features the life of the Beamer family, it gives shocking details of all the events of that day. Looking back, I never knew what actually happened. Now, after reading Let’s Roll!, I have deeper empathy for those lost lives. This book has made me question my faith, and what my actions would be in a similar situation. You might be curious as to how the title of the book connects with the story. Throughout Todd’s life, “Let’s roll” was his personal phrase. His sons knew when Daddy said “Let’s roll,” they better be ready to head out the door. “Let’s roll” also happened to be Todd’s last words as he followed through with the plan to attack the terrorists aboard his plane. I read this book when a friend recommended it, and now I know why she did! You become addicted to it from page one. Beamer uses language that is easy to comprehend yet creates vivid images. You too will return to what you were doing in the moments the terrorists attacked. All Americans could benefit from reading this book. Too many of us stay hooked on the past, yet Lisa is using this tragedy as a way to move forward. This book taught me to always move on, yet never forget. from Teen Ink.com