AP US HISTORY: The Book Review
Central to the study of history is the ability to read non-fiction (and fiction) actively and with a
purpose. Prior to starting class in August, you are being assigned to read a book and write a
review.
The type of book you may choose
I have chosen two different books that you may read for the book review.
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April Morning by Howard Fast – When you read this novel about April 19th, 1775,
you will see the British redcoats marching in a solid column through your town.
Your hands will be sweating and you will shake a little as you grip your musket
because never before have you shot with the aim of killing a man. But you will
shoot, and shoot again and again while your shoulder aches from your musket’s kick
and the tight, disciplined red column bleeds and wavers and breaks and you begin to
shout at the top of your lungs because you are there, there at the birth of freedom –
you’re a veteran of the Battle of Lexington and you’ve helped whip the King’s best
soldiers…
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Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beals – In 1957, Melba Pattillo turned sixteen.
That was also the year she became a warrior on the front lines of a civil rights
firestorm. Following the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling, Brown v. Board of
Education, she was one of nine teenagers chosen to integrate Little Rock’s Central
High School. This is her remarkable story.
Both of these books portray a significant historical event, albeit one as fiction and one as a true
story. In both cases, though, you will come to understand what it was like to walk in their shoes
during their respective historical events.
Writing the Review
Although a book review, like a book report, spends some time discussing the content of the
book, its main purpose is to analyze the content of the book and to prove to me that you have
reflected on what you read and how the material was presented.
In preparing to write the Book Review, STUDY THE BOOK, focusing on the following areas
(do this prior to actually reading the book):
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The Author: Look for background and qualifications, writing style, use of sources,
and his or her purpose in writing the book.
The Content: Read the introduction or preface, quickly skim the chapters, and look
at tables, graphs, figures, pictures, etc.
Writing the Actual Review
Part 1: Introduction (Include 2 things)
1) Title, Author, Subject, Length, and Publication Date
2) Summary of the book – in 150-200 words, tell me what the book was about.
Part 2: Summary of the Content (Include the following)
1) Describe how the book is organized.
2) What is the theme of the book? In other words, what is the main idea?
3) Is the author attempting to make an argument? If so, what is the argument and how
does he or she support it? (What is the THESIS of the book?)
4) Provide a short synopsis of each chapter of the book. These do not need to be longer
than one solid paragraph. I would suggest working on this as you are reading the
book.
Part 3: Evaluation of the Book (Respond to the following questions)
1) Is the book convincing to you? Provide examples of evidence that you think is strong
(or weak).
2) If you could challenge the author on something, what would that be? Why? What
questions would you ask the author if you could? Note: if you are reading a
contemporary author, you actually may be able to have an email dialogue with them.
3) What did you learn from this book that helps you better understand American
history?
Part 4: Historical Facts
1) List 7-10 Historical Facts you learned by reading this book and place them in order of
importance in your opinion.
The Finished Product
You will be turning in the Book Review on the day designated on the class calendar. I expect
these to be typed (please single-space, use a size 12 Times New Roman font as you type). Here
is how to set up your Review:
On the cover page, include the following:
AP American History Book Review
The Name of the Book
Your Name
The Date
Mr. Garner
Then, on the next page begin the review. Set the paper up in this fashion:
1) Introduction
2) Summary of the Content
3) Evaluation of the Book
4) Historical Facts
AP US History Book Review Rubric
You will receive an “A” on this assignment if:
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All parts are thoroughly completed
The finished product is neat, readable, and contains few, if any, errors
It is evident to me that you read the book and reflected on what you read
7-10 historical facts listed
It is handed in on time
You will receive a “B” on this assignment if:
- All parts are completed, though not as thoroughly as the “A” level
- The finished product is neat, readable, and contains few, if any, errors.
- 4-6 historical facts listed
- It is evident that you read the book.
You will receive a “C” on this assignment if:
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The review is completed, but one section is deficient.
The finished product is neat and readable, but there are several errors.
1-3 historical facts listed
It is evident that some reading was done, but depth of understanding is lacking.
Your grade will be below “C” level if work is handed in late and significant portions of the
review are deficient and/or not turned in at all.