Tips for Writing a Quality Book Review

In Bookopolis, kids of all ages and reading levels love to share their opinions about books. While it’s easy for young readers to give a book a “star” rating and to say “it was so cool!”, it’s more useful to read a review that tells you why the book was so cool.

Here are tips for kids (and non-kids) for writing a good book review. The goal of a quality review is to express your opinion and persuade someone else to read (or avoid) this book.

Three Big Questions to Answer about the Book

1. Start with a hook! What was the book about?  In 1-2 sentences, describe what the book is about without giving away the ending.

2. What did you particularly like or dislike about the book? Answer one or more of these questions:

• Did you like the main character(s)? Did you relate to them? Would you be friends with them?
• What was your favorite part?
• What emotions did you feel when reading this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
• What makes this book different from others that you’ve read?

3. Who would you recommend this book to?

For example, kids who like baseball? 8-12-year-olds who love magical stories? 2nd-3rd graders who like stories about animals with lots of adventure?

Bonus tip: If you didn’t like the book, be honest but kind. Share your critique of the story, not the author.