a book review worksheet

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Book Review Templates

50 best book review templates (kids, middle school etc.).

A book review template enables you to illustrate the intentions of the author who wrote the book while creating your own opinions and criticisms about the written material as a whole. By writing this template, you formulate your own opinions about the ideas presented by the author. In some cases, teachers assign students with the task of writing a book review template too. Through this, the teachers can determine how well the students understood the book.

Table of Contents

• 1 Book Review Templates
• 2 How long should the book review template be?
• 3 Book Review Templates For Kids
• 4 Parts of a book review template
• 5 Book Review Templates Middle School
• 6 Planning to write your book review
• 7 Book Review Templates High School
• 8 Starting to write your book review
• 9 Book Review Templates for College
• 10 What to include in your book review?

How long should the book review template be?

One main purpose of a book review template is to help other people determine whether or not they would feel interested to read a book . A book review worksheet serves as a “sneak peek” at a book. Written well, it can encourage others to read the same book to see what all the fuss is about.

Just don’t make your review too short as it might not serve its purpose. Conversely, a review that’s too long might bore the reader, thus, prompting them not to finish reading all the way to the end. Instead of focusing on the length of your review, focus on what you want to say in it.

Book Review Templates For Kids

Parts of a book review template

If you’re a student, all you have to do is give your own opinions and thoughts about the book you have read. But if you want your review to stand out, you may want to include more information:

• A brief summary When writing a book review template, include a brief summary along with some background information about the topic and the author. As you write, don’t assume that the readers have already read the book. This is why you should explain the main ideas and topics you have read and their significance.
• Background information about the topic As you write the background information, do a lot of research about the main topic to provide comprehensive data. Even if it’s a fictional story, doing research is essential. That way, the opinions and evaluations you share about the book come from your own good understanding of what you have read. For non-fiction, you may choose to include studies or research about the topic of the book to come up with a comprehensive review that your readers will appreciate.
• Your evaluation Conclude your book review worksheet with an evaluation of what you’ve read. More than just your opinions, provide an evaluation of the strong points, weaknesses, and even the objectives of the book and if the author met these objectives. After this evaluation, you can include your opinions. Explain your reactions and the reasons for these reactions. Don’t just say “I didn’t like the book.” Specify the parts you didn’t appreciate and your reason why. This makes your review more believable, especially when you’re writing for a book that’s available for purchase.

Book Review Templates Middle School

Planning to write your book review

You can write a book review template for books of all genres and for different purposes. Of course, writing a book review template for different genres requires skill. While you would follow a single format for these reviews, the content varies greatly. Part of the writing process is to plan what to write in your review. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Create an outline that includes all of the most important points that you want to include in your review. In the outline, include information about the plot, the characters, and other important details in the book.
• For each point in your outline, create a paragraph that talks about it.
• You should have a good understanding of the plot so that you can write your review effectively.
• Analyze the writing techniques that the author used. This makes it easier for you to understand why and how the author wrote the book.
• Analyze the characters of the book to see if they seem realistic, believable or even logical, especially in terms of the roles they play in the plot of the story.
• Decide whether you would recommend the book you’ve read to other people. If you want to recommend it, explain why. If not, provide an explanation for this decision too.

Book Review Templates High School

Starting to write your book review

Most book review templates start with a brief summary of the book. If you decide to start the “traditional” way by writing a summary, make sure that you don’t give away too many details about the book. You shouldn’t retell the story or share too much information that the reader won’t even bother to read the book because they already know what it’s about. More importantly, people don’t appreciate it when reviews include spoilers.

When it comes to reviews, you can also begin in different ways depending on your preference or the requirements given to you by your teacher. Here are some suggestions for you:

• Provide background information about the book Here, you share what makes the book interesting or important. It might have a well-known author, it may be part of a series of books or it may even be a bestseller. The background information you provide should hook the reader and make them feel curious.
• Explain an important term used in the book If you think that an important term or phrase in the book might confuse the readers, you can start your review by providing a short explanation for it. This makes it easier for readers to understand the book and not feel intimidated by it.
• Share an interesting fact about the book This way of starting your review is particularly effective for nonfiction books. By sharing an interesting fact that you have taken from the book, you will catch the interest of your readers.
• Start with a quote Finally, you can also begin your review using a striking quote you’ve taken from the book. This is a powerful way to begin your review and it also makes the whole document more interesting to read.

Book Review Templates for College

What to include in your book review?

Thinking about what you want to say in your book review template can feel like a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. As long as you have an idea of the content to include in your review, the words may start flowing easily. Here are some ideas of what your book review may contain:

• General information Talk about what kind of book is it – is it an adventure book, a fantasy book, a nonfiction book, a novel, and more. State if it is a standalone book or if it’s part of the series. You can even share interesting facts about the author of the book if you feel like this information can help your readers. Here, you can also compare the book to others of the same genre or topic. Talk about the style of the book and the language the author used for it. You can even recommend the age groups the book is most recommended for.
• Plot Writing this part is the most challenging since you want to provide your readers with a taste of what the book is all about without divulging too many details or spoilers. When writing a book review for stories, never give away the ending!
• Characters Your review should provide good information about all the characters in the story. You can learn more about the characters by analyzing their dialogues, actions, and how they interact with the other characters in the story. When talking about the characters, you can share some examples of instances that stood out in your mind. But again, don’t give away too much.
• Theme Here, you talk about what the book is really about. Apart from the plot, you should also try to share the ideas behind the story that you’ve read. For instance, is the book about hope, love, friendship, the triumph of good over evil, and so on. This is another important piece of information that your readers may appreciate.
• Setting This refers to the place and time when the story happens. When including this information, don’t just share the location. You can even add descriptions to make this part more interesting to read.
• Opinions and analyses Finally, this is where you would share your reactions to the book. After giving the facts, it’s time to talk about how the book moved you, what you thought about it, and how you interpreted everything you’ve read. This would be the “meatiest” part of your book so you should spend more time on it. This also happens to be the main purpose of the book – your review – which is why it’s called a review!

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All about these 15 worksheets.

This collection of Book Review worksheets are designed to encourage students to read, analyze, and evaluate books. These worksheets include prompts and questions that help students summarize the book’s plot, identify key themes and characters, and critically evaluate the author’s writing style and message.

The worksheets prompt students to reflect on their own opinions and experiences with the book, asking them to articulate what they liked or didn’t like, and why. This encourages students to develop their critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as their ability to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively. Through these worksheets, students will:

• Learn how to construct a book review by being guided through writing prompts that ask them to express their own observations and opinions;
• Improve their critical thinking skills and become more discerning readers by rating the books they read and formulating their reasons for recommending or not recommending them;
• Develop their reading comprehension as creating book reviews require them to have a good understanding of the book’s plot, characters, and themes;
• And improve their writing skills as they organize their thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner to answer the writing prompts and various activities.

By engaging with books in this way, students can develop a love of reading, improve their writing and analytical skills, and deepen their understanding of the world around them. Moreover, successfully writing a book review can be a rewarding experience for students, as this boosts their confidence and encourages them to take on more challenging writing assignments in the future.

How to Review a Book?

A book review is a critical argument that lets others know your views and opinion regarding a book. Whether you are a literature student or a passionate book blogger, writing a book review is an important skill.

People love to read other people’s opinions regarding their favorite books or books they are planning to buy and read. So you must always give an honest review to let your fellow readers know whether a book will meet up to their expectations or not.

When writing a book review, you must always imagine the reader sitting in front of you, listening to what you have to say regarding the book. You can follow these five stages in writing a book review that is proven to grab your audience’s attention.

A hook is a catchy line or famous quote from the book that would capture the attention of your reader right away. You can also write a compelling one-line sentence that would make your audience keep reading your review instead of skipping it. Make sure you don’t spoil the book or write about the major plot twist.

Taking the example of the most beloved book by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, you can write the first line as a hook, if it is famous and exciting, like “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Or you can add any other quote that describes the story’s plot. E.g., “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.”

2. Write About the Main Subject of the Book

The title and author information of the book is important, but in addition to that, you must talk about the genre and general themes of the book. Your audience must know what kind of book they are reading.

There is nothing more frustrating than picking up a book with a title like “To kill a mockingbird” and then reading it to find out it has nothing to do with birds and everything to do with racial injustice, rights and wrongs in a small town, and a defense lawyer raising two kids by himself.

Share a short synopsis or a summary of the plot of the book. It should let the readers know what they are getting into. Talk about the main characters, the major conflict, a little bit about the plot and setting, and make sure you leave out the plot twist and the book’s climax.

Add an exciting cliffhanger at the end of your summary, giving your readers just the right bait to read it but withholding the big mystery which would compel them to read the book.

Take a look at this blurb for the book Stardust by Neil Gaiman.

“To win the heart of his beautiful Victoria, Tristran Thorn would go to any lengths, even as far as entering the unexplored and dark lands on the other side of the ancient wall to retrieve a fallen star. Once he is beyond that cold stone wall, Tristran learns how nothing can be trusted, not even the beautiful and exhilarating Faerie.”

4. Praise and Critique

Your personal opinion, likes, and dislikes set your book review apart from the others. If your reading choices and preferences resonate with your audience, they will be interested in listening to what you have to say regarding the book. Sharing your review as a reader would let others decide whether they would enjoy reading the book or not, for example. “Daphne Du Maurier so passionately described the confidence and strong presence of Rebecca that even I, as a reader, felt intimidated by her, all the while admiring her too.”

5. Your Recommendation and Ratings

Summarize your review by recommending the book to your readers. You can rate the book if you want and let others know that if they are interested in a particular genre of books, they will enjoy this book as well. Let your readers know that all the opinions stated are your own, and the rating you have given the book is based upon your perception of the book.

Before posting your book review, proofread it to eliminate any grammatical errors. Keep your reviews short and streamlined to ensure every word has weight. Get your point across without causing any confusion, and most importantly, do not write mean or dishonest reviews criticizing a good book when it is not required at all.

How Are Books Reviewed?

Books can be reviewed in various ways, depending on the reviewer’s purpose, audience, and platform. Here are some common types of book reviews.

• Professional reviews: These reviews are written by professional book critics and journalists for newspapers, magazines, and online publications. They typically follow a specific format, including a summary of the book’s content, analysis of the author’s writing style, and an evaluation of the book’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Academic reviews: Scholars and subject matter experts write these reviews for academic journals, focusing on the book’s contributions to a particular field of study. They provide a detailed analysis of the book’s argument, methodology, and use of evidence, and often compare it to other works in the field.
• Blog and website reviews: Many bloggers and website owners write book reviews as part of their online content. These reviews can vary in length and style, from informal and personal reflections to more structured evaluations.
• Peer reviews: In some cases, authors may seek feedback from their peers before publication. These reviews can help identify strengths and weaknesses in a manuscript and suggest improvements to make the work more rigorous and engaging.
• Reader reviews: Readers often share their thoughts on books through various platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, and other online retailers. These reviews can be brief or lengthy and may focus on personal impressions, emotional responses, or recommendations for other readers.
• Social media reviews: Many people share their thoughts on books through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These reviews are usually short, informal, and may include images or hashtags to emphasize key points.
• Book club discussions: Book clubs provide a forum for readers to discuss and review books in a group setting. Participants share their opinions, ask questions, and engage in lively conversations about the book’s themes, characters, and plot.
• Video reviews: Booktubers and other content creators on platforms like YouTube and TikTok create video reviews that can include visual elements, author interviews, and even dramatic reenactments of key scenes.
• Podcast reviews: Some podcasts are dedicated to discussing and reviewing books, offering listeners an in-depth exploration of a book’s themes, characters, and writing style, often in a conversational format.
• Interviews and author discussions: Sometimes, reviews can take the form of interviews with the author or panel discussions at book events, where the book’s content, themes, and intentions are discussed in detail.

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The only book review templates you'll ever need.

Whether you’re trying to become a book reviewer , writing a book report for school, or analyzing a book, it’s nice to follow a book review template to make sure that your thoughts are clearly presented. 

A quality template provides guidance to keep your mind sharp and your thoughts organized so that you can write the best book review possible. On Reedsy Discovery , we read and share a lot of book reviews, which helps us develop quite a clear idea what makes up a good one. With that in mind, we’ve put together some trustworthy book review templates that you can download, along with a quick run-through of all the parts that make up an outstanding review — all in this post! 

Pro-tip : But wait! How are you sure if you should become a book reviewer in the first place? If you're on the fence, or curious about your match with a book reviewing career, take our quick quiz:

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Book review templates for every type of review

With the rapid growth of the book community on Instagram, Youtube, and even TikTok, the world of book commentary has evolved far beyond your classic review. There are now many ways you can structure a book review. Some popular formats include:

• Book reports — often done for school assignments; 
• Commentary articles — think in-depth reviews in magazines and newspapers; 
• Book blog reviews — short personal essays about the book; and
• Instagram reviews — one or two-paragraph reviews captioned under a nice photo. 

But while the text in all these review styles can be organized in different ways, there are certain boxes that all good book reviews tick. So, instead of giving you various templates to use for different occasions, we’ve condensed it down to just two book review templates (one for fiction and one for nonfiction) that can guide your thoughts and help you nail just about any review. 

⭐ Download our free fiction book review template  

⭐ Download our free nonfiction book review template  

All you need to do is answer the questions in the template regarding the book you’re reading and you’ve got the content of your review covered. Once that’s done, you can easily put this content into its appropriate format. 

Now, if you’re curious about what constitutes a good book review template, we’ll explain it in the following section! 

Elements of a book review template

Say you want to build your own book review template, or you want to customize our templates — here are the elements you’ll want to consider. 

We’ve divided our breakdown of the elements into two categories: the essentials and the fun additions that’ll add some color to your book reviews.

What are the three main parts of a book review?

We covered this in detail (with the help of some stellar examples) in our post on how to write a book review , but basically, these are the three crucial elements you should know: 

The summary covers the premise of the book and its main theme, so readers are able to understand what you’re referring to in the rest of your review. This means that, if a person hasn’t read the book, they can go through the summary to get a quick idea of what it’s about. (As such, there should be no spoilers!) 

The analysis is where, if it’s a fiction book, you talk more about the book, its plot, theme, and characters. If it’s nonfiction, you have to consider whether the book effectively achieves what it set out to do. 

The recommendation is where your personal opinion comes in the strongest, and you give a verdict as to who you think might enjoy this book. 

You can choose to be brief or detailed, depending on the kind of review you’re writing, but you should always aim to cover these three points. If you’re needing some inspiration, check out these 17 book review examples as seen in magazines, blogs, and review communities like Reedsy Discovery for a little variation. 

Which review community should you join?

Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

Which additional details can you include?

Once you’ve nailed down the basics, you can jazz things up a little and add some personal flavor to your book review by considering some of these elements:

• A star-rating (the default is five stars but you can create your own scales); 
• A bullet-point pros and cons list; 
• Your favorite quotation from the book; 
• Commentary on the format you read (i.e., ebook, print, or audiobook);
• Fun facts about the book or author; 
• Other titles you think are similar.

This is where you can really be creative and tailor your review to suit your purpose and audience. A formal review written for a magazine, for instance, will likely benefit from contextual information about the author and the book, along with some comment on how that might have affected the reading (or even writing) process.

Meanwhile, if you’re reviewing a book on social media, you might find bullet points more effective at capturing the fleeting attention of Internet users. You can also make videos, take creative pictures, or even add your own illustrations for more personal touches. The floor is yours at this point, so go ahead and take the spotlight! 

That said, we hope that our templates can provide you with a strong foundation for even your most adventurous reviews. And if you’re interested in writing editorial reviews for up-and-coming indie titles, register as a reviewer on Reedsy Discovery !

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Book review worksheets.

The following templates can be used to create excellent book reviews. Feel free to download these worksheets to use during and/or after your reading of a book.

Book Review Worksheet – Fiction Chapter Book

Book Review Worksheet – Nonfiction Book

Book Review Worksheet – Picture Book

Book Review Template - FREE

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Book review template

Subject: English

Age range: 5-7

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

24 June 2016

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meganrules83

Such a great resource and already differentiated. Thank you so much for sharing it for free, much appreciated.

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Lovely resource, though the 'for boys' 'for girls' in the interests is outdated. Easy to edit however.

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Fab differentiated and clear resource, thanks for sharing!

katiesmith91

Lovely differentiated book reviews. Thank you! I love forward to giving these to my children to review the books they have been reading.

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4 FREE Printable Book Review Worksheets

Book reviews are a great way to engage with what your reading. whether you’re reading for pleasure or if you have kids that are homeschooling these printables are a great resource.

Writing a book review can be a good way to think critically about a text and make connections between other texts and ideas. 

Print out your FREE book review worksheets below and get started!

Simply click on the images below to download.

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Book Review Worksheet

Updated:  07 Jun 2023

A book review and summary card for comprehension learning.

Non-Editable:  PDF

Pages:  1 Page

• Curriculum Curriculum:  CCSS, TEKS

Grades:  3 - 6

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This teaching resource is a one page book review that can be used in book clubs or to end a class novel study. This resource is a great way to give your students a chance to review what they are reading.

Sections of the review include:

• Book information
• Favorite Character
• Book Summary
• Favorite part of the book

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A BOOK REVIEW