Grade 6
BOOK REPORT PAPER
One book report will be due each trimester. Book reports will be due on or before the
following dates: Friday, October 30th ; Friday, February 5th,: Friday
May 6th .
Listed below are a number of categories from which to choose reading material. Each of
the novels you read must fall under a different category from the last.
Categories
 Autobiography: An autobiography is a book in which the author tells the story of
his or her own life. Autobiographies are considered non-fiction.

Biography: A biography is also the story of an individual' s life, but in this case
someone has written the story other than the subject of the book. Biographies are
also considered non- fiction.

Fantasy: A fantasy contains in its plot, characters and setting elements, which to
our knowledge do not occur or exist in reality.

Science Fiction: Science Fiction also contains elements, which to our knowledge
do not do not occur or exist in reality .It differs from fantasy in that its characters,
plot, and setting are loosely based in scientific reality or possibility.

Realistic Contemporary Fiction: Realistic contemporary fiction is a book that is
set in the present, in a place that may actually exist, containing characters that
don't but could exist, and having a plot that consists of events that do not but
could have occurred.

Historical Fiction: Historical fiction is set in a place and time that existed at some
point in the past. Major historical events and individuals may be mentioned or
used in furthering the plot. However, the bulk of the characters and the story itself
are fictional.

Adventure: A book in which the main character must overcome a series of
obstacles to achieve his or her goals would be considered an adventure.

Mystery: The plot of a mystery is based on events that at the outset of the book
are unexplained. Over the course of the book, the characters search for an
explanation for these events in order that they might "solve" the mystery.

Your Choice: A book that does not fall under any of the above categories would
be considered "your choice".
BOOK CHOICES MUST BE APPROVED.
WRITTEN BOOK REPORT GUIDELINES
The written report will be divided into four different parts:
Part I: The Title Page (1 Page)
The title page will be the front page of your report, and it must contain the following
information: your name, the class for which the report has been written, the book report
number (1,2, or 3), the due date, the title of the book, the author of the book, and the
category of the book. This information is not required to be in any particular order or in
any particular position on the page. It must simply all be included. Feel free to be creative
with your tile page. Artwork is not required, but it is enjoyed and appreciated.
Part II: The Character Description (1-1 ½ Pages)
Your character page should include a list of the characters in your book that play an
important role in furthering the plot. Each character's name should be in either alluppercase letters or in a bold print or script. After each name, please describe the
character. Some of the items you might address in your description would include age,
appearance, relationship to the other characters, hopes and dreams, beliefs, personality,
and occupation, as well as any other information, you feel is pertinent. Do not use this
page to describe the events which occur in the book. . . . simply describe the characters.
Part III: The Plot Summary (1-2 Pages)
The next page (or two) will be devoted to summarizing the series of events that make up
the plot of the book. Usually the plot centers around a conflict, or problem. Be sure to
state the main focus of the book early on. Go on to explain how the plot develops as the
characters respond to the conflict or conflicts they are involved in. Be sure to ultimately
explain how the conflict is resolved. ***Your summary will include the beginning, the
middle, and the end of the book.
Part IV: Evaluation and Opinion (1-1 ½ Pages)
This page is reserved for your opinion of the book and your evaluation of its relevance.
In a series of organized and clearly written paragraphs, the following question should be
addressed:
1. Did you enjoy this book? Why or why not? Do you feel it was worth the time you
spent reading it? Explain your thinking.
2. Was there a particular character you felt you could especially understand? If not,
what could the author have done to make the characters more real to you?
3. If you were a librarian, what types of people would you recommend this book to?
4. What do you believe was the author's purpose in writing this book? For example,
was his or her primary purpose to entertain you, to help you better understand a
specific culture, to promote a certain set of beliefs or value system, or was it
written to bring to life a specific period of history? You decide what you believe
the author’s purpose was and then explain your reasoning.
The opinion and evaluation section of the written book response is the most important.
Do not write it as an afterthought. Be thorough. In addition, honesty is valued and
expected. Do not write what you think I want to read. Give straightforward opinions, and
evaluate according to what you really think and believe.
Other Items to Note :
1. When the summary length was mentioned above (1-2 pages) it was calculated
according to reports that will be typed double-spaced. That is equal to roughly 250 words
per page.
You are not required to type, but if you write out your reports, they should be written
neatly in black or blue ink. Written reports should also be double -spaced. Type or write
on only one side of each page.
2. Rough drafts will not be accepted as final reports. It is expected that you will write at
least one rough draft that you will then proofread and revise as needed. Please feel free to
employ the proofreading talents of your classmates, friends, siblings, or parents. It is
good to have others give their opinions on your writing. This is not considered cheating;
it is considered a good writing habit.