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A Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book Report (with Examples)

Last Updated: June 25, 2024 Fact Checked

• Researching
• Drafting the Report
• Reviewing & Revising

Sample Book Reports & Summaries

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,424,139 times.

A book report is a short essay that summarizes and analyzes a work of fiction or nonfiction. Writing a book report may not seem fun at first, but it gives you a great chance to fully understand a work and its author. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to write a book report, from choosing a book and outlining to drafting and editing your final paper.

Things You Should Know

• Read the entire book and take notes on important themes, characters, and events. Use your notes to create an outline with evidence that supports your analysis.
• Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book.
• Analyze the author’s writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements.

Researching Your Book Report

• For example, find out if your teacher wants you to include citations, such as page numbers from the book, in your report.
• Ask your teacher how much of your paper to devote to summary versus analysis. Most book reports are direct summaries with objective analysis rather than your personal opinions. In contrast, a book review or commentary is more opinion-driven.

• Some popular books for book reports include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Choose a book at your grade level.

• Author: Who wrote the book? Do you know any other works by this author?
• Genre: Is the book fiction or nonfiction? If it’s fiction, is it historical, fantasy, horror, etc.? If it’s nonfiction, is it a biography, memoir, science, etc.?
• Audience: Who would find this book appealing? Is it intended for a specific age range or gender? Do you typically enjoy books like this?
• Title: Does the title catch your interest? Does it fit well with the book’s content?
• Book Cover/Illustrations: What does the book cover convey and does it accurately represent the book? How do you feel when you look at it? If the book has illustrations, what are they and do they hold your interest?

• Take breaks while reading to keep your attention sharp. Try to find a pace that is comfortable for you. If you get distracted after 15 minutes, read in 15-minute intervals. If you can go an hour, read for an hour at a time.
• Give yourself enough time to read the entire book. It’s very difficult to write a book report if you’ve just skimmed over everything. Don’t procrastinate!
• Don’t trust online book summaries. You can’t guarantee that they are accurate or true to the text.

• For example, look for a sentence that clearly describes a main setting in the book, such as “The castle was gloomy and made out of large black stones.”

Outlining Your Book Report

• Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book’s genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report.
• Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts. Focus on important aspects while avoiding spoilers.
• Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the author’s writing style and use of literary devices, like foreshadowing, metaphors, imagery, etc. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and use quotes and examples from the text.
• Themes and Messages: Identify the book’s main themes or messages and how they develop through the course of the book. Provide specific quotes and examples.
• Character Analysis: Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships. Explain their motivations, personalities, and significance to the story. Provide examples and quotes to support your analysis.
• Personal Reflection: Depending on your teacher’s instructions, you might share your personal opinions and discuss what you liked and disliked about the book. Reflect on how the book relates to broader themes or issues.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with your final thoughts or reflections on the book.
• Bibliography: If required, include a works cited page or bibliography listing all the sources you used to write your book report.
• Outlining takes time, but it saves you more time once you reach the editing stage.
• Some people prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others just type up a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.

• Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like every other line is a quote, try to dial back. Aim to include a maximum of one quotation per paragraph. Quotes and examples should still take a backseat to your summary.

• For example, you’ll likely need to focus primarily on discussing the most important characters or the characters that appear most frequently in the text.
• When you are finished with your outline, go back through it to see if it makes sense. If the paragraphs don’t flow into one another, move them around or add/delete new ones until they do.
• Also, check to see if your outline covers all of the major elements of the book, such as the plot, characters, and setting.

Writing Your Book Report

• For example, a sentence summary might state, “This book is about the main character’s journey to Africa and what she learns on her travels.”
• Don’t take up too much space with your introduction. In general, an introduction should be 3-6 sentences long, though in rare cases, they may be longer or shorter.

• Use vivid language when you can and include plenty of details. For example, you might write, “The farm was surrounded by rolling hills.”

• For instance, if the main character moves to Africa, you might describe what happens before the move, how the move goes, and how they settle in once they arrive.

• For example, you might write that the main character is “a middle-aged woman who enjoys the finer things in life, such as designer clothes.” Then, connect this description to the plot summary by describing how her views change after her travels, if they do.
• Expect to introduce the characters in the same sentences and paragraphs as the plot introduction.

• You might write, “The author argues that travel gives you a new perspective. That is why her main characters all seem happier and more grounded after visiting new places.”
• For fiction, determine if the author is using the story to pass along a certain moral or lesson. For example, a book about an underdog athlete could encourage readers to take chances to pursue their dreams.

• For example, an author who uses lots of slang terms is probably going for a hip, approachable style.

• Some teachers require, or strongly suggest, that you include the author’s name and the book title in your concluding paragraph.
• When writing a conclusion , don’t introduce any new thoughts. Any important points should be made in your body paragraphs. Save the space for your recap.

Reviewing and Revising Your Book Report

• Before you submit your paper, make sure that you’ve spelled the author’s name and any character names correctly.
• Don’t trust your computer’s spell check to catch all the errors for you. Spell check can be helpful, but it isn’t perfect and can make mistakes.

• If you’re nervous about asking, try saying something like “It would be great if you could go over my book report and make sure that it reads smoothly.”
• Remember, no one’s first draft is perfect, so don’t get upset if someone suggests you do something differently. They want to help make your report the best it can be, so don’t take constructive criticism personally.

• For example, double-check that you are using the correct font, font size, and margins.
• Once you've finished proofreading, revising, and checking that you've addressed all the requirements, you're ready to submit your book report!

• Even though your book report is your own work, avoid using “I” too much. It can make your writing feel choppy. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• It might be tempting to watch the movie or read the online notes instead of reading the book. Resist this urge! Your teacher will be able to tell the difference. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Calm down and walk around if you get too frustrated while writing. If you write a book report while angry, you're more likely to misspell things!
• Choose a unique book. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is an absolute no. Everyone chooses those. Try something different!
• Write when anything comes to mind! You don't want to lose your ideas!

• Give yourself plenty of time to write your report. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may feel rushed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Stealing or using another person’s work is considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure that the work you submit is all your own. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-book-report.html
• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
• ↑ https://grammark.org/how-to-write-a-book-report/
• ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/steps-to-writing-a-book-report
• ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
• ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-setting
• ↑ https://www.tcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/writing-center-handouts/essay-types-plot-summary.pdf
• ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

About This Article

To write a book report, start by introducing the author and the name of the book and then briefly summarizing the story. Next, discuss the main themes and point out what you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader. Finally, write about the author’s style of writing, paying particular attention to word choice and the overall tone of the book. For tips on editing and polishing your paper before turning it in, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.

Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.

What Is a Book Report?

"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.

"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.

"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting. 

"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?

"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)

In this article from the education resource Classroom,  you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.

"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)

In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.

"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)

This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?

"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)

The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.

"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.

Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.

Selecting and Finding a Book

"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)

This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.

"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)

This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.

"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."

"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)

The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.

The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.

Formats of Book Reports

"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.

"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)

Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.

"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.

"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)

EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.

"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)

This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.

In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.

"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.

"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )

Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.

"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)

This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.

"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief but helpful post from Classroom  details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.

The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.

Plot Summary and Description

"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )

This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.

"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report. 

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.

Analyzing Characters and Themes

"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider  incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.

"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)

The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film  Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.

"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )

Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."

"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )

This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.

Selecting and Integrating Quotations

"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)

This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.

"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)

This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.

"Quote Integration" (YouTube)

This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.

"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)

This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.

Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.

"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief article from the education resource  Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.

"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.

Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.

How to Be an Active Reader

"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)

Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.

"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)

The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.

"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )

In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea. 

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.

Assessing Your Reading Comprehension

"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)

Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.

"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)

ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.

"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )

The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )

ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.

"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.

CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.

"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )

From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner  walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.

Methods of In-text Annotation

"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)

This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.

"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)

This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.

"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )

This article from the Book Riot  blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.

"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )

This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.

Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.

Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports

"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )

These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.

"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )

This   printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"

"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )

ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.

"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )

This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.

Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports

"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)

Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.

"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)

This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )

In this article for Classroom,  Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .

"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)

These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.

Sample Rubrics

"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.

"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)

This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.

"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )

Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine  will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.

Creative Book Report Assignments

"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)

This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.

"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )

Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.

"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )

This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.

"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)

This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.

"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)

In this PDF resource from the NCTE's  English Journal,  Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.

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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example) 

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example) 

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report? 

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Types of book reports 

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

• Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
• What positive characteristics does the character possess?
• Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
• Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
• Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

• Explain  exactly  what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
• Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
• Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
• After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example 

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In  To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall,  To Kill a Mockingbird  is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always  include the following elements in any book report:

• The type of book report you are writing
• The book's title
• The author of the book
• The time when the story takes place
• The location where the story takes place
• The names and a  brief  description of each of the characters you will be discussing
• Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
• A thesis statement
• The point of view of the narrator
• Summary of the book
• The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
• The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
• The writing styles of the author
• A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget! 

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Book Report

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• 5th September 2021

A book report is an essay that summarizes the main ideas presented by the author. But how do you write a good book report? Our top tips include:

• Check the assignment instructions so you know what you need to do.
• Read the book , making notes as you go.
• Plan your book report and create an essay outline .
• Write up your report , using examples and quotes to support your points.
• Revise and proofread your work to eliminate errors.

In the rest of this post, we look at how to write a book report in more detail.

1. Check the Assignment Instructions

Book reports come in many different types, so the first thing you should do if you’re asked to write one is check the assignment instructions carefully. Key aspects of the essay instructions to pay attention to include:

• The required length of the book report (and any maximum word count ).
• Whether you will be assigned a book to write about or whether you will be asked to pick one yourself (either from a list supplied by the tutor or based on a set of requirements, such as a book about a set topic).
• What aspects of the book to write about (e.g., will it just be a summary of the book’s content, or will you also need to offer some critical analysis?).
• Any requirements for structuring and formatting your report (e.g., whether to break the essay up into sections with headings and subheadings).

If anything about the instructions is unclear, check it with your tutor.

2. Read the Book and Make Notes

Next, you’ll need to read the book you’re writing about in full, not just skim through or read a synopsis! This means you’ll need to leave enough time before the deadline to read the text thoroughly (and write up your report).

When you are reading, moreover, make sure to take notes on:

• Basic bibliographic details, including the title, author name(s), year of publication, publisher, and number of pages.
• How the book is structured (e.g., whether it uses chapters).
• The overall plot or argument, plus key ideas and/or plot points from each part.
• For works of fiction, important characters and themes.
• Significant quotations or examples you might want to use in your report.

Where possible, make sure to note down page numbers as well. This will make it easier to find the relevant parts again when you’re reviewing your notes.

3. Outline Your Book Report

How you structure your report will ultimately depend on the length (e.g., a short, 500-word report is unlikely to use separate sections and headings, while a longer one will need these to help break up the text and guide the reader) and the assignment instructions, so make sure to review these carefully.

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However, common elements of a book report include:

• An introductory paragraph or section with basic book details (e.g., the title, author(s), genre, publisher, publication date, and intended audience).
• Information about the author’s background and, where relevant, credentials.
• An overview of the book’s plot (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or its main idea (other non-fiction), sometimes with a section-by-section breakdown.
• Information on characters, setting, and themes (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or key ideas and concepts set out by the author (other non-fiction).
• Where required, critical analysis or evaluation of the book.

When planning your book report, then, use your notes and the assignment instructions to outline your essay, breaking it down into clearly defined sections and noting what you will include in each one.

4. Write Up Your Book Report

When it comes to writing up your report, helpful tips include:

• Imagine the reader will be unfamiliar with the book and try to ensure your report covers all the information they’d need to know what it is about.
• Use clear, concise language to make your report easy to follow. Look out for wordiness and repetition, and don’t be tempted to pad out your report with irrelevant details just to increase the word count!
• Use examples and quotations to support your points (but don’t rely too heavily on quotations; keep in mind that the report should be in your own words).
• Follow the formatting instructions set out in your style guide or the assignment instructions (e.g., for fonts, margins, and presenting quotations).

If you use quotations in your report, moreover, make sure to include page numbers! This will help the reader find the passages you’ve quoted.

5. Revise and Proofread Your Work

When you have the first draft of your book report, if you have time, take a short break (e.g., overnight) before re-reading it. This will help you view it objectively. Then, when you do re-read it, look out for ways you could improve it, such as:

• Typos and other errors that need correcting.
• Issues with clarity or places where the writing could be more concise (reading your work aloud can make it easier to spot clunky sentences).
• Passages that would benefit from being supported with a quote or example.

It’s also a good idea to re-read the assignment instructions one last time before submitting your work, which will help you spot any issues you missed.

Finally, if you’d like some extra help checking your writing, you can have it proofread by a professional . Submit a free sample document today to find out more.

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• Tags: Academic Writing , English as a Second Language / ESL , Writing Tips

Have a book report submission deadline and want to know how to write one? We’re here to help! Book reports are vital in academics, helping students sharpen their understanding and critical thinking, while for authors, they offer a deep dive into a text’s composition and stylistic elements.

In this article, we will understand how to write a good book report. It’s a skill that not only helps you get more out of what you’re reading but also lets you create a report that truly reflects how good the book is. Let’s get started!

Ace your assignment with a perfect book report! Learn more

Firstly, let us understand what is a book report.

What is a book report?

A book report is an in-depth analysis, an objective summary of a book’s main content and arguments. Book reports discuss a book’s content, structure, and themes. Far from just a recap of the plot outline , a book report examines the details of a book’s narrative, offering insights into the characters, themes of the story , and the author’s writing style. 

Note: A book report is usually assigned to students from secondary schools to colleges. As per book report format, book reports are typically 500–1000 words long.

Elements of a book report

A proper book report outline consists of the following elements:

• Introduction: Think about how to start a book report with an engaging opening. Mention the book’s title, author, genre, and a brief plot summary. State your main theme or viewpoint.
• Content summary: Give a clear, summary of the plot. Highlight key events and turning points. Avoid spoilers.
• Analysis and perspective: Examine the key characters, their traits, motivations, development, and plot roles. Explore major themes, symbols, and motifs, and their narrative effect. Review the author’s style and perspective, and their impact on the story.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points. Restate your overall impression of the book and possibly suggest who might enjoy it or what kind of readers would benefit from it.
• Citations and references (if necessary): If you have used external sources or have been influenced by other analyses, make sure to cite these references properly to avoid plagiarism.

By following this book report outline, your book report will be comprehensive, informative, and engaging.

How to write a book report

Before learning how to do a book report, it is important to remember that following a book report format is essential. 

Here’s how to write a book report:

• Read the book carefully: Start by reading the book thoroughly. Take notes on key points, characters, themes, and any passages that stand out.
• Create an Outline: Organize your thoughts and notes into an outline. This will be your roadmap and will help keep your writing focused.
• Write the introduction: Begin with an engaging introduction that provides basic information about the book, including the title, author, and a brief synopsis.
• Develop the body: You can follow your outline or a book report template to write the body of your report. Discuss each element (plot, characters, themes, etc.) in separate paragraphs or sections.
• Conclude your report: Summarize your main points and offer your final thoughts and evaluation of the book.
• Review and revise: Finally, review and proofread your report for clarity, coherence, and correctness. Make sure to correct any grammatical mistakes and ensure your report flows logically.

Taking a look at a few examples of book reports will help you understand how to do a book report easily.  So let’s explore some book report examples next.

Book report examples

Starting with book report examples, let’s look at a book report example on The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.

Introduction: Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a powerful and poignant diary that gives an intimate glimpse into the life of a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust.

Summary: The diary chronicles Anne Frank’s life from 1942 to 1944, during which she and her family hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam. The entries detail her daily life in the secret annex, her thoughts, fears, and hopes for a better future.

Analysis and themes: Anne’s diary is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Themes of hope, the cruelty of war, the innocence of youth, and the power of writing shine through her words.

Conclusion: Diary of a Young Girl is more than just a diary; it’s a moving narrative that brings to light the horrors of war and the timeless strength of hope and human dignity. Anne Frank’s voice continues to resonate with readers around the world, making this book a must-read for understanding history and humanity.

Now let’s look at a fiction book report example on Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

Introduction: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is a thrilling fantasy novel that introduces us to a world where Greek gods and mythology come to life in the modern era.

Summary: The story follows Percy Jackson, a young boy who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. After being accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, Percy embarks on a dangerous adventure across America to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.

Analysis and themes: Riordan’s novel is rich in Greek mythology and cleverly intertwined with modern-day settings and issues. Themes of identity, friendship, and bravery are prominent as Percy navigates the challenges of being a demigod. The book also explores the concept of good vs. evil and the importance of understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is an engaging and imaginative novel that offers a fresh perspective on Greek mythology. It’s a captivating read for young adults, effectively combining action, humor, and life lessons, making it a standout in the genre of fantasy fiction.

Book report template

You can easily write a book report using our free book report template.

It’s clear that writing a book report is more than a mere academic exercise; it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of literature and gain insights. 

By using the provided template and examples as starting points, you’re well on your way to writing insightful and compelling book reports. Also, to make your book report perfect, we are always here to help you with our expert editing and proofreading services ! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a book report be, what should a book report include, how to conclude a book report, how to write an introduction for a book report, what is the purpose of a book report.

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How To Write a Good Book Report in Seven Steps

Are you having trouble writing your book report? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you seven easy steps that’ll help you write the perfect book report.

Quick Summary on How To Write a Book Report

• As you read the book, highlight and take notes.
• Reread the instructions of the assignment.
• Organize your notes and create an outline.
• Write a compelling introduction.
• Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.
• Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.
• Edit and proofread.

What Is a Book Report?

A book report is an essay in which students explain and support their thoughts and views on a story, novel, or any other literary work.

There are several different types of book reports. Regardless of which type you’re writing, teachers and professors usually assign book reports as a way to ensure that their students have thoroughly understood the book. Below, we’ll go over how to write a good book report in seven easy steps.

How To Write a Book Report

1. as you read the book, highlight and take notes..

The first step of writing a good book report is to read the book, of course. However, it’s important to highlight and takes notes while reading it. Highlight anything that stands out to you or that evokes certain emotions. Write notes on patterns, themes, and characters. If you’re writing a book report on a nonfiction book, write notes on the major points of the book and what you think about them.

2. Revisit and reread the instructions of the assignment.

Once you’re done reading and taking notes, reread the instructions of the assignment. Find what it is you’re supposed to write about. Is it a character analysis? A plot summary? An exploration of themes and patterns, or something else? It’s also essential to follow the formatting guidelines, so make sure to use the correct font and spacing. If you have any questions, reach out to your teacher or professor.

3. Organize your notes and create an outline.

Gather your notes and arrange them into categories. Once you’ve completed this, write an outline and organize the categories to become the paragraphs of your book report. Jot down bullet points on what each paragraph will include and what part of the book can support it. As you start writing the book report, remain flexible. You don’t have to follow the outline exactly. You may realize that a few edits create a better flow.

4. Write a compelling introduction.

The introduction should be informative and catchy. You may want to start with a quote, climactic scene, or an unusual observation you had while reading the book. Towards the end of the introduction, you should write a one or two-sentence summary about the book, and then the last sentence should explain what exactly you’ll be writing about in the rest of the report.

Book Report Elements

Keep in mind that all book reports should contain:

• The name and author of the book.
• A thesis statement.
• If you're writing about a fiction book, mention the setting, time period, and characters.
• If you’re writing about a nonfiction book, mention the author’s main point in writing the book.
• Evidence to support your arguments.

5. Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs are where you can include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence that bring your book report together.

For example, let’s say you’re writing a character analysis. You believe that the character that everyone sees as the protagonist is actually the antagonist. You should write why you believe that and include specific scenarios that help prove your point.

Or if you’re writing about a non-fiction book, you could use the body paragraphs to write about why you agree or disagree with the author. Similarly, you’d have to use examples and evidence to support your argument.

It’s a good idea to start off with your most compelling, evidence-backed point. Leave the weakest arguments for the middle, and end with another strong point. Lastly, whether you’re writing about fiction or non-fiction, commenting on writing style and tone is recommended (especially if it’s explicitly requested in the instructions).

6. Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.

The conclusion is just as important as the introduction, so make sure to set aside enough time to write one (students tend to rush through this part). Use the concluding paragraph to pull all your arguments together. Reiterate again what the main point was about, and then briefly summarize the main idea of your book report.

7. Edit and proofread.

Now that you’ve completed the first draft of your book report, it’s time to reread and make edits if needed. Are there any paragraphs you can move around that’ll improve the rhythm of your writing? Do you have enough evidence to back up your claims? Is your introduction captivating and descriptive?

While you’re rereading the book report, you should also be looking for typos and spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. If you want an extra set of eyes to look for all types of errors, you should use LanguageTool as your spelling and grammar checker. Not only will this advanced editor correct mistakes, but it supports more than twenty languages—meaning your book report will be perfect regardless of which language you’re writing it in.

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How To Write A Book Report (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re a student who needs to write a book report, you may be wondering where to start. 

Writing a book report may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a straightforward and rewarding experience. 

As someone who has mastered the art of writing a book report, I’m here to provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you write a precise book report. 

In this article, I will cover everything from what a book report is to the steps you need to follow to write a successful report. 

So, let’s get started!

What is a Book Report?

A book report summarizes and analyzes a book’s content, providing an overview of the plot, characters, themes, and your evaluation. 

Additionally, a book report often explores the main characters, their motivations, and their roles in the story. It delves into the book’s themes, messages, and the author’s writing style, discussing how these elements contribute to the book’s overall impact. 

A book report may also contain the writer’s evaluation and opinion, reflecting their thoughts on the book’s strengths, weaknesses, and relevance. 

It is an excellent way to showcase your understanding of the book and demonstrate your critical thinking skills. Book reports are commonly assigned in schools and serve as a valuable exercise in literary analysis.

What are the various forms of a Book Report?

There are several different forms of book reports, and the type you choose will depend on the guidelines provided by your instructor. Some common forms of book reports include:

• Plot Summary Book Report:

This type of book report focuses primarily on summarizing the book’s plot. It should provide a concise story overview, including the main events, conflicts, and resolution. You can also include your thoughts and opinions on the plot and whether it effectively conveyed the intended message.

• Character Analysis Book Report

In this form of book report, the emphasis is on analyzing the characters in the book. You should delve into the main characters’ personalities, motivations, and development and their impact on the story. 

Additionally, you can include examples from the book to support your analysis and provide insight into the character’s actions and decisions.

• Theme-Based Book Report

Theme-based book report explores the themes and messages conveyed in the book. It requires a deeper analysis of the underlying ideas and concepts explored by the author. 

To write this type of report, you should identify the major themes in the book and discuss how they are developed throughout the story. You can also include your thoughts and opinions on the themes and what they mean to you.

• Comparative Book Report

A comparative book report compares and contrasts two or more books with similar themes or subject matter. It requires a careful analysis of how the books relate to each other and what sets them apart. 

In this type of report, you should focus on the similarities and differences between the books and how they address the themes or subject matter. You can also include your thoughts and opinions on which book effectively conveyed the intended message.

How to Write a Book Report: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have an overall idea about the different forms of a book report, let’s explore how to write a book report precisely.

1. Choose the Book

The first step is to select a book on which you want to write a report. It’s important to choose a book that is appropriate for the assignment’s requirements and aligns with your interests or the subject matter.

2. Read the Book Thoroughly

Before you start writing, read the book attentively. Take notes on important plot points, characters, themes, and any significant details that stand out to you. It’s essential to thoroughly understand the book’s content before attempting to analyze and interpret it.

3. Introduction

Begin your book report with an engaging introduction. Include the book’s title, author, genre, and a brief overview of what the book is about. This is your chance to hook the reader’s interest and set the tone for your report. 

You can also provide some background information on the author or the book’s historical context if it’s relevant.

4. Summary of the Plot

Provide a concise summary of the book’s plot, covering the main events and the central conflict. Be careful not to give away major spoilers; the purpose is to give an overview without revealing too much. 

You can also highlight any important subplots or secondary characters that contribute to the story.

5. Character Analysis

Now you can discuss the main characters in the book, their personalities, motivations, and how they contribute to the story’s development. Use specific examples and quotes from the text to support your analysis. 

You can also compare and contrast different characters or explore their relationships with one another.

6. Setting and Context

Explain the setting and context of the story. Describe the time and place in which the events occur, and discuss how these elements influence the plot and characters. 

You can also analyze the significance of the setting and how it relates to the themes of the book.

7. Themes and Messages

Explore the central themes and messages conveyed by the author. Discuss the author’s intentions and how these themes are developed throughout the book. Analyze their significance in the overall narrative and how they relate to the characters and the setting.

8. Writing Style and Techniques

Evaluate the author’s writing style and the literary techniques used in the book. Consider elements such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and imagery. 

Discuss how these techniques enhance the story’s impact and contribute to the book’s overall meaning.

9. Comparisons (Optional)

You can compare the book with other works by the same author or books of a similar genre if applicable. Analyze similarities and differences, and offer insights into the author’s recurring themes or writing style. 

This can help you provide a broader context for the book and deepen your analysis.

10. Personal Opinion

Sharing a personal opinion of the book will be ideal. You can talk about what it is that you liked or disliked about the book and point out your reasons. 

Support your opinions with text evidence, such as specific scenes or character developments. Your opinion is an essential part of the book report, demonstrating your engagement with the material and your critical thinking skills.

11. Conclusion

Summarize the key points of your book report and restate your overall impression of the book. Provide a thoughtful closing statement that leaves the reader with a lasting impression. 

You can also offer some final thoughts on the book’s significance or its relevance to contemporary issues.

12. Proofreading and Editing

After writing the report, carefully proofread and edit your work to correct any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Make sure that the report flow is logical and coherent. You can always use Grammarly to check for the proof-reading purpose.

Unsure if Grammarly Premium suits your needs? Then you are at luck, Grammarly provides its users with a 7-day free trial .

13. Citation (if necessary)

If required, include a bibliography or works cited page to give credit to the sources you used while writing the report. This is important to avoid plagiarism and to demonstrate your research skills. Here I have mentioned the best plagiarism checker in the market.

14. Finalize and Submit

Once thoroughly reviewing and editing your book report, finalize it and submit it according to your instructor’s guidelines. Congratulations, you have successfully written a comprehensive and insightful book report!

Related Read:

• Books on Writing: Handpicked List For Aspiring Writers
• Mechanics of Writing: For Fine Writing

Conclusion: How To Write A Book Report

Writing an effective book report requires closely reading the book, developing a thesis, organizing your thoughts, and drafting an analysis of the key elements of the text. 

Be sure to include relevant details from the work to support your central ideas. 

Carefully proofread your report and make any necessary revisions to create a polished final product. With proper planning and an organized approach, any student can master the art of writing engaging and insightful book reports. 

I hope this step-by-step guide provided tips to help you successfully draft your next book review assignment.

The format of a book report typically includes an introduction, a summary of the plot, a character analysis, themes and messages, an evaluation/opinion, and a conclusion.

The length of a book report can vary depending on the assignment’s requirements, but typically it ranges from 500 to 2000 words.

Including quotes from the book can enhance your report, especially when providing evidence to support your analysis and opinions.

While it’s possible to write a book report without reading the entire book, it is strongly recommended to read the complete book to provide a comprehensive and accurate analysis.

Yes, using first-person pronouns is acceptable in a book report as it allows you to express your personal opinions and thoughts about the book.

About The Author

Olivia Fullmer

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How to Write a Book Report

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We explain the pre-writing steps to writing a book report

Writing a book report can be a difficult task that requires you to deal with a large amount of information in a relatively small space. But don't be discouraged—in this article we outline how to prepare for your book report and in our later article we discuss how to write report on a book .

Tips for taking notes

Before you can sit down to write a book report, you must first read the required novel. As you read, remember to take notes on each chapter of the book. Simply reading the book and then writing your book report will likely result in a poorly organized assignment and a lot of flipping pages back and forth to find information. College book reports or essays are different from high school literary assignments in the sense that while you will be summarizing the text to some extent, you'll also be required to deal with the book on a meaningful level (i.e., interpret or extract meaning from the events of the story). For this reason, noting the following important elements in each chapter (as you read and before you begin to write) is highly important:

Main characters and their actions

While you don't need to write down every single thing that a character does, it's important to notice patterns of behavior across the entire arc of the story. Let's say you note that, in Chapter 1, the main character robs a convenience store because the owner fired him. Later, in Chapter 7, the same character slashes the tires of his neighbor's car because she parked in his parking space. While you wouldn't necessarily have to mention these two specific details in the book report, your careful examination of this character's actions allows you to call him "vindictive" in your report and have the proof to back it up.

The setting

Just as with noting the main characters and their actions, taking notice of settings will allow you to uncover patterns throughout the story. Perhaps you note that Chapters 1 through 3 take place in Brooklyn, and then in Chapter 4, a new character that lives in Tempe is introduced. As the story progresses, the character from Brooklyn makes his way to Columbus, Des Moines, and finally to Salem. Likewise, the character in Tempe travels to Santa Fe, Salt Lake City, and Boise before reaching Salem and reuniting with our first character. In your report, it's probably unnecessary to mention all of these cities. However, your examination of patterns throughout the plot of the story could lead you to report that two characters, one from New York City and the other from Tempe, reunite in Salem.

This one is quite simple. You should be writing down at least one noteworthy event from each chapter of the book.

Symbols and symbolism

Symbols are tricky. It can be said that symbols/symbolism are what ultimately allow readers to make meaning from a story that spans hundreds of pages. For example, in Dylan Thomas's "Do not go gentle into that good night," references to the "close of day" and "night" are generally deemed, by scholars, to be symbolic representations of death. Another example that everyone is familiar with is a red rose, which generally symbolizes love. Noting symbols in stories takes some practice, but this is what will ultimately make your book report stand out. If a symbol repeats throughout a story, it's likely not accidental; the author wants the readers to extract some sort of meaning from this symbol. If you can do this, you will likely receive a better grade than those who ignore this admittedly difficult point. If you think you've come upon a symbolic element in a story, we recommend asking yourself the following questions: How does this symbol relate to the actions of the characters and the events in the story? Does this symbol help explain an aspect of a character's personality or an event in the story? If so, how is this accomplished? Do any events in the story mirror real-life events? Do any characters mirror real-life people who are in the public eye? If so, what is the author trying to say by doing this? Finally, remember that symbols are useless unless related to the events and characters. Symbols should be considered tools that help you better understand the meaning behind a story.

If you've taken notes correctly, your book should be a little worse for wear when you're done reading it: you should have made notes in it, stuck tabs on noteworthy passages, and/or dog-eared important pages. The book is now yours ; you've connected with its contents in a meaningful way and are ready to start organizing your thoughts.

Organize your information into headings

Once you've finished reading the novel, look through your notes and, on a blank piece of paper, write down what you feel are the ten most important elements in the book, in no particular order. Next, take another page and write "Main Characters/Actions," "Setting," "Events," and "Symbols" as headings. Look at your first list and categorize each of your ten elements. This way, you can clearly see if you're ignoring one of the headings. For example, if you notice that you don't have anything under the "Symbols" heading, you'll need to look at your notes and include one or two elements there.

From note-taking to connection-making

Learning how to take good notes, while reading, is an important skill that every student should master. Granted, note-taking will slow your reading process down in the beginning (where you could once speed-read through a 350-page novel in one sitting, it may now take you three or four nights), but ultimately, this will be time well spent. This way, when it comes time to write your book report, you'll be armed with informative ideas and well thought-out interpretations. And remember, if you need a second opinion on your notes, be sure to send your document over to our essay editing services .

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How to write a book report

Published September 27, 2020. Updated May 8, 2022.

Book Report Definition

A book report is essentially the summarization of a fictional or non-fictional piece of literature.

Overview of Book Report

There are 10 steps that can be followed while writing a book report:

Step 1 – Carefully read the details of your assignment

Step 2 – Read the book

Step 3 – Take notes while reading

Step 4 – Create an outline

Step 5 – Write the introductory paragraph

Step 6 – Provide some background information

Step 7 – Summarize the book and provide analysis (if requested)

Step 8 – Write a concluding paragraph

Step 9 – Edit your book report

Step 10 – Revise and check your documentation of the primary text and any outside sources you used

Is a book report the same as a book review?

No, a book report is not the same as a book review. While a book review involves your personal opinions about the piece, a book report is usually free from judgment and comparisons to other books. That being said, different instructors have different ideas about book reports, and some will actually encourage you to voice your opinion as you write your report.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

Step 1: Carefully read the details of your assignment

Read the details of your assignment and make sure that you understand the task ahead. Instructors will have differing requirements, so here are a few common things to look for:

• Is there a word count or page requirement?
• The number of sources, the types of sources used (e.g., primary and secondary, peer-reviewed, etc.), where the sources are found, etc.
• Do you need to submit an outline or a thesis first?
• Are there formatting requirements? If yes, in what style? Most English and humanities courses require the use of MLA format.
• Do you need to add in-text citations and a bibliography or works cited page?
• Are there parameters around the type of book you can choose?

Make sure you understand whether your instructor thinks opinions are acceptable in a book report, or whether they simply want a fact-based overview of the book. Many instructors want students to pay special attention to specific aspects of the book, such as characters, themes, literary elements, etc.

• Have you carefully reviewed your assignment?
• Are there specific steps the professor requires for your book report?
• How does the essay need to be formatted?
• Does your book report require a bibliography and formal documentation?
• Do you need to submit an outline to your professor for approval before starting the formal drafting process?
• Are you required to summarize every chapter?

Step 2: Read the book

This step is pretty self-explanatory. Yes, you actually have to read the book in order to write a top-notch book report. While it’s true that you can find quick book summaries on the web, it’s always best to read the book yourself.

When you absorb the text yourself, you can contribute personal insights and analysis to your book report. In addition, most instructors can easily spot which students have actually read the book and which ones are simply basing their book report on someone else’s brief summary.

Step 3: Take notes while reading

Taking notes while you read a book (or any text) is an excellent strategy to help you better understand what you read and how to begin writing about it. This is referred to as annotation . It is a matter of personal preference as to whether you use an actual book or digital text.

Tips for annotation:

• Write (or type) notes in the margins.
• Underline important passages.
• Highlight sections you do not understand.
• Summarize long sections with a few main ideas.
• Identify main themes and arguments.
• Identify supporting details and sources the author uses to help prove her point.

You should also write down any direct quotes that you might want to use for your book report, but be careful not to stuff your report with too many quotes. By the time you have finished reading the book, you should have a plethora of information and insights from which to build your outline.

Step 4: Create an outline

After you’ve finished reading the entire book, it’s time to start thinking about the outline of your book report. This is the “skeleton” of your assignment, and creating an organized, general guideline will make the entire writing process easier and more streamlined.

Be careful not to go overboard when creating your outline. Remember, it’s going to be impossible to cover every single detail of the book you’ve read. Instead, target the most important moments or topics.

When creating your outline, you should also plan to devote a certain number of words to each topic or chapter. This ensures that you’re not placing too much emphasis (or too little) on one aspect of the book.

Step 5: Write the introductory paragraph

When you’re ready to start writing the main body of your book report, start with the introductory paragraph. Include the author’s name and the book’s title in the first sentence; maybe even a powerful quote that sums up the entire narrative. Remember, your first paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and “get them hooked.”

Finish your introductory paragraph with a summary of the entire book in one final sentence. Let the reader know what the book is all about before moving on.

Write from a critical point of view that assumes the reader is not familiar with the book or author at all. It is easy to mistakenly think of your audience as only your professor, but most of these assignments require you to write for a “general academic audience.” This audience would include your instructor that assigned the essay and will grade it, your classmates, and the larger academic community.

Step 6: Provide some background information

After you’ve finished your introductory paragraph, launch into your book report by providing the reader with some background information. For a fictional piece, this might involve going over the setting of the book. For a nonfiction piece, you can explore why the book was written and what kind of information it provides.

You might also want to talk about the time period in which the book was written and what the author was experiencing when he or she wrote it. In this second paragraph, you need to set the stage for the rest of the book report.

Step 7: Summarize the book and provide analysis (if requested)

It’s now time to summarize the book in its entirety. Follow your outline and go through each section. Refer to your notes and add direct quotes wherever necessary. This is the most important part of your book report and also the most time-consuming.

• Describe the setting (time and location).
• Introduce and summarize the main characters. How does the author develop them over the course of the book or narrative (story)?
• For books that contain many chapters, avoid summarizing every chapter in its entirety (unless required). Instead, focus your summary on major sections of the book and/ or plot developments.
• To keep the summary interesting, write about how the major events impact the characters.

Remember, a book report is more than simply summarizing each chapter.  What are the primary plot developments? Think about what the author is trying to say. Are there any major themes? What are his/her characters trying to communicate to the reader through their actions? How do the characters transform and evolve throughout the book? By the end of the story, are their worldviews different? If so, how?

If you’re writing a report on a nonfiction book, search for the author’s primary thesis statement or argument. Is the author trying to convince the reader about something? Is she successful in her argument? How and why? What makes the book persuasive and convincing? Your book report should show that you understand the author’s central argument and assess the credibility of the research/ support the author uses to make their thesis more persuasive.

Other topics to write about:

• Devote a few paragraphs to the style and tone of the book. You may choose to hint at these points in your introduction and then give examples in the summary you provide later in your paper.
• Other literary elements to write about include characterization, setting, themes, plot, dialogue, irony, and satire. For nonfiction books, give an overview of the research and outside support the author uses to make their point more persuasive.
• Again, refer to your notes. If a specific passage or quote has a distinctive style or tone, make sure to mention this.

Step 8: Write a concluding paragraph

After you’ve finished writing your book report, it’s time to wrap everything up with a concluding paragraph. Keep this paragraph concise, and don’t introduce any new ideas. Quickly summarize everything you’ve just said and write a few succinct sentences that reestablish the general outline of the book.

Many instructors have very clear instructions regarding the concluding paragraph, and some require you to mention the author’s name and the book’s title. If your instructor allows you to voice your opinion in your book report, the concluding paragraph is the ideal place to do so. For example, you can reveal whether you’d recommend the book to others and why.

Click here  to see a book report example.

Step 9: Edit your book report

While self-editing can be effective, it’s always helpful to use another pair of eyes. Ask a friend or your parents to read your book report. A fellow student may also edit your report.

Step 10: Revise and check your documentation of the primary text and any outside sources you used 

After an initial editing stage, go over the report once again and search for any glaring errors. These might be small grammatical or spelling mistakes. You should also check over your quotes to make sure they have been worded correctly and confirm any outside sources used.

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Book report checklist

Here’s a checklist you can go over to make sure your book report is ready to hand in. Some of these items may not be required, and your professor may also have additional requirements not mentioned on this list. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to check the specific criteria of your book report before you hand it in. Ask yourself if you included the following:

• The author’s name
• The title of the book
• The publication date
• The name of your professor/instructor and class
• A bibliography or works cited page

Also make sure you mentioned all the major events, characters, and ideas within the story.

Additional tips for writing a book report

• Use a thesaurus to increase your vocabulary.
• Use transition words to ensure readability.
• Focus on the “why” instead of the “how.”
• When reading the book, search for a quote that encapsulates the entire narrative. You can use this in your introductory paragraph.
• Make sure you understand whether your instructor accepts personal opinions in the report and write it accordingly.
• Make sure to correctly cite from the primary source (the book) and any outside sources (if required or allowed).
• Use current MLA documentation style, unless otherwise directed.
• Use concise and engaging language, logical organization, and a variety of summary, paraphrasing, short direct quotations, and explanations that lead the reader through each section you are writing about.
• Avoid unnecessary wordiness, repetition, slang, jargon, informal phrases, and, obviously, grammatical mistakes.

Example book report on One Hundred Years of Solitude

By Andy Block. Block received his B.A. in English from the University of South Carolina and his M.A. in comparative literature from the University of New Mexico. After teaching ESL in Asia and Europe as well as public school in New York City, briefly, Andy taught writing at a community college for more than a decade — before transitioning to a new career in EdTech. He is currently at work on a creative non-fiction book and enjoys freelance writing.

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How to write a book report

A book report is one of the first types of essays you probably learned to write in elementary school. But no matter how many book reports you turn in over the course of your student life, they can still inspire some anxiety and some confusion about the best way to write a book report, especially as you reach the high school and college level.

The good news is that the basics you learned in the early grades will serve you in good stead, since the book report format remains mostly the same. The very same structure and tools you used to dissect Charlotte’s Web and Superfudge will work just as well for Animal Farm and The Handmaid’s Tale . What changes is the depth and breadth of your analysis as a high school and college student.

So, If you are wondering how to start a book report for a college class assignment, here are some of the key pieces of information you need to know.

What is a book report?

Let’s start off with some definitions. In the most general terms, a book report is a summary of a written text, often a fiction novel, but can also include other genres such as memoir and creative non-fiction. It includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc.

While the analysis should be reasoned and objective, it should also include your opinion and assessment of the impact and overall success of the author’s choices on the final work.

Book reports usually fall into one of the following types:

Plot summary

This type of book report isn’t just a re-telling of the story, it’s a comment on your overall impression of the plot — whether you thought it was engaging or maudlin or vapid, for example — backed up by direct quotes from the text to support your opinion.

Example of a plot summary thesis statement: The plot of Herman Melville’s short story, “Bartleby the Scrivener,” offers a poignant portrait of how depression robs a person of all motivation and momentum in life.

Character analysis

A character analysis zeroes in on a particular character (their characterization and actions) and their impact on the unfolding of the plot and its eventual outcome.

Example of a character analysis thesis statement: In J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye , the character of Phoebe, Holden’s bright and precocious younger sister, is a catalyst for rekindling his hope in humanity and reconsidering the choices he’s made in his life.

Theme analysis

A theme analysis looks at the overarching concepts, or themes, that run through a book and that give the text meaning and direction. Themes tend to be broad in nature, such as love, the importance of family, the impact of childhood, etc.

Example of a theme analysis thesis statement: Banana Yoshimoto’s novella, Kitchen , explores the theme of death and how everyone sooner or later has to come to terms with the mortality of the people they love as well as their own.

How to start a book report

The very first step in writing a stellar book report that earns a top grade is actually reading the book. This may seem obvious, but many students make the assignment much harder on themselves by not putting in the time up front to do a thorough and complete reading of the book they’re going to be writing their report on. So resist the urge to skim the text or to rely on the Cliff’s notes version. A nuanced analysis requires a deep grasp of the text, and there is no substitute for focused, firsthand reading.

It’s a lot easier to stick with a book that you enjoy reading! If you have the chance to choose the book you’ll be writing a report on, take some time to select a book that appeals to you, considering the genre, time period, writing style, and plot.

It can be helpful to start thinking about your book report while you are still making your way through your initial reading of the text. Mark down passages that provide key turning points in the action, descriptive passages that establish time and place, and any other passages that stand out to you in terms of their word choice and use of language. This makes it much easier to go back later and start collecting the evidence you’ll need to support your argument and analysis.

Once you finish reading the book from cover to cover, you’ll likely find that your mind is swirling with thoughts, impressions, and burgeoning analyses. At this stage, trying to distill all of these half-formed thoughts into one cohesive report may seem like a daunting task. One way to make this task more approachable is to start by collecting and listing the objective facts about the book. The following list covers the basic elements that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

• The book’s title and author
• The historical context of the book (when it was written)
• The time(s) during which the story is set
• The location(s) where the story takes place
• A summary of the main characters and action of the story
• Quotes from the book that will function as evidence to support your analysis

With all of the basics in hand, you can start to write your book report in earnest. Just like most other essay types, a well-written book report follows a basic structure that makes it easy for your reader to follow your thoughts and make sense of your argument.

A typical book report will open with an introduction that briefly summarizes the book and culminates with a thesis statement that advances an opinion or viewpoint about it. This is followed by body paragraphs that provide detailed points to flesh out and support that opinion in greater detail, including direct quotes from the text as supporting evidence. The report finishes with a conclusion that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader with an understanding of the book, its aims, and whether or not you feel the book (and its author) was successful in doing what it set out to do. Ideally, the conclusion will also make a statement about how the book fits into the larger literary world.

A book report template you can use for any book report

If you find yourself stuck on how to start a book report, here’s a handy book report template you can use to get things off the ground. Simply use this structure and start filling it in with the specifics of the book you are writing your report on. Feel free to expand upon this book report template, adding more sections as appropriate.

Introduction

Write three to five sentences introducing the book and author as well as important contextual information about the book, such as the publication year and the overall critical reception at the time. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.

Body paragraphs

Include at least three body paragraphs that offer detailed information and analysis to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should contain one idea, backed up with direct quotes from the text alongside your critical analysis.

Write three to five sentences that restate your thesis and summarize the evidence you’ve presented in support of it. Relate your findings to a larger context about the book’s place within both the literary world and the world at large.

Frequently Asked Questions about book reports

A book report follows the format of most papers you write - it will have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Depending on the type of book report, you will fill these parts with the required information.

These are the basic parts that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

• The historical context of the book and time(s) during which the story is set

The book report is, among other things, also a summary of the plot, main characters, and ideas and arguments of the author. Your book report should help readers decide whether they want to read the book or not.

How many pages a book report should have depends on your assignment. It can be a half page, but it can also have many pages. Make sure to carefully read through your assignment and ask your professor if you are unsure .

A book report is a summary of a written text. A good book report includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc. A good book report helps the reader decide whether they want to read the book or not.

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Writing a Book Report

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Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words.

Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. If you are looking to write a book review instead of a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Review .

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider what types of things you will need to write your book report. First, you will need to get some basic information from the book:

• Publisher location, name of publisher, year published
• Number of Pages

You can either begin your report with some sort of citation, or you can incorporate some of these items into the report itself.

Next, try to answer the following questions to get you started thinking about the book:

• Author: Who is the author? Have you read any other works by this author?
• Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? What types of people would like to read this kind of book? Do you typically read these kinds of books? Do you like them?
• Title: What does the title do for you? Does it spark your interest? Does it fit well with the text of the book?
• Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: What does the book jacket or book cover say? Is it accurate? Were you excited to read this book because of it? Are there pictures? What kinds are there? Are they interesting?

As You Read

While reading a work of fiction, keep track of the major characters. You can also do the same with biographies. When reading nonfiction works, however, look for the main ideas and be ready to talk about them.

• Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them? Were there good and bad characters?
• Main Ideas: What is the main idea of the book? What happens? What did you learn that you did not know before?
• Quotes: What parts did you like best? Are there parts that you could quote to make your report more enjoyable?

When You Are Ready to Write

Announce the book and author. Then, summarize what you have learned from the book. Explain what happens in the book, and discuss the elements you liked, did not like, would have changed, or if you would recommend this book to others and why. Consider the following items as well:

• Principles/characters: What elements did you like best? Which characters did you like best and why? How does the author unfold the story or the main idea of the book?
• Organize: Make sure that most of your paper summarizes the work. Then you may analyze the characters or themes of the work.
• Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
• Recommend: Would you recommend this book to others? Why? What would you tell them before they read it? What would you talk about after you read it?

Revising/Final Copy

Do a quick double check of your paper:

• Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
• Check the punctuation and grammar slowly.
• Make sure you provide enough summary so that your reader or instructor can tell you read the book.
• Consider adding some interesting quotes from the reading.

How to Write a Book Report

Outline of Book Report

Introduction.

The introduction presents the main information about your book. Include the following:

• Title of the book which is either underlined or italicized
• The author’s first and last name
• Where the book was published
• The date of publication

Your introduction for both fiction and non-fiction may also include background information about the author, the main sections you will be focusing on, and questions you will raise.

The main body makes up the essence of the book report. It is here you go more in depth and present and discuss your main headings or sections from your outline.

For Fiction:

• Setting – Where and when (present, past or future) the story take place
• Social circumstances – The social conditions of the time.
• Main characters – Description of the characters and their personalities.
• A plot summary – The basic plot in the story. What happens. The most important events.
• Climax of the story –The most intense moment; the turning point of the story.
• Point of view – Through whose eyes the story is being told.
• Style – the author’s style. The mood and tone of the story (choice of words, use of metaphor, etc.)
• Themes –The main ideas behind the story.
• Personal impressions – Your thoughts and opinions about the book. Your likes and dislikes regarding the ending.

For Non-fiction :

• Author’s topic – What the author is writing about.
• Main points - What the main thesis of book is. – Make a short summary of the author’s main points.
• Arguments – The arguments the author uses to prove his case. Do you agree with him?
• Conclusions – The author's final opinion. Do you agree?
• Personal Impressions – What did you learn? Did you think it was interesting?
• Would you recommend the book to others?

A conclusion is a final paragraph which summarizes the main points in your book report. It should recapitulate your introduction and answer questions raised in the introduction. You may be required to give your personal impression of the book as a whole, discuss its strengths and weaknesses, give your reasons for likes and dislikes, or maybe explain what you have learned.

Relatert innhold

The following article will give you an understanding of the basic elements of literary analysis.

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Literary Analysis

13 Free Book Report Templates (Easy Copy & Paste)

Book reports are an essential part of the educational process, helping students develop critical thinking and writing skills.

To make this task easier, we’ve created 13 unique and highly useful book report templates that you can download or copy and paste. Each template is designed to cater to different needs and situations, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your assignment.

Template 1: Basic Summary Book Report

Table of Contents

Introduction This template is perfect for beginners or younger students who need to summarize the key elements of a book.

Title : Author : Genre : Publication Date :

Plot Summary : Provide a brief overview of the book’s main events. Focus on the beginning, middle, and end.

Main Characters : List the main characters and provide a short description of each.

Themes : Identify the central themes of the book.

Personal Opinion : Share your thoughts about the book. What did you like or dislike?

Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions of the book.

Template 2: Character Analysis Book Report

Introduction This template is designed for a deeper dive into the characters of a book, ideal for middle school and high school students.

Character Overview : List the main characters.

Character Analysis :

• Description :
• Role in the Story :
• Development :
• Personal Thoughts :

Plot Summary : Briefly summarize the plot focusing on how it relates to the character analysis.

Themes : Discuss how the themes are reflected through the characters.

Conclusion : Wrap up your analysis with your final thoughts on the characters and their roles.

Template 3: Theme Analysis Book Report

Introduction This template focuses on analyzing the themes of a book, suitable for high school and university students.

Plot Summary : Briefly summarize the plot.

Themes Analysis :

• Examples from the Book :

Character Involvement : Discuss how the characters contribute to these themes.

Personal Reflection : Reflect on how these themes impacted you.

Conclusion : Summarize your analysis and final thoughts.

Template 4: Comparative Book Report

Introduction Perfect for advanced students, this template compares two books, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Book 1 Title : Book 1 Author : Book 2 Title : Book 2 Author :

Plot Summary :

• Summary of main events.

Characters Comparison :

• Book 1 Description:
• Book 2 Description:

Themes Comparison :

Personal Reflection : Discuss your thoughts on the similarities and differences.

Conclusion : Summarize your comparative analysis and final thoughts.

Template 5: Plot Analysis Book Report

Introduction Focuses on analyzing the plot structure, ideal for detailed plot discussions.

Plot Overview : Brief summary of the main plot.

Plot Analysis :

• Exposition :
• Rising Action :
• Falling Action :
• Resolution :

Character Involvement : Discuss how the characters influence the plot.

Themes : Identify the main themes revealed through the plot.

Conclusion : Summarize your analysis and overall thoughts.

Template 6: Symbolism Book Report

Introduction Designed for analyzing symbols within the book, this template is perfect for high school and college students.

Plot Summary : Brief overview of the book’s plot.

Symbolism Analysis :

• Significance in the Story :

Themes : Discuss how the symbols relate to the themes.

Personal Reflection : Reflect on the symbolism and its impact on your understanding of the book.

Template 7: Creative Book Report

Introduction Encourages creativity by allowing students to express their understanding in unique ways.

Plot Summary : Provide a brief overview of the plot.

Creative Expression : Choose one of the following:

• Write a diary entry from a character’s perspective.
• Create a comic strip summarizing the story.
• Design a new book cover with a summary.

Character Insights : Discuss your creative choices and what they reveal about the characters.

Themes : Identify the main themes expressed through your creative work.

Conclusion : Reflect on your creative process and overall understanding of the book.

Template 8: Historical Context Book Report

Introduction Focuses on the historical context of the book, ideal for historical fiction or non-fiction.

Plot Summary : Brief overview of the plot.

Historical Context :

• Time Period :
• Key Historical Events :
• Impact on the Story :

Character Analysis : Discuss how historical context influences the characters.

Themes : Identify themes related to the historical setting.

Personal Reflection : Reflect on how understanding the history enhanced your reading experience.

Conclusion : Summarize your insights and overall thoughts.

Template 9: Genre Analysis Book Report

Introduction Analyzes the book within the context of its genre, perfect for exploring genre-specific elements.

Genre Characteristics :

• Typical Elements of the Genre :
• How the Book Fits or Deviates :

Character Analysis : Discuss how the characters embody genre traits.

Themes : Identify genre-specific themes.

Personal Reflection : Reflect on your understanding of the genre through the book.

Conclusion : Summarize your genre analysis and final thoughts.

Template 10: Book Report for a Movie Adaptation

Introduction Compares the book to its movie adaptation, great for understanding different media interpretations.

Book Title : Author : Movie Title : Director : Release Date :

Character Comparison :

• Book Description:
• Movie Description:

Themes Comparison : Discuss how themes are presented differently in the book and movie.

Personal Reflection : Share your thoughts on the adaptation. Which did you prefer and why?

Conclusion : Summarize your comparison and final thoughts.

Mad-Libs Style Book Report Templates

Mad-Libs style templates can make writing a book report fun and easy, guiding you through each step while allowing room for your personal touch.

Here are three templates to help you create a comprehensive and original book report.

Mad-Libs Style Template 1: Basic Summary Report

Title : __________ Author : __________ Genre : __________ Publication Date : __________

Plot Summary : The book [Title] is about __________ (main character) who lives in __________ (setting). The story begins when __________ (main event). As the plot progresses, __________ (main character) encounters __________ (challenge or conflict). In the end, __________ (resolution).

Main Characters :

• [Main Character] : __________ (description of character)
• [Supporting Character] : __________ (description of character)
• [Antagonist] : __________ (description of character)

Themes : The central themes of [Title] are __________ (theme 1) and __________ (theme 2). These themes are illustrated through __________ (example from the book).

Personal Opinion : I thought [Title] was __________ (adjective). My favorite part was __________ (favorite part) because __________ (reason). I would/would not recommend this book because __________ (reason).

Conclusion : In summary, [Title] is a book about __________ (brief summary of themes and story). Overall, it left me feeling __________ (emotion).

Mad-Libs Style Template 2: Character Analysis Report

Plot Summary : In the book [Title] , the story revolves around __________ (main character) who __________ (brief plot overview). The plot thickens when __________ (major event), leading to __________ (consequences).

• Description : __________ (physical and personality traits)
• Role in the Story : __________ (main character’s role)
• Development : __________ (how the character changes)
• Personal Thoughts : I think __________ (main character) is __________ (adjective) because __________ (reason).
• Role in the Story : __________ (supporting character’s role)
• Personal Thoughts : I think __________ (supporting character) is __________ (adjective) because __________ (reason).

Themes : One of the main themes in [Title] is __________ (theme). This is shown through __________ (example from the book).

Personal Reflection : My favorite character was __________ (character) because __________ (reason). This book made me think about __________ (personal reflection).

Conclusion : The book [Title] offers deep insights into __________ (theme) and __________ (theme). It is a great read for anyone interested in __________ (topic).

Mad-Libs Style Template 3: Theme Analysis Report

Plot Summary : The book [Title] is set in __________ (setting) and follows __________ (main character) as they __________ (brief plot overview). The story takes a turn when __________ (major event).

• Description : One of the central themes is __________ (theme). This theme is evident when __________ (example from the book).
• Significance : This theme is important because __________ (reason).
• Description : Another significant theme is __________ (theme). It is portrayed through __________ (example from the book).
• Significance : This theme matters because __________ (reason).

Character Involvement : The characters help develop these themes, especially __________ (main character) who __________ (character’s actions related to the theme).

Personal Reflection : Reading [Title] made me realize __________ (personal insight). The theme of __________ (theme) particularly resonated with me because __________ (reason).

Conclusion : In conclusion, [Title] explores themes of __________ (theme) and __________ (theme) through its characters and plot. This book is __________ (adjective) and leaves a lasting impression because __________ (reason).

50 Best Words to Use in a Book Report

• Protagonist
• Development
• Perspective
• Foreshadowing
• Juxtaposition
• Interpretation

50 Best Phrases to Use in a Book Report

• “The protagonist of the story is…”
• “The central conflict revolves around…”
• “The theme of the novel is…”
• “This character’s development is evident when…”
• “The author uses symbolism to…”
• “A significant motif in the book is…”
• “From the perspective of the narrator…”
• “The plot takes a turn when…”
• “The resolution of the story is…”
• “The climax of the novel occurs when…”
• “Foreshadowing is used to hint at…”
• “The setting plays a crucial role in…”
• “Dialogue between characters reveals…”
• “The tone of the book is established by…”
• “The mood created by the author is…”
• “This work can be seen as an allegory for…”
• “In the context of the story…”
• “Juxtaposition of these elements highlights…”
• “Through flashbacks, we learn…”
• “The character’s motivation is driven by…”
• “An archetype presented in the book is…”
• “The synopsis provides an overview of…”
• “The depiction of this scene is…”
• “Intrigue is built through…”
• “Readers empathize with the character because…”
• “The integrity of the character is shown by…”
• “The complexity of the plot is revealed in…”
• “Transitions between scenes are marked by…”
• “The conclusion of the story leaves readers…”
• “Evocative language is used to…”
• “The ambiguity of the ending suggests…”
• “This interpretation of the text shows…”
• “Realism is portrayed through…”
• “The narrative structure includes…”
• “Exposition in the story provides…”
• “My reaction to the book is…”
• “The evaluation of this work suggests…”
• “Insightful commentary is provided by…”
• “Emphasis is placed on…”
• “A critical point in the book is…”
• “The reflection on these themes shows…”
• “Character interactions demonstrate…”
• “A pivotal moment in the story is when…”
• “The author’s use of metaphor illustrates…”
• “Irony is present in the scene where…”
• “The vivid imagery captures…”
• “The tone shifts when…”
• “Mood changes are evident in…”
• “This allegory reflects…”
• “Overall, the book emphasizes…”

Now that you have your book report templates, watch this video to learn the basics of how to write your book report:

Final Thoughts: Book Report Templates

Book reports don’t have to be boring or difficult. With these templates, you’re all set to tackle any book report assignment with ease and creativity. Download, customize, and impress!

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Book Report: Definition, Guidelines, and Advice

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

• An Introduction to Punctuation
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A book report is a written composition or oral presentation that describes, summarizes , and (often, but not always) evaluates a work of fiction or nonfiction .

As Sharon Kingen points out below, a book report is primarily a school exercise, "a means of determining whether or not a student has read a book" ( Teaching Language Arts in Middle Schools , 2000).

Characteristics of a Book Report

Book reports generally follow a basic format that includes the following information:

• the title of the book and its year of publication
• the name of the author
• the genre (type or category) of the book (for example, biography , autobiography , or fiction)
• the main subject, plot , or theme of the book
• a brief summary of the key points or ideas treated in the book
• the reader's response to the book, identifying its apparent strengths and weaknesses
• brief quotations from the book to support general observations

Examples and Observations

• "A book report is a way for you to let others know about a book you have read. A good book report will help others decide whether they want to read the book or not." (Ann McCallum, William Strong, and Tina Thoburn, Language Arts Today . McGraw-Hill, 1998)
• Contrasting Views on Book Reports - "Keep in mind always that a book report is a hybrid, part fact and part fancy. It gives hard information about the book, yet it is your own creation, giving your opinion and judgment of it." (Elvin Ables, Basic Knowledge and Modern Technology . Varsity, 1987) - "Your instructor may occasionally assign a book report . A book report is to be sharply distinguished from a research paper , for it deals with one book in its entirety—not with certain aspects of several books and documents . . .. The book report is also to be clearly distinguished from a book review or a critical essay , for it merely reports on a book without undertaking to compare it with other books or to pass judgment on its value." (Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn Warren, Modern Rhetoric . Harcourt, 1972) - "A book report is a summary of the contents, plot , or thesis of a particular book, . . . preceded by a full bibliographical citation . The writer of a book report is not required to evaluate the author, although he oftentimes does so." (Donald V. Gawronski, History: Meaning and Method . Sernoll, 1967)
• Quick Tips "I'll give you some tips on how to write a good book report right now. "Tell the name of the book. Tell the name of the author. The Wizard of Oz was written by L. Frank Baum. "Tell if you think he's a good writer. Tell the names of all the characters in the book. Tell what they did. Tell where they went. Tell who they were looking for. Tell what they finally found. Tell how they treated each other. Tell about their feelings. "Tell that you read some to your sister. Tell that she liked it. "Read some to a friend. Then you can even tell that your friend liked it." (Mindy Warshaw Skolsky, Love From Your Friend, Hannah . HarperCollins, 1999)
• Problems Associated With Book Reports "Typically a book report is a means of determining whether or not a student has read a book. Some teachers also consider these reports as a major part of their composition program. However, there are several problems associated with book reports. First, students can generally find out enough about a book to write a report without actually reading it. Second, book reports tend to be boring to write and boring to read. The writing is usually uninspired because students have no ownership of the task and no commitment to it. Furthermore, book reports are not real-world writing tasks. Only students write book reports." (Sharon Kingen, Teaching Language Arts in Middle Schools: Connecting and Communicating . Lawrence Erlbaum, 2000)
• The Lighter Side of Book Reports "I took a speed-reading course and read War and Peace in 20 minutes. It involves Russia." (Woody Allen)
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Book Review vs. Book Report: Understanding the Key Differences

• Brandon Kingsman
• March 30, 2024

Introduction:

Discussing literature is an enjoyable adventure that fosters intellectual development and provides doors to new worlds for both book lovers and pupils.

Reviewing books and report writing are two different sorts of tasks that students frequently encounter within the framework of the scholastic process.

Despite their apparent similarity, these phrases really refer to various analyses.

By highlighting their unique goals, frameworks, and writing styles, this article seeks to shed light on the major distinctions between book reports and book reviews.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is an in-depth examination of a piece of literature that offers readers a perceptive study of its subject matter, tone, and significance.

Book assessments are more frequently seen in magazines, newspapers, and sites than book reports, which are typically needed in educational contexts. They are employed to assist readers with deciding whether a certain book is worth their cash and time.

Purpose of a Book Review:

The main goal of a book review is to give an unbiased evaluation of the book’s virtues and defects while also offering prospective readers a sneak preview of what to anticipate.

A good book review aims to arouse interest in the subject, spark discussion, and create a sense of anticipation.

Structure of a Book Review

A standard book review often includes several important elements:

The review opens with a brief introduction that includes information on the author, publisher, title, and broad objectives and themes of the book.

By reading a brief summary of the book’s primary ideas or storyline avoiding major spoilers, readers can better appreciate the book’s significance.

The analysis and assessment are the two main parts of the review. The reviewer examines the pros and cons of the work, going into great length about the author’s writing style, character development, plot coherence, and topical relevance. A few sentences from the text are used to support opinions in order to lend the analysis some credibility.

When appropriate, reviewers may make parallels between the book being discussed and other books by the author or books in the same genre.

Reviewer’s overall opinion is succinctly summarized in the conclusion, along with a suggestion for the intended audience.

What is a Book Report?

A book report, on the opposite hand, provides a more frank and impartial review of the material in the book. It is frequently given to learners as a test of their comprehension of the text and literary knowledge.

Purpose of a Book Report

A book report’s objective is to show that the person who reads it has read the work in question and is capable of providing an accurate summary of its major themes.

Book reports are frequently used in educational contexts to evaluate students’ comprehension of character, story, and topic analysis.

Structure of a Book Report

A typical book report has the following format:

Introduction: Much like a book review, the report starts out with some background information on the book, such as its name, author, and year of publication.

Summary: The primary portion of the report is on giving a thorough synopsis of the story, lead characters, and major themes in the book. The report strives to stay away from critical analysis and personal judgments, unlike a review.

Character Analysis: Book reports may have a part devoted to evaluating the characters and how they change during the narrative.

Theme Analysis (Optional): Students may also examine and debate the major topics of the novel in their theme analyses.

Conclusion: An overview of the book’s main themes serves as the report’s conclusion.

Writing Style Differences

Between book reports and book reviews, there are certain key differences in writing style.

Reviews of books frequently take on a more entertaining and opinionated tone, letting the reviewer’s character and thoughts shine through.

Alternatively, book reports take on a formal, objective tone and convey the facts without making any subjective judgments.

Finally, despite the fact that both book reports and book evaluations center on literary scrutiny, they perform different functions and have different formats and writing styles.

In contrast to book reports, which are objective summaries meant to show comprehension, book reviews are personal appraisals aimed to spark readers’ interest.

For both readers and students, being aware of these distinctions is essential because it helps them to tackle each assignment with the proper attitude and approach.

People can improve their experiences and develop a greater appreciation for literature by becoming experts at writing book reports and reviews.

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Oklahoma revokes license of teacher who gave class QR code to Brooklyn library in book-ban protest

FILE - Former Norman High School English teacher Summer Boismier holds up a T-shirt with a QR code link to the Brooklyn Public Library at the Green Feather Book Company in Norman, Okla., on Oct. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Sean Murphy, File)

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Oklahoma’s education board has revoked the license of a former teacher who drew national attention during surging book-ban efforts across the U.S. in 2022 when she covered part of her classroom bookshelf in red tape with the words “Books the state didn’t want you to read.”

The decision Thursday went against a judge who had advised the Oklahoma Board of Education not to revoke the license of Summer Boismier, who had also put in her high school classroom a QR code of the Brooklyn Public Library’s catalogue of banned books.

An attorney for Boismier, who now works at the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City, told reporters after the board meeting that they would seek to overturn the decision.

“I will not apologize for sharing publicly available information about library access with my students,” the former teacher posted on X. “My livelihood will never be as important as someone’s life or right to read what they want.”

Brady Henderson, Boismier’s attorney, and the office of Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters did not immediately respond to phone messages seeking comment Friday.

Boismier, a fervent reader with a passion for fantasy novels, had been teaching English for nine years when she was involuntarily thrust into the center of Walters’ campaign for statewide office in August 2022. She received threats on social media and was accused of being part of a broader movement led by teachers to influence children’s political beliefs. Boismier resigned soon after.

She said at the time that she had hoped to spark a discussion about Oklahoma legislators’ book restrictions and a new law prohibiting lessons on critical race theory and other concepts about race and gender. Instead, she was summoned to a meeting with school administrators after a parent complained.

Walters, who was a candidate for Oklahoma’s top education office when Boismier was teaching, had called on the board in 2022 to revoke her teaching license in a letter he shared on social media.

“There is no place for a teacher with a liberal political agenda in the classroom,” Walters had wrote. He accused her of providing “banned and pornographic material” to students.

Walters said at Thursday’s meeting that Boismier violated rules that prohibit instruction on topics related to race and gender. He told reporters that she “broke the law.”

Boismier has maintained that she did nothing wrong.

Teachers in public schools across the country continue to face scrutiny at the local and state level as lawmakers in Republican-led statehouses push forward with book bans and restrict curriculum on issues related to race, gender, and sexuality such as in Iowa and Utah .

Lathan is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

H.R. McMaster Doesn’t Think Donald Trump Is Very Good at Making Deals

A new memoir by the onetime national security adviser shows how the former president’s insecurities and weaknesses harmed U.S. foreign policy.

The national security adviser H.R. McMaster at a meeting in the White House in 2017. Credit... Tom Brenner/The New York Times

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By Nicolas Niarchos

Nicolas Niarchos is a freelance journalist whose writing on international relations has appeared in The Nation and The New Yorker. He is at work on a book about the supply chain for battery metals.

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AT WAR WITH OURSELVES: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House , by H.R. McMaster

Recently on the campaign trail, Donald Trump has talked up his aggressive stance on China, positioning himself as a tough negotiator in a brutal trade war . But a new memoir by Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, one of Trump’s national security advisers, throws that narrative, and many other stories that Trump tells about his time in office, into stark relief.

As McMaster writes in “At War With Ourselves,” the president could sometimes be kept on the straight and narrow with a clever dose of reverse psychology (Xi Jinping wants you to say this, Xi Jinping wants you to say that). But just as often, McMaster shows Trump to have been an unpredictable waffler who undermined himself to the advantage of his competitors on the world stage.

In November 2017, President Trump visited China on the third leg of a 13-day trip around Asia. It was his “most consequential” destination, McMaster explains. As they flew to Beijing, he warned Trump that Xi would try to trick him into saying something that was good for China, but bad for the United States and its allies. “The C.C.P.’s favorite phrase, ‘win-win,’” he recalls telling his boss at one point, “actually meant that China won twice.”

Trump seemed to hear him, but in the Great Hall of the People, the president strayed from his talking points. He agreed with Xi that military exercises in South Korea were “provocative” and a “waste of money” and suggested that China might have a legitimate claim to Japan’s Senkaku Islands. McMaster, his stomach sinking, passed a note to Gen. John Kelly, the chief of staff: Xi “ate our lunch,” it read.

“At War With Ourselves” is intended to be a companion to “ Battlegrounds ,” McMaster’s 2020 assessment of U.S. foreign policy backsliding since the Cold War, but it works well as a stand-alone and serves as essential reading for anyone countenancing a potential second round of Trump as a global leader. The general shows how, despite his best efforts to help the president, the supposed master of the “art of the deal” was treated like a “chump” by a roster of the world’s top authoritarians.

Flattery and pomp from leaders like Xi, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Russian president Vladimir V. Putin seem to have been all that was required to get in Trump’s good graces. In 2018, McMaster found Trump in the Oval Office scrawling a cheerful note to Putin across a New York Post article reporting that the Russian president had denigrated the American political system but called Trump a good listener. Like a child with his Christmas wish list, the leader of the free world asked McMaster to send it to the Kremlin. It was especially bad timing: Evidence was coming to light that Putin had directed an assassination on British soil. McMaster did not forward the note, later explaining to an infuriated Trump that his letter would “reinforce the narrative that you are somehow in the Kremlin’s pocket.”

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Booktopia to begin trading again after being bought by online electronics store digiDirect

Topic: Book Publishing Industry

Booktopia was a champion of Australian authors before its sudden collapse last month. ( ABC News: Emilia Terzon )

Booktopia has been sold to online electronics store digiDirect after going into administration

Administrator McGrathNicol said the deal enabled the immediate resumption of trading for the business.

What's next?

Administrators are now preparing to convene a second creditors meeting.

The administrators of online book retailer Booktopia have confirmed they have secured a buyer for the troubled business.

The Australian company appointed administrators in July, after building up deep debts totalling an estimated $60 million.

The vast majority was owed to publishers who had been supplying it with stock, while $15 million was owed to customers with orders and gift vouchers.

McGrathNicol said it had organised the sale of Booktopia on Friday to online electronics store digiDirect, which it described as "a leading Australian-owned omnichannel consumer electronics retailer".

"Booktopia has been a key part of Australia's publishing industry for 20 years, and transitioning the business to such a well-known Australian retailer is a great outcome for all stakeholders," Keith Crawford, a partner and administrator at McGrathNicol, said.

The administrator said the deal would enable the business to immediately resume trading, with the new buyers confirming a formal relaunch was set for late August once operational processes resumed.

The digiDirect acquisition included the Angus & Robertson and Co-Op Bookshop brands and about $14 million in inventory.

Shant Kradjian, the founder and owner of digiDirect, said there were significant opportunities to revitalise Booktopia's business and introduce systems and processes.

"There are clear opportunities for shared expertise and efficiencies that will eventually create a better experience for Booktopia and digiDirect customers, however that is a conversation for down the road," he said.

However, the ABC understands publishers and customers are unlikely to see anything from the sale.

DigiDirect will retain Booktopia employees

The tender was managed by McGrathNicol's deals team and supported by Booktopia's secured creditor, Moneytech, which provided funding to the administrators to preserve the business pending the sale process.

As it was finalised, digiDirect confirmed to McGrathNicol that it intended to hire more than 100 employees, with former Booktopia staff encouraged to rejoin the group to "return it to its past glories before growing from there".

Orders being fulfilled in Booktopia warehouse. ( Supplied: Booktopia )

"We are incredibly pleased to have completed the sale of the Booktopia business to the owner of digiDirect," Mr Crawford said.

"The transaction will result in the retention of all remaining employees, the recruitment of some 100 additional employees and continuity of supply for Booktopia's trade creditors."

Mr Kradjian was among several high-profile bidders, which were rumoured to include Kogan.com, Woolworths, Dymocks and QBD Books.

The digiDirect founder said he had been looking to expand into "new retail verticals" when Booktopia came up for sale.

"I'm excited about this acquisition and glad it could be kept in Australian hands," he said.

What happens to previous book orders?

When Booktopia went into administration, there were about 150,000 orders worth about $12 million that went unfulfilled, many of them pre-ordered books that had not yet been delivered to the company.

An estimated $3 million was also owed to customers with gift cards.

The administrators said digiDirect was offering "special arrangements" to customers with unredeemed gift cards.

However, it is understood the final sale price was nowhere near the $60 million Booktopia owed to creditors and the deal does not include the book retailer's debts being paid off.

McGrathNicol said the sale price "will not be sufficient to provide for a return to shareholders".

This means only secured creditors like banks and Booktopia's employees are likely to see cash from the sale.

After the retailer's collapse, some customers who were owed books from the company managed to get refunds from their credit providers, such as PayPal, while publishers might have had their debts covered by credit insurance.

One prominent publisher told the ABC they welcomed Booktopia's sale to digiDirect because it had online sales experience and cashflow that would allow sales to continue for publishers.

Booktopia's main competitor was American technology giant Amazon, a sprawling online marketplace that has become the largest online retailer in the world.

Industry players say the gap in the online sales market left by Booktopia's collapse has seen customers migrate to Amazon as well as other players such as The Nile.

Booktopia was founded in 2004 by Steve Traurig and brothers Tony and Simon Nash.

It celebrated its 20th year in business in February, but since its debut on the ASX in December 2020 it lost more than 98 per cent of its value and last traded at $0.05.

Before it went into voluntary administration, the book retailer had been grappling with profit losses, a fine from the consumer watchdog for breaching consumer law with deceptive marketing tactics, and a revolving door of senior executives.

Booktopia's chief financial officer Fiona Levens resigned in May and chief executive David Nenke followed in June.