WHAT IS A BOOK TALK?

A book talk is NOT a review or a book "report." A book report tells somebody you read the book, a book talk tries to convince the person to read the book. The key to book talking is to "sell, don't tell." Thus, a book talk is more of an advertisement or a commercial.

WHEN DO I DO A BOOK TALK?

After you have completed reading an independent reading book, it is time for a book talk.

HOW LONG IS A BOOK TALK?

A book talk is usually between 2 – 5 minutes long.

WHAT DOES THIS COUNT FOR?

Each book talk you complete will count as extra credit. Two points will be added to your homework grade at the end of the marking period. A maximum of three book talks per marking period are permitted.

WHAT DO I INCLUDE IN MY BOOK TALK?

Attention getter: Find an interesting, exciting, or mysterious quote or passage to start off your presentation. This quote will get the reader’s attention. Don’t just pick any old quote… choose carefully and deliberately to try to capture the attention of the audience. Then, explain why you chose the quote.

Introduction: Clearly introduce your book by giving the title, author and genre of the book (action/adventure, fantasy, science fiction, realistic fiction mystery/suspense, historical fiction, biography, autobiography, informational).

Body: Remember this is not a summary. Describe the following without giving away too much information:

o  What is the main conflict?

o  What themes are developed?

o  What lessons do characters learn?

Conclusion:

o  Without giving away the ending, give your opinion on this book and why?

o  Make some predictions about what kind of student would enjoy this book (“if you like…, you’ll love…”).

TIPS:

·  Practice your presentation a few times before you present. Time yourself.

·  Use note-cards or an outline.

DON’T FORGET:

·  Outline

·  Book to show class

BOOK TALK ORGANIZER
Attention-Getter (Quote or passage to hook the audience, you may use just the page number(s))
Introduction (Title, Author, Genre)
Body (These questions may help: What is the main conflict? What themes are developed? What lessons do characters learn?)
Conclusion (Opinion on the book and why other students should read it—be specific)
___ I have my book with me
BOOK TALK ORGANIZER
Attention-Getter (Quote or passage to hook the audience, you may use just the page number(s).
“His voice was barely… bristling now with stars.”
Pages 36 – 37
Introduction (Title, Author, Genre)
·  The title of this fiction book is Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
·  This was Ransom Riggs first book that he ever wrote.
·  It is a #1 New York Times Best Seller.
Body (These questions may help: What is the main conflict? What themes are developed? What lessons do characters learn?)
·  In this book, the main character, Yakob (Jacob), deals with overcoming the death of his grandfather, Abe. Abe would tell Jacob stories about being raised in an orphanage and the peculiar talents that each orphan had. Jacob did not believe the stories, but when his grandfather was about to die he said something to Jacob that left him wondering. Jacob needed to find out the truth for himself in order to move on with his life. Therefore, Jacob traveled with his father to the island where his grandfather grew up as an orphan. What Jacob finds leaves him in a whole new world. A world he never imagined. Jacob has to decide if he should stay or leave. If he leaves, he may never survive at home. If he stays, he may never see his family and friends again.
·  The theme that comes to mind to me first is developed around the idea of identity. The characters in the book all have one defining talent that defines them as a person. Jacob, in turn, does not yet know his defining talent. This is what he discovers in his search for the truth about his grandfather. Finding out his identity then impacts Jacob’s life forever.
Conclusion (Opinion on the book and why other students should read it—be specific)
I really enjoyed reading this novel, especially on vacation. The author of this book was able to bring me into another world. This book mixes realistic fiction with fantasy. I usually don’t like fantasy books, but the way the author wrote this book really made me wonder. The author uses real photographs that he has collected to portray the peculiar people throughout the novel. I was able to connect with all characters in the book, which is one of the reasons why I would recommend this book to a friend or colleague. If you enjoy books that include adventure similar to Harry Potter, I think you will like this book too.
___ I have my book with me
Book Talk Peer Review:
Presenter: ______Date:______
What I liked about your presentation was:
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What you could work on for your next presentation is:
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I am interested/I am not interested in reading this because:
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Book Talk Peer Review:
Presenter: ______Date:______
What I liked about your presentation was:
______
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What you could work on for your next presentation is:
______
______
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I am interested/I am not interested in reading this because:
______
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Oral Presentation Rubric: Book Talk
Student Name: ______
Book: ______
Date: ______
CATEGORY / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Content / Thoroughly shares all required elements including the book and outline. / Shares all required elements including the book and outline but could be more thorough. / Missing one or more of the required elements. / Missing much of the required content. No book or outline.
Speaks Clearly / Speaks clearly, distinctly, and loud enough for all to hear all the time, and mispronounces no words. / Speaks clearly, distinctly, and loud enough for all to hear most of the time or all the time. / Speaks clearly, distinctly, and loud enough for all to hear most of the time. / Often mumbles or cannot be understood OR mispronounces multiple important words.
Enthusiasm & Eye Contact / Facial expressions, eye contact and body language generate a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others. / Facial expressions, eye contact and body language sometimes generate a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others. / Some effort is made to show enthusiasm in facial expressions, eye contact, and body language. / Very little use of facial expressions or body language. Did not generate much interest in topic being presented.
Preparedness / Student is completely prepared and has rehearsal is clearly evident. / Student seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals. / The student is somewhat prepared, but it is clear that rehearsal was lacking. / Student does not seem at all prepared to present.