SUMMER BOOK REPORT
Grades 8 to 12
General Directions
1. You are to do two book reports this summer. One must be Tom Sawyer, if you cannot find a copy, we
can lend you one.
2. The second book should be a biography of a saint or person that demonstrates outstanding virtues.
3. As you read, do the following:
 Make a note or highlight important points that you may want to discuss in your report.
 Keep a list of the names of the main characters and the setting (when and where the story takes place.)
 You may also want to note the numbers of any pages you might want to refer to later.
On the first four lines, write the following:
Title: (write in the title of your book),
Author: (write in the author),
Type: (write the type of book it is – fiction, biography, history, etc.)
Characters: (write the names of the main characters)
Optional: Write an outline of your report. What will you discuss in your introduction, body paragraphs, and
conclusion? You may decide later to adjust the outline. Right now, you just want a rough outline to help you
get your thoughts in order.
4.
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Beginning Paragraph. This paragraph will serve as a beginning, or introduction, to your book report. The
beginning paragraph should have a good beginning sentence, should attract attention, should give an idea of
what is to follow, should be clear, and should make the reader interested. The beginning paragraph should
be general and let your reader know the title of the book you are reading and what you will be saying about
the book in your report.
Middle paragraphs. There should be at least 3 middle paragraphs. The middle paragraphs should follow
the rules for good paragraphs, such as having a good beginning sentence, at least three middle sentences
and a good ending sentence. Each middle paragraph should develop the idea or thought presented in the
beginning paragraph. The middle paragraphs are not summaries of the events in the book, but should
explain what about the main characters you admired or disliked. (Preferably emphasizing and giving
examples of virtues demonstrated by the main characters.)
Final Paragraph. The final paragraph should let the reader know the report is finished; it should also tell
what the writer thinks or feels about the book, or restate the main idea or theme of the report. The final
paragraph should not mention any new examples or details from the book.
The report must be double-spaced and can be typed or handwritten.
Suggestions:
A book report is not a summary.
A paragraph must have at least three sentences.
Indent the first line of each paragraph.
It can be typed or handwritten.
Proofread or have someone else proofread. Parents are encouraged to proofread with their child
whenever possible.