Book Report and Book Float
Book title due by May 4
Due Date: May 28
Students are going to write a book report and create a visual. Students will design a "book float" based
on a recent book that they have completed. They will decorate the shoe box to go with the book and it will
be a float in our classroom book parade. They will also write a 2 paragraph book report using the
guidelines that I have shown them in class. I am attaching a copy of a sample book report. Please use it
as an example of what I expect.
Step 1- Select and Read an Appropriate Book
Each student is to read an approved book. This book must have at least 80 pages and be on an
appropriate level. This should be done by May 28. That will give plenty of time to write the report and
create the visual.
Step 2- Create the Book Float Visual
Materials needed by each student:
empty shoe box
construction paper or gift wrap paper
scissors
crayons
pencil
paper
miscellaneous natural materials (rocks, sand, evergreen clippings, etc., as needed)
other miscellaneous materials (craft sticks, etc., as needed)
Procedure:
Students will then create a “book float” for our classroom “Book Parade”. After reading the book they will
decorate an upside down shoe box to correspond with a scene from the book or the book's general theme
(planets, pioneers, biography, horses, etc.) The students need to visualize this as a "float" in a parade—a
book parade. Each project will be graded according to the following instructions and requirements:
All advertisement on the shoe box should be covered.
The title of the book should be neatly displayed on one side of the "float". This title should be written in
correct form with the proper words capitalized and the whole title underlined (for example: Little House
on the Prairie). The author's name should also be written after the title.
The characters and setting should be listed on the other side of the "float".
The student's name should be written neatly on the back of the "float".
The front of the “float” should show a scene from the book. Natural materials or student-made decorations
should be used to build the scene on the shoe box, not purchased materials like little cars, Indians, etc.
Step 3- Write the Book Report
Write a 2 paragraph book report. The first paragraph should include facts about the book: the title and
author, the characters, and the main story events. You should not copy directly from the book. The
second paragraph gives your opinion of the book: why the reader liked the book and why others should
read the book. You should write a rough draft of your book report. Read over the rough draft carefully.
Check for any misspelled words, sentences that do not sound right, and correct punctuation. After you have
checked your rough draft then you make your final copy. You may copy the report neatly on notebook
paper or the report may be typed. It does not have to be typed.
Step 4- Oral Presentation
You must bring your book float and book report on the due date, May 28. You will give an oral
presentation. During the presentation you must:
* Speak Loudly and Clearly
* Give us the title of your book and the author’s name
* Tell the setting, main characters, and main story events
* Explain your book float
(You will not be required to read your report aloud, just present your float.)
Scoring Rubric
The following rubric will be used to grade your book report project.
Turned in on time
Book Float:
Title/ Author
Your Name
Setting/ Characters
Scene from book
Neatness/ Creativity
Written Report:
Title underlined
Author
Correct format for heading
1st paragraph gives story information
2nd paragraph gives your opinion/ recommendation
Complete sentences
Oral Presentation:
Spoke loudly/ clearly
Gave appropriate details
5 points
5 points
5 points
10 points
10 points
5 points
3 points
2 points
5 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
Susie Q.
May 28, 2009
Ms. Pawley
#22
Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots
By Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones
In the book Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton
Jones the kids from Bailey School think that their new teacher, Mrs. Jeepers, is a vampire.
Eddie and Melody sneak into her basement one night to try to prove that she is a vampire.
Eddie also tries very hard to make her mad by doing silly things in class like dropping
books and throwing spitballs. Mrs. Jeepers seems to have the power to make Eddie
behave. In the end the kids realize that Mrs. Jeepers can’t be a vampire because
“Vampires don’t wear polka dots.”
This book is very funny. I wanted to keep reading to try to find out if Mrs. Jeepers
really was a vampire. I also enjoyed reading about all of the naughty things that Eddie
does to try to get rid of Mrs. Jeepers. My favorite part was when Mrs. Jeepers seemed to
freeze Eddie during a math game and all of the kids had to walk around him to keep
playing. I think anyone that enjoys reading funny, silly books about real kids would love
this book.
Name _________________________________________
Book Report and Float Grading Rubric
Turned in on time
AR Test taken and at least an 80% made on the test
Book Float:
Title/ Author
Your Name
Setting/ Characters
Scene from book
Neatness/ Creativity
Written Report:
Title underlined
Author
Correct format for heading
1st paragraph gives story information
2nd paragraph gives your opinion/ recommendation
Complete sentences
Oral Presentation:
Spoke loudly/ clearly
Gave appropriate details
Total
5 points
10 points
___________
___________
5 points
5 points
10 points
10 points
5 points
___________
___________
___________
___________
___________
3 points
2 points
5 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
___________
___________
___________
___________
___________
___________
10 points
10 points
___________
___________
100 points
(available)
___________
(points earned)