Monthly Book Shares
Reading outside of school is an important part of your education. Although there will be time during the
school week to engage in independent reading, it is my expectation that you read after you leave
school. The great news about monthly book reports is that you can adapt your reading to suit your book
tastes, strengths & weaknesses, and report choices. I will be requiring you to read a book from a certain
genre each month, but as for the kind of book report you will do, it will be up to you. Even though
certain projects may really appeal to you, remember to make sure the project you choose will work well
with the novel you read. Books must be at least one hundred pages in length and cannot be a book that
you have already read.
Guidelines:
1. READ your book! Try to finish the reading portion of your book in the first three weeks. Leave
1 week before the due date to work on the book report! It is no fun to be scrambling and
stressed at the last minute, and you usually do have enough time to do your best work.
2. You may go above and beyond the requirements! Always do at least the basic requirements of
each book report. Remember, you can be as creative as you wish to be and put as much work
into the book report as you are willing. Every student has his or her own level of creativity, and I
will judge your book share based on what I know that you can do and not what someone else
has done. Put your best effort forth, and make your project something that you are proud to call
your own.
3. Make sure that your book report matches the requirements that I’ve given; if it is missing
elements, this is where you will lose points. At the end of this booklet, I have included the rubric
that I use to grade each book share. Before you turn in your book share, it is a smart idea to
judge it using the guidelines and the rubric. Also make sure to proofread and look for mistakes.
When my pen finds errors, you lose points; when you find mistakes, you can fix them. :)
Remember, I don't give grades; you earn them!
4. Once you have done a certain book report, you will not be allowed to do it again.
5. Time limit for each book report: 1 month
Book Report Details:
Month:
Genre:
Due Date:
September
Mystery
Tues., September 30
November
Fantasy
Wed., November 26
January
Biography or autobiography
Fri., January 30
February
Historical Fiction
Fri., February 27
March
Newbery Medal / Honor book
Fri., March 27
May
Your choice!
Fri., May 29
Here are a number of different ideas for how to present your book report.
1. Children's Book
Turn the novel you read into a children's story by retelling the plot in a simple way with
vocabulary appropriate for youngsters. Make sure your creation looks like a children's book,
complete with a hard cover, an appealing book jacket with the title and author, and colorful
illustrations above and below your writing. DO NOT use lined paper, and make sure all writing
is either typed or written neatly.
2. Write Your Own Scene
Write a scene that could have happened in the book you read, but didn't. Be sure to write in
the same style as the author. On a separate page, include a brief explanation of what has
occurred up until this point in the novel and give a general description of the characters. In a
second paragraph, explain why you made the changes you did and how they would have
affected the outcome.
3. Rewrite the Ending
If you did not care for the way your book ended, here is your opportunity to change it. Rewrite
a new ending to the book. Be sure to write in the style of the author. DO NOT explain how the
ending should be changed. Write as if you were writing the story. On a separate page describe
the original ending and the changes you made and then explain why you made these changes.
Include a copy of the last 3 pages of the novel.
4. Map
If the book you read involves a number of locations within a town, country, or geographical
area, create a map. First, make a list of all the locations - houses, stores, streets, parks, lakes,
etc. mentioned in your book's setting. Then, draw the map showing a bird's eye view of the
area. Label each location. Below the map, create a legend with a list of all the locations and a
description of important events that occur at each. Make sure your map has lots of details, is
colorful, and large enough to be seen clearly. All writing should be done in black ink or marker.
5. Time Line
Brainstorm a list of all the major events in the plot from beginning to end and then organize
them, not in the order they are written, but in the order they would have happened if the
events actually took place in real life. Create a time line using a long strip of butcher paper. On
your time line, write a short description of what happens for each event and, if possible, try to
identify the time of each event with dates, seasons, etc. Add pictures and symbols to make
your time line colorful. All writing should be done in marker or typed and then taped neatly
onto the butcher paper.
6. Test
Create a test for the book. Include a variety of kinds of questions such as true/false, multiple
choice, matching, short answer, essay, or any other kind of question. Be creative, but you must
have a total of twenty-five questions, one of which must be an essay. Be sure to write clear
directions for each section. Attach a completed answer key. (Do this by printing out a second
copy of the test and filling in your answers on the test). Your test must be typed.
7. Model of the Setting / Diorama
If the place where the story takes place is a significant part of the story, create a model of the
setting. Create your model in either a large box, on a piece of cardboard or piece of wood. Be
sure to make it as realistic as possible. Include lots of details in your model which demonstrate
events that occur in the novel you read. You may also want to include characters from your
novel on the model you create. On a piece of paper, write at least a one page description of the
setting and its significance to the rest of the story.
8. Book Brochure
Make a book report by creating a sales or travel brochure about the book using computer
software or by hand. Pretend the brochures advertises the book and the setting in which the
book takes place. Your brochure should have pictures, captions, and should showcase the
elements of a story found in the book (i.e. setting, characters, point of view, plot, and theme).
9. Newspaper
Create a front page to a newspaper that is devoted entirely to your book. The page should look
as much like a real newspaper as possible with writing in columns, headlines, a newspaper title,
etc. You can include a variety of different kinds of features including horoscopes for each
character, "Dear Abby" letters, comic strips, news articles, ads, an obituary section, or anything
else you might find in a newspaper. Everything you include; however, must be based on events
and characters in the book you read.
10. Diary
Choose one main character from the novel you read and create a diary from his/her point of
view that reveals all the major events in his/her life as well as this character's feelings about
these events including his/her hopes, dreams, problems, concerns and frustrations. Fill the
diary with entries spread out over the entire period of time from the beginning of the novel to
the end. Begin with "Dear Diary," and write from the first person point of view (ex: Dear Diary,
today I went to see my best friend and we. . .). For each entry, if possible, write a date.
Remember many dates of holidays can be checked on a calendar. If no dates are given, but
seasons or other clues are given, then guess an approximate date. Place your entries into a
cover that you create, organizing them in the proper order. On the first page, include an
information sheet identifying the full name of the character, his/her age (guess if you don't
know), birthdate (if known), where he/she lives, and any other important information.
11. Magazine
Create a magazine which depicts the major events, controversial issues, and significant themes
developed in the novel you read. Your project should realistically portray a professional
magazine. All articles in your magazine must be typed and arranged into columns. If you cut
and paste the columns onto the page, copy the final product. You will need a colorful front
cover with the name of your magazine, date of edition, a picture which relates to your most
important article, and short descriptions of the kinds of articles featured in your magazine.
Remember, EVERYTHING in your magazine needs to be related to the novel you read. You can
have a "Dear Abby" section with letters from characters asking for advice about their problems
and then responses of advice, articles related to significant events in the novel, advertisements,
and anything else you might find in a magazine.
12. Scrapbook
Create a scrapbook for one of the main characters that reflects the many events that occur to
him or her in the novel you read. You can include photographs, letters, post cards, telegrams, a
family tree, newspaper article clippings, memorable items, or anything else you can think of
that you might find in a scrapbook. If you include objects or photographs, be sure to write
captions below describing what they are or what's going on and their significance to the
character. Create a nice cover for your scrapbook. On the inside, paste an information sheet
identifying the full name of the character, his/her age (guess if you don't know), birthdate (if
known), where he/she lives, and any other important information.
13. Photo Album
Create a photo album of your book. You may draw or print pictures that show the important
details about your book. Arrange pictures in the order the events occur. Be sure to show the
beginning, middle, and end of your story; this means that you should show at least 7 events
from your story. Below each, write a caption that explains who the people are, what is going
on, etc. Write the captions from the point of view of one of the main characters (ex: This is my
best friend and I when we...). On one or two pages, make an information sheet identifying the
name of the character, his/her age (guess if you don't know), birthdate (if known), where
he/she lives, and other important information about this person.
14. Storytelling
Turn the novel you read into an oral story. Do NOT read from the novel, but instead, retell the story in
your own words. Before you actually begin your story, introduce the title and author. Be sure to use
appropriate tone and volume as well as special sound effects to help make your story more exciting!
Develop a different voice for each of the main characters who "speak" in your story. You will have to
skip parts of the story because a novel is very long. Create a script to use when you tell your story. Your
final copy will need to be a recorded version, which will be played for the class. You could use a tape
player, your computer, or even create a podcast. Turn the script in with your tape. When you turn in
book report, make sure to hand in your script along with the recording.
15. Cereal Box Book Report
Make a cereal box that represents the book. Use a real cereal box for ideas about how to format and
design the box.
Include the following items on the box:
Front
Include the name of the cereal and a picture. Invent a name for the cereal that is related to the title of
the book and sounds like a cereal. Do not use the exact title of the book.
Side One
• Make a list of ingredients that includes the story elements.
• Create a "Nutritional Facts" chart that rates the book by giving the percentage of the RDA
(Recommended Daily Allowance) in several categories (humor, drama, suspense, action,
education, vocabulary, etc.) Make sure you include these and at least three categories of your
own.
Side Two is your Choice. You may not repeat material from any of the other sides.
Top – Title, Author, Publisher, Date, Number of Pages (Illustrator, if there is one)
Bottom – Your name, and the date
Back : Illustrate scenes or characters from the book. Create "catch phrases" to go along with the cereal
and the commercial. Make sure to include a detailed summary of the book.
Prize
Cereal boxes often include a prize. Your cereal must include a prize for the protagonist. It must be
something he/she could have used in the book.
16. Power Point Presentation
You will create a Power Point based on your book. Play around with this program. Put in pictures from
your book or clipart. Think about slide transitions, timing, fonts, etc. You will present your slideshow to
the class.
Details:
Slide 1 - Name of book and Author and Prepared by …
Slide 2 - The main characters in the book are :
Slide 3-6 - Elements of a story: introduction, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, &
denouement
Slide 7 - The main idea / theme of the book is….
Slide 8 - Your opinions about the book / recommendations
Slide 9 - About the Author
17. File Folder Book Report
Decorate the front cover of the folder with the book title, author, your name, and a colorful
picture showing the setting the book.
On the inside of your file folder, you’ll be showcasing the elements of the story.
o Write a summary of the book.
o Include at least two drawings of an important events or facts from the book.
o Characters such as the protagonist and antagonist. Make sure to give character
traits along with details.
o Themes found in the book & messages that you are taking away from it
o POV: 1st or 3rd person (How do you know?)
o Conflict: kinds of & give examples for each one found in the story
On the back cover, you will need to create a plot diagram showing the parts of the story. See
number 29 for an example of a plot mountain.
18. Windsock Book Report
1. Use 12” x 18” white construction paper.
2. Measure down 4” from the top of the paper and draw a line. Cut out
strips the width of the ruler up to the line. Leave a ruler space between
each strip, cutting out every other strip.
3. Write the name of the book and the author on the top 4” of the paper.
Draw a picture of the setting, the main characters, or an event in the story
in this top part. Be artistic and creative!
4. Label each strip with the category heading (setting, main characters, main event, problem or
solution). Write the setting, characters, the main events, problems or solutions sideways on the
strips, saving the first strip for glue and the last one for the genre (realistic fiction).
5. Form a circle with the first strip glued under the last strip.
6. Punch two holes for string, tie with string or yarn together and hang from the ceiling.
19. Memory Bag
Make a list of the story elements, making sure that you retell the story. Beside each element,
write down an object to represent each one. Find the objects and put them in a bag (brown
grocery bag, gift bag, cloth bag, whatever!) You will use the items in your bag to retell the story
to the class. The outside of your memory bag will need to be decorated to showcase your book
as well. Make sure to include the title, author, a detailed summary, & picture(s). Create a sheet
like the one shown below and include it in your bag.
20. Book Jacket
Look at least five examples of book jackets before beginning this project.
Using construction paper of whatever color you wish, design a book jacket which
will be folded like the picture above. Cut the paper any size you wish. Fold it like a
real book jacket. You may use the computer or create your book jacket by hand or
use a combination of both. Design your book jacket so it includes the information
generally found on a book jacket.
21. Game Board
Your assignment is to create a game board based on your book.
• You are to create a pathway for a game board with a Start and Finish. On the squares of the
pathway, you will put the main events of the story, including the conflict and resolution
(solutions) in pictures and words, with some squares remaining blank.
• If your book is an informational book, your squares will include facts from your book. Perhaps
a true/false question to move forward?
• If the event is a happy occasion, you can add lines such as “Go ahead 2 spaces.”
• If the event is unhappy, you may write, “Go back to Start”, or “Go back 3 spaces.”
• You will need to include directions for the game. Some even make the game pieces as
characters or objects in the story, while others also include a decorated box for the game
board.
• The title, date, author as well as pictures and “retold by…” also need to be on the game
board. You will also need to include a summary of the book.
• Be sure your game goes forward so that someone will win.
22. Story Skeleton
Tell about the “body of the story” you read this month. Put together a “skeletonish” mobile to
use in your story presentation. You’ll get to hang it up when you’re finished. Use index cards or
stiff paper. Put the skeleton together with string or yarn.
Head: Draw and color the face of the main character. Write your name
on back of the head.
Chest/Upper Torso: Draw & color the setting where and when the story
takes place.
Abdomen/Hips: Write 1-3 sentences in your best writing that explain
the main problem or adventure in the book.
Upper Arms: Write the names of other important characters. Add how
each relates to the problem or main character.
Lower Arms: Write interesting details from the book
Thighs: Write other problems the character must solve on the way to
solving the main problem.
Lower Legs: Write ways the character gets out of the adventure or
solves the main problem – the climax and solution.
Feet: Write one thing you like about the book on each foot.
23. Puppet Play
1. Play: Write a play in your own words retelling the story. Be sure to include the title,
author, & genre. Be sure to tell all about the main characters and the problems faced in the
story.
2. Puppets: Make puppets. You can make the puppets out of tongue depressors, socks, or
whatever you can think of. Make whatever props you think you might need.
3. Come to class and present your puppet show. Think of it as acting out the story.
24. Coat Hanger Mobile
You’ll need to show the book's setting, characters, and plot (such as found in a plot diagram
(See #29), and theme or message. Each part will need a picture with a caption to describe how
it relates to your book. You should have at least eight parts to the mobile. Somewhere, you
will also need to include the book's title and author.
3. Make the illustrations. Cut them out. Color them on both sides.
4. Put your mobile together. Make sure to balance all the pieces.
25. Wanted Posters
Make a "wanted" poster for the protagonist and the antagonist in your book and one other
character of your choice. Include the following: (a) a drawing or cut out picture of the character
or object, (b) a physical description of the character or object, (c) the character’s or object’s
misdeeds (or deeds?), (d) other information about the character or object which is important,
(e) the reward offered for the capture of the character or object. Make sure that your wanted
poster contrasts the difference between these two characters. You'll also need to create a
cover poster for the wanted posters that includes the book title, author, a detailed summary,
and a picture of an important event from the story.
26. Book Sequel
Write a sequel to the book that you just read. Maybe the book left you questioning what
happens next. This is your chance to finish the story. Your story should be at least five pages
double spaced. Your book should look like a book in that it has a cover, dedication page, back
cover summary, about the author, etc.
27. Graphic Novel
Create a Graphic Novel version of the book. Make a plot diagram / mountain of your book;
your graphic novel must include all these story parts. Make sure that your book has a cover,
colored pictures, and speech bubbles that tell the story.
28. Novel in a Bag
Use a standard-sized brown bag (from a store) for this next project. Inside the bag the student
will place four items which could symbolize events from the story, the story characters, or
themes from the novel. If the symbolic items are not immediately available for the student to
bring in their bag, they can draw a picture of the symbol on an index card or bring in a picture
cut from a magazine.
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Side One—Protagonist illustration
Side Two—Illustration of a conflict faced by the protagonist
Side Three—Illustration of the setting
Side Four—Illustrate a new book cover page with the title, author’s name, and an illustration
Inside the Bag—Four items to symbolize themes, content, or characters from the novel
29. Have a better idea? Maybe you liked a book report that you had done during a previous
school year, and you would really like to do one again. You can even look online for ideas. I
went to http://teachnet.com/lessonplans/language-arts/more-ideas-than-ever-book-reports/
and found well over three hundred ideas for book report projects. You are welcome to look
online there or elsewhere and find an idea that you want to do. The only catch is that you need
to get my approval beforehand; this means that you must ask me a week before the due date.
Procrastinators will not be able to design their own book report!