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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 Character Analysis Book Report

Strong characters are often the glue that holds a story together. Both protagonists and antagonists help readers engage in plot lines, giving them a reason to respect heroes and detest villains. Sometimes characters in books are real-life people who've faced struggles and have overcome obstacles. When writing a character analysis book report, look beyond the obvious and study underlying traits that affected a character's decisions, relationships and worldview. It's important to choose an influential character, even though it doesn't have to be a main character, so you'll have solid evidence to back your report.

Introductory Sentence

Start your book report with a sentence that states the author and title of the book and that introduces the character you chose for your analysis. Capture your audience by saying something interesting or out of the ordinary about your character. Your introductory sentence might say something such as, "In the novel 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck, Slim is the rational voice of conscience in a world where injustice usually prevails." A shocking or mysterious introductory sentence gets a reader's attention and makes her want to read more. It will also show your teacher that you're digging deep to develop your character analysis.

Summarize the plot as it relates to your character. Avoid discussing irrelevant subplots or background information if the content doesn't directly affect your character's personality, decisions or reactions. What happens to your character during the course of the book? Does she mature in her relationships? How does she evolve? Is there a specific scene or a climax that deeply affects her? A character analysis is different from a regular book report because the story line is only useful as long as it reflects your character's choices or personal development. Sometimes a character, especially an antagonist, gets more unlikable during the course of the story, so her decisions and reflections might be negative. Your character analysis doesn't have to paint a rosy picture of your character -- an honest evaluation is best.

Character Development

The bulk of your book report will be about character development. According to the website Teacher Vision, analyze your character's physical appearance so the reader gets a strong visual image. Discuss positive and negative character traits, and explore the character's weaknesses. Always use specific examples, quotations or dialogues from the book to support your analysis and explain why those examples are significant. Ask yourself if there's a hidden message or a deeper meaning behind your character's actions. Did a past experience influence him? Were his reactions a result of other people's choices or opinions? Your book report should leave the reader with a solid understanding of your character.

Personal Reaction

Give your personal reaction as the final paragraph of your report. According to Purdue University's writing website, you should include personal comments about how well you liked the book, how it compares to other books in the same genre, whether you thought the author's portrayal of the character was effective and if it appealed to you on an emotional or a rational level. State whether you'd recommend the book and why you did or didn't give it a favorable review. Since it's a character analysis, be sure to tie your comments to the content you provided about your character. You might say, "I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy characters who learn from hard experiences." Or, "I would recommend this book to readers who like strong female protagonists." If you didn't like the book or felt like the author wasn't consistent with his characters, express those views and back them up with solid reasons.

• Teacher Vision: Writing a Book Report
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab: Writing a Book Report

As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.

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Character Mask Project

On more than one occasion, I have heard friends who are parents say something along the lines of, “I hope I got an A on my kid’s project!” And they’re joking, but not joking, because “helping” with a school project really meant that they scrambled to construct a habitat diorama or California mission while their child passed them the glue.

School projects can therefore easily get a bad rep around the parent circuit, and even among teachers too. I believe, however, that projects can be very beneficial when designed with the students’ best interest in mind. I assign one take-home project per trimester (three total projects for the school year) and make my best conscious effort to ensure that each one of them is worthwhile and student-centered. Parent support is definitely encouraged, but the idea is that the student would be able to do much of the work independently with minimal help.

I believe that a winning combination for a good project is one that is standards based but has an element of novelty to it that makes it engaging. The first project of the year that I usually like to assign is called the Character Mask Project, and it checks both boxes. It has also been well-received based on feedback that I’ve gotten from parents.

The project hits multiple Common Core standards in the areas of reading, writing , language, and speaking and listening. Here are the specific ones that it covers for grades 1-3:

For the project, students choose a favorite character from a book they have read. I do not assign the kids a specific book or character, but rather leave that part up to them. I’m sure you’d agree that choice is a biggie when it comes to engagement, especially if you’ve ever sat through any Professional Development training or staff meeting about Marzano’s strategies for highly engaged classrooms. Kids have more buy-in and are more intrinsically motivated when they get to have an opportunity to choose.

Once students have chosen their characters, they have 3 components to complete for the project:

• A written report
• An oral presentation
• A mask of their character

The writing assignment is very straightforward. Since it is still early in the school year when I typically assign this project in October (the whole mask aspect coincides nicely with Halloween), students still need basic practice with answering questions in complete sentences and providing details. The questions that they answer for the written report are also Common Core aligned (you can view the questions in the project instructions in the photo above). If you would need to customize your own questions or create your own writing assignment for the mask project, this resource is editable.

The oral presentation gives students the opportunity to practice speaking/listening skills in front of an audience, as well as deepen their understanding of point of view. During their speech, they act and speak in the point of view of their character. They can also earn a little extra credit if they choose to make gestures or include props during their speech that are appropriate for their character.

Creating a mask is that element of novelty that I mentioned previously. Without it, it’s unlikely that most kids would be super pumped about simply answering questions and speaking in front of the class about a book. But throw in a mask, and it gives them a chance to express their creativity, as well as get more excited about their character. It also makes it much more entertaining for the rest of the class when it comes time to watch numerous presentations.

Another word about the masks. I feel like this is one part of the project where a parent might feel compelled to be the one to “get an A” and just make the mask for their kid. If you notice on my grading rubric below, the mask is only worth 1 point. It is not what will make or break their child’s grade. As long as the student puts in the effort to make a mask, I’m not concerned with how elaborate it does or doesn’t look. Whether it looks like it was made with or without parent help, the student will earn that 1 point all the same. I stress to the parents that it’s their child’s writing and the effort that they’ve put into their presentation that I care the most about. The primary purpose of the mask is that it makes the project more fun for the kids, and parents can personally choose how much or how little they want to assist their child with it.

The rubric makes it very easy to grade the written reports and oral presentations, and because the project covers so many standards, it definitely stands out as one of those “Glad we did this!” assignments when report cards roll around.

More than anything, I absolutely love seeing the characters that students choose and getting to watch them do their presentations, often with different voices or actions to mimic their character. It’s extremely entertaining, and memorable too. Someone always brings up this project when we reflect on our favorite memories from second grade at the end of the school year.

If you’d like your students to do this Character Mask Project, you can save yourself some time by snagging the project directions and rubric in my Life Between Summers shop or TpT store . The resource also includes a Google Slides digital version if you would like to assign the project virtually.

As I mentioned previously, this resource is editable so that you can customize the project to meet the needs of your class. Using the text that’s already there, it’s quick and easy to edit with your own questions or criteria for the written report, add more requirements for the oral presentation, change the rubric, etc.

Are you in need of additional project ideas for the school year? You might also like my American Heroes Project , which my class usually does in February, as well as a Family Treasures Project in the spring.

Do you have any projects that you love to do each year with your students? Feel free to share in the comments. And if you decide to try out this Character Mask project to teach p.o.v., I would love to know how it goes and hear YOUR point of view!

September 21, 2019 at 11:58 pm

This is such a unique idea! I would love to see this adapted for historical figures, too. So many possibilities.

September 22, 2019 at 2:06 am

Thank you! My class does another written and oral project for historical figures later in the year, and it’s always a hit! You can read about it here if interested:

https://lifebetweensummers.com/2018/02/01/american-heroes-project/

September 22, 2019 at 12:07 am

This is such a cute idea and great project for POV! Also, your students did a great job on their masks! I’ll have to share this with the language arts teachers on my team!

September 22, 2019 at 2:07 am

Thank you so much! I appreciate you sharing it with your team, and would be interested to hear how it goes if they decide to try it out!

September 22, 2019 at 1:31 am

Wow this is beyond cute! Have you found that parents are accepting of this project? It does seem to be low-cost and easily completed. I love that it incorporates point of view, which can be a difficult concept for some to understand!

September 22, 2019 at 2:11 am

Thank you! I agree that point of view can be a tricky concept for some kids. And yes, I can say that I have gotten positive feedback from parents. I emphasize to them that the writing and presentation is the most important part, and they can have their child put as much or as little work into the mask as they would like (the mask is actually only 1 point toward their grade). The mask is really just the element of fun for the kids that makes it more exciting than a traditional book report.

September 22, 2019 at 5:28 pm

Yes!! Teaching point of view can be difficult for kids to understand but this makes it way more interactive and the kids can see a visual representation of this point of view! Great idea!!

September 22, 2019 at 11:41 pm

I’m in LOVE with this project! It definitely is student-centered but still covering standards. That’s a win-win in my book. I am heading over to your store ASAP to pick this up for my little ones. I’m sure my students will love it even more than I do. Thank you for sharing!

September 23, 2019 at 12:59 am

Wow, I just ADORE this project!! Point of view is such an important skill not only in literacy, but also in social emotional learning when dealing with empathy and perspective taking. I love how this project can cover both areas!

September 23, 2019 at 11:42 am

This is such a neat idea for kids! We read picture books weekly so i think character masks would be an awesome implementation.

September 23, 2019 at 5:10 pm

These are adorable and a great way for students to do a report and create on their own! I like that I can edit and change up the rubric to fit my kids’ needs! This is going to be a hit for sure!

September 24, 2019 at 12:10 am

This is such an amazing idea. I love that the kids have the choice to pick the book and character. Simply by giving them the freedom to choose you are increasing their excitement and engagement with the project. I think I will be adding this activity to my 5th-grade classroom this year.

October 3, 2019 at 2:50 am

My daughter just got assigned a Character Mask project but the letter that came home is nowhere as detailed as your blog post! I love the photos – they gave me some ideas on how to help my daughter build her mask! 🙂

October 8, 2019 at 12:28 am

This looks like such a fun project! I love that your students get to choose their book characters and be creative with their presentations! Your students’ masks look amazing!

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Main Character Body Book Report Project

Assembled Project Size:   Width = 18+ inches   Height = 18+ inches

Your students will love designing large character body projects about the characters found in their books.

This project is also ideal for a biography book report about a famous person.

You can read more detailed information about this resource by clicking ==>  HERE .

A Note About Your Purchase:  You will be emailed a download link for the resource(s) that you purchase so that you can download, save, print, and use the resource(s)  today!

A very DETAILED description about this resource set is provided below.

Main character body book report project templates:, what's included.

Above: Roald Dahl Book Report Projects

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the BFG Main Character Body

Main Character Body Book Report Projects: Your students will love creating large visual images of the main characters of their books for this creative book report project idea!

The writing templates and graphic organizers that I have designed fit inside on the character's shirt and outside on the character's vest, arms, pants, or skirt.

This main character book report project will provide you with all of the teaching resources that you need for your students to write about the main characters of their books. The only additional material required to complete this project is construction paper.

Traditionally, requiring students to write about the main characters of their books is a task that most students find quite boring. By using these body shaped book report templates , your students will be enthusiastic about writing how their characters have changed or learned an important lesson during the main events of their books.

This is a picture of a bulletin board display in my classroom  featuring my students' main character book report projects.

You will be amazed at some of the creative ideas that your students come up with as they are individualizing their projects to represent their character's appearance, personality, and interests.

For our Roald Dahl Day celebration, this student dressed up as  Willy Wonka  (from  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and designed a character book report project about him.

This student dressed up as  Charlie Bucket  from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  He is holding his project so that you can see how the character's vest opens to  reveal the writing sections.

This student has designed her Matilda (author Roald Dahl) book report project  to have the same dress and fabric as the dress that she is wearing!

This main character project contains directions on how to fold a piece of construction paper into a body shape.

The character's body has a vest that opens up to show the shirt area, where students glue their longer writing sections (see the Charlie Bucket example above).

The final draft worksheet templates that are provided fit inside the shirt area, outside on the vest , and the 10 adjective descriptions are glued on the outside of the character's body.

It is impossible to tell you the measurements of this book report project because each student designs their own head, hands, legs, and feet for their characters.

Without the additional body parts, the main part of this project measures 18 inches in width and 12 inches in height. Students then add the head, hands, legs, and feet to this main body section.

Everything that you need to complete these character body book report projects is included in this set of teaching resources. Your students will need scissors, glue, tape, coloring pencils, and construction paper to complete these projects.

For the main body section of this book report project, each student will need a piece of construction paper that measures 12 inches x 18 inches. Students will also need construction paper to make the character's head, hands, and feet . In addition, my students often bring in yarn and fabric from home for their character's hair and clothes.

This student dressed up as Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

She's used a "pink/violet" color for her character's clothes AND her own clothes AND hair!

These finished character body book report projects will make a colorful and dynamic bulletin board display of your students' work.

There are 10 printable worksheets and template pages in this set of teaching resources, as well as a 5 page color bulletin board display banner.

In addition, I have designed a set of letter writing stationery and a matching bulletin board display banner that is included for free in this set of reading resources. You can use this stationery set so that your students can write a letter to their main characters when they have finished their character body book report projects.

Note :  Due to spelling differences in English (Examples: color/colour and favorite/favourite), there are two separate sets of  worksheets and templates included in this set of teaching resources.

You can select the version ( U.S. or U.K. spelling rules) that contains the spelling that is used in the country where you live. 

The worksheets and templates that are shown on this page use  U.S. spelling rules .

Assembling Directions:

This set of teaching resources includes 3 pages of detailed assembling directions on how to assemble this main character body book report project.

Below is a sample of the assembling directions worksheets. I have only shown the first step and the last step of the directions in the sample below. T he actual directions worksheets (not shown) are split up into 8 steps and there are graphical images provided for each step.

The picture examples on the actual assembling directions worksheets demonstrate exactly how, in 8 steps, to cut and fold the construction paper to form a character body that has a vest that opens.

These directions also show how to design a male character that is wearing pants or a female character that is wearing a skirt.

Grading Rubric:

A book report grading rubric is included in this set of teaching resources. I believe that it is important for students to evaluate their own work, so my book report rubric contains an assessment section for both students and teachers .

When students evaluate their book report projects, they color in the faces on their grading rubric worksheets. When a teacher evaluates the projects, the teacher circles the small numbers inside each box on the printable worksheets.

Below is an example of my character body book report grading rubric.

First Draft Worksheets:

I believe that the writing process is important and that teachers should use process writing whenever possible.

For this reason, my students never begin their book report projects by writing on their final draft character body templates, instead they write on first draft worksheets . Next, my students edit and revise their written work on their own, with a partner, or in individual writing conferences with me.

This main character body book report project is designed so that each writing section is glued onto the shirt and vest area of the character's body.

The creative writing topics for this  character body book report project include:

• Outside Vest Pocket: Title, Author, Genre, Name, and Date
• Inside Middle of Shirt: If I Met _________ (Describe why you would like to meet this character from your book. What activity would you like to do with this character if you met him or her? Try to think of something that this character would be interested in doing based on what you learned about him/her from the book.)
• Inside Left Area of Shirt: At the Beginning of the Book (Describe what your character was like at the beginning of the book. What problem, or challenge, did this character have to solve?)
• Inside Right Area of Shirt: At the End of the Book (Describe what your character was like at the end of the book. How did this character change after he/she solved his/her problem or challenge? What valuable lesson did your character learn at the end of the book?)
• Adjectives: Students write 10 descriptive adjectives about their character and glue them on the outside of the character's body.

Character Body First Draft Worksheets:

This set of teaching resources contains 3 printable worksheets for students to write their first drafts on.

On my first draft worksheets, I have designed the writing line spaces to match the spaces allotted on the final draft character body book report templates.

Character Body Final Draft Templates:

This book report project contains 3 worksheets that contain writing templates that are cut out and then glued onto the main character's body.

Worksheet #1: Inside Middle of Shirt

If I Met _________

• Describe why you would like to meet this character from your book.
• What activity would you like to do with this character if you met him or her?
• Try to think of something that this character would be interested in doing based on what you learned about him/her from the book.

Worksheet #2: Inside Left and Right Areas of Shirt

At the Beginning of the Book

• Describe what your character was like at the beginning of the book.
• What problem, or challenge, did this character have to solve?

At the End of the Book

• Describe what your character was like at the end of the book.
• How did this character change after he/she solved his/her problem or challenge?
• What valuable lesson did your character learn at the end of the book?

Worksheet #3: Outside Vest Pocket and Adjective Text Boxes

• Pocket: Character's Name, Title, Author, and Genre
• Student Information: Name and Date
• Adjective Boxes: Students write 10 descriptive adjectives about their character and glue them on the outside of the character's body.

Free 5 Page Bulletin Board Display Banner:

I know that it takes teachers a lot of time to design and assemble their classroom bulletin board displays.

Many teachers spend their valuable time cutting out large display letters or making a banner at home on their own computers.

In order to help save you time in assembling a bulletin board display featuring your students' character body book report projects, I have designed a 5 page banner that is included for free in this set of teaching resources.

If you have access to a laminating machine, I recommend that you laminate your banner so that it will be more durable and you can use it again in the future.

Extra Freebie Included:  Write a Letter to the Main Character

EXTRA FREE TEACHING RESOURCES: For each of the book report sets that are available on Unique Teaching Resources, I try to design some extra bulletin board accent pieces that will help you to decorate your classroom bulletin board display that features your students' book report projects.

In addition to the main project that is described above, I have my students write a letter to the main characters in their books.

I have designed a matching set of rainbow letter stationery and a bulletin board banner for this creative writing activity.

This free letter writing stationery set includes the following:

Color printable worksheets (shown above)

Black and white printable worksheets (not shown)

You will be able to design a colorful and dynamic classroom bulletin board display using your students' finished character body book report projects.

These main character graphic organizers are a unique and fun way to get your students excited about completing a writing assignment about the books that they have read.

The writing responses that are required of your students will make them think and write about how the main character in their story has changed or learned a valuable lesson during the events of the book. In addition, this book report project includes a letter writing activity and a matching bulletin board display banner.

This is one of the first book report projects that I assigned my students. I have gone through many versions of this project while I tested and refined the direction steps and template pieces.

The first year that I tried this book report project with my students, I basically just gave out the directions for folding the poster paper into the shirt, vest, and arm shapes. I had body book reports turned into me that were in a variety of shapes and sizes, from 6 inches in height, all the way up to 6 feet tall! It was very hard to create a bulletin board display of these projects when they were such different sizes.

Although each student still designs a very different looking character project, by following the detailed direction steps that I now provide, my students' projects have a similar shape and size to them.

I have tested sending this whole project home (the directions, first draft, and final drafts) as a week long homework assignment, and my students were able to complete all of these steps on their own at home.

This main character body book report project has been one of my students' favorite projects of the entire school year. They have really enjoyed sharing their book report projects and discussing their main characters with their classmates when they have completed their projects. I hope that your students enjoy creating these unique main character projects too!

You will be amazed at the creative ideas that your students come up with for this fun book project!

For these main character body book report projects, I encourage my students to think about what makes their characters unique , and to use these ideas in designing their characters.

Above: This is an example of a book report project for the BFG from the book The BFG by Roald Dahl. To make this character unique, the student designed the BFG has with large ears, holding a snozzcumber in his hand, and by his feet is his Dream Jar.

Above: This is an example of a book report project for Mr. Twit from the book The Twits by Roald Dahl. To make this character unique, one of my students designed his project to have a hairy beard, Mr. Twit holding a paint brush in his hand, and by his feet is his can of hug tight glue.

Above: This is an example of a book report project for Violet Beauregarde from the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. To make this character unique, Violet is chewing gum and she is holding a golden ticket in one hand and a stick of chewing gum in her other hand.

Above: If the main character of the book is an animal, students can easily adapt this project into an animal shaped book report project. This is an example from Lisa's classroom, she teaches Grade 4 in Connecticut. Her student's main character was a badger.

Above: This is an another example from Lisa's 4th Grade classroom in Connecticut. This character must be cool, as she's wearing sunglasses!

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Engage Your Students in Fun Reading Activities This Year More Than 25 Creative Book Report Projects to Choose From!

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