Step 1: Book Selection
Your first step is to select a book to review. You can choose from the following four novels. If there is a dystopian novel you wish to review that is not listed below you can request teacher permission to review that book.
You will have two weeks to read your selected novel. Make sure to keep detailed notes in your writer's notebook for reference!
Step 2: Research
Once you have read your selected novel, it's time to begin researching! The first thing that you will need to research is information about the author. Remember, our discussion about reliable internet sources. You can find helpful websites under the resources tab at the top of this page. Fill out the author biography worksheet as you conduct your research.
You can also read book reviews by other journalists. This is not required but it is a good idea if you are having trouble determining what to say in your review.
You can also read book reviews by other journalists. This is not required but it is a good idea if you are having trouble determining what to say in your review.
Step 3: First Draft
It's now time to begin drafting your book review in your writer's notebook. Your review should be 2 pages in length. Your review should provide a short synopsis of the novel. Your review needs to included biographical information on the author. Your review should also make comments on the genre, characters, plot, and themes presented in the novel. Additionally, you will need to provide your own personal response to the novel. Did you like it/not like it? Why? What were some strengths/weaknesses of the book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? The concluding paragraph needs to contain a rating of the book based on a 5 star scale.
Step 4: Peer-Conferencing
Once you have completed your first draft, it's time to meet in your peer conferencing groups. As with any peer conference, you will need to fill out the peer-conference evaluation sheet and turn it into my mailbox.
step 5: Second Draft
It's now time to type your second draft. Use Microsoft Word to do so. Make sure you have edited your review for any spelling or grammatical errors. Save a copy to your folder!
Step 6: Publishing
The time has come to publish your review. Click on the blog tab at the top of this webpage. Here you will find an area to post your book review. Simply copy and paste your review from Microsoft Word into the comments section.