Book Review for Shelfari

General Instructions
Each week I will assign you a different book club assignment for this journal. Read at least 100 pages a week and follow the instructions for each assignment. When you finish a book, don’t forget to write the title, author, number of pages, and date you finished in the back of your journal.
• All letters must begin with the letter heading “Dear Book Club” and include the date, just like a real letter.
• Begin each letter by telling your group the title and author. Also give a brief (3-5 sentence) summary of what the book is about, a mini plot summary.
• Write 2-3 full pages, no more, no less, plus a page for a graphic or drawing.
• Letters must be written neatly in cursive, printing, or typing.
• Correct all spelling, and use proper punctuation.
• Write on both sides of each journal page.
• Practice reading your letter aloud at home prior to sharing it in group.

Book Review for Shelfari
There are three sections to this letter. Have fun and get published.
Summary
Write one paragraph that explains what the story is all about. Introduce your readers to the characters, setting and main plot. Treat this like a one-paragraph Plot Letter.
Critique
Write a paragraph for each critique section.
1. Describe the author’s main theme(s) in the book. Give examples from the book. In other words, what do you think the book was really all about and what is your evidence? (ex. independence, bravery, friendship, love, greed, family, ….)
2. Describe your favorite section from the book. What did you like about it and why?
3. How well was the book written? Comment on descriptive language, character development, plot/story development, and resolution. In other words what did the author do well and how did he/she do it?
Recommendation
Write a paragraph explaining why you would recommend this book to others and explain why.

Post your recommendation to Shelfari. We will share these from Shelfari in class.