Writing Evaluative Book Reviews
This guide will help you focus on writing an evaluative book review. Evaluative book reviews are succinct- they are short but packed with information and are approximately one page in length, typed. They offer a brief description of the text’s key points and provide a short appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the work. You are to write in the present tense, not past tense.
Step 1: Think about your overall reaction to the book.
● Write a strong introduction. Consider starting with a catchy sentence that grabs the reader's attention. Possibly make it a question (Have you ever wondered...?; Have you ever been to...?; Have you ever wished you could...?; Do you know how to...? Do you want to know how to...?; etc.)
● Include the following basic information: title, author, genre, subject matter, suggested age range, etc.**Remember that book titles are italicized if typed and underlined if handwritten.
Step 2:
● Write a short summary of the work, but do not give too much away. Many reviews summaries are limited to about a paragraph. Reviews of nonfiction texts provide the basic idea of the book’s argument without too much detail. **Remember: DO NOT GIVE AWAY THE ENDING or any other spoilers for that matter. “The Five Ws” is an acceptable format to follow when writing this section (who, what, when, where, why).
Step 3:
● What did you like or dislike about the book? Be mindful that you are to add details and examples when discussing your opinion. For example:
“The author’s cartoon drawings are a unique way to keep a reader’s interest. I laughed out loud at the illustrator’s caricature of Simon’s mother with her laser eyes boring a hole through him, her smoking ears, and her burning hair. His mom was mad, and I know just what that’s like.” (This example and detail is appropriate).
“I liked this book because I like books that make me think, and this one definitely did.” (This example and detail is not appropriate.)
Step 4:
● Provide information about the literary elements of the text. Think about the author’s purpose and his/her use of the literary element and how it impacts the book, characters, tone, or mood. One sentence is not enough. This will be the longest part of your review. Choose one or two qualities from the list below:
*plot *irony
*conflict
*symbolism
*humor
*imagery
*setting
*dialogue
*text features (pictures, graphs, sketches, etc.)
*flat and round characters
*protagonists vs antagonists
*foreshadowing
For example: “The author also pairs humor with serious insights into Simon’s family and his own role in the family unit. This conflict within the family will resonate with teens and keep them reading to see how Junior’s voice comes through with the occasional profanity and graphic reference – not too over the top but enough to feel and identify with his real emotions.
Step 5:
● Write a conclusion that includes what type of reader would likely enjoy the book. Assist the reader in helping him/her decide to select or not select the book by providing a rating: Not Recommended, Recommended, or Highly Recommended.
For example: “Most teens will appreciate the honesty of Simon’s voice as he grapples not only with everyday drama, but also the in-your-face stereotypes of race and poverty that motivate his actions. This book is highly recommended for public and school libraries.”
Step 6: If your book has been made into a movie…
● include differences between the book and the movie versions; and,
● provide a specific reason why someone who has seen the movie should read the book.
Step 7:
● Reread your review and check to make sure:
✓ You have supported the rating you intend to give the book.
✓ Your writing flows smoothly throughout the review.,
✓ You use a variety of word choices (not repeating the same words over and over).
✓ You have used correct conventions (grammar, punctuation, and spelling).
**some information obtained from the Purdue Online Writing Lab
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource