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Guidelines for SSR and Book Reviews

Each of you will read at least one book cover-to-cover during SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) this semester; in addition, you will write and post a review of at least one book on the North High library webpage. You are, of course, welcome to read many, many books this semester during SSR.

Expectations for Choosing a Book 1. You must read a book (not a magazine or newspaper), preferably one that tells a story (for example, novels, histories and biographies rather than books of lists or facts where readers can’t sustain attention, build up speed and fluency, or grow to love good stories).

2. You will have a week to decide whether or not you like the book you select when we go to the library. If you do not like the book, you may choose another one. After a week, however, you will commit to a book, and from that point on, I expect that you will bring the same SSR book to class until you finish it and write and post a review of it. When you finish a book, you will choose another SSR book.

Guidelines for Sustained Silent Reading Time 1. You must have your SSR book with you every day when you come to class. If you come to class without your SSR book, you will receive a detention.

2. You must read for the entire allotted reading period. You may not talk during SSR, nor may you do homework or read material for another class.

3. You may read while sitting in your chair or on the floor.

4. Whether you check out a book from the library or bring one from home, you are welcome to keep your book in the classroom.

5. You must renew library books on your own time outside of class. If you need a library pass during Academic Lab to renew your book, please let me know, and I’ll be happy to provide you with one.

6. In addition to reading during class, you may also need to read your SSR book outside of class in order to finish it before the end of the semester.

Audience and Purpose of Book Review

1. After completing your SSR book, you will write a book review and post it on the website of North High’s library. Instructions for posting your book review are on p. 6 of this handout.

2. When you write your book review, please keep your audience and purpose in mind: you are writing to share your appreciation and understanding of your book with other North High students and to spark their interest so much that they run as fast as they can to the bookshelves to read the book themselves.

Structure of review if your SSR book is fiction:

A. Introduction:

  • a sentence or two to get your reader interested in what you have to say
  • the title of your book (and italicize it)
  • the author
  • the genre of your book ((for example, novel, short story collection, biography, autobiography, mystery, graphic novel)
  • astatement about whether or not you enjoyed your SSR book—and why or why not

B. Body:

i. BRIEFLY summarize the plot of the story and identify the setting, point of view, protagonist and other major characters.

ii. Share your opinion about the book. If you liked it, what did you like about it? If you didn’t like the book, what didn’t you like about it? Be sure to support your opinions with specific examples from the book.

Responding to the following questions may help you express your opinion:

  • When and where does the action in the book take place? Does the author do a good job of making you feel like you are there? How?
  • Are the main characters believable? Do you know anyone like them? Does the author adequately describe them?
  • What do you like or dislike about the author’s writing style? That is, do you like the way the author uses words? Does the author achieve his or her purpose?
  • Is the writing effective, powerful, difficult, beautiful?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?

C. Conclusion:

  • What is your overall response to the book? Did you find it interesting, moving, dull?
  • Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?

Structure of your review if your SSR book is non-fiction:

A. Introduction:

  • a sentence or two to get your reader interested in what you have to say
  • the title of your book (and italicize it)
  • the author
  • the genre of your book ((for example, novel, short story collection, biography, autobiography, mystery, graphic novel)
  • a statement about whether or not you enjoyed your SSR book—and why or why not

B. Body:

  • Provide a general overview of the author's topic, main points, and argument. What is the thesis? What are the important conclusions?
  • What are the author's qualifications to write about the subject?
  • Do you agree with the author's arguments and conclusions? Why or why not

Responding to the following questions may help you express your opinion:

  • What do you like or dislike about the author’s writing style? That is, do you like the way the author uses words? Does the author achieve his or her purpose?
  • Is the writing effective, powerful, difficult, beautiful?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?

C. Conclusion:

  • What is your overall response to the book? Did you find it interesting, moving, dull?
  • Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?

adapted by Ms. Surinsky from handouts from Mr. Beck and from and

Sample Book Reviews Posted on Teen Ink: teeninc.com

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

By Katey T., San Jose, CA


I was never in love with vampires until Twilight came out. I didn’t know it was possible, but Stephenie Meyer changed the stereotypical blood-sucking vampire into a beautiful god-like creature.
In Twilight, an average high school girl, Bella Swan, falls in love with one of the most beautiful boys at her new school, Edward, who happens to be a vampire. What does one call a stunning, mysterious vampire and his stunning, mysterious vampire family? I believe “The Cullens” would suffice.
The author’s style and characters will glue your hands to the book and your eyes to the page. In no time, the book is over. But don’t worry – there are three sequels: New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.
Twilight is well written from Bella’s point of view. It feels as though a movie is playing in your head. If you don’t feel that way, have no fear, the actual movie comes out November 21.
Twilight is such a magnificent book that it was a New York Times bestseller. Who would have thought that the idea for such an astonishing book could come from a dream the author had?
The theme is love conquers all, even the supernatural. Nothing stands in the way of love for Edward and Bella. Or does it?
Meyer’s style of writing will have you wanting to believe that there are gorgeous vampires roaming our world and just hopefully there will be Edwards for all of the girls who have fallen in love with this fictional yet breathtaking character. Since the characters’ love is forbidden, it only makes it better. After all, forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest.

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

By Nicole R., Colorado Springs, CO


“This will be a good trip. Come on, relax, enjoy it.” This is how it started. Alice, once a shy, innocent girl, is sucked into the heartless world of drugs because of her need to be accepted. She did not plan for this to happen; she didn’t even know it was happening, but the people who drugged her drink unknowingly began the whirlpool that would soon trap Alice. The first culprit? A soda, laced with LSD.
Alice is a 15-year-old with long straight hair and a passion for the beauty of life. After that fateful day, however, her mood – whether wild, funny, happy, loving, depressed, or lonely – depends on drugs. Though drugs, or lack thereof, change Alice’s way of thinking, all she really wants is to be happy and loved; isn’t that what we all want?
After Alice is secretly drugged at a party, she awakens to the exciting adventure that life seems to have become. She starts experimenting with other hard drugs and begins to lose her sanity and grip on reality. Even after deciding to quit the drug scene, it seems as if the curse (which started as a game) will always be present in her life and ultimately cause her death.
I would recommend this book to teens and adults. I think it should be required reading in high schools. Since this is about a teen struggling with addiction and the social pressures of the drug world, it is a real eye-opener to anyone who is already struggling and for those who may be confronted with the option to use.
This book is extremely intense and opens the reader’s mind to the devastating effects of drugs. The main character describes her “trips” in such vivid and realistic detail that her story comes alive.

How to Post Your Review on the Library’s Webpage:

1. Type your book review in Microsoft Word.

2. Copy your book review.

3. Go to

4. Hover your mouse over the speech balloon to the right of each category. (The categories are: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Real Life, Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy).

5. Then paste your review into the comment box.

6. Enter your name and email address.

7. Type in the anti-spam word.

8. Click on “Post Comment.”

Note: Book reviews will NOT appear immediately after you post them, so don’t worry if you don’t see yours right away. However, please let me know when you do submit your review so I can be on the lookout for it.