As promised, here are the book review forms for third thru eighth grade. Please make note of the due dates for each grade. Fifth grade, please notice the link to ALA - this will take you to the list of every Newbery Medal and Honor book from 1922-present. I have copy and Mrs. Blackwell has a copy in your classroom.
The book your child chooses to review does not have to come from our library and may not be one of the books that they chose for their summer reading.
Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Thank you,
Mrs. Larmore
Library Book Review Assignments for the School Year 2009-2010
THIRD GRADE
Book Review Due Dates – one each trimester
Tuesday, October 20
Tuesday, January 12
Tuesday, April 20
The children will need to choose and read a book that has won the Caldecott medal. (The Caldecott medal is an award given each year to the illustrator of a distinguished picture book from the previous year. The book is to be a Caldecott Medal book and not a Caldecott Honor book.) Then the student will write a paragraph stating:
- why they did or did not like the book
- what they thought of the illustrations
- did the illustrations add to the story, help them understand the story better
- were they award winning in their opinion (why or why not)
- whether they would or would not recommend the book to others and why
The answers to the questions above need to be in complete sentences, not just a yes or no answer. Please do not use the words “yes” or “no” in the review. I am not looking for a summary of the book. I want to know what the children THINK about the book and what reasons they have to back up their opinions. They are to do their project on loose leaf in their BEST handwriting. It is a good practice to do a rough draft first and then rewrite it again in their best writing.
These items are to be included and labeled:
Title (underlined)
Author
Illustrator
Copyright date
Publisher
Place of publication
Their paragraph
I will collect the book review on the due dates. I will review all this with the children in class. A list of the Caldecott medal books will be posted in the library and I will be teaching the children about them, showing the students the collection in our library, and where and how to find them on our library shelves. Each book review will count as two grades.
Library Book Review Assignments for the School Year 2009-2010
FOURTH GRADE
Due Dates
Monday, December 14
Monday, April 19
The children will need to choose and read a book that is the appropriate reading level for them. They must choose a book that they have not read or had read to them before. The children need to choose a book different from the other students in the class. There are to be no duplicate books chosen for the whole year. They must sign up for their book four weeks prior to the due date of the book review. If the book has already been taken, they must choose another (Hint-if they have something in mind, sign up early!!!) The students must choose a different author for each book review. The students are responsible for checking the sign up sheet to make sure it is not a duplicate.
The students will write a paragraph stating:
Why they did or did not like the book.
Have you read another book by the same author? If so, which book? How does it compare?
What they learned from the book-about themselves, others, the world, people, the writing style of the author…
If they would recommend the book to others and why or why not
The students are to PERSUADE me by their opinion of the book. The answers are not to be “yes” or “no” answers. In fact, “yes” or “no” should not be used in your paper unless it is in a direct quote from a character to support your opinion. They are to be thought out and complete sentences using examples from the book to support their answers. This is NOT to be a book summary. I am interested in what the students think and why.
They are to do their book review on loose leaf. Please included and label these items:
Title (Underlined)
Author
Illustrator – if there is one
Main character(s)
Setting
Their paragraph
The review needs to be HANDWRITTEN in pen in their best cursive writing and in the proper format. I will collect the assignments on the due date. Any late report will have 10 points deducted for each late day and is considered a homework miss. I will review all this with the children in class.
I expect the children’s best writing, grammar, spelling - in short their very best work. They are to come to every class prepared with their library materials and the book for their review (or another book to read if they have finished their review) as there will be some opportunities to read and work on their library assignments in class. Each book review is worth two grades.
Library Book Review Assignments for the School Year 2009-2010
FIFTH GRADE
Due Dates
Monday, December 7
Monday, March 29
The children will need to choose and read a book that has been awarded either the Newbery Medal or the Newbery Honor. (The Newbery Medal is given yearly to the author of the most distinguished American book for children published in the prior year.) They must choose a book that they have not read or had read to them before and they need to sign up for their books four weeks prior to the due date of the book review. There are over 80 Newbery Medal books, most of which we have in our library. Consequently, there are to be no duplicate books per book review assignment. If the book has already been taken, they must choose another one. (Hint-if they have something in mind, sign up early!!!) The students are responsible for checking the sign up sheet to make sure that another student has not chosen the book. I will post a list of the Newbery Medal books in the library and we will discuss them in class.
Then they will write a one or two paragraph review of the book, answering these questions:
Why did you like (or dislike) the main character(s)?
What would you change in this book? Why? THINK!
In what way(s) did this book remind you of another book you read? Explain, giving the title of the book and the ways. (ex. Writing style, characters, storyline, plot…)
What did the book leave you thinking about? Nothing is not an answer-be creative and think hard!
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
The students are to PERSUADE me by their opinion of their book. The answers are not to be “yes” or “no” answers, in fact, “yes” or “no” should not be used in your paper unless it is in a direct quote from a character to support your opinion. They are to be thought out and complete sentences using examples from the book to support their answers. This is NOT to be a book summary. I am interested in what the students think and why.
They are to do their book review on loose leaf. Please include and label these items:
Title (Underlined)
Author
Illustrator – if there is one Main character(s)
Setting
Newbery Award date
The one or two paragraphs (well-developed)
Bibliography – in proper format
The review needs to be in their best cursive writing in PEN. The students may also choose to type their reviews. They MUST use a size 12 font and it must be an appropriate font (Times New Roman, Tahoma, Bookman Old Style or Arial would be good ones to choose from.) If you are typing your review you must double space the review paragraphs. If you are hand-writing your review, your review paragraphs may be single spaced. I will collect the assignment on the due date. Any late report will have 10 points deducted for each late day and is considered a homework miss. I will review all this with the children in class. Please-no report covers.
I expect the children’s best writing, grammar, spelling-in short their very best work. They are to come to every class prepared with their library materials and the book for their review (or another book to read if they have finished their review) as there will be some opportunities given to them to read and work on their library assignments in class. Each book review is worth two grades.
See favorite web links below for link to Newbery Award site - search for Newbery Award winners.
Group A
1st Review – Tues. 11/10
Oral Presentations begin – Tues. 12/1
2nd Review – Tues 4/13(no presentation required)
Group B
1st Review – Tues. 11/10 (no presentation required)
2nd Review – Tues. 2/16
Oral Presentations begin– Tues. 3/9
You will need to choose and read a book, at the appropriate reading level, (no red, yellow, blue or orange dot books) from one of the following Genres, choosing a different category for each book review:
Drama- Inspiring stories of people dealing with hardships and facing their emotions
Thrills & Chills- Spooky stories to keep you on the edge of your seat
Biography- True stories of real people who achieve greatness
Animal- Horses, cats, and wild animals are involved in these stories
I strongly encourage you to pick a genre that is different from what you would normally read. This is an opportunity to try something new! You must choose a book that you have not read or had read to you before. You also must choose a book different from the other students in your class. There are to be no duplicate books chosen for the whole year. You must sign up for your book four weeks prior to the due date of the book review. If the book has already been taken, you must choose another. (Hint-if you have something in mind, sign up early!!!) You must choose a different genre for each book review. It is YOUR responsibility to check the list to make sure your book is NOT a duplicate. I do not check until grading time.
You will then write a well-developed review of the book, answering all of the following questions that are applicable and using as many paragraphs as needed:
Why did you like (or dislike) the main character(s)?
Who did the character(s) in the book remind you of? Why? Think-and be creative.
In what way(s) did this book remind you of another book you read? Explain, giving the title of the book
and the ways. (ex. Writing style, characters, storyline, plot, etc.)
What did the book leave thinking about? What did you learn? Nothing is not an answer!
Would you recommend this book to others? Why? If not, offer your suggestions.
You are to PERSUADE me by your opinion of the book. The answers are not to be “yes” or “no” answers, in fact “yes” or “no” should not be used in your paper unless it is in a direct quote from a character to support your opinion. They are to be well thought out and complete sentences, with reasons to back up your opinions. This is NOT to be a book summary. I am interested in what you think and why. Persuade me to pick up this book and read it – or not. I expect your best effort, proper grammar, spelling, punctuation - in short your very best work.
The book review MUST be typed. Please include and label these items:
Title (underlined!)
Author
Genre
Illustrator – if there is one
Main characters Setting
The review in paragraph form – double spaced
Bibliography – in proper format and on a separate sheet with title
You will need to use black ink. The typed review must be double-spaced. You must also use a size 12 font and it must be an appropriate font (Times New Roman, Tahoma, Bookman Old Style or Arial would be good ones to choose from.) I will collect these on the due date. Any late reports will have 10 points deducted for the first day missed. Anything later than one day will receive a “0” as the grade.
The written review grade breakdown follows:
Signing up for your book on time-10 pts.
Reading the book signed up for-5 pts.
Correct Genre-5 pts.
Bibliography-proper format-10 pts.
Proper format of your paper-15 pts.
Written portion of the review-55pts.
You are to come to every class prepared with your library materials and the book for your review (or another book to read if you have finished your review) as there will be some opportunities to read and work on your library assignments in class.
For your oral presentation, no notes or visual aids are allowed. The expectation is for you to stand up and talk about the book you read and share your answers to the questions from your written book review. Since you did the review, there should be no additional work required for the oral presentation. I recommend that you keep a copy of your book review so you can refresh your memory, if needed. You may not use the written review during your oral presentation. The presentation is to be 3 to 5 minutes. It is important that you try to make your presentation interesting to me and your fellow classmates. Your grade will be dependent on how well prepared you are and how engaging your presentation is. You will be called on randomly. If you are not ready the day you are called 10 points will be deduced from your grade. A “0” will be given if you are not ready the next class period.
Each book review will count as two grades. Each oral presentation will also count as two grades.
Group A Group B
Gabby Nick
Kyle Madison
Jaret Sarah Cataldo
Sean Alex Cole
Mary Danny
Christina Samantha
Ashley Analise
Marissa Renee
Zoe David
Michael Adriene
Adria Aika
Jacob Schepers Kayla
Jack Grace
Jacob Stollings Heather
Dalton Alex Waryn
Sarah Brianna
*************************************************
Library Book Review Assignments for the School Year 2009-2010
SEVENTH GRADE
DUE DATES
Group A
1st Review – Mon. 11/9
Sell it! presentations begin – Mon. 12/7
2nd Review – Mon. 3/22 (no presentation required)
Group B
1st Review – Mon. 11/9 (no presentation required)
2nd Review – Mon. 2/1
Sell it! presentations begin– Mon. 3/8
You will need to choose and read a book, at the appropriate reading level, (no red, yellow, blue or orange dot books) from one of the following Genres, choosing a different category for each book review:
Science Fiction-Take a leap into the future and look at what the world might be like one day
Sports-True stories or fiction based on the world of home runs, jump shots, gymnastics, and
personal challenges
Fantasy-Imagination takes the reader to faraway places where animals talk and dreams come true
Biography-True stories of real people who achieve greatness
I strongly encourage you to pick a genre that is different from what you would normally read. This is an opportunity to try something new! You must choose a book that you have not read or had read to you before. You also must choose a book different from the other students in your class. There are to be no duplicate books chosen for the whole year. You must sign up for your book four weeks prior to the due date of the book review. If the book has already been taken, you must choose another. (Hint-if you have something in mind, sign up early!!!) You must choose a different genre for each book review. It is YOUR responsibility to check the list to make sure your book is NOT a duplicate. I do not check until grading time.
You will then have a few options from which to pick:
Create a new dust jacket: You will need to design a new dust jacket for the book. It should include a brief summary of the book on the front flap (remember, you are trying to sell this book to others), a new cover for the book (include author’s name, title, publisher) and your recommendation for the book on the back flap. Be as creative as you want – try to use this cover to entice others to read it! Take a moment to look at a dust jacket of a book to make sure you are including all pertinent information.
What I learned: If the book you chose was a biography or factual, you will list the things you learned. You will need to give me 10 things you learned through out the book – make sure you put it into your own words. Please do not just give me a 1 to 10 list – try to present your findings in a manner that will also interest others in the book.
Basic Book Review: You will write a well-developed review of the book, answering all of the following questions that are applicable and using as many paragraphs as needed:
Why did you like (or dislike) the main character(s)?
What would you change in this book? Why?
Who did the character(s) in the book remind you of? Why? Think and be creative.
In what way(s) did this book remind you of another book you read? Explain, giving the title of the book
and the ways. (ex. Writing style, characters, storyline, plot.)
What did the book leave you thinking about? Nothing is not an answer-be creative.
Would you recommend this book to others? Why?
For your oral presentations, you will:
Sell It! You will pretend to be a publicist for the book that you just read. You will write and then deliver a 2 minute speech that will persuade other students that they should read the book. Make sure you spend some time on this. You need to be prepared and know how you are going to persuade your audience to read this book. You will turn in the written speech.
You are to PERSUADE me and your classmates. Your reviews are to be well thought out. You must use complete sentences, with reasons to back up your opinions. I am interested in what you think and why. Persuade me to pick up this book and read it. I expect your best effort, proper grammar, spelling, punctuation - in short your very best work.
The book review MUST be typed. Please include these items:
Title (underlined!)
Author
Genre
Illustrator – if there is one
Main character(s) Setting
The review in paragraph form – double spaced
Bibliography – in proper format and on a separate sheet with title
You will need to use black ink. You must use a size 12 font and it must be an appropriate font (Times New Roman, Tahoma, Bookman Old Style or Arial would be good ones to choose from.) The typed review must be double-spaced. I will collect these on the due date. Any late reports will have 10 points deducted for the first day missed. Anything later than one day will receive a “0” as the grade.
You are to come to every class prepared with your library materials and the book for your review (or another book to read if you have finished your review) as there will be some opportunities to read and work on your library assignments in class.
Each book review will count as two grades.
Group A Group B
Olivia Sarah T.
Megan Eric
Chris Allison
Anna Jacob
Joshua Kevin
Colleen Autumn
Mel Maureen
Derik L Preston
Derek J. Lacey
Ryan Rachel
Alison Victoria
Annie Alexis
Dominic Michela
Brooke Sarah C.
Mary Danny
Kevin Madelyn
***************************************************
Library Book Review Assignments for the School Year 2009-2010
EIGHTH GRADE
Due Dates
Tuesday, November 3
Tuesday, February 9
Tuesday, May 4
You will need to choose and read a book, at the appropriate reading level, (no red, yellow, blue or orange dot books) from one of the following Genres, choosing a different category for each book review:
Adventure-Stories of brave deeds and thrilling escapades
History/Historical Fiction-these stories are true or are based on events that really happened
Saints Biography-True stories of real people who became saints
Mystery/Detective Stories-Can you solve these whodunits?
I strongly encourage you to pick a genre that is different from what you would normally read. This is an opportunity to try something new! You must choose a book that you have not read or had read to you before. You also must choose a book different from the other students in your class. There are to be no duplicate books chosen for the whole year. You must sign up for your book four weeks prior to the due date of the book review. If the book has already been taken, you must choose another. (Hint-if you have something in mind, sign up early!!!) You must choose a different genre for each book review. It is YOUR responsibility to check the list to make sure your book is NOT a duplicate. I do not check until grading time.
You will then have a few options from which to pick:
Sell It! You will pretend to be a publicist for the book that you just read. You will write and then deliver a 2 minute speech that will persuade other students that they should read the book. Make sure you spend some time on this. You need to be prepared and know how you are going to persuade your audience to read this book. You will turn in the written speech.
Create a new dust jacket: You will need to design a new dust jacket for the book. It should include a brief summary of the book on the front flap (remember, you are trying to sell this book to others), a new cover for the book (include author’s name, title, publisher) and your recommendation for the book on the back flap. Be as creative as you want – try to use this cover to entice others to read it! Take a moment to look at a dust jacket of a book to make sure you are including all pertinent information.
What I learned: If the book you chose was a biography or historical, you will list the things you learned. You will need to give me 10 things you learned through out the book – make sure you put it into your own words. Please do not just give me a 1 to 10 list – try to present your findings in a manner that will also interest others in the book.
Basic Book Review: You will write a well-developed review of the book, answering all of the following questions that are applicable and using as many paragraphs as needed:
Why did you like (or dislike) the main character(s)?
What would you change in this book? Why?
Who did the character(s) in the book remind you of? Why? Think and be creative.
In what way(s) did this book remind you of another book you read? Explain, giving the title of the book
and the ways. (ex. Writing style, characters, storyline, plot.)
What did the book leave you thinking about? Nothing is not an answer-be creative.
Would you recommend this book to others? Why?
You are to PERSUADE me and your classmates. Your reviews are to be well thought out. You must use complete sentences, with reasons to back up your opinions. I am interested in what you think and why. Persuade me to pick up this book and read it. I expect your best effort, proper grammar, spelling, punctuation - in short your very best work.
The book review MUST be typed. Please include these items:
Title (underlined!)
Author
Genre
Illustrator – if there is one
Main character(s) Setting
The review in paragraph form – double spaced
Bibliography – in proper format and on a separate sheet with title
You will need to use black ink. You must use a size 12 font and it must be an appropriate font (Times New Roman, Tahoma, Bookman Old Style or Arial would be good ones to choose from.) The typed review must be double-spaced. I will collect these on the due date. Any late reports will have 10 points deducted for the first day missed. Anything later than one day will receive a “0” as the grade.
You are to come to every class prepared with your library materials and the book for your review (or another book to read if you have finished your review) as there will be some opportunities to read and work on your library assignments in class.
There will be no oral report on your book reviews this year.
Each book review will count as two grades.
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