OAHS Library: Book Reviews

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1. Book Description
   1. If the book is fiction, describe the plot and/or main theme of the story. Mention the important characters and the issues they face in the book. Be sure not to give away the ending (no spoilers!).

If the book is nonfiction, describe the subject/topics and coverage (broad or in-depth) of the book. What is its purpose?

1. 2. Special features
      1. Note if fiction is written in a non-standard format like verse or a series of emails or text messages.
      2. For nonfiction, list any special features the book contains such as illustrations, maps, photographs, media, etc.
   3. Comparison to similar works
      1. Mention if the book fits into a specific genre (mystery, adventure, science fiction, supernatural fiction, romance, horror, etc.).
      2. How does the book compare to similar books or even television or films? For fiction, compare to other books in the same genre? For nonfiction, compare to books on the same subject/topic.
      3. Is the book part of a series? How does the book compare to other works by the author?
   4. Author notes
      1. Read a little background about the author to learn about their professional writing background, education, and life experiences. This will give you some perspective on their writing and works.
2. Evaluation
   1. Consider the plot, setting, character development and overall quality of the writing (language, sentence structure, use of literary devices). Does the book achieve its intended purpose? Does it provide compelling information about an interesting topic?
   2. Opinions should be honest and to-the-point; try using supporting details or short quotes from the book to help illustrate your opinion.
   3. Include a recommendation for other high school students. Who would enjoy this book?

3. Rating - Give the book a rating on a scale of 1 to 5 stars; 1 for poor, 5 for awesome 

• Book reviews must be between 150 – 200 words.  

• Spelling, grammar, and punctuation should be perfect.

• Reviews should generally include the elements in the order below, but do not have to follow exactly.

• All reviews are graded using the book review rubric on the library website and submitted to Turnitin.com. Submitting a review found online is plagiarism and will result in disciplinary action.

• Read the entire book (reviewing without reading the whole story is unfair to the author!)

• It is helpful to make notes of important things you want to include in your review.

• Remember that the audience for your review is other teens just like you. Imagine you are describing the book to a friend. 

• Hook ‘em! Good writing helps entice readers. Remember this as you compose your review; it should be interesting and make someone want to read!

Student Review Example - FICTION

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies. *****

By Sonya Sones

Imagine this: your mother just died and you are forced to move away from your friends into a completely different life with your father. That's how Ruby Milliken's life gets turned upside down. She gets shipped off to live with the father who abandoned her and her mother. Ruby had to leave behind her boyfriend and best friend in Massachusetts. One minute, she's worrying about a girl named Amber from her old school trying to steal her boyfriend. The next minute, she's writing emails to her dead mother. Author Sonya Sones puts some events from her life into her writing, which gives it a natural feel. This original story will definitely take your breath away. Sones illustrates the characters in ways that teenagers can relate. Young adult readers should read all of Sones' books. They are unforgettable.  ~Rachael F.

Student Review Example - NONFICTION

A long way gone : memoirs of a boy soldier

By Ishmael Beah

This is a true story about a boy who went through the gates of hell and back. A Long Way Gone, is a memoir about Ishmael Beah, a boy from Sierra Leone. The story begins as he is an innocent rap music-loving boy who loves his family and friends. Becoming a child soldier is never a thought he entertained. At the age of 13 he was picked up by government troops that changed him forever. He had to make a life changing decision; either die, or fight in the war. One gruesome task after another this young man would have to face. Finally by the age of 15, he was picked up by UNICEF, then underwent 6 months of rehabilitation to try and erase all of his childhood trauma. Now Ishmael Beah lives in New York, telling the devastating tale of his childhood. ~ By William D. (Conestoga Valley High School)

Professional Review Example - FICTION

School Library Journal (September 1, 2008)

Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins

In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 14 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator." Book one of a planned trilogy. Recommended for Grades 7 and Up. -Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Printz Previews: Collection of book trailers for titles that won the Printz Award (excellence in young adult literature) from 2000 - 2011 created by graduate students at the School of Library and Information Studies at Texas Woman's University.

YA Book Trailers: Northwest High School Librarian Naomi Bates extensive catalog of student-created book trailers, as well as guidance on creating quality book trailers and resources and tools for creating them.