book report projects 4th grade

How we do book reports- 4th grade literature

This year, instead of choosing a curriculum for comprehension, I discussed with our teacher and decided that we would do book reports instead.

She helped us choose 4 books and we picked:

• Around the World in 80 Days (from Bookdepository- our version is not available anymore)
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (from Bookdepository)
• Charlotte’s Web (from Bookdepository)
• Lincoln and His Boys (from Bookdepository) * These books all ship FREE worldwide from Bookdepository.

M doesn’t like writing and composition is hard for him- so book reports aren’t one of his strong points yet, even though he is a capable reader and his comprehension is great.

I was a bit confused as to what a book report entailed until our teacher sent us some samples, and I managed to create a “process” that works for us which enabled me to “hold his hand” and make sure he gets the most out of it. Here’s how we do it.

1. Read the book

The first step is obviously reading the book. I planned the year so he would read a long and a shorter book per semester. We started with “Around the World in 80 Days” because it was the longest. Moreover, it was full of descriptions in Jules Verne style that tired M after a while, but he managed to finish it and (un)surprisingly he liked it so much that he listened to the audiobook versions of all Jules Verne’s famous books! (less trouble for me in finding him new audiobooks).

To avoid reading fatigue, I split the book into bits, asking him to read 3 chapters per week. This worked great because he didn’t need to do much at once. I did that for all the books, but if he wants to read them faster, I am ok with that, too. He finished Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH in a week.

Ideally, I would have asked him questions after every chapter or I would have given him small writing assignments every few chapters, but because this was the first year we were doing it and I didn’t want it to be overwhelming (or push him into hating reading), I just let him read as he pleased.

2. Listen to the audiobook and see the movie (if available)

I’ve gotten this idea because I stumbled upon the Audible Audiobooks for some of the books we needed to read. We played them in the night, as bedtime stories.

They are so worth it! Here’s a list of the ones available:

• Around the World in 80 Days – on Audible. If you want to listen to this book, buy this version! It was a delight to listen to, with all the characters coming to life.
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH – on Audible. Another beautiful audiobook, unabridged.
• Charlotte’s Web – on Audible. You have to get this version narrated by Meryl Streep, we LOVED IT!

I also rented the movies I could find from Amazon Prime. You can either rent them, buy them or buy the DVDs depending where you are in the world.

• Around the World in 80 Days – you can buy the DVDs from Amazon or, if you have a USA card, you can rent the movie.
• The Secret of NIMH – Amazon DVD or Prime.
• Charlotte’s Web – DVDs or Prime video from Amazon

By listening to the audiobooks and watching the movies after reading the original book, we could discuss about the differences in them. It was a great exercise for M and I used this opportunity to tell him never to judge a book by its movie.

3. Make an outline of your book reports

The third step actually meant that I would get more involved. We usually start with diagramming and writing down the main idea and supporting details.

I used some teacher guides to help me, and M wither filled them in or I just asked some questions to see his comprehension. The best ones for our books were:

• Around the World in 80 Days Guide – FREE pdf
• Lincoln and His Boys Guide – FREE pdf
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH Guide – Amazon (I got the Kindle version)
• Charlotte’s Web Guide – from Amazon OR Charlotte’s Web Guide from Bookdepository.

Then, I take a piece of paper and start asking him step by step questions and as he answers them, I write them down for him. After we are done, we read it together, make tweaks and bring it to a final form.

This is the step where I help him the most and I hope that in time he will get used to creating his own outlines and first drafts.

4. Book reports – final form

We are actually going to submit 2 final forms: one is handwritten by M. I created a similar one (which we will use in the future) for anyone that wants to download it from our Resource L i brary .

The second one is a typed one. This one takes forever to type because M is still not used to all the keys, but I saw it as a good opportunity to use the computer in a practical way and let him learn things freely, as we go.

He is learning how to research information about the author online, how to extract it and reword it, how to look for and save images, how to edit a text on a computer, how to print, and more.

5. Grading and presentation

I am required to use a rubric for grading his reports, and our teacher from Bridgeway Academy was kind enough to send me one. We just love how helpful she is!

At this point, I am checking for comprehension, ability to remember details, and ability to detect the main idea. I am less concerned about him being able to put it all together because I realize it’s a long process that we will continue over the years and he will get better at it by seeing it modeled.

I would have liked to make him present the whole project to us, but I felt like it would bee too much. Maybe from next year we will start working on this aspect as well.

I am also planning to incorporate Teaching the Classics for literature starting from next year. I will be back with an in-depth review of it once I finish the course.

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A Tasty Reading Project

22 comments

Erin those projects look amazing! I am so impressed! Be sure to tell you students I said they look like works of art! What an awesome way to show what you know! I am glad you found my blog at Teachingisagift. I love to share all my zany ideas with anyone who is willing to read them! Make sure you come back and link up with the Blog by Province Linky Party at http://teachingisagift.blogspot.ca/p/blog-by-province.html. While you are there be sure to download your Ontario Blogger button (just right click on the image and save image as...) Then you can upload it to your sidebar and link back to the original page. If you need any help let me know. There are lots of great canadian bloggers out there just waiting to meet you! Sidney Teachingisagift

Thank you for the kind words and the warm welcome, Sidney! We had lots of fun with these! I think I have the Ontario Blogger button set up correctly now! :) Erin

Wow! These projects look amazing! They are really making me hungry just looking at them! I am so happy that your kiddos had fun with them and that you were pleased with the results. Thanks so much for the bloggy shout out! :)

Thank YOU for the great product! :) Erin

I found you from The Peanut Gallery blog today. What a wonderful project! I'm a new follower. Hunter's Tales from Teaching

Thank you so much! :) Erin

These book reports are awesome - I will have to go and check out that resource. I can't believe the amount of effort and creativity that went into those. What grade do you teach? It's great meeting other Ontario bloggers! Looking From Third to Fourth

I couldn't believe the final products either! I knew that a couple of them would go all-out, because that's what they always do, but this... I had no idea!! I teach grade five - my FAVOURITE grade ever!

The children's projects are fabulous. I have to check out the product on TpT. I have been wanting to spice up summer reading for this year. I wonder if this would do it. Thanks for Sharing, Stacy @ http://new-in-room-202.blogspot.com

Thanks, Stacy! It was great fun! :)

Wow!! I teach math, but I have to say I enjoyed looking at these projects. My wheels are spinning right now trying to turn them into math projects.

Thank you, Brooke! It was fun to see what the kids came up with! Let me know if you come up with a way to use this for math... I'd be interested to hear how it goes! ~Erin

nice projects

Great project! I'm always looking for new ways to present book reports. Did the students do this on their own, with parents, or at school? Did they have to purchase their own materials?

Hi there, CCTeach! The students created these projects at home with any materials they chose. Some were as simple as paper inside of a pizza box. I'd recommend checking out the resource I mention at the beginning of the post - It includes everything you need to implement this in your classroom. :) Thanks for stopping by! Erin

hello! i wanted to recreate the cake book report, i am just LOVING the idea! can you please tell my measurements of the purple cake so i can buy it on amazon?? thanks!

Hi Farhiya, I have no idea what the measurements are. These are projects that my students completed six years ago, and they purchased the supplies themselves. Best of luck locating what you need! Erin

hey do you have a rubric so i can recreate the cake

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by! If you take another look at the post, you will see that this isn't my resource. There is a link at the top of the page to the listing on Teachers Pay Teachers. Best, Erin

Wonderful. Isimply love the idea.Beautiful way to inspire students. I WILL DO IT WITH MY STUDENTS IN GRADE 9. CHEERS Barbara

were is the instructions on how to make this?

Hi there! This is a resource for sale on Teachers Pay Teachers. You can find it by following the links in the post. Best, Erin

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Book Report Writing

Book Report Ideas

Creative and Excellent Book Report Ideas for Students

19 min read

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Book Report Writing Guide - Outline, Format, & Topics

Guide to Crafting an Outstanding Book Report Outline

Are you tired of the same old book reports? Are you looking for creative ways to make your literary analyses more exciting?

You're in the right place!

In this blog, we've gathered a variety of unique book report ideas that break away from the usual routine. If you're a student or a book lover, our fresh ideas will make your book reports more interesting.

So, let's dive in and explore these exciting ways to share your thoughts and love for literature!

• 1. How to Create an Interesting Book Report?
• 2. Creative and Fun Book Report Ideas for Middle School
• 3. Book Report Ideas High School

How to Create an Interesting Book Report?

Do you know there are many ways to present your book report? Of course, the traditional way is writing it. 

Here’s how you write a book report:

• Select a Book and Take Notes: Choose a book and read it attentively, taking notes on essential elements like characters, plot, themes, and notable quotes. Jot down your reactions and thoughts while reading.
• Understand the Requirements: Understand the guidelines or requirements given by your teacher or the format you need to follow. Different book reports might have specific criteria to fulfill.
• Craft an Outline: Organize your thoughts by creating an outline. This could include an introduction, summary, analysis, and conclusion. This step helps you structure your report effectively.
• Write the Report: Begin writing your report using your outline as a guide. Start with an engaging introduction, summarize the book's key points, delve into your analysis, and conclude with your thoughts on the book.
• Revise and Edit: Review your report for any errors, and consider refining your content. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, and ensure your ideas are presented clearly and coherently.
• Add Creativity: Enhance your report by adding imaginative features such as oral book reports, book report mobiles, book jackets, or create a timeline presented visually. These elements contribute to making your report more captivating and interactive for your audience.

Here’s a variety of creative book report ideas you can choose from:

Creative and Fun Book Report Ideas for Middle School

Creative ideas include more than writing, and this is why working on these ideas requires more time and attention. This is what makes the process so engaging and interesting for the students.

Here, we have provided some ideas and ways of presenting your book report in an outstanding and creative way.

Paper Bag Book Report Idea

Probably one of the most simple book report types, this kind of project does not need many objects, and all you need is a lunchbox size paper bag. 

To create the paper bag book report, follow the below steps:

• Add up to five objects that are relevant and significant in the bag
• When presenting the report, explain one by one how these objects are significant in the book and to the main book characters
• Instead of keeping the cover plain, you can draw some relevant drawings on it

This is an interesting book report idea for 3rd grade as younger students are usually visual learners.

Cereal Box Book Report Idea

These kinds of book reports are quite creative and cost-effective also. All you need to have is an empty cereal box and some paper to cover the box and to add other details.

To create book report, follow the below steps:

• Cover the entire cereal box with white, or any other color, paper
• Make a relevant drawing on the front part of the cereal box
• Write the details like the book’s themes and summary at the sides of the box
• Rename the cereal with a correlating name

This idea is well-suited for slightly older students, making it an ideal choice for a book report idea for 4th-grade students.

Character Analysis Book Report

This kind of book report is unique as in it, the students dress up like one of the characters in the book and present it through the character’s point of view. Students may choose their favorite character for the analysis. Besides the acting part, your teacher may ask you to prepare the written character analysis report also. When dressed up, explain the significance of the character and its role in the book.

This makes for an interesting book report idea for 7th grade as it involves critical skills to analyze a character.

Lapbook Book Report

Lapbooks are different from scrapbooks and make for an excellent and quick book project that is both creative and informative. The students create them to present their book reviews and reports creatively. 

To make the Lapbook, follow the below steps:

• Take a file folder; you can take a file folder of any color
• Fold both sides of the folder inwards and make a strong crease
• Cut and paste a piece of strong paper like cardboard paper or construction paper in the middle part of the file
• You can add the summary and list of important themes in the middle section of the file
• To the side panels, add the list of main characters and personal analysis and recommendation

This is quite a simple and creative type of book report idea for 5th grade, and you can present all the necessary details easily with it.

Diorama Book Report

A diorama is a 3-D version and representation of a scene or character from the book. It is different from a simple and straightforward drawing and includes more creative and interesting elements. 

To make a diorama, follow the below steps:

• Take a shoebox, big enough to help you present the scene completely
• Draw the scene that you want to represent on the inside of the box and place it facing forward
• Draw and make some paper structures from the scene like objects and characters
• Place them to represent the said scene
• You can write the scene’s description and place it at the top of the box

A diorama is an excellent way of defining and explaining a scene from the book, and if you are good with papercraft, it would be an easy project. It's a bit more complex so it would be a suitable book report idea for 6th grade students.

Poster Book Report Ideas

Looking for something different from the usually written book report? Try a poster-style book report. Poster-style book reports are creative and allow you to add as many features from the book as possible. 

To make the poster, follow the below steps:

• Take a poster of the color of your choice
• Draw the characters and some scenes from the book on it
• You can also divide the poster into sections and add things like the book’s summary, the list of themes and characters on it

This is a unique book report idea for  and allows a lot of creativity.

PowerPoint Book Report

This idea is more suitable if you are having a class presentation for the book report. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation of your chosen book. You can add pictures and other visual objects to your slides. 

Moreover, to make a memorable PowerPoint book report, follow the below steps:

• Add the name of the book on the first slide and add some elements from the book to it
• Mention the summary of the book on the next slide
• Add a list of main themes and explain them verbally
• Mention the main characters from the book; you can either add a list of these characters or dedicate one slide to each character and add some of its defining qualities to it

This is quite an interesting book report idea where you get a chance to combine visual objects with explanations. It involves the use of PowerPoint software, making it a suitable book report idea for 7th grade.

Mini-Book Report

These are the miniature versions of the complete and lengthy books, and all you will need is a paper or a premade template that you can download online. Since they are easy to make, students read and make the report easily.

If you are making the mini-book yourself then follow the following steps:

• Fold the paper into four sides
• Add the title of the book on the main cover and draw a scenic view of it
• List the main characters of the book on one side of the paper
• Add the main theme or scene that you will discuss in your report and add its description and explanation on one side of the fold

These mini-books are easy to make, and you can fit an entire book into a single paper.

Jacket Book Report

A jacket book report is somewhat like a lapbook with the only distinction that the jacket is used from all sides. You can either download a premade template or make one yourself. Follow the below steps:

• Fold the paper inwards like a jacket
• Write the summary of the book at the back of the jacket
• Write the list of the main themes and characters at the flaps of the jacket
• Add the description of the main occurrences and characters on the inside of the jacket

The project is quite interesting as you get a chance to present your book report in detail.

Letter-to-the-Author Book Report

In this project, the student writes a letter to the author and tells him about what they have experienced when reading the book. It is a great way of communicating your thoughts, and the writer is alive. The school or teacher could actually arrange to mail these letters to him. 

Some key steps to mention in the letter are given below:

• Explain how you like the plot of the book
• Describe the traits of the main characters that you like and dislike about them
• Comment on the setting and conclusion of the book and explain if you agree or agree with it

Writing a letter-type book report will help you become a better analyst and write a better and more detailed analysis of the book.

Book Report Ideas High School

Here are a few book report ideas for high school students:

Picture Book Report

These kinds of book reports are all visuals and appeal greatly to younger students. After you read the book, create a picture version of it. 

Either you could add the pictures only, or you can mix it with some written descriptions like the summary of the book on the cover page. 

Other things and elements that you could add to your book report are given below:

• The list of the main characters
• The list of the themes and parallel plots

However, add the list alongside the pictures depicting these themes and characters. These reports will help them understand the book in a better manner.

Timeline Book Report

As the name says it all, in this kind of book repkort, you will prepare a timeline of the main events as and when they occurred in the book.  Instead of adding all the events in a row, look for the events that are significant in the book and explain how they helped to shape the story. It is an easy way to learn about the main events that occurred in the book.

Factsheet Book Report

This kind of book report is based on gathering and presenting the relevant facts about the book. You can either prepare ten or more significant facts about the book and that you have learned while reading comprehension. 

Some of the things that you add in this factsheet are:

• Morals that you have learned from the book talks
• Incidents that are prevalent in both the book and the life of the author
• The significant flaws in the personalities of the main characters
• Key points of additional information about the book

Factsheet book report helps you understand the book better, focusing on important events and themes. This way of presenting information using data might be complex, making it an appropriate book report idea for 8th grade.

Glossary Book Report

This is a very interesting type of book report, but you will need to be quite careful when working with it. To create a glossary and understand the book better, you must carefully read it and observe how specific words impact the overall story. To make such a book report, follow the below steps:

• Read the book carefully and note down important words and phrases
• Explain the collected words and phrases and add relevant sentences as examples
• Explain verbally also how these collected words and phrases are important in the book
• If your teacher allows, pass the book report in the class for everyone to read it

These kinds of book reports encourage you to read the book and help others understand the main aspects of the book.

Character Book Report

Sometimes instead of the entire book, the teacher gives the choice of choosing any one character from the book and preparing your book report on it. You can choose any character and study it in detail. 

When preparing the report, add the following points to it:

• Positive traits of the character
• Negative traits of the character
• The significance of the character in the book
• The way the character has helped shape the storyline

This kind of book report is a good way of understanding and studying the characters of the book.

T-Shirt Book Report

This could be a great way of using an old white t-shirt. 

You can use color pens, glitter pens, crayons, and acrylic colors to make the scenes and write down different things on it. To make one such t-shirt book report, follow the following steps:

• Draw the scene of the book on the front of the shirt with details like the title of the book, its author, and genre
• Use the back of the shirt to write a summary of the book and section it to add the main characters of the book
• Use the sleeves to add other details like the themes and plot of the book
• Draw some scenes from the book that is significant for the story

To present the book report, you can either wear it in the class, or you can hang it on a hanger and present it.

Rainbow Book Report

This is quite an enjoyable project, and we are sure that no matter what grade you are studying in, you will enjoy working on this project. To make a colorful rainbow book report, follow the below steps:

• Take a white-colored poster
• Paste the printed picture in the middle of the poster
• Draw lines from the middle picture and divide them into several sections
• Write details in those sections
• Color each section with a different color and use crayons or watercolors for it

The project is colorful and informative; as with it, you can explain your book in a better manner.

Hanger Book Report

This is a very simple kind of book report. All you will need is a hanger, some paper cards, and pencils or markers. It is easy to make and equally easy to present. To make one, follow the below steps:

• Write the name of the book on the top of the hanger
• Draw the characters and scenes on the paper cards
• Add the summary of the book and description of the themes of the book on other paper cards
• Attach all the cards with strings and in the flow that represents the events in a sequence

The project is simple, and you will not need many things to execute this project.

Charm Bracelet Book Report

Who doesn’t love charm bracelets? They are cute and make a great book report project idea also. To present such a book report, you can either make one and wear it to your class or draw an entire paper hand with the charm bracelet around it. 

To make one, follow the below steps:

• Cut a paper in the shape of a hand with the bracelet on it
• Use each part of the charm bracelet to present a different aspect of the book, like the list of the main characters, the summary of the book, the main themes of the book, etc.
• Color each part with a different color

This project makes an interesting book report, one that you will really enjoy making.

Pizza Box Book Report

Do you know that your favorite pizza makes for a great book report idea? Yes, it does. 

It is a unique idea, and it will really get your creativity going. To make a pizza box book report, follow the following steps:

• Cut a paper in a circular shape and make sure that the paper is big enough to cover all the main book details
• Divide and design the paper like that of a pizza
• Use the upper slice to add the book title and the name of the author
• Use other slices for the summary of the book, main characters, setting, themes of the book, and important incidences
• Use the insides of the box to add and stick paper cutting for other important book details

This is an excellent idea to present your book report, and you will enjoy making it also.

Sandwich Style Book Report

Another ‘edible’ book report idea is on our list. This yummy book report has a number of layers, just like a sandwich, and you will use each layer to present different aspects of the book report. To make a sandwich book report, follow the below steps:

• Download the printable versions of the slices of bread, lettuce, cheese, etc. or draw and cut them yourself
• On the top layer of the bread, mention the title of the book plus the author of the book
• In the next layer, add the summary of the book
• Use other layers to add and explain the main characters and themes of the book
• In the last layer, add the recommendations and personal analysis

A sandwich book report is easy to make, and if you have downloaded the designs, then all you will have to do is to add the written details.

Mint Tin Book Report

Now, this kind of book report represents how to present a book in a box or in a tin box. It is a really cute and adorable way of presenting your book, and you can make one by following the below steps:

• Get a tin box of any size that you find perfect for your book report
• Cut papers as per the shape and size that will fit into that tin box
• Make a list of the things that you will add into your book report tin
• Write the summary of the book on the top piece of paper
• Add other details like the themes, settings, plot, and characters on other paper pieces
• To make it even interesting, draw a relevant drawing on the title paper of the book report You can use the same idea to make other books in the box types of book reports.

Cake Book Report

Love cakes? Why not make one as your book report? A cake-style book report is quite creative, and your teacher will love to have these in the class. To make a cake book report, follow the below steps:

• Download and assemble a premade cake book report
• At the top main, write the title of the book and the author
• At the top tier of the cake, list the names of the main characters, like the main protagonists and antagonists
• In the second tier, add the main themes and motifs of the book
• In the last tier, add personal analysis and recommendations

If you do not want to make the report with a premade template, you can also make one yourself.

Alternate Ending Book Report

Not satisfied with the ending of the book? Why not write an alternate ending for it? This makes for an excellent book report where you can explain the main themes and elements of the book and the reason why the ending is not relevant or could be better.  When working on this kind of book report, add the following points:

• Explain the background of the author and the book
• Explain the main incidences, characters, and themes of the book
• Mention why the ending is not appropriate and add relevant examples from the text
• Suggest an alternate ending and explain why and how it is better than the actual ending

This kind of book report is a great exercise to read and analyze a piece of literature while working on your critical analysis skills.

Book Report Ideas for Distance Learning

Following are a few book report ideas for distance learning.

Screenplay Book Report

How would your favorite book be formed in a movie? Making movies based on books is nothing new, and you will find plenty of them. This kind of book report is different, and you will need to ask your teacher if he would allow you to do it this way.  When writing the screenplay, add the following things to it:

• Write the dialogues according to the personality of the character
• Make the setting as close to the ones described in the book
• Make sure that you have built your characters as per the descriptions in the book

It is quite a creative project and will help you sharpen your creative writing skills.

Collage Book Report

Looking for an easy and creative book report idea? A collage book report is easy to make, and it is quite colorful and creative also. To make a collage book report, follow the below steps:

• Take a strong chart paper in any color
• Cut different structures to represent different characters and themes of the book
• Other things to mention and add are the settings of the book and important incidences

The project is a great book report idea if you are fond of drawing and want to combine it with writing.

Letter-to-the-Character Book Report

If you have the liberty to choose the kind of book report then this kind will definitely excite you. in it, you will write a letter to one of the characters of the book. When doing so, you can add the following details to it:

• Mention how you do like the character
• Explain the qualities and personality traits that you like about him or her
• Mention the traits that you do not like or want the character to improve

This kind of book report helps you in building your critical analysis skills and use them in further projects.

Compare and Contrast Book Report

For this kind of book report, you will need to choose two or more books. Then, read them and find out the parallels between them and how these books are similar to one another.  Afterward, 

You can use a file folder or even a collage to draw these parallels and differences between them. However, no matter what kind of design you choose, present the book’s side so that the onlooker can understand the similarities and differences between them.

Here are some sample book report to give you ideas:

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Book Report Ideas

Harry Potter Book Report Ideas

Biography Book Report Ideas

All of these creative idea book report projects follow different outlines and are unique. They make great teaching ideas and lesson plans also.

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Raise the Bar Reading

A Reading Teacher's Blog

Nonfiction Book Report Templates and Ideas for 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Students

Generally, when we think of book reports, we think of fiction reading response. However, nonfiction book report templates serve equally as important of a purpose for digging deep into nonfiction texts.  

Book reports are such a great way to encourage the use of many different reading skills with the same text. With one nonfiction text, students can practice skills like identifying main idea and details, analyzing text structure, finding nonfiction text features, summarizing, quoting, paraphrasing, finding the author’s purpose, citing text evidence, etc. The list goes on and on! 

By allowing students to practice so many skills at once, they are able to deeply analyze the text and think critically about the topic. Students can then form their own opinions on the topic and the author’s writing style, and ask important questions for further investigation.   

1. BACKPACK BOOK REPORT:

Backpack Book Reports are an engaging, hands-on twist on a classic book report. They are very easy to prep and make a great bulletin board display when completed. 

Each page focuses on an important nonfiction reading skill. These include: 

• Main Idea & Supporting Details
• Summarizing
• Nonfiction Text Features
• Author’s Point of View & Text Evidence
• Text Structure
• Academic Vocabulary
• Interesting Facts
• Back Up Opinions
• Reflection (What I Learned, My Connection, Questions I Still Have)

2. BOOK REPORT TAB BOOKS:

These tab books really bring nonfiction texts to life! Students re-create the cover of their informational book on the front of their book report. Then, each of the 10 tabs represent an important nonfiction reading response skill.  The tabs include:

They also come in full page option to maximize student writing space, or half page size to maximize wall space for a display.  

3. INFORMATIONAL TEXT LAP BOOK REPORT:

These lap books are great in that you can have students 1.) completely design their own lap books, or 2.) provide them with more structured directions.  

• Lap Book Free-Writes: The teacher tells students what nonfiction elements they are responsible for reporting on, but does not tell them exactly how to present them. The teacher provides students tools like paper, envelopes, scissors, etc. and students can present the information however they would like.

• Structured Lab Book: With this option, the teacher can set clear expectations and provide a model for how to present each nonfiction element on their lap books.

4. NONFICTION BOOK REPORT TEMPLATES:

Students can fill in each template and staple them together with the included cover page. These 10 templates are versatile in that if there’s a skill you haven’t yet covered, you can easily leave that page out until later into the school year and it won’t affect the finished book report product.

5. DIGITAL NONFICTION BOOK REPORT TEMPLATES:

These digital slides are the same as the nonfiction book report templates above, just in a digital Google Slides format. With this format, teachers can just delete any of the slides that cover skills that their students are unfamiliar with before making them their own copy. 

6. CEREAL BOX BOOK REPORT IDEAS:

Cereal boxes are a popular 3D way to have students present their book report since cereal boxes are easily accessible for any student to get their hands on. Students cover their boxes with paper to create drawing and writing space.  

The front of the box is transformed into a type of cereal that is fitting for the text they read.  For example, a student reporting on owls might name their box “Hoot Loops”. Then, the back and sides of their box are filled with information on the text. 

Similar to the lap book options described above, it is up to the teacher in how much structure they want to provide in this activity. Students can follow a model of how to present each element of nonfiction, or come up with their own ways to present each element on their box.

7. ONE PAGE BOOK REPORT (One Pager) :

Not every single book report we assign needs to take up tons of class time. A one-page book report option is an essential resource as it can be used as a quick, zero prep assessment tool. Although short, this type of report can still have students dig deep into reading comprehension.  

On the one pager that is pictured, students still use many important nonfiction skills. These include writing a nonfiction summary, identifying text structure, finding facts, giving an overall opinion, writing a recommendation, reflection on what they learned, and providing a rating.

8. PARAGRAPH WRITING WITH GUIDELINES:

If you are looking for a way to provide a lot of structure and clear expectations, you can give students a nonfiction book report writing rubric for what their reports need to include from the very start.

Students can also use graphic organizers that break down necessary points to include according to their rubric. Using a graphic organizer for prewriting is a great support for students in organizing their ideas before jumping into their drafts. 

No matter what book report format you go with, it is important that students know and understand what is expected of their writing content. Displaying a Nonfiction Book Report Bulletin Board is such a helpful way to provide students with steps to writing a book report as well as terms they will come across in their templates.

All of the nonfiction book report templates from this blog post are included in the Nonfiction Book Reports Bundle as well as the Fiction & Nonfiction Book Reports Megabundle !

Next up: Fiction Book Report Writing Ideas

Teaching Book Report Writing: Book Report Ideas and Formats (Grades 3-5)

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MR. YUND'S CLASS

Calumet Christian School

 Monthly Reading Projects 

Monthly reading projects are designed to encourage students to read well written books within a specific genre.  Each month the students will be assigned a genre or category (Newberry Winners, Science Fiction, Mystery, etc.).  Students will have the freedom to choose a book within that genre based on their reading level and areas of interest.  Each month, the students will also be assigned a corresponding reading project to complete.  

Projects are almost always due the last school day of that particular month unless the month ends in a scheduled break (Christmas break,Spring break, etc.), at which point they will be due the Friday after we return from break.

See the desciptions below for more information.  If you have further questions, please contact Mr. Yund.

 September 

Genre : 

Choose a Newberry Medal Winner or Honor Book

Cereal Box Book Report  (click link for detailed instructions--file will download)

 I will give the students a hard copy of the project instructions too.

Make a Google Slides presentation for your book. Describe the characters, plot, and setting of your books. Make sure to include pictures.

 Newberry Medal Winners 

The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Medal Winner:

Last Stop on Market Street , written by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson and published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC.

Recent Honor Books

The War that Saved my Life , by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. 

Roller Girl , written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. 

Echo , by Pam Muñoz Ryan and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc. 

Complete List of Newberry Winners 1922-present (click me)

  October   

Create a newspaper for your book:

Summarize the story in one article by writing a story that details the crime and how it was solved.  Cover the weather in another, and do a feature story on one of the more interesting characters in another. Include an editorial and a collection of ads that would be pertinent to the story.  Your newspaper should include details that are accurate to the time period in which your stories are written. 

Many of your mysteries may be written as a collection of different mysteries (Sherlock Holmes, Encyclopedia Brown, etc.).  In this case, please pick ONE of the stories and report on that mystery only. You do not have to report on every mystery in the book.

Newspaper Template (click to download PPT)

Newspaper Template (Google Doc - File - Make a Copy)

The Google Doc will not let you edit. To use it,  select "File" from top menu and then select "make a copy". You can then rename the file to whatever you want. 

The new document will now be located in your personal Google Drive. 

Make a crossword puzzle. Use the characters, settings, theme, and other information from your book to design a crossword puzzle. 

Use the "Instant Online Crossword Puzzle" 

  Sherlock Holmes  

Featured Mysteries: Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of twelve short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring his fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. It was first published on 14 October 1892, though the individual stories had been serialised in The Strand Magazine between June 1891 and July 1892.

The stories are not in chronological order, and the only characters common to all twelve are Holmes and Dr. Watson. As with all but four of the Sherlock Holmes stories, those contained within The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes are told by a first-person narrative from the point of view of Dr. Watson.

                                                                                                       - Wikepedia.com

  November  

*PROJECTS WILL BE DUE THE FRIDAY AFTER WE RETURN FROM BREAK

Fantasy 

Comic Book:

Create a mini-comic book relating a chapter of the book. Comic book must have color illustrations and text bubbles or captions.

Make a bookmark. On the front of the bookmark, list the Title, author, characters, and setting. Draw illustrations that represent the book.  On the back, write a one-paragraph summary of the book and include an illustration.

Featured Book:   The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

"If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of this humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) -- if you do not already know all about these things -- much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred comfort to excitement. But this account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare. They do not like noise."  -J.R.R. Tolkien

  December   

Historical Fiction

Book Suggestions (Link)

Create a Diorama (Click the Link for Instructions)

Diorama will display one scene of your choice from the book.

Create a Magazine ad for your book. Imagine that you have been hired to promote your book in your favorite magazine. Create a one-page ad that will encourage others to read it. 

  Little Women  

Featured Book: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is a novel by American author Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888), which was originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. Alcott wrote the books rapidly over several months at the request of her publisher.

The novel follows the lives of four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March—detailing their passage from childhood to womanhood, and is loosely based on the author and her three sisters

  January   

Realistic Fiction

REALISTIC FICTION BOOK IDEAS (CLICK HERE)

Book Jacket:

Design a book jacket for the book. I STRONGLY suggest that you look at an actual book jacket before you attempt this.

Download instructions here

Write a letter. Write a letter to your best friend encouraging them to read the book. Share important details from the book. Include:

 Title

 Author

 Setting 

 Themes

However, don't spoil it for them. 

Featured Book: My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Fifteen-year-old Sam Gribley has decided to run away from his crowded apartment home, but unlike most kids who rarely get beyond their block, Sam goes from New York City all the way to the ruined farm of Great-grandfather Gribley in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. There are no buildings or people on the old Gribley farm, so Sam sets up residence by hollowing out the trunk of an ancient Hemlock tree. He has brought only a few tools of survival with him: a penknife, a ball of cord, an ax, 40 dollars, and some flint and steel to help him make fire. Using these simple tools and his wits, Sam learns to live off the land, and in the course of a year, discovers just how much he values freedom, independence, and adventure when faced with the challenges of blizzards, loneliness and fear.

  February   

Choose your own genre. ​

Interview a character:

Write at least ten questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings about his/her role in the story. However you choose to present your interview is up to you.

Make a video

Act out a mock interview for the class.

Write out your interview

Make a Google Presentation to present the class.

Write a formal book report. Use the information you've learned in class to write a formal book report.

  March   

Science Fiction 

Travel Brochures --Students choose ONE interesting setting from their book and create a travel brochure that advertises this place.

Do you think tourists would enjoy visiting the setting of the book you read? What attractions would they find in this place? What could they do for entertainment? What could they see and learn about? Imagine that you work for a travel agency and you have been asked to design a brochure to advertise this place. (If your book has more than one setting, choose the most unusual and interesting one.)

Music Video . Compose an original song based on the plot or theme of the book and perform it in a music video that pairs visuals with the music and lyrics.

Featured Book: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.

"Wild nights are my glory," the unearthly stranger told them. "I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me sit down for a moment, and then I'll be on my way. Speaking of ways, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract."

A tesseract (in case the reader doesn't know) is a wrinkle in time. To tell more would rob the reader of the enjoyment of Miss L'Engle's unusual book. A Wrinkle in Time, winner of the Newbery Medal in 1963, is the story of the adventures in space and time of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O'Keefe (athlete, student, and one of the most popular boys in high school). They are in search of Meg's father, a scientist who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government on the tesseract problem.

A Wrinkle in Time is the winner of the 1963 Newbery Medal.

  April   

Biography or Autobiography

First Person Biography Speech :

Read a biography or autobiography. Dress up as your historical character (ie-Frederick Douglas, George Washington, etc.) and give a presentation to your classmates about the his or her life in the first person. 

Photo montage.  Include at least 20 images showing key elements of the story with captions for each picture.  May be displayed with Google Slides or other presentation software or compiled on poster board.

  Escape from Slavery  

Frederick Douglass (born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, c. February 1818 – February 20, 1895) was an African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping fromslavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement from Massachusetts and New York, gaining note for his dazzling oratory and incisive antislavery writings.

He stood as a living counter-example to slaveholders' arguments that slaves lacked the intellectual capacity to function as independent American citizens. Even many Northerners at the time found it hard to believe that such a great orator had once been a slave

                                                                                                        -Wikepedia.com

  May   

Classic Literature

Diary entry.  Create at least two journal/diary entries telling a true story from your life that is connected to your book’s plot, theme, or topic. All stories must be fully developed and can be presented as a journal, book, scrapbook, etc.

Design a game:

After reading a book, design a game, based on that book as its theme. Will you decide on a board game, card game, concentration? The choices are only limited to YOUR CREATIVITY! Be sure to include clear directions and provide everything needed to play.

  Old Yeller  

Featured Book: Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

Old Yeller is a 1956 children's novel written by Fred Gipson and illustrated by Carl Burger,  which received a retroactive Newbery Honor in 1969. The title is taken from the name of the yellow dog who is the center of the book's story.

In 1957 Walt Disney released a film adaptation starring Tommy Kirk, Fess Parker, Dorothy McGuire, Kevin Corcoran, Jeff York, and Beverly Washburn.

A Classical Reading List 

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