grade 12 english book review

How to Write a Book Review: The Ultimate Guide

WHAT IS A BOOK REVIEW?

Traditionally, book reviews are evaluations of a recently published book in any genre. Usually, around the 500 to 700-word mark, they briefly describe a text’s main elements while appraising the work’s strengths and weaknesses. Published book reviews can appear in newspapers, magazines, and academic journals. They provide the reader with an overview of the book itself and indicate whether or not the reviewer would recommend the book to the reader.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A BOOK REVIEW?

There was a time when book reviews were a regular appearance in every quality newspaper and many periodicals. They were essential elements in whether or not a book would sell well. A review from a heavyweight critic could often be the deciding factor in whether a book became a bestseller or a damp squib. In the last few decades, however, the book review’s influence has waned considerably, with many potential book buyers preferring to consult customer reviews on Amazon, or sites like Goodreads, before buying. As a result, book review’s appearance in newspapers, journals, and digital media has become less frequent.

WHY BOTHER TEACHING STUDENTS TO WRITE BOOK REVIEWS AT ALL?

Even in the heyday of the book review’s influence, few students who learned the craft of writing a book review became literary critics! The real value of crafting a well-written book review for a student does not lie in their ability to impact book sales. Understanding how to produce a well-written book review helps students to:

●     Engage critically with a text

●     Critically evaluate a text

●     Respond personally to a range of different writing genres

●     Improve their own reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Not to Be Confused with a Book Report!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOOK REVIEW AND A BOOK REPORT?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are clear differences in both the purpose and the format of the two genres. Generally speaking, book reports aim to give a more detailed outline of what occurs in a book. A book report on a work of fiction will tend to give a comprehensive account of the characters, major plot lines, and themes in the book. Book reports are usually written around the K-12 age range, while book reviews tend not to be undertaken by those at the younger end of this age range due to the need for the higher-level critical skills required in writing them. At their highest expression, book reviews are written at the college level and by professional critics.

Learn how to write a book review step by step with our complete guide for students and teachers by familiarizing yourself with the structure and features.

BOOK REVIEW STRUCTURE

ANALYZE Evaluate the book with a critical mind.

THOROUGHNESS The whole is greater than the sum of all its parts. Review the book as a WHOLE.

COMPARE Where appropriate compare to similar texts and genres.

THUMBS UP OR DOWN? You are going to have to inevitably recommend or reject this book to potential readers.

BE CONSISTENT Take a stance and stick with it throughout your review.

FEATURES OF A BOOK REVIEW

PAST TENSE You are writing about a book you have already read.

EMOTIVE LANGUAGE Whatever your stance or opinion be passionate about it. Your audience will thank you for it.

VOICE Both active and passive voice are used in recounts.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF TEXTS

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ELEMENTS OF A BOOK REVIEW

As with any of the writing genres we teach our students, a book review can be helpfully explained in terms of criteria. While there is much to the ‘art’ of writing, there is also, thankfully, a lot of the nuts and bolts that can be listed too. Have students consider the following elements before writing:

●     Title: Often, the title of the book review will correspond to the title of the text itself, but there may also be some examination of the title’s relevance. How does it fit into the purpose of the work as a whole? Does it convey a message or reveal larger themes explored within the work?

●     Author: Within the book review, there may be some discussion of who the author is and what they have written before, especially if it relates to the current work being reviewed. There may be some mention of the author’s style and what they are best known for. If the author has received any awards or prizes, this may also be mentioned within the body of the review.

●     Genre: A book review will identify the genre that the book belongs to, whether fiction or nonfiction, poetry, romance, science-fiction, history etc. The genre will likely tie in, too with who the intended audience for the book is and what the overall purpose of the work is.

●     Book Jacket / Cover: Often, a book’s cover will contain artwork that is worthy of comment. It may contain interesting details related to the text that contribute to, or detract from, the work as a whole.

●     Structure: The book’s structure will often be heavily informed by its genre. Have students examine how the book is organized before writing their review. Does it contain a preface from a guest editor, for example? Is it written in sections or chapters? Does it have a table of contents, index, glossary etc.? While all these details may not make it into the review itself, looking at how the book is structured may reveal some interesting aspects.

●     Publisher and Price: A book review will usually contain details of who publishes the book and its cost. A review will often provide details of where the book is available too.

BOOK REVIEW KEY ELEMENTS

As students read and engage with the work they will review, they will develop a sense of the shape their review will take. This will begin with the summary. Encourage students to take notes during the reading of the work that will help them in writing the summary that will form an essential part of their review. Aspects of the book they may wish to take notes on in a work of fiction may include:

●     Characters: Who are the main characters? What are their motivations? Are they convincingly drawn? Or are they empathetic characters?

●     Themes: What are the main themes of the work? Are there recurring motifs in the work? Is the exploration of the themes deep or surface only?

●     Style: What are the key aspects of the writer’s style? How does it fit into the wider literary world?

●     Plot: What is the story’s main catalyst? What happens in the rising action? What are the story’s subplots? 

A book review will generally begin with a short summary of the work itself. However, it is important not to give too much away, remind students – no spoilers, please! For nonfiction works, this may be a summary of the main arguments of the work, again, without giving too much detail away. In a work of fiction, a book review will often summarise up to the rising action of the piece without going beyond to reveal too much!

The summary should also provide some orientation for the reader. Given the nature of the purpose of a review, it is important that students’ consider their intended audience in the writing of their review. Readers will most likely not have read the book in question and will require some orientation. This is often achieved through introductions to the main characters, themes, primary arguments etc. This will help the reader to gauge whether or not the book is of interest to them.

Once your student has summarized the work, it is time to ‘review’ in earnest. At this point, the student should begin to detail their own opinion of the book. To do this well they should:

i. Make It Personal

Often when teaching essay writing we will talk to our students about the importance of climbing up and down the ladder of abstraction. Just as it is helpful to explore large, more abstract concepts in an essay by bringing it down to Earth, in a book review, it is important that students can relate the characters, themes, ideas etc to their own lives.

Book reviews are meant to be subjective. They are opinion pieces, and opinions grow out of our experiences of life. Encourage students to link the work they are writing about to their own personal life within the body of the review. By making this personal connection to the work, students contextualize their opinions for the readers and help them to understand whether the book will be of interest to them or not in the process.

ii. Make It Universal

Just as it is important to climb down the ladder of abstraction to show how the work relates to individual life, it is important to climb upwards on the ladder too. Students should endeavor to show how the ideas explored in the book relate to the wider world. The may be in the form of the universality of the underlying themes in a work of fiction or, for example, the international implications for arguments expressed in a work of nonfiction.

iii. Support Opinions with Evidence

A book review is a subjective piece of writing by its very nature. However, just because it is subjective does not mean that opinions do not need to be justified. Make sure students understand how to back up their opinions with various forms of evidence, for example, quotations, statistics, and the use of primary and secondary sources.

EDIT AND REVISE YOUR BOOK REVIEW

As with any writing genre, encourage students to polish things up with review and revision at the end. Encourage them to proofread and check for accurate spelling throughout, with particular attention to the author’s name, character names, publisher etc. 

It is good practice too for students to double-check their use of evidence. Are statements supported? Are the statistics used correctly? Are the quotations from the text accurate? Mistakes such as these uncorrected can do great damage to the value of a book review as they can undermine the reader’s confidence in the writer’s judgement.

The discipline of writing book reviews offers students opportunities to develop their writing skills and exercise their critical faculties. Book reviews can be valuable standalone activities or serve as a part of a series of activities engaging with a central text. They can also serve as an effective springboard into later discussion work based on the ideas and issues explored in a particular book. Though the book review does not hold the sway it once did in the mind’s of the reading public, it still serves as an effective teaching tool in our classrooms today.

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BOOK REVIEW GRAPHIC ORGANIZER (TEMPLATE)

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Book and Movie review writing examples (Student Writing Samples)

Below are a collection of student writing samples of book reviews.  Click on the image to enlarge and explore them in greater detail.  Please take a moment to both read the movie or book review in detail but also the teacher and student guides which highlight some of the key elements of writing a text review

Please understand these student writing samples are not intended to be perfect examples for each age or grade level but a piece of writing for students and teachers to explore together to critically analyze to improve student writing skills and deepen their understanding of book review writing.

We would recommend reading the example either a year above and below, as well as the grade you are currently working with to gain a broader appreciation of this text type .

BOOK REVIEW VIDEO TUTORIALS

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K-12 School Reading List

Recommended reading books for elementary, middle & high school students

Home » Reading lists for High School students » 12th grade reading list for students aged 17-18

12th grade reading list for students aged 17-18

Books for grade 12 – this list of recommended reading books for grade 12 students has been curated and compiled for high school seniors by educators and librarians. There is a range of exciting and thought-provoking books to suit all abilities in the 12th Grade, aged 17-18, including easy readers and more difficult texts. This list of 12th grade reading recommendations includes titles by Salman Rushdie, M. T. Anderson, Margaret Mitchell, Cormac McCarthy, Jennifer Dugan, Frank McCourt, Chinua Achebe, Andrew Joseph White, Shaun David Hutchinson, Elizabeth Bishop and many more.

Books for Grade 12 – our recommendations

Hell followed with us by andrew joseph white.

Benji is a 16-year-old trans boy on the run from a fundamentalist cult that has infected him with a dangerous bioweapon. Taken in by a shadowy group of teens called the ALC, will Benji be able to stop the bioweapon from turning him into a mutant monster, and can he trust the leader of the ALC? This fascinating queer thriller was voted a New York Public Library best book.

Brave Face: A Memoir by Shaun David Hutchinson

Brave Face is a powerful account of the author’s journey through the challenges of growing up as a confused gay teenager while battling depression. With unflinching honesty, it explores identity, mental health; and the power of positive thinking, self-acceptance and being outwardly proud of who you are. This unforgettable and moving read is ideal to discuss in book clubs.

Himawari House by Harmony Becker

After growing up in America, Nao returns to Tokyo to stay for a year at the Himawari house to rediscover her Japanese heritage in this absorbing and emotive contemporary graphic novel. Sharing accommodation with a diverse range of characters, how will Nao navigate the cultural differences and her evolving identity? It’s a spellbinding story to read again and again.

The Last Girls Standing by Jennifer Dugan

Sloan and Cherry are the only survivors of a summer camp massacre. Desperate to understand what happened and why they dig for clues. But the discovery of important new evidence detonates everything Sloan believed about that fateful day. Suddenly, she doesn’t know who to trust. With a savage plot twist and page-turning tension, this modern psychological mystery LGBT horror is unputdownable.

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Daunis Fontaine witnessed a crime. When she agreed to go undercover, she could not have imagined how her world would unravel. Teen fans of crime podcasts will love this multi-award-winning and compelling thriller about how 18-year-old Daunis fearlessly takes on corruption at the heart of her community. Rich in Native American cultural references and history, this is a vivid and immersive story that will linger in the memory.

Landscape with Invisible Hand by M. T. Anderson

When aliens arrive in ‘vuvvs’, they set about making everything better – with automation, technology, and medical marvels – if you can afford it. Soon there are no jobs for humans and there’s little to live for. Can Adam, an artist, be creative enough to make his voice heard and stand out? This award-winning novel is a biting and thought-provoking satire of global monetization, automation, and our reliance on technology.

In Darkness by Nick Lake

A challenging read for young adults, combining the stories of Shorty and Toussaint L-Overture in Haiti. Trapped under rubble after an earthquake, Shorty relives his young, brutalized existence – and in his delirium, he has visions and conversations with Toussaint, who led a slave rebellion 200 years earlier. This novel features the use of Haitian dialect and depictions of racism, voodoo and violence.

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

A dual narrative story, told from the perspective of war-torn Poland in 1942, and the present day. A grandmother and granddaughter experience love, sacrifice, hardship and trauma. The two timelines weave together to bond them as a family and allow the truth to finally be heard.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

The first of a trilogy, this is a blunt and at times painfully brutal story about the repercussions of intransigent beliefs amidst cultural clashes. This is a thought-provoking read which lends itself to moral discussions.

The Rector of Justin by Louis Auchincloss

Tenacious Frank Prescott leads his boarding school with an iron fist. Through the eyes of his colleagues, flaws in his doctrine are exposed and the unpredictability of human nature begins to erode his convictions.

The Underdogs by Mariano Azuela

A searing and historically accurate account of the revolution in Mexico during 1910. Fire, enthusiasm, and hope gradually erode as factionalism and greed creep in. This book is useful for discussing the concept of reparations and conciliation.

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard

An evocative account of a year spent closely observing the natural world. The cornucopia of absorbing details and abstract musings is precise, powerful and profound. An intriguing read.

The Blithedale Romance by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Leaving the rat race, Miles joins a small rural farming community to seek a simple life. This book explores the human traits of intolerance, jealousy, and feat – traits that even an idyllic existence cannot erase. A classic for 12th grade literature study.

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

A modern classic. Frank McCourt’s honest recollection of his turbulent childhood in Ireland is evocative and deeply moving. A must-read autobiography.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

These classic Oscar Wilde plays ridicule and expose Victorian upper-class values. The veneers of respectability, religion, and morality are laid bare in an acerbic and witty style.

Selected Stories by Alice Munro

These beautifully written short stories are about ordinary folk living in rural Canada. Masterfully interwoven, these short vignettes – often interlinked – are an absorbing and emotional read.

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

This award-winning and riveting collection of short stories explores the emotional and physical impact of a culture shock when relocating to a foreign country. Both heartwarming and raw, this collection will resonate with multicultural communities.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

This classic has it all – a plethora of diverse characters – the good, the bad, the rich and the poor, all bound together into an unforgettable and thrilling battle of good versus evil.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

A powerful account of slavery from multiple narrators. Multifaceted, the book explores the motivations and perspectives of each voice. The hard-hitting book is an uncomfortable, but necessary, read.

Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Groundbreaking and controversial at the time of its release, this is perhaps the best-known volume of Whitman’s work, celebrating nature, love, life and how to live it. This edition includes “Song of Myself”.

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

A monumental introduction to astrophysics, including time travel and wormholes. Written in an accessible and occasionally humorous style, this mind-expanding book is a must-have for any high school and pre-college reading list. A more challenging read for 12th grade students.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

The classic follows Pip from his beginnings and a life of poverty in Victorian-era England. Full of moral dilemmas, injustice, and darkness – is good set to triumph over evil?

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

A Booker prize-winning novel set in newly independent India. In this long, sometimes circuitous story, packed with historical and political detail, Saleem is one of 1,000 children, all born at the stroke of midnight, who possess a telepathic gift. A startling novel that is ideal for provoking discussion within 12th grade classes.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Road depicts a broken America, destroyed by cataclysmic events. Society has collapsed and humanity barely survives. In the midst of this, a father and son embark on a dangerous journey to reach the coast.

Night by Elie Wiesel

A truly powerful book, this is the personal account of a holocaust survivor. Beautifully written with harrowing descriptions – a life-changing and memorable read.

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond

A prize-winning treatise on the development of civilization, containing well-researched arguments and full of absorbing theories that will spark debate and further inquiry.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Imagine a brutal murder scene with no suspects of apparent motive, Truman Capote links together all the events and with masterful skill, solves a crime which is based on a true story. A gripping book for 12th grade teens.

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

This book will inform, enthuse and amuse. The content spans the sciences and travels from the dawn of time to the present day, recording the often humorous attempts to explain enigmas. An essential read.

Diving into the Wreck by Adrienne Rich

A collection of poems from Adrienne Rich written when the battle for women’s rights in America was gaining a voice. Full of powerful and evocative language these distinctive poems resonate in the #metoo era.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley & Malcolm X

The seminal account of a leading figure in the Civil Rights movement in America, this book charts his unshakeable belief in black nationalism, turning his determination into a clarion call for action.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

1984, updated, and twice as scary for the post-snowflake generation. A tightly plotted novel set in a plausible future when state-run technology controls personal freedoms and no action passes unnoticed. Can the young hero break free?

Feed by M.T. Anderson

Think Brave New World meets The Purge in this wildly satirical dystopian vision of post-technological America. A cautionary message for teens who cannot live without being online.

All the President’s Men by Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein

A masterpiece of incisive investigative journalism which is very relevant in the current climate of fake news. This thrilling read, with an explosive conclusion, chronicles the downfall of the Nixon administration.

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

Set during and after World War Two this novel espouses the virtues of strength, courage, sacrifice and ultimately, love. An epic and memorable book that has been adapted into a film. Great for book groups and wider philosophical discussions in the 12th grade.

The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill

The captivating story of Aminata Diallo who strives to escape a life a servitude for freedom in the North. A mesmerizing fifty years of hardship, cruelty, and struggle. Recently adapted into an award-winning miniseries.

Rabbit, Run by John Updike

A gritty and uncompromising slice of American life in the 1960s. A man thwarted out of greatness is unable to settle for being ordinary. Brilliantly written.

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

A sweeping love story set during the American Civil War that examines the shifts in society wrought by the conflict. A historical epic. Also available as an Oscar-winning film.

Geek Love by Katherine Dunn

The rivalries, and machinations of a traveling family of circus freaks who play to audiences around America. This book forces the reader to rethink notions of normality and what is acceptable to society. A sometimes shocking, and always thought-provoking, read.

A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O’Connor

American Gothic meets McCarthyism in this landmark 1950s short story collection which epitomizes alienation and extremism. Vivid and accessible, these vignettes challenge the reader’s outlook on life.

Poems by Elizabeth Bishop

A definitive collection of verse by one of the greatest modern American poets. Bishop uses nature and landscape to depict the fragile human condition in these poems which often microscopically analyze the self. An accessible collection of poetry for 12 grade students.

Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this 12th grade book list, as well as classroom sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or stocking your school library. If you are ordering from outside the US, have a look at our ‘worldwide orders’ page which makes this process easy.

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Click for more reading recommendations – Kindergarten books |  Grade 1 books | Grade 2 books | Grade 3 books | Grade 4 books | Grade 5 books | Grade 6 books | Grade 7 books | Grade 8 books | Grade 9 books | Grade 10 books | Grade 11 books | Grade 12 books (this page)

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How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples

You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.

Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.

In this comprehensive guide,  PaperPerk  will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.

What is a Book Review?

A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.

Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .

Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.

Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.

Table of Contents

Book Review Template

How to write a book review- a step by step guide.

Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.

Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started

You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before you start book reviewing, let’s take a step back and plan your approach. Since knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.

Choosing Your Literature

First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.

Crafting the Master Plan

Next, create an  outline  that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.

The Devil is in the Details

As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or simply intrigues you. Pay attention to:

• The characters and their development
• The plot and its intricacies
• Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy

Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.

The Key Questions to Ponder

When planning your book review, consider the following questions:

• What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
• Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
• Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
• Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
• What could improve? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.

Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review

In this second step of “how to write a book review,” we’re focusing on the art of creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.

Identify Your Book and Author

Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its  title  and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.

Ponder the Title

Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.

Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)

Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.

Present Your Thesis

Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:

“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.

Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.

Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.

How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs

You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.

Summarize Without Spoilers

Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.

Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes

Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.

Analyze the Quotes

Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.

Structure Your Body Paragraphs

Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.

For example:

• In  Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
• In  Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
• In  Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work. 

How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion

You’ve navigated through planning, introductions, and body paragraphs with finesse. Now it’s time to wrap up your book review with a  conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.

Summarize Your Analysis

Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.

Offer Your Final Conclusion

Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.

Address the Book’s Appeal

Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.

For example:  The Alchemist is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.

Be Subtle and Balanced

Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.

Bringing It All Together

By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!

How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)

You’ve masterfully crafted your book review, from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of assigning a rating to the book you’ve reviewed.

Why Rate the Book?

Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.

How to Rate the Book

There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:

• A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
• A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
• A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)

Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.

Tips for Rating the Book

Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:

• Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
• Be fair:Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
• Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.

Wrapping Up

By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with an additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide

In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!

Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction

Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!

Embrace the World of Fiction

When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.

Opinionated with Gusto

Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what  you  think!

Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)

If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.

Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks

Feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples or online  college paper writing service  platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you navigate the world of book reviews with ease. 

Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature

Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!

Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty

When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book at hand, and let it shine in its own light.

Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review. 

In this section of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of  modernist literature  examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.

Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries

Mistake: Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.

Example: “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”

How to Avoid: Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.

Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken

Mistake: Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.

Example: “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”

How to Avoid: Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.

Riding the Personal Bias Express

Mistake: Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.

Example: “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”

How to Avoid: While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.

Wielding the Vague Language Saber

Mistake: Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.

Example: “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.

Ignoring the Contextualization Compass

Mistake: Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.

Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”

How to Avoid: Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.

Overindulging in Personal Preferences

Mistake: Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.

Example: “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”

How to Avoid: Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.

Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope

Mistake: Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it, leading to confusion for potential readers.

Example: “This book is great for everyone.”

How to Avoid: Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.

By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.

These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!

Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!

What is the difference between a book review and a report?

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Home / 6-12 Years Old / 125 12th Grade Reading Books For Students Aged 17-18 To Extend Learning

125 12th Grade Reading Books For Students Aged 17-18 To Extend Learning

This post will delve into innovative strategies for engaging young readers with thought-provoking literature. From curated book recommendations that cater to diverse interests and genres to interactive discussion prompts that foster critical thinking and analytical skills, we’ll provide a comprehensive toolkit to make the reading experience both enjoyable and educational.

Selecting the right books for 12th graders is pivotal in shaping their intellectual and emotional development . As they stand on the cusp of adulthood, these young adults are forming their worldviews, ethics, and understanding of complex social dynamics.

The literature they engage with plays a significant role in this process. It’s not just about enhancing their critical thinking and analytical skills; it’s about nurturing empathy , resilience, and a deep-seated appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Incorporating a mix of genres, voices, and themes is essential. Thought-provoking literature exposes students to different life experiences and cultural backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and informed outlook.

Moreover, age-appropriate texts ensure that the content resonates, challenges, and inspires without overwhelming them.

The goal is to ignite a passion for reading beyond the classroom, laying a foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.

This careful curation of literature is more than an academic exercise; it’s a crucial step in helping young individuals navigate the world’s complexities with wisdom and compassion.

Did You Know? Did you know that reading can increase empathy? Studies have shown that diving into fiction, particularly character-driven narratives, enhances our ability to understand others’ emotions and perspectives, making us more empathetic and socially aware individuals.

What Are The Common Intellectual, Emotional, And Social Characteristics Of 17-18-Year-Olds?

At 17-18 years old, individuals are typically navigating late adolescence, a period marked by significant intellectual, emotional, and social development:

Intellectual Characteristics

• Critical Thinking: They begin to think more abstractly and critically, questioning ideas and forming opinions.
• Future Planning: There’s an increased focus on future goals , college, and career planning, with a greater capacity for long-term thinking.
• Independence in Learning: Many develop a more independent approach to learning, exploring subjects that interest them beyond the school curriculum.

Emotional Characteristics

• Identity Formation: This is a crucial phase for identity development as they explore different roles and beliefs to understand who they are.
• Emotional Depth: They experience a wider and deeper range of emotions and are better at expressing and managing them, though this can also be a period of emotional turbulence.
• Seeking Autonomy: A desire for independence and self-reliance grows stronger, sometimes leading to conflicts with authority figures as they push for more control over their lives.

Social Characteristics

• Peer Influence: While peers remain influential, there’s a gradual shift towards forming deeper, more meaningful relationships and valuing individuality over conformity.
• Empathy and Understanding: An increased ability to empathize and understand different perspectives is evident, aiding in more complex social interactions.
• Responsibility and Contribution: Many begin to look beyond themselves, considering how they can contribute to their community and society at large.

How Can Literature Help Address And Stimulate Growth In These Areas?

Literature can be a powerful tool in stimulating growth in the intellectual, emotional, and social domains of 17-18-year-olds:

Intellectual Growth

• Critical Thinking: Literature, especially works that challenge norms or present complex issues, encourages readers to analyze, critique, and form their own opinions, sharpening their critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge and Perspective: Reading broadens knowledge and provides insights into different times, cultures, and philosophies, enhancing intellectual curiosity and perspective.
• Language and Expression: Exposure to varied writing styles and vocabularies enriches communication skills , aiding in more effective and nuanced expression.

Emotional Growth

• Empathy and Understanding: Fiction, in particular, allows readers to ‘live’ the characters’ lives, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of different human experiences and emotions.
• Emotional Intelligence : Literature often explores the complexities of emotions and relationships, helping readers better understand and articulate their and others’ feelings.
• Resilience and Inspiration: Stories of struggle and triumph can serve as sources of inspiration and resilience, showing readers how others navigate challenges and adversity.

Social Growth

• Cultural Awareness: Literature exposes readers to diverse cultures, social structures, and historical periods, which can foster a more inclusive and nuanced worldview.
• Moral and Ethical Development: Many works of literature pose moral or ethical dilemmas, prompting readers to consider their values and the implications of their choices and actions.
• Community and Connection: Book clubs and classroom discussions around literature provide opportunities for social engagement, shared learning, and understanding, helping to build community and communication skills.

How To Balance Literary Merit With Themes Relevant To Modern Adolescents?

Balancing literary merit with themes relevant to modern adolescents requires careful selection and contextualization of texts. Here’s how educators, parents, and curators can achieve this balance:

• Diverse Selection: Choose books from various genres, periods, and cultures. Include classic literature known for its artistic and thematic depth, as well as contemporary works that resonate with modern issues adolescents face. This exposes readers to high-quality writing and relevant themes.
• Relevance and Relatability: Look for texts that mirror modern adolescents’ experiences, challenges, and interests. Themes like identity, autonomy, social justice, mental health, and technology are particularly relevant . Ensure that there are characters and scenarios that adolescents can relate to, making the literature more engaging and meaningful.
• Discussion and Reflection: Encourage active discussion and personal reflection on the texts. Discuss how the themes of classic literature are still relevant today and how contemporary works reflect ongoing social and personal issues. This helps bridge the gap between the past and present, showing the enduring nature of specific human experiences and concerns.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Integrate literature with other subjects like history, sociology, and media studies. This can help students understand the historical context of classic literature and the societal impact of modern works, providing a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the texts.
• Critical Analysis: Teach students to critically analyze all texts, regardless of when they were written. They should evaluate literary merit — language, structure, and narrative techniques — and the portrayal and handling of themes and characters. This fosters an appreciation for well-crafted literature and a critical understanding of how different works address human experiences and issues.
• Authorial Intent vs. Reader Response: Discuss the intention of the author and the historical and cultural context of the work, but also encourage students to consider their personal responses and how their context influences their interpretation. This helps in appreciating the literary merit of older works while also considering personal relevance and contemporary perspectives.
• Inclusive and Sensitive Selection: Ensure the reading list is inclusive and sensitive to modern adolescents’ diverse backgrounds and experiences. Include works by authors from various demographics and with different life experiences to provide a broad range of perspectives and voices.

How Can Reading From Diverse Perspectives Enhance Understanding And Empathy In Students?

Reading from diverse perspectives is essential in enhancing understanding and empathy among students. Here’s how it contributes to their development:

• Expands Worldview: Exposing students to diverse perspectives helps broaden their world understanding. It takes them beyond their immediate environment, showing them different cultures, lifestyles, and viewpoints. This expanded worldview fosters a more informed and open-minded approach to differences.
• Cultivates Empathy: When students read about the experiences, thoughts, and feelings of people from different backgrounds, they begin to empathize with them. They learn to understand and share the feelings of others, even if their lives are vastly different. This empathy is crucial in developing compassionate and tolerant individuals.
• Challenges Prejudices: Reading diverse literature can challenge stereotypes and prejudices. It allows students to see the humanity in everyone, countering simplistic or biased narratives they might encounter elsewhere. This is particularly important in a world where media and social networks can sometimes reinforce negative stereotypes.
• Encourages Critical Thinking: Encountering diverse perspectives requires students to think critically about their own beliefs and the society they live in. They learn to question assumptions, weigh evidence, and consider multiple sides of an issue. This is a crucial skill in navigating a complex and diverse world.
• Inspires Social Responsibility: Understanding the struggles and triumphs of people from different backgrounds can inspire a sense of social responsibility. After reading about the real impact of inequality and discrimination, students might feel more compelled to advocate for fairness and justice.
• Improves Communication Skills: Reading from diverse perspectives also helps students communicate better. They learn to express themselves to various people and understand communication’s cultural nuances. This is increasingly important in our globalized world.
• Prepares for the Future: The future workplace and society will be even more diverse. Exposing students to this diversity now through literature prepares them for the interactions and collaborations they’ll have in their personal and professional lives.
• Promotes Lifelong Learning: Finally, developing an interest in diverse perspectives encourages lifelong learning. Students curious about different people and cultures will continue learning beyond the classroom, seeking new experiences and knowledge.

Diverse List Of 125 Books For 12th Grade Students Aged 17-18

Embark on a literary journey with this diverse list of books curated for 12th-grade students aged 17-18. This collection encompasses a range of genres, themes, and voices designed to resonate with young adults at a pivotal point in their lives.

From the complexities of classic literature to the contemporary relevance of modern novels and the reflective depth of poetry and plays, each selection promises to enrich, challenge, and broaden the horizons of burgeoning minds.

Prepare to be inspired, provoked, and transformed as you explore these thoughtfully chosen works that mirror the multifaceted nature of the human experience.

25 Classic Literature Books For 12th Grade Students Aged 17-18 

Here’s a list of 25 classic literature books suitable for 12th-grade students aged 17-18, along with brief explanations:

1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: Explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of a young girl in the Deep South.

2. “1984” by George Orwell: A dystopian novel that delves into the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of personal freedom.

3. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A critique of the American Dream, exploring themes of decadence, idealism, and social upheaval in the 1920s.

4. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: A witty exploration of manners, marriage, and morality in 19th-century England.

5. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë: A gothic novel featuring a strong, complex heroine facing moral and societal challenges.

6. “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë: A dark, passionate tale of love and revenge on the English moors.

7. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger: Follows a disillusioned teenager navigating the complexities of adulthood and identity.

8. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding: A group of boys stranded on an island descends into savagery, exploring the inherent darkness in human nature.

9. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley: Presents a future dystopia of genetic engineering and brainwashing under the guise of a perfect society.

10. “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville: An epic tale of obsession and revenge, exploring the depths of human ambition and the sea.

11. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley: A gothic novel pondering science’s ethical limits and humanity’s nature.

12. “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky: Examines the psychological turmoil of a man who believes himself above the law.

13. “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: Explores the severe consequences of public shaming and personal guilt in Puritan New England.

14. “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens: Chronicles the life of an orphan named Pip and his growth into maturity.

15. “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad: A profound critique of imperialism and human corruption, set in the African Congo.

16. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain: A young boy’s journey down the Mississippi River exposes the moral quandaries of a pre-Civil War America.

17. “Animal Farm” by George Orwell: A satirical allegory of Soviet totalitarianism, portraying the rise of tyranny through the rebellion of farm animals.

18. “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck: Depicts the hardships of an American farming family during the Great Depression.

19. “A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway: A tragic love story set against the backdrop of World War I.

20. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison: Explores the haunting legacy of slavery and the struggle for personal and cultural identity.

21. “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison: A powerful exploration of African-American identity and the struggle for self-realization.

22. “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas: A thrilling tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption set in France during the historical upheavals of the 19th century.

23. “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy: A complex novel of love, infidelity, and the pursuit of happiness in Russian high society.

24. “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky: A philosophical novel exploring faith, doubt, and the nature of morality.

25. “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert: Chronicles the life of a young woman whose unfulfilled dreams and aspirations lead her into a tragic downward spiral.

Fun Fact Did you know Charles Dickens was famed for his dramatic readings? He would perform his novels with such character and passion that people often left his readings in tears, completely moved by his vivid portrayal and emotional depth.

25 Contemporary Work Books For 12th Grade Students Aged 17-18 

Here’s a list of 25 contemporary works suitable for 12th-grade students aged 17-18, along with brief explanations:

26. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini: Explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history.

27. “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi: A graphic novel memoir depicting the author’s childhood in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution.

28. “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel: A tale of survival and spirituality, following a young boy stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.

29. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak: Set in Nazi Germany, it tells the story of a young girl who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others.

30. “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro: A dystopian science fiction novel that delves into the ethical complexities of human cloning and the nature of the soul.

31. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas: Explores racism and police violence through the eyes of a teenage girl who witnesses the shooting of her best friend.

32. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon: Narrated by a boy with autism, this novel provides unique insights into the condition and a mystery to solve.

33. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A powerful story about love, race, and identity spanning Nigeria, the UK, and the USA.

34. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy: A post-apocalyptic novel following a father and son as they navigate a burned America.

35. “White Teeth” by Zadie Smith: A vibrant and multi-layered novel focusing on the lives of two wartime friends and their families in London.

36. “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini: An intimate and harrowing story of the lives of two Afghan women bound together amidst war and oppression.

37. “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Díaz: Combines elements of sci-fi and fantasy with the reality of the Dominican-American experience.

38. “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates: A profound letter from the author to his son, discussing the feelings, symbolism, and realities of being Black in America.

39. “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng: A gripping tale that explores the complexities of interracial marriage, identity, and the burdens of familial expectations.

40. “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green: A touching novel about two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and fall in love.

41. “Room” by Emma Donoghue: Told from the perspective of a five-year-old boy held captive in a small room with his mother, exploring concepts of freedom and love.

42. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett: Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, it explores the lives of black maids working in white households.

43. “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell: A story about two misfit teenagers discovering love and acceptance over one school year in the 1980s.

44. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins: A dystopian novel where teens must fight to the death in a televised event, exploring themes of survival and authoritarianism.

45. “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes: A romantic novel that also tackles serious issues like quadriplegia, quality of life, and assisted suicide.

46. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern: A phantasmagorical novel centered around a magical competition between two young illusionists.

47. “Orange is the New Black” by Piper Kerman: A memoir detailing the author’s experiences in a women’s prison, shedding light on the realities of incarceration.

48. “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart: A suspenseful and tragic story about a wealthy, seemingly perfect family and the dark secrets they keep.

49. “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson: A powerful novel about a girl who becomes selectively mute after a traumatic event and how she finds her voice again.

50. “The Sun is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon: A romantic and timely novel about fate, love, and the complex nature of the universe and human lives.

Fun Fact Did you know that the longest sentence ever printed is in Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables”? It’s a whopping 823 words! This epic sentence reflects Hugo’s intricate style and the novel’s detailed exploration of morality, law, and the struggles of 19th-century France.

25 Non-Fiction And Biographies Books For 12th Grade Students Aged 17-18 

Here’s a list of 25 non-fiction and biography books suitable for 12th-grade students aged 17-18, along with brief explanations:

51. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank: A poignant diary offering a firsthand perspective of the Holocaust through the eyes of a young Jewish girl.

52. “Night” by Elie Wiesel: A harrowing memoir of Wiesel’s survival in Nazi concentration camps and a meditation on the nature of evil.

53. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou: Angelou’s autobiography explores themes of identity, rape, racism, and literacy during her early years.

54. “Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela: The inspiring autobiography of Nelson Mandela detailing his fight against apartheid and years spent in prison.

55. “Educated” by Tara Westover: A memoir about a girl who grows up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho but escapes to learn and experience the wider world through education.

56. “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote: A groundbreaking true crime novel that reconstructs the 1959 murder of a Kansas farmer and his family.

57. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot: The story of a woman whose cancer cells were harvested without her knowledge, leading to significant medical breakthroughs.

58. “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer: Chronicles the journey of Christopher McCandless as he ventures into the Alaskan wilderness, exploring themes of idealism and the search for meaning.

59. “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls: A memoir recounting the author’s unconventional, poverty-stricken upbringing and her journey to success.

60. “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson: A powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us and a clarion call for fixing our broken justice system.

61. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari: An exploration of the history of humans from the Stone Age to the modern age.

62. “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah: The comedian’s memoir about growing up in South Africa under apartheid offers insights into his challenges.

63. “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed: A memoir recounting the author’s 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, undertaken as a way to recover from personal tragedy.

64. “Freakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner: A non-traditional take on economics, exploring the hidden side of everything from crime to parenting.

65. “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander: Discusses how the War on Drugs has led to a new racial caste system in the United States.

66. “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking: An accessible look at cosmology and the universe’s origins, written by one of the most brilliant physicists of our time.

67. “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand: The true story of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star who survived a plane crash in WWII, weeks drifting at sea, and a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp.

68. “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough: The dramatic story behind the story of two Ohio bicycle mechanics who changed the world with their invention of the airplane.

69. “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson: The exclusive biography of Steve Jobs, based on three years of exclusive and unprecedented interviews Isaacson conducted with Jobs.

70. “The Soul of America” by Jon Meacham: Explores pivotal moments in American history where hope overcame division and fear.

71. “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell: Examines what makes high-achievers different, debunking myths about success.

72. “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly: The untold true story of the African-American female mathematicians who helped win the space race.

73. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman: A renowned psychologist exploring the two systems that drive our thinking.

74. “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X and Alex Haley: The remarkable life story of one of the most influential figures in American history.

75. “No Logo” by Naomi Klein: A look at how brand names and globalization have affected culture and the economy.

Fun Fact Did you know that the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr. was not fully scripted? The most famous part was improvised on the spot. King was prompted by Mahalia Jackson’s shout: “Tell them about the dream, Martin!”

25 Incorporating Poetry And Play Books For 12th Grade Students Aged 17-18 

Here’s a list of 25 poetry and playbooks suitable for 12th-grade students aged 17-18, along with brief explanations:

76. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: A landmark in modernist poetry, this poem delves into the disillusionment of the post-war generation.

77. “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman: A celebration of humanity and nature, this collection broke traditional verse forms to reflect American democracy.

78. “Ariel” by Sylvia Plath: This posthumously published collection is known for its intense, vivid, and emotionally charged poems.

79. “The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes”: Captures the African American experience through powerful and evocative verse, a key voice in the Harlem Renaissance.

80. “Howl and Other Poems” by Allen Ginsberg: A defining work of the Beat Generation, challenging societal norms and advocating for freedom of expression.

81. “Birthday Letters” by Ted Hughes: A collection of poems chronicling his relationship with Sylvia Plath, offering a deeply personal and emotional narrative.

82. “The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur: Modern and accessible, Kaur’s poetry deals with themes of love, loss, trauma, and healing.

83. “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur: Another popular collection by Kaur, exploring similar themes with a raw and honest voice.

84. “Don’t Call Us Dead” by Danez Smith: A bold and intelligent collection that confronts race, sexuality, police brutality, and mortality.

85. “Olio” by Tyehimba Jess: A collection that weaves sonnet, song, and narrative to examine the lives of African American performers.

86. “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare: A tragic exploration of revenge, betrayal, and madness, centered around the Prince of Denmark.

87. “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller: A critique of the American Dream through the story of a failed salesman and his family.

88. “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams: A powerful drama about the clash between reality and illusion in the post-war American South.

89. “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller: A dramatization of the Salem witch trials, reflecting the nature of hysteria and persecution.

90. “Fences” by August Wilson: Part of the Pittsburgh Cycle, this play examines race relations and the African American experience in the 1950s.

91. “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett: An absurdist play that explores themes of existentialism and the human condition through two waiting characters.

92. “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder: A three-act play that tells the story of an average town’s citizens in the early twentieth century.

93. “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde: A farcical comedy that satirizes the absurdities of social obligations and Victorian norms.

94. “Angels in America” by Tony Kushner: A two-part epic exploring the AIDS crisis, spirituality, and politics in 1980s America.

95. “The Laramie Project” by Moisés Kaufman and Tectonic Theater Project: A play constructed from interviews following the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, addressing themes of hate, community, and empathy.

96. “Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry: Chronicles the dreams and struggles of an African American family in Chicago.

97. “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: A tragic tale of ambition, power, and downfall, showcasing one of literature’s most compelling characters.

98. “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams: A memory play that reflects the fragility of hope and the crushing weight of reality.

99. “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” by Eugene O’Neill: A deeply personal play depicting a family in a cycle of denial and resentment.

100. “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” by Edward Albee: An intense and provocative drama portraying the complexities of marriage and truth.

Fun Fact Did you know that Shakespeare invented over 1,700 words? Some of his creations include “eyeball,” “gossip,” and “bedroom.” His innovative use of language and storytelling has had a profound and lasting impact on English literature and vocabulary.

25 Interactive Reading Books For 12th Grade Students Aged 17-18 

Interactive reading books, often known as “choose your own adventure” or interactive fiction, engage readers by allowing them to make choices that affect the story’s outcome. Here are 25 interactive reading books suitable for 12th-grade students aged 17-18:

101. “Choose Your Own Adventure” series by various authors: These classic interactive books cover a range of genres and scenarios where the reader’s choices determine the story’s path.

102. “Can You Survive the Zombie Apocalypse?” by Max Brallier: Offers multiple paths and endings in a thrilling, post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies.

103. “Pretty Little Mistakes” by Heather McElhatton: A literary game of fate with hundreds of possible endings, starting with a high school graduation and sprawling into the wider world.

104. “Life’s Lottery” by Kim Newman: A novel where you, the reader, are the protagonist making decisions that will determine your life’s course.

105. “To Be or Not To Be” by Ryan North: A comical and interactive retelling of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” where readers make choices for the characters.

106. “Romeo and/or Juliet” by Ryan North: Ryan North’s latest Shakespearean adventure offers a twist on “Romeo and Juliet.”

107. “My Lady’s Choosing” by Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris: An interactive romance novel where you are the heroine, navigating the choppy waters of 19th-century courtship.

108. “Infected” by James Schannep: Part of the “Click Your Poison” series, this book has dozens of possible endings in a zombie apocalypse scenario.

109. “House of Danger” by R.A. Montgomery: A ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ book where you’re a detective investigating a mysterious house.

110. “Trial of the Clone” by Zach Weinersmith: A humorous sci-fi adventure where you’re a clone who sets out to make your way in the galaxy.

111. “Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography” by Neil Patrick Harris: A unique take on the autobiography where you live the life of the actor/entertainer through various scenarios.

112. “Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure” by Emma Campbell Webster: A literary journey where your decisions lead you through Jane Austen’s world.

113. “The Magic of the Unicorn” by Deborah Lerme Goodman: Choose your own adventure in a fantasy world where you seek a unicorn to save your village.

114. “Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective” game books: Solve mysteries as Sherlock Holmes in these interactive case books.

115. “Space and Beyond” by R.A. Montgomery: Decide your fate as you journey through space in this classic ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ book.

116. “Journey Under the Sea” by R.A. Montgomery: Explore the ocean’s depths in this interactive adventure.

117. “Inside UFO 54-40” by Edward Packard: An adventure that takes you into the heart of a UFO and beyond.

118. “The Forbidden Castle” by Edward Packard: A medieval adventure where you seek out a mysterious castle.

119. “The Abominable Snowman” by R.A. Montgomery: Confront the legendary Abominable Snowman in the Himalayas.

120. “War with the Evil Power Master” by R.A. Montgomery: A sci-fi adventure to save the galaxy from the Evil Power Master.

121. “Escape” by R.A. Montgomery: Find your way out of a strange land where you’re stranded.

122. “Return to the Cave of Time” by Edward Packard: A sequel to the original “Cave of Time,” offering more time-traveling adventures.

123. “Deadly Premonition” by Ken McMurtrie: A thriller where you’re a detective solving a series of murders.

124. “Outlaws of Sherwood Forest” by Ellen Kushner: Become an outlaw in Robin Hood’s band in this medieval adventure.

125. “Twisted Tales from Shakespeare” by Richard Armour: A humorous and interactive take on several of Shakespeare’s plays.

Fun Fact Did you know that the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books were originally called “The Adventures of You”? The series, which became immensely popular in the 1980s, allows readers to become the protagonists of their own stories, leading to multiple endings.

What Are Some Methods To Encourage Deep Analysis And Thoughtful Discussion About The Books?

Encouraging deep analysis and thoughtful discussion about books can significantly enhance the reading experience and critical thinking skills. Here are some effective methods:

• Socratic Seminars: This method fosters a student-led discussion where participants ask and answer questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas within the text. It encourages students to delve deeper into the literature and articulate their interpretations.
• Literature Circles: Small groups of students each take on specific roles (like summarizer, questioner, connector, or vocabulary enricher) to discuss and explore different aspects of the book. This method encourages diverse perspectives and a deeper understanding of the text.
• Double-Entry Journals: Students create two-column journals where they quote passages on one side and reflect or analyze those passages on the other. This encourages close reading and personal engagement with the text.
• Thematic Essays: Assign essays that prompt students to explore central themes, character development, or symbols within the book. This requires deep analysis and helps students articulate their thoughts coherently.
• Creative Projects: Encourage students to express their understanding of the book through different mediums such as art, drama, or digital media. This can provide insights into their interpretation and analysis of the text.
• Comparative Analysis: Have students compare and contrast the book with another work, whether it’s another text, a film, or a historical event. This broadens their analytical perspective and encourages deeper understanding.
• Critical Debates: Organize debates on major themes or decisions characters make in the book. This encourages students to think critically, form arguments, and consider multiple viewpoints.
• Reader’s Response Theory: Encourage students to reflect on their personal responses to the text, discussing how their experiences and beliefs affect their interpretation. This can lead to rich, varied discussions about the impact of literature.
• Symbol and Motif Analysis: Guide students in identifying and discussing symbols and motifs in the text. Analyzing these elements can reveal deeper meanings and themes.
• Author’s Context: Discuss the author’s background and the historical, cultural, and personal context in which the book was written. Understanding these factors can provide deeper insight into the text’s themes and motivations.
• Reflection and Response: Regularly provide time for personal reflection and written responses. This allows students to process their thoughts and prepare more substantive discussion contributions.
• Peer Teaching: Allow students to become experts on a particular aspect of the book and teach it to their peers. This not only deepens their understanding but also fosters a collaborative learning environment.

Key Takeaway

• Socratic Seminars and Literature Circles foster collaborative and diverse exploration of texts.
• Double-Entry Journals and Thematic Essays encourage personal engagement and detailed analysis.
• Creative Projects and Comparative Analysis allow for multi-dimensional and critical understanding.
• Critical Debates and Reader’s Response Theory promote critical thinking and personal reflection.
• Symbol, Motif Analysis, and understanding of the Author’s Context unveil deeper meanings and historical relevance.
• Reflection, Response, and Peer Teaching strategies enhance the processing and articulation of ideas.
• Various methods ensure inclusivity and cater to different learning styles, leading to a comprehensive and profound literary appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i interpret a difficult text.

Break it down into smaller parts, look up unfamiliar words, and consider the historical and cultural context. Discussing with peers or seeking various analyses can also provide clarity.

What Makes A Literary Discussion Effective?

An effective literary discussion involves active listening, open-mindedness, respectful debate, and evidence-based arguments. Connecting the text to broader themes and personal experiences is also important.

How Can I Improve My Critical Thinking Skills Through Reading?

Engage actively with the text by questioning, making predictions, and drawing connections. Write reflections and discuss your ideas with others to challenge your perspectives and deepen your understanding.

Why Is It Important To Understand The Author’s Context?

Knowing the author’s historical, cultural, and personal background can provide insights into the text’s themes, characters, and motivations, leading to a richer and more nuanced interpretation.

What Should I Focus On When Analyzing Poetry?

Pay attention to the language, form, structure, imagery, symbols, and motifs. Consider the poem’s rhythm, sound, and the feelings it evokes. Understanding the poet’s background and the poem’s context can also be helpful.

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21 Must-Read Books for 12th Graders by Authors of Color

Katisha Smith

Katisha is a former military brat who studied engineering because she couldn’t hack it as a writer. You can find her on the internets talking books, movies, pop culture, beauty or whatever is floating her boat at the moment.

View All posts by Katisha Smith

Welcome to senior year of high school, where you’re less than a year away from forging your own path in life. Until then, you have to keep going to class because that diploma is not going to earn itself. One class you have to pass in order to receive said diploma is English Literature, which means reading plenty of old books classics. Although they may be deemed great books for 12th graders to read, are they really the best books for 12th graders when most are written from the white cis male perspective?

Since Book Riot is all about reading harder , we think no student should leave high school without reading a few books written by people of color. Therefore, we bring forth this list of books for 12th graders from authors of color, because no excuse shall prosper against diversifying your reading lists.

Contemporary Fiction for 12th Graders

The following are books for 12 graders of the here and now, with several books about the experience of being 17. 

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

From National Book Award –winning and New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Acevedo comes a novel-in-verse about love, loss, forgiveness, and the bonds that shape our lives. 

Camino Rios loves summer because it means her father is coming to visit from the Dominican Republic. On the day he is supposed to arrive, Camino is instead met at the airport by a crowd of crying people. At school, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting with terrible news: Yahaira’s papi has died in a plane crash. 

Separated by distance and secrets, two girls are forced into a new reality that will forever change their lives, but when it seems like they’ve lost everything of their father, they learn of each other.

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Finding Yvonne by Brandy Colbert

Since she was 7, Yvonne has never been without her trusted violin. With high school graduation around the corner, Yvonne must face the hard truth that even with years of dedication, she might not be good enough for the prestige conservatory she’s dreamed of attending. Full of doubt about her future and frustrated with her strained relationship with her father, Yvonne finds comfort in a street musician and fellow violinist named Omar. He’s mysterious, charming, and the opposite of familiar and reliable Warren, the boy who has her heart. When Yvonne becomes unexpectedly pregnant, she must make the most difficult decision of her life.

The Idiot by Elif Batuman

Selin, daughter of Turkish immigrants, arrives for her freshman year at Harvard. She quickly befriends her charismatic Serbian classmate Svetlana and begins an email correspondence with Ivan, an older Hungarian mathematics student. At the end of the year, Ivan heads to Budapest, and Selin plans to spend the summer teaching English in the Hungarian countryside. On the way, she spends two weeks in Paris with Svetlana. However, Selin’s European summer is nothing like the typical American college student experience she expected.

The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan

Seventeen-year-old Rukhsana Ali tries to live up to the expectations of her conservative Muslim parents, but she is finding that harder to do. Luckily, she only has a few more months until she can trade her carefully monitored life in Seattle for freedom at Caltech, where she can pursue her dream of becoming an engineer. When Rukhsana’s parents catch her kissing girlfriend Ariana, all of her plans fall apart because being gay may as well be a death sentence in the Bengali community. Soon, Rukhsana is sent to Bangladesh and thrown into a world of tradition and arranged marriages.

Love, Hate, & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

Seventeen-year-old Maya Aziz is torn between worlds. There’s the world full of expectation to be the proper Indian daughter, which means attending a college in Chicago close to her parents and being paired with a “suitable” Muslim boy. In the other world, Maya is living in New York City, going to film school, and maybe pursuing a boy of her own choosing.

There is also the real world, beyond Maya’s control, where her life has been turned upside down in the aftermath of a horrific crime perpetrated hundreds of miles away. Now, her community has become unrecognizable as neighbors and classmates become consumed with bigotry, hatred, and fear. Despite it all, Maya must channel her inner strength and determine where she truly belongs.

Historical Fiction for 12th Graders

For the 12th grade history buffs, there is plenty of YA historical fiction about young women of color. 

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

If you are in search of YA historical fiction with a side of zombies, then look no further than Dread Nation .

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields, derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, the Native and Negro Reeducation Act requires that certain children attend combat school to learn how to put down the dead. For Jane, not even being the daughter of a wealthy White Southerner could save her from society’s expectations. Training to become an Attendant, one trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the wealthy, is not the life Jane wants. 

Upon completing Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set to return to her Kentucky home. When families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in a conspiracy that finds her in a desperate fight for her life where the restless dead are the least of her problems.

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Ida Mae Jones dreams of being a pilot just like her daddy, but being a woman and being Black are two strikes against her. When America enters into war against Germany and Japan, the Army creates the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), and Ida sees a way to fly and help her brother stationed in the Pacific. However, the WASPs won’t accept her as a Black woman, so Ida Mae is forced to make the difficult choice of pretending to be white. Finally, Ida Mae is able to pursue her dream, but hiding one’s heritage is a heavy burden.

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

By day, 17-year-old Jo Kuan is a lady’s maid for the daughter of one of Atlanta’s wealthiest men. By night, she is the author behind “Dear Miss Sweetie,” a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady. As the column gains popularity, Jo uses the power of her pen to challenge society’s ideas on race and gender, but she is not prepared for the backlash. While opponents seek to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. When she crosses paths with Atlanta’s most notorious criminal, Jo must decide if the girl who lives in the shadows is ready to step into the light.

Must-Read Nonfiction Books for 12th Graders

Although not specifically YA nonfiction , these are must-read nonfiction books for 12th graders preparing for life in “The Real World.”

One Person, No Vote: How All Voters Are Not Treated Equally by Carol Anderson

In her New York Times bestseller White Rage , Anderson chronicled the many policies from the end of slavery until today that have systematically impeded progress for Black Americans. In One Person, No Vote , she describes a related history, the 2013 Supreme Court decision that eviscerated the 1965 Voting Rights Act. This 2013 decision essentially allowed districts with a demonstrated history of racial discrimination to change voting requirement without getting approval from the Department of Justice. In response, many states quickly and enthusiastically adopted voter suppression laws and tactics, including gerrymandering, closing polling places, and photo ID requirements.

The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore

In December 2000, the Baltimore Sun ran a piece about local student Wes Moore who had just received a Rhodes Scholarship. Within the same paper was an article about the hunt for two brothers, one named Wes Moore, suspected of killing a police officer in an armed robbery.

Wes couldn’t shake the unsettling coincidence. After following the story from the manhunt to the trial, he wrote a letter to the other Wes, now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. That letter led to the two men corresponding over dozens of letters and prison visits. Wes discovered his life was not unlike that of the other Wes. Both grew up in similar neighborhoods and experienced difficult childhoods, but circumstances would lead them to different destinies.

This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell (Author) and Aurelia Durand (Illustrator)

From anti-bias antiracist (ABAR) educator Tiffany Jewell comes this #1 New York Times bestseller for young people (and everyone else) who are ready to wake up, take action, and work to become antiracist. Readers will learn about privilege, inclusion, and conscious/unconscious bias with straightforward information and historical facts. Then they will put what they learned to work with action items and prompts for reflection.

You’re So Money: Live Rich, Even When You’re Not by Farnoosh Torabi

Journalist and personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi brings finance advice for those who want to enjoy their daily Starbucks and buy the latest Apple device without feeling guilty or being buried in debt. According to Torabi, the key is to prioritize your spending from what you need or want the most now to what can wait until later without sacrificing your financial security. 

The references may seem dated since You’re So Money was published over a decade ago, but the principles still apply. Also, there’s plenty of current money advice on Torabi’s award-winning podcast, So Money .

Science Fiction and Fantasy Books for 12th Graders

All the 12th graders will be yelling SFF, Yeah! with these sci-fi and fantasy books for teen readers .

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

Xifeng is 18 years old and beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness as Empress of Feng Lu, if she embraces the darkness within her. Xifeng longs to fulfill that destiny foreseen by the witch Guma, but is the price of the throne worth the cost? In order to achieve her promised greatness, Xifeng must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the dark magic within her.

Girl Gone Viral by Arvin Ahmadi

For 17-year-old Opal Hopper, coding allows her to build entire worlds from scratch, but she can’t code her father back to life. Since he disappeared after her 10th birthday leaving only a cryptic note, Opal has been desperately trying to find him. Unable to succeed, she enrolls in a boarding school for technical prodigies in an effort to forget. Then WAVE, the world’s biggest virtual reality platform announces a contest where the winner gets to meet its billionaire founder, the person who worked closely with Opal’s dad. What begins as a small hack to win the contest quickly spirals out of control as Opal digs deeper into a web of lies, hacks, and manipulation. How far will Opal go in search of the answers she’s wanted for years?

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Hailsham is a pleasant English boarding school where students are trained in art and literature, but are taught nothing about the world outside of Hailsham. Kathy grows from schoolgirl to young woman within the grounds of Hailsham. It is only when she and her friends Ruth and Tommy leave the safety of the school that they realize the truth of what Hailsham really is.

YA Mysteries for 12th Graders

Looking for contemporary books for 12th graders with chills and thrills written by people of color? Look no further than these YA mysteries!

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson (September 15, Katherine Tegen Books)

When Enchanted Jones wakes up, Korey Fields is dead. Her hands are covered with Korey’s blood, and Enchanted has no memory of the previous night. She does know this isn’t how things were supposed to go, because Korey was Enchanted’s ticket to stardom. 

Before this, Enchanted was an aspiring singer, struggling with her family’s recent move to the suburbs where she is now the only Black girl in her new high school. Then legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots her at an audition, and Enchanted’s dream of becoming a professional singer feels possible. Initially, Enchanted is dazzled by Korey’s luxurious lifestyle, but behind Korey’s charm lies a dark side. Now Korey’s dead, the police are asking questions, and all signs point to Enchanted.

G rown hits shelves on September 15, 2020. While waiting for this highly-anticipated mystery, check out Jackson’s previous critically-acclaimed YA mystery Monday’s Not Coming about Claudia’s search to find her missing friend Monday.

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

Jay Reguero plans to spend the time he has left before heading to the University of Michigan playing video games. Then he learns his cousin Jun has been murdered. No one in the family wants to talk about what happened, so Jay travels to the Philippines hoping to uncover more about Jun and the events that led to his death.

Shadow Girl by Liana Liu

When Mei arrives at the house on Arrow Island, she can’t help but feel relieved about spending the summer away from her needy mother, delinquent brother, and their tiny apartment. Mei gets to live in a mansion, and Ella is a sweet, easy, well-behaved charge. Although Mei tries to focus on her duties, she becomes increasingly distracted by the unexplained noises she hears at night. Mei isn’t superstitious, but she can’t shake the fear of danger lurking in the shadows of this big, beautiful house that could destroy them all.

YA Romance Books for 12th Graders

Where are the high school seniors looking for love? We have the books that fit the bill with some must-read romcoms for 12th graders.

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki (Author) and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (Illustrator)

Looking for graphic novels for teens about love and ending toxic relationships? Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me is the answer. 

Laura Dean is the most popular girl in high school and Frederica (Freddy) Riley’s dream girl. The problem is Laura Dean is not the best girlfriend. Reeling from the latest break up, Freddy’s best friend, Doodle, introduces Freddy to a mysterious medium who gives some simple advice: “Break up with her.” That’s easier said than done because Laura Dean keeps coming back, and Freddy can’t resist her charm. As their relationship continues to spiral, Freddy begins to wonder if it’s Laura Dean who is the problem, especially as Freddy starts losing friends like Doodle, who she needs now more than ever.

Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi

Sana Khan is the classic overachiever, determined to be the best on the field as a cheerleader and to stay at the top of the class as a straight-A student. Rachel Recht is the movie-obsessed aspiring director who is ready to make her own masterpiece. While casting her senior film project, Rachel has found the perfect lead in Sana. The only problem is Rachel hates Sana. 

Told in dual viewpoints, Tell Me How You Really Feel is an edgy YA novel inspired by classic romcoms about two strong-willed young women falling for one another despite their best efforts.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

It’s September 11, 2002, an extremely turbulent time, especially for Shirin, a 16-year-old Muslim girl. Shirin is never surprised by how horrible people can be, but she’s tired of being stereotyped and dealing with rude stares, degrading comments, and even physical violence because of her religion. Shirin copes by drowning her frustrations in music and spending her afternoons break dancing with her brother. Then she meets Ocean James. He is the first person in a long time who wants to get to know Shirin, and that terrifies her. Shirin has spent so long refusing to let anyone get close that she’s not sure she’ll be able to let her guard down.

Need more must-read YA books for 12th graders? Listen to the Hey YA! Podcast and check out the Best YA Books of Summer 2020 !

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Book Review Writing

Introduction.

If you love to read, at some point you will want to share a book you love with others. You may already do this by talking about books with friends. If you want to share your ideas with more people than your circle of friends, the way you do that is by writing a review. By publishing the reviews you write, you can share your ideas about books with other readers around the world.

It's natural for young readers to confuse book reviews with book reports, yet writing a book review is a very different process from writing a book report. Book reports focus on the plot of the book. Frequently, the purpose of book reports is to demonstrate that the books were read, and they are often done for an assignment.

A book review is a totally different task. A book review's purpose is to help people decide whether or not the book would interest them enough to read it. Reviews are a sneak peek at a book, not a summary. Like wonderful smells wafting from a kitchen, book reviews lure readers to want to taste the book themselves.

This guide is designed to help you become a strong book reviewer, a reader who can read a book and then cook up a review designed to whet the reading appetites of other book lovers.

Form: What should the review look like?

How long should it be.

The first question we usually ask when writing something is "How long should it be?" The best answer is "As long as it takes," but that's a frustrating answer. A general guideline is that the longer the book, the longer the review, and a review shouldn't be fewer than 100 words or so. For a long book, the review may be 500 words or even more.

If a review is too short, the review may not be able to fulfill its purpose. Too long, and the review may stray into too much plot summary or lose the reader's interest.

The best guide is to focus less on how long to write and more on fulfilling the purpose of the review.

How Do You Create A Title?

The title of the review should convey your overall impression and not be overly general. Strong titles include these examples:

• "Full of action and complex characters"
• "A nail-biter that will keep you up all night"
• "Beautiful illustrations with a story to match"
• "Perfect for animal lovers"

Weak titles may look like this:

• "Really good book"
• "Three stars"
• "Pretty good"
• "Quick read"

How Should It Begin?

Although many reviews begin with a short summary of the book (This book is about…), there are other options as well, so feel free to vary the way you begin your reviews.

In an introductory summary, be careful not to tell too much. If you retell the entire story, the reader won't feel the need to read it him/herself, and no one appreciates a spoiler (telling the end). Here are some examples of summaries reviewers from The New York Times have written:

"A new picture book tells a magically simple tale of a lonely boy, a stranded whale and a dad who rises to the occasion."

"In this middle-grade novel, a girl finds a way forward after the loss of her mother."

"Reared by ghosts, werewolves and other residents of the hillside cemetery he calls home, an orphan named Nobody Owens wonders how he will manage to survive among the living having learned all his lessons from the dead. And the man Jack — who killed the rest of Nobody's family — is itching to finish the job."

"In vivid poems that reflect the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, an award-winning author shares what it was like to grow up in the 1960s and 1970s in both the North and the South." Other ways to begin a review include:

• Quote: A striking quote from the book ("It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.") can make for a powerful beginning. This quote begins George Orwell's novel 1984 .
• Background: What makes this book important or interesting? Is the author famous? Is it a series? This is This is how Amazon introduces Divergent : "This first book in Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy is the novel the inspired the major motion picture."
• Interesting Fact: For nonfiction books in particular, an interesting fact from the book may create a powerful opening for a review. In this review of The Middle East by Philip Steele, Zander H. of Mid-America Mensa asks, "Did you know that the Saudi Arabia's Rub' al-Khali desert reaches temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and plummets to the freezing point at night?"
• Explanation of a term: If a word or phrase in the book or title is confusing or vitally important to understand, you may wish to begin the review explaining that term.

Process: What should I write about?

Deciding what to say about the book can be challenging. Use the following ideas as a guide, but remember that you should not put all of this into a single review — that would make for a very long review! Choose the things that fit this particular book best.

General Information What the reader ought to know

• What kind of book is it? (Picture book? Historical fiction? Nonfiction? Fantasy? Adventure?)
• Does the book belong to a series?
• How long is the book? Is it an easy or a challenging read?
• Is there anything that would be helpful for the reader to know about the author? For instance, is the author an expert in the field, the author of other popular books, or a first-time author?
• How does the book compare to other books on the same topic or in the same genre?
• Is the book written in a formal or informal style? Is the language remarkable in any way?
• What ages is the book geared to?
• Is the book written in normal prose? If it is written in poetic form, does it rhyme?

Plot What happens?

Writing about the plot is the trickiest part of a review because you want to give the reader a feel for what the book is about without spoiling the book for future readers. The most important thing to remember is that you must never give away the ending. No one likes a spoiler.

One possibility for doing this is to set up the premise (A brother and a sister find themselves lost in the woods at the mercy of an evil witch. Will they be able to outsmart her and escape?). Another possibility is to set up the major conflict in the book and leave it unresolved (Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part or He didn't know what he stood to lose or Finding your purpose in life can be as easy as finding a true friend.)

Try to avoid using the tired phrase "This book is about…" Instead, just jump right in (The stuffed rabbit wanted more than anything to live in the big old house with the wild oak trees.)

Characters Who lives in the book?

Reviews should answer questions about the characters in fiction books or non-fiction books about people. Some possible questions to answer include:

• Who are the main characters? Include the protagonist and antagonist.
• What makes them interesting?
• Do they act like real people act or are they too good or too evil to be believable?
• Are they human?
• What conflicts do they face?
• Are they likeable or understandable?
• How do they connect with each other?
• Do they appear in other books?
• Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?
• What problems did the main characters face?
• Who was your favorite character, and why?
• We learn about characters from things they do and say, as well as things other characters say about them. You may wish to include examples of these things.

Theme What is the book about at its heart?

What is the book really about? This isn't the plot, but rather the ideas behind the story. Is it about the triumph of good over evil or friendship or love or hope? Some common themes include: change, desire to escape, facing a challenge, heroism, the quest for power, and human weaknesses.

Sometimes a book will have a moral — a lesson to learn. If so, the theme is usually connected to that moral. As you write about the theme, try to identify what makes the book worth reading. What will the reader think about long after the book is finished? Ask yourself if there any particular lines in the book that strike you as meaningful.

Setting Where are we?

The setting is the time and place the story occurs. When you write about the setting in a review, include more than just the location. Some things to consider:

• Is the book set in the past, present or future?
• Is it set in the world we know or is it a fantastical world?
• Is it mostly realistic with elements of fantasy (animals that can talk, for example)?
• Is the setting unclear and fuzzy, or can you easily make the movie in your mind?
• How much does the author draw you into the setting and how does s/he accomplish that?

Opinion & Analysis What do you really think?

This is where the reviewer shares his/her reactions to the book that go beyond the essential points described above. You may spend half of the review on this section. Some possible questions to address include:

• Why do you think other readers would enjoy it? Why did you enjoy it (if you did) or why didn't you (if you didn't).
• What ages or types of readers do you think would like the book?
• How does it compare with other books that are in the same genre or by the same author?
• Does the book engage your emotions? If a book made you laugh or cry or think about it for days, be sure to include that.
• What do you like or dislike about the author's writing style? Is it funny? Is it hard to follow? Is it engaging and conversational in tone?
• How well do you think the author achieved what s/he was going for in the writing of the book? Do you think you felt what the author was hoping you would feel?
• Did the book feel complete, or did it feel as though key elements were left out?
• How does the book compare to other books like it you've read?

Are there parts that are simply not believable, even allowing for the reader's understanding that it is fiction or even fantasy?

• Are there mistakes?
• Would you describe the book as for entertainment, self-improvement, or information?
• What was your favorite part of the book?
• Would you have done anything differently had you been the author?
• Would any reader enjoy this book? If not, to what ages or type of reader would it appeal?

Special situations: Nonfiction and young reviewers

Some of the tips and ideas above work best for fiction, and some of it is a little too complicated for very young reviewers.

Nonfiction What to do if it's real

When reviewing a book of nonfiction, you will want to consider these questions:

• What was the author's purpose in writing the book? Did the author accomplish that purpose?
• Who is the target audience for the book?
• What do you think is the book's greatest value? What makes it special or worthwhile?
• Are the facts shared accurate?
• Is the book interesting and hold your attention?
• Would it be a useful addition to a school or public library?
• If the book is a biography or autobiography, how sympathetic is the subject?
• Is it easy to understand the ideas?
• Are there extra features that add to the enjoyment of the book, such as maps, indexes, glossaries, or other materials?
• Are the illustrations helpful?

Young Reviewers Keeping it simple

Reviewing a book can be fun, and it's not hard at all. Just ask yourself these questions:

• What is the book about? You don't need to tell the whole story over — just give an idea of what it's about.
• Do you think other people would like it?
• Did you think it was funny or sad?
• Did you learn something from the book?
• l Did you think it was interesting?
• Would you want to read it again?
• Would you want to read other books by the same author or about the same subject?
• What was your favorite part?
• Did you like the pictures?

Remember! Don't give away the ending. Let's keep that a surprise.

General Tips & Ideas

Use a few quotes or phrases (keep them short) from the book to illustrate the points you make about the book. If there are illustrations, be sure to comment on those. Are they well done? Has the illustrator done other well-known books?

Make sure you include a conclusion to the review — don't leave it hanging. The conclusion can be just one sentence (Overall, this book is a terrific choice for those who…).

You can use the transition word handout at the end of the Writer's Toolbox to find ideas for words to connect the ideas in your review. If you would like to read some well-written reviews, look for reviews of books for young people at The New York Times or National Public Radio .

Rating Books How to award stars?

Most places you post reviews ask you to rate the book using a star system, typically in a range of from one to five stars. In your rating, you should consider how the book compares to other books like it. Don't compare a long novel to a short poetry book — that's not a valid comparison.

It's important to remember that it's not asking you to only give five stars to the very best books ever written.

• 5 Stars: I'm glad I read it or I loved it (this doesn't mean it was your favorite book ever).
• 4 Stars: I like it. It's worth reading.
• 3 Stars: It wasn't very good.
• 2 Stars: I don't like it at all.
• 1 Star: I hate it.

How to Write a Book Review: Awesome Guide

A book review allows students to illustrate the author's intentions of writing the piece, as well as create a criticism of the book — as a whole. In other words, form an opinion of the author's presented ideas. Check out this guide from EssayPro - book review writing service to learn how to write a book review successfully.

What Is a Book Review?

You may prosper, “what is a book review?”. Book reviews are commonly assigned students to allow them to show a clear understanding of the novel. And to check if the students have actually read the book. The essay format is highly important for your consideration, take a look at the book review format below.

Book reviews are assigned to allow students to present their own opinion regarding the author’s ideas included in the book or passage. They are a form of literary criticism that analyzes the author’s ideas, writing techniques, and quality. A book analysis is entirely opinion-based, in relevance to the book. They are good practice for those who wish to become editors, due to the fact, editing requires a lot of criticism.

Book Review Template

The book review format includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Introduction
• Describe the book cover and title.
• Include any subtitles at this stage.
• Include the Author’s Name.
• Write a brief description of the novel.
• Briefly introduce the main points of the body in your book review.
• Avoid mentioning any opinions at this time.
• Use about 3 quotations from the author’s novel.
• Summarize the quotations in your own words.
• Mention your own point-of-view of the quotation.
• Remember to keep every point included in its own paragraph.
• In brief, summarize the quotations.
• In brief, summarize the explanations.
• Finish with a concluding sentence.
• This can include your final opinion of the book.
• Star-Rating (Optional).

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How to Write a Book Review: Step-By-Step

Writing a book review is something that can be done with every novel. Book reviews can apply to all novels, no matter the genre. Some genres may be harder than others. On the other hand, the book review format remains the same. Take a look at these step-by-step instructions from our professional writers to learn how to write a book review in-depth.

Step 1: Planning

Create an essay outline which includes all of the main points you wish to summarise in your book analysis. Include information about the characters, details of the plot, and some other important parts of your chosen novel. Reserve a body paragraph for each point you wish to talk about.

Consider these points before writing:

• What is the plot of the book? Understanding the plot enables you to write an effective review.
• Is the plot gripping? Does the plot make you want to continue reading the novel? Did you enjoy the plot? Does it manage to grab a reader’s attention?
• Are the writing techniques used by the author effective? Does the writer imply factors in-between the lines? What are they?
• Are the characters believable? Are the characters logical? Does the book make the characters are real while reading?
• Would you recommend the book to anyone? The most important thing: would you tell others to read this book? Is it good enough? Is it bad?
• What could be better? Keep in mind the quotes that could have been presented better. Criticize the writer.

Step 2: Introduction

Presumably, you have chosen your book. To begin, mention the book title and author’s name. Talk about the cover of the book. Write a thesis statement regarding the fictitious story or non-fictional novel. Which briefly describes the quoted material in the book review.

Step 3: Body

Choose a specific chapter or scenario to summarise. Include about 3 quotes in the body. Create summaries of each quote in your own words. It is also encouraged to include your own point-of-view and the way you interpret the quote. It is highly important to have one quote per paragraph.

Step 4: Conclusion

Write a summary of the summarised quotations and explanations, included in the body paragraphs. After doing so, finish book analysis with a concluding sentence to show the bigger picture of the book. Think to yourself, “Is it worth reading?”, and answer the question in black and white. However, write in-between the lines. Avoid stating “I like/dislike this book.”

Step 5: Rate the Book (Optional)

After writing a book review, you may want to include a rating. Including a star-rating provides further insight into the quality of the book, to your readers. Book reviews with star-ratings can be more effective, compared to those which don’t. Though, this is entirely optional.

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Writing Tips

Here is the list of tips for the book review:

• A long introduction can certainly lower one’s grade: keep the beginning short. Readers don’t like to read the long introduction for any essay style.
• It is advisable to write book reviews about fiction: it is not a must. Though, reviewing fiction can be far more effective than writing about a piece of nonfiction
• Avoid Comparing: avoid comparing your chosen novel with other books you have previously read. Doing so can be confusing for the reader.
• Opinion Matters: including your own point-of-view is something that is often encouraged when writing book reviews.
• Refer to Templates: a book review template can help a student get a clearer understanding of the required writing style.
• Don’t be Afraid to Criticize: usually, your own opinion isn’t required for academic papers below Ph.D. level. On the other hand, for book reviews, there’s an exception.
• Use Positivity: include a fair amount of positive comments and criticism.
• Review The Chosen Novel: avoid making things up. Review only what is presented in the chosen book.
• Enjoyed the book? If you loved reading the book, state it. Doing so makes your book analysis more personalized.

Writing a book review is something worth thinking about. Professors commonly assign this form of an assignment to students to enable them to express a grasp of a novel. Following the book review format is highly useful for beginners, as well as reading step-by-step instructions. Writing tips is also useful for people who are new to this essay type. If you need a book review or essay, ask our book report writing services ' write paper for me ' and we'll give you a hand asap!

We also recommend that everyone read the article about essay topics . It will help broaden your horizons in writing a book review as well as other papers.

Book Review Examples

Referring to a book review example is highly useful to those who wish to get a clearer understanding of how to review a book. Take a look at our examples written by our professional writers. Click on the button to open the book review examples and feel free to use them as a reference.

Book review

Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’

Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’ is a novel aimed at youngsters. The plot, itself, is not American humor, but that of Great Britain. In terms of sarcasm, and British-related jokes. The novel illustrates a fair mix of the relationships between the human-like animals, and wildlife. The narrative acts as an important milestone in post-Victorian children’s literature.

Book Review

Dr. John’s ‘Pollution’

Dr. John’s ‘Pollution’ consists of 3 major parts. The first part is all about the polluted ocean. The second being about the pollution of the sky. The third part is an in-depth study of how humans can resolve these issues. The book is a piece of non-fiction that focuses on modern-day pollution ordeals faced by both animals and humans on Planet Earth. It also focuses on climate change, being the result of the global pollution ordeal.

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How To Write A Book Review?

What to include in a book review, what is a book review.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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How to Write a Book Review - A Step By Step Guide

A Complete Book Review Format Guide For Students

Are you in desperate need of some assistance to up your book review writing game? 

We know that penning down a review can come off as a tricky challenge, but do not worry!

To help you write book reviews that carry the essence of the book and engage readers, we have collected a handful of book review examples in this blog. 

The included examples will enable you to understand different writing styles and approaches taken toward book review writing . So, you can use your words effectively to craft the perfect book review.

Let’s kickstart things off!

• 1. Good Book Review Examples for Students
• 2. Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books
• 3. Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

Good Book Review Examples for Students

You might be a professional writer, or you may not have any experience in writing book reviews. Rest assured, we’ll show you how to write perfect book reviews with the help of a sample template and great examples.

See this template to know what you should include in your book review: 

Book Review Template

Here is a good book review example for 4th-grade students:

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Book Review Examples for Middle School Students

Reading reviews written by others can help you get a feel and flavor of good book reviews. Learning how to write a perfect book review can help students to:

• Critically analyze a text
• Give a personal opinion on the text
• Improve analyzing and critical thinking skills 

Here are some interesting book review examples suitable for middle school students. 

Book Review Example for Middle School Students

Book Review Example for Kids

Book Review of Any Book in 300 Words

Science Book Review Example

Book Review Examples For High School Students

Below, you can also find some good book review examples for high school students. These real-life examples can help you get a clear understanding of the standard book review format that you should follow.

Book Review Example for High School Students

Book Review Examples for Class 9

Book Review Example for Grade 10

Book Review Examples for College Students

As a college student, you are required to demonstrate that you have examined the book from different angles. The points you raise in your book review need to be supported with clear facts and evidence.

The following are some interesting critical book review examples for college students to learn how to write a perfect review. 

Book Review Example for Class 12

Short Book Review for Students

Conclusion of Book Review Example

Short Book Review Examples for Fiction Books

Fiction book reviews follow the same basic formula as writing book reviews of any other genre. For your help, we have compiled exciting examples of fiction book reviews that you can get valuable assistance from. 

Short Book Review Example for Fiction Books

Book Review of Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

“The Hazel Wood” by Melissa Albert is a work of fiction and falls into fantasy and young adult fiction genres. The novel revolves around fantastical fairy tales, and magical realism, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Here is an example of a comprehensive review of the book Hazel Wood:

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Non-Fiction Book Review Examples

For reviewing a non-fiction book, you are required to describe the book and summarize major points of interest. You should evaluate the author’s contribution to a subject that you may know very little about.

Here is a great non-fiction book review example to help you come up with a critical perspective on a text. 

Non-Fiction Book Review Example

Hopefully, with the help of the above examples, you get a better idea of how to write a perfect book review.

To wrap it up, Writing a great book review is a tricky task, no matter if you are a high school, college, or university student. Book review writing might seem like a simple task, but it requires excellent analyzing and critical thinking skills.

But, not everyone can crack this task easily. They might need additional help from expert book review writers. That’s why our professional essay writing service offers book review writing help whenever you need it. 

Professional essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com can help you with all your academic requests within your specified timeline. Just contact our customer service and we’ll handle all your queries promptly.

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EHHS Reading List

• Non-11th Grade Reading List
• 11th Grade Reading List
• 10th Grade Book Reviews
• 11th Grade Book Reviews

12th Grade Book Reviews

• 9th Grade Book Reviews

When you finish your book, write up a 250-500 word response of your own (we know how to use Google, plagiarizers!) and post it in the comments down below. Don’t forget to check out your classmates’ book reviews for ideas for your next book.

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A Story of Disrupted Youth

“If a body catch a body comin’ through the rye.” Picture life as a child playing in a rye field. Innocence is foiled by the fact that one cannot see over the rye, even while standing on one’s very front toes. Life is simple and carefree. If one might slip—a fall out of innocence—a catcher is there to stop such progress from happening. Is such an existence desirable; is ignorance truly bliss?

In Catcher in the Rye, the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is a teenager who embarks on a journey, which forces him to come to terms with the adult world and the evils that reside within. He is an individual fueled by cynicism and angered by the believed hypocrisy of the world, which ultimately leads to his impending breakdown. His views and attitude cause him much harm throughout the book, as he struggles to break free from his damaging choices. Although some could say the evils of society and the actual hypocrisy of the world could cause a mental breakdown, Holden Caulfield’s inability to overcome the “phoniness” of the adult world and his chosen alienation from society are the true catalysts of his own mental downfall.

One of Holden Caulfield’s problems is that he won’t take advice from the adults that surround him. He points out the flaws of adulthood through the superficial qualities of his superiors or he fails to even listen to what is being said. When Holden visits Mr. Spencer before he leaves Pencey Prep, he feels a lecture coming on. From the moment he walks in the door, he wishes that he hadn’t come at all. Mr. Spencer tries to tell Holden that he is going down the wrong path: that he must apply himself or face the consequences of failure in life. Instead of using Mr. Spencer’s advice wisely, Holden comments on the flaws that he sees within the adult. He can’t stand the fact that Mr. Spencer is old and smells of medicine. Holden allows his cynical views on Mr. Spencer’s guidance to push him into a thicker veil of isolation. He points out the moments that sicken him because he can’t stand the thought of the adult world. The ugliness makes him cringe and writhe. Whether or not he wants to become an adult, it will eventually happen. Holden chooses to fight the idea rather than ride with it.

Another problem Holden has is that he allows his academics to suffer because of his simple lack of motivation. Throughout his educational career, he flunks out of multiple prep schools, and while at Pencey Prep, he fails everything he attempts except for English. He flunks out of everything because he cannot connect with there importance and he cannot connect with society. His tendency to be an outcast works against his progress as a student. The only subject that he passes is English because he holds a connection to English. Everyone that he holds true to his heart excels in the area of writing. D.B., his older brother, writes movies for Hollywood. Phoebe, his little sister, is a very gifted, young writer. And Allie, his deceased younger sibling, used to write poetry that Holden cared a lot about. Each person acts as a personal hero for Holden. Without them, it would be safe to say that Holden wouldn’t pass English either. Holden’s intellectual absence from school acts as another force of isolation counting against him. It causes him to resent adults that he once used to look up to as he disappoints them and moves on.

To further increase his very own alienation, Holden surrounds himself with symbols of nonconformity. He wears a distracting hunting hat, throughout the book, that makes him stand out as an individual. The hunting hat acts as a symbol of alienation. He believes it separates himself from the “phonies” of the world. Holden cannot stand the notion of being recognized or viewed as if he were everyone else. Becoming the very thing he despises in the world would cause him to sink into unthinkable depression. He doesn’t want to be an adult because it hurts and it’s evil. Holden also drinks and smokes in his dorm when he isn’t supposed to. The idea of him breaking rules allows him to separate himself from his fellow peers. Other students don’t smoke in the dorm rooms out of respect and belief of order. Holden, however, disregards such beliefs that are imposed by the “phony” adults that surround him. Holden’s constant self-imposed removal from society questions his stability as a human that needs love just as much as every other human.

Because of his estrangement from society, Holden is unable to love, causing him to lack emotional and physical interaction. Throughout most of his journey, Holden fantasizes about calling up his old friend Jane Gallagher. Jane is a character of great importance to Holden because he once held a connection with her. He understood her problems and pain. She acted as some sort of hope to prevent Holden from slipping into isolation. His seclusion causes him to think of calling her up, but he allows his fears to overcome this possibility. Holden also confusingly asks another girl, Sally, to go on a date with him while he was in the middle of his journey. His boredom compels him to give her a call, but his alienation ultimately pushes her away, as he insults her. Holden then, also, finds himself in a dangerous sexual situation when he decides to purchase a prostitute’s time, as he struggles with the idea of sex and love. Of the numerous situations Holden finds himself in, they all end up going terribly wrong because he ultimately cannot love anyone else until he loves himself and allows his seclusion from society to stop. While he is removed and secluded, whether it is mentally or physically, Holden cannot allow himself to receive love and affection. Without this love, Holden plunges deeper and deeper into isolation as he begins to rapidly lose connection to the very last strands of his own hope.

Penultimately, Holden can’t deal with the real world. Throughout the book, Holden struggles with the idea that the adult world is phony. He is an atheist who doesn’t believe in life after death (or at least struggles with the idea of no life after death). When he meets two nuns that treat him well, he begins to become conflicted with the idea that all adults are phony. Previously, he had seen the world through his cynical lens as a hypocritical and evil playground for adults. After he talks to the nuns, though, and hears that they too enjoy such literature as Romeo and Juliet, his ideas become confusing. Romeo and Juliet doesn’t seem like something a nun would read to Holden, it being filled with violence, sex, and all. The nuns make him doubt the overall phoniness of both the world and religion. His run-in with Maurice and Sunny on the other hand, reinforce his views on the phoniness of the adult world. After paying the prostitute for a service that he never even got, she comes back wanting more money. Holden tells her and Maurice no and is then beaten to a pulp. This outcome from a very adult situation, of purchasing a prostitute, shows that Holden can’t handle an adult situation. He acts in a childish manner and ends up crying. Holden allows himself to take part in adult situations, but he is still innocent altogether. Also, Holden’s date with Sally shows his isolation was increasing. He acts on impulse and trieds to persuade Sally to marry and live in seclusion with him when he doesn’t even love her. The increased isolation and conflicts with the phoniness of the adult world reinforce the fact that Holden can’t handle the real world. He is unstable and can only handle so much conflict.

Lastly, Holden wants to prevent overall innocence from being dilapidated. Towards the end of the novel, Holden mentions to his sister, Phoebe that he’d like to be “the catcher in the rye.” As the catcher in the rye, Holden would prevent all the children that are playing in the rye from falling over the wayside. Figuratively speaking, he would be preventing them from breeching innocence and allowing them to carry on their own journeys. Holden doesn’t believe anyone should have to suffer adulthood, let alone himself. This idea comes from a popular song at the time, which actually reads off as “if a body meet a body comin’ through the rye”, rather than the way Holden hears it: “if a body catch a body comin’ through the rye.” The fact that Holden hears the wrong lyrics to the song that seems to spark such a profound change in his character shows that he is only willing to hear what he wants to hear. He didn’t want to hear the opposite lyrics from the beginning. He heard “if a body catch a body comin’ through the rye” because that is what he wanted to hear. Those lyrics didn’t spark any change within Holden that wasn’t already there. They just allowed Holden to collect his subconscious thoughts into the childish belief that he could actually become “the catcher in the rye”: the “hero” of innocence. Holden also has this need to prevent children from seeing any sort of swear words. Although he swears, Holden makes an undying effort to rub out every swear word, on the walls, that he sees, while he visits Phoebe’s school. This act is yet another attempt to prevent the children that surround him from being exposed to the “evils” that inhabit adulthood. Both the idea of being “the catcher in the rye” and the act of rubbing out each swear word that he sees shows that Holden is intent upon not letting anyone, including himself, become an adult. He doesn’t want anyone to suffer the pain and evils, which inhabit adulthood.

In the end, Holden Caulfield suffers a mental breakdown as a result of his chosen alienation from society and his inability to overcome the “phoniness” of the adult world. By not listening to advice, allowing his academics to suffer, surrounding himself with symbols of nonconformity, choosing not to connect, and by preventing innocence from being breeched, Holden further pushes himself down the wrong path. Everyone falls off the deep end once in awhile. By breaking such inscrutable innocence, we have the potential to reach new resolutions, and reaching newfound resolutions are what allow us to change into the people we’ll eventually become. Holden falls off the deep end, but what separates him from most people is that his own conflicts and problems prevent him from reaching his needed resolution. By the end of his journey, Holden doesn’t learn a thing. Even after his mental collapse, Holden still holds onto his same old mindset. Such an example of disrupted youth makes us question our own innocence. Do we want to be or try to prevent innocence from ever discontinuing? Do we want our own “catcher in the rye?” Or are we willing to suffer a little to gain a lot? “If a body catch a body comin’ through the rye.”

I Read the book Life of Pi. I am Jeremy Higley. Please let us enjoy. Please I am no writer.

The main storyline is to tell you about a man named Piscine Molitor Patel. Known to all as Pi Patel. The main adventure, the main plot line, that the book sells for is the fact that he survived on a boat with a tiger. He had many stories to tell about his life while growing up and after his trials at sea.

You already know he survives the whole ordeal. The story is split up within three main ideas. The first idea is his childhood. Second is his dilemma. Third, wraps up the story on how he got back to health. Within each idea, there is a main time line but it doesn’t have to stay with it. Each chapter has a point and can be very small or rather large.

I really enjoyed the layout of the book. I must make note of the ways of memory. It wasn’t truly the way Pi Patel remembers. It was truly the way Pi Patel went and the author wrote out. It seemed so real and natural. The flow was nice and the moments of excitement were spaced throughout in such a way that allowed you to breathe and enjoy the small moments where it droned on.

They would read it for the adventure. How would one survive being in a boat with a wild animal? Once that question jumps into the heads of people they’d want to read the book. That’s why I wanted to read the book. I didn’t expect it to be a life story but it was a good story all the same.

I don’t really understand the layout of such a layout. Pi Patel had been living on a zoo and enjoyed his time there. He learned a lot about animals and his experiences proved he quite enjoyed it. His name was brought on by a family friend. His shortened name had to be creatively made. They eventually left the zoo, he kept hinting towards the zoos dissappearence, and went on a boat to Canada. It didn’t make it and he ended up on a smaller boat with a tiger. There were enough survival supplies on the boat which led him to survive. Him dealing with the tiger, you’d have to read the book.

I don’t really understand the layout of such a layout. Pi Patel had been living on a zoo and enjoyed his time there. He learned a lot about animals and his experiences proved he quite enjoyed it. His name was brought on by a family friend. His shortened name had to be creatively made. They eventually left the zoo, he kept hinting towards the zoos disappearance, and went on a boat to Canada. It didn’t make it and he ended up on a smaller boat with a tiger. There were enough survival supplies on the boat which led him to survive. Him dealing with the tiger, you’d have to read the book.

“The Virgin Suicides” is a novel about a group of teenage boys who slowly watch a family fall apart. The boys are in love with a group of girls at their school, the Lisbon sisters. The sisters are misunderstood at school and keep mostly to themselves. Out of nowhere, the youngest daughter Cecilia attempts suicide and slits her wrists in the bath tub. Mr. Lisbon, a school teacher, takes a leave of absence and none of the family leaves the house for a year The Lisbons are always gossiped about by the neighbors who slowly watch as their house and lives deteriorate. The story tells about how the boys, even as they age, never get over the girls and their suicides. The story is narrated by the group of boys, although you never know which one is telling it. The author uses a lot of detail and draws attention to small events and it really makes the story interesting. The author tells how all the characters are feeling which gives them a lot of dimension and makes you feel for the characters when the girls eventually kill themselves. I liked how the book has a simple story line, but at the same time it was packed with detail and interesting characters. I found it hard to put it down even though I had seen the movie version before and knew what happened. I’m morbid, and I like reading about anything tragic. This book is not a happy book, but it’s laced with dark comedy. I think other students should read this book because I know a lot of teenagers think about suicide. This isn’t a glamorized version of suicide, and it really shows that you can make a big impact on a lot of people without realizing it.

What happened to my paragraphs? 😡

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is about a glamorous, gold-digging socialite, Holly Golightly, who makes a living as a call girl. And a writer, who is nicknamed “Fred“, living in New York City in the forties. The two live in the same apartment building along with a photographer and others. The novel is about the time they spend together, the situations Holly gets herself and Fred into, and loving someone who can’t love you back.

The book made me a bit sad. The movie is my favorite movie and I was disappointed to find out that the book doesn’t have the same happy ending. But the book gave more detail into the characters’ lives and personalities. The author doesn’t sugar coat anything or try to censor language and I liked that.

I really liked this novel and I’ve been needing and excuse to read it for a while. I like the movie and book version, but I consider them to be separate because the stories are quite different. I relate to Holly’s character a lot. She seems emotionally cold and aloof at times, but she’s really not that way. She doesn’t like to seem vulnerable. She’s independent. Watching Fred try to save her from herself and love her when she won’t let him pulls on my heart strings.

I recommend students at this school to read this because the novel and film are both classics. You can’t go wrong with a classic. Just don’t go into reading the book expecting it to be like the movie.

The Shipping News is a story about a man’s life that is full of bad news until he moves to Newfoundland. Quoyle is a sad man and knows himself as a failure. He was abused as a child by his horrible father, but earlier on in the story his father leaves a voice mail saying him and his wife are going to kill themselves and made arrangements to be cremated. He also meets a skanky woman, Petal, who he uncontrollably falls for. Then she turns on him by cheating, even while he is in the other room. Then one day she decides to leave with another man and their daughters, Bunny and Sunshine. She then sells the girls to a molester and afterwards dies in a car accident. Quoyle is having a hard time and his Aunt comes to help out. They decided to move to Newfoundland to start over and possibly fix up the old family house. Their Quoyle will have to deal with his fears of water and car accidents because he assigned to report on those two subjects. They deal with tier ancestors mistakes and move on. I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad how in a way, he had overcame all the hardships he faced earlier on. I loved how the writer, E. Annie Proulx, had the beginning of the chapters as different knots and how those knots related to the chapter and also how in the story there was someone leaving mysterious knots around Quoyle’s house. I think the story was beautifully written and it made me really feel the lonesomeness of Quoyle and how even the little things like his children throwing a tantrum made me pissed because how much he has gone through and tried so hard to go forward. My favorite character is the Aunt because she is the support, the rock of the family. She, I think, holds them together. She is an intelligent woman who tells it how it is and tells you what you need and I think the reason I admire that most because I wish there would be someone like her in everyone’s life, though I wish for her not be harmed the way she was by the Guy who is Quoyle’s father. I would love to see people read this book because I think she shows something in it in a way I never seen it done. Some deep sadness but it ends in happiness but you still feel a bit empty, for me at least. Yeah, I would say it’s worth it.

Allen Hamrick 4th period Lord of the flies

Lord of the flies is the story of a group of children who are stranded on an island, after a wartime evacuation in which their plane crashed, and what they go through to survive until they can be rescued, one of their main duty’s it to keep a signal fire burning at all times to attract boats or planes or anything that might help them.

On the island the children separate into specialized groups, one for hunting, on for providing the shelter, and one for maintaining the signal fire. As the days go on the leader of the hunters, Jack, takes all of the children down to hunt a wild pig, even the ones maintaining the signal fire. Although the hunt is successful, a ship passed by during the hunt and the signal fire had gone out. Around this time some of the children had reported seeing a “beast” which Jack promises to kill. While searching for it they encounter the corpse and the open parachute of a fighter pilot who has landed on the island and mistake it as the “beast” sleeping.

I like how this book is basically, a decent into savagery. This is really just me talking but that kind of thing really speaks to me, doing what you can and must to survive. It also speaks to my childhood a bit, a bunch of children all alone and getting along with each other for a little while but eventually tension begins to grow and they stop trusting each other. It also reminded me of an old story I heard about military personnel stranded on an island, they took a bunch of bullets before finally going down. I don’t know exactly why I put that in there… just weird I guess.

As for my recommendation I would say that anybody interested in island survival, eating a pig and fire (I know that speaks to a lot of people at East Hollywood) this book is defiantly something you will want to read and something I recommend mike Jones to read next term wink wink… all fooling aside I do think this would be a good book for most people at EHHS, I didn’t pick up much of the historical context stuff though but I think that’s just me.

Chelsea Silva Period 4th How to kill a Mockingbird

How to kill a Mockingbird was a really hard book for me to get into but once I did it was really interesting to me. I liked how the sister and the brother had such a bond between each other like Jem was always there for Scout. A another thing I really liked was the mystery in the book like knowing who was Boo Radley. It was said about Toms death when he didn’t even do anything I thought that was really messed up. Know to get on with what I think of the book. This book was about a little place called maycomb where three kids manly just wanting to know whats going on. They want to know about Boo Radley but they hear bad things about Boo. They also want to find out what there Dad (Attics) is up too, so they follow him around to see whats going on and find him protecting Tom the black man who people say raped a 14 year old but was framed. The kids went to the court about Tom and Tom was found guilty so Tom ran and supposable and they killed him. Then Jem takes Scout to a play at school and when its over its really late and they both start walking home in the woods and they hear sounds. Well thats as much as I can tell you if you want to know what happens next if someone gets hurt or dies or raped or if its Boo Radley then you should read the book and find out. What was unique about How to kill a Mockingbird was well the courage the kids had and the faith they had in there father. I don’t really know to much about the author of the book besides her name Harper Lee. This was still a unique book and I am sure that something like this has happened before hey it could still happen now. What did I like about this book? Well there was a lot I liked. Like how Jem would always do these dangerous things but he would still always be there for his sister. Another thing I like was the mystery in it on who Boo was and if he was bad or good. I really liked all the friendship in this book I think it brings out people when they read books like this it did me anyways. I think people should read this book because its really popular and it was really interesting I think a lot of people would like this book because it keeps you thinking and it may just be me but when you keep thinking about a book nonstop then of course its good its the type that keeps you locked into it and you just don’t want to stop reading and once you get done you just want to read it over and over. I think you should read this book because I am sure you’ll like it. It may be hard to get into but once you do it will be great. That my opinion though.

Catcher in the Rye

Catcher in the Rye is about a boy named Holden Caulfeild and his transition into adulthood and the “real world”, he often criticizes people for being “phony”. After being expelled from school, Holden goes to New York to live. While there he is shown how cruel and fake adult life is and how people act in New York during that time period. After getting fed up with the city after 3 short days he decides to sneak back home when his parents aren’t home to visit his sister, Phoebe, who views her older brother as a “hero”. Unknown to Phoebe, Holden feels the same way because Phoebe is still in the stage where the real world and adult life have not taken away her innocence and he considers it his duty to protect her from the adult world, referring to himself as “the catcher in the rye”, the “rye” meaning the point of child like innocence, so that he can be the catcher who keeps her from going out of it.

Something different about this book that I noticed is that at the end Holden seems to be in the same mindset and really doesn’t seem to have changed a lot, he always had a dark outlook on life and his experiences really supported that. Usually in the books I have read the main character seems almost completely different at the end after some kind of realization, Holden did have a realization but it didnt seem to phase him.

I did like how it put everything out in the truth light and it really seemed to do its research on what things were like back then and how highschool life is, wither you are a dropout or not, the end of highschool is a big realization point in life, even close to then end can be as people prepare for moving out on their own and in some cases juggling collage and a job with finances and relationships with family. So with me being a senior and highschool almost being over for me this was relateable and it was a bit different but enjoyable at the same time, and in my opinion as long as its enjoyable its a decent book.

I would recommend this book but only for people of a certain age, probably 16+, not because of suggestive themes but because at that age you will likely get the most out of it. However most English classes have been reading this book so pick it up on your free time or not chances are your are gonna encounter it at some point so you might as well enjoy it when you do.

L Change the World

L change the world is a book inspired by the TV series: Death Note. It is an alternate reality to the TV series where the world’s greatest detective, L, defeats the mass murderer: Kira. L takes possession of Kira’s weapon, the death note. Any human who’s name is written in the death note will die, the person must have the victim’s face in their mind while writing their name of it will not take effect, if a cause of death is written soon after writing the victim’s name it will happen, if not they will die of a heart attack, and any human who has used a death note can neither go to heaven or hell for eternity.

The show was based around a high school student, Light, who finds the death note and decided to change the rotten world by killing all the criminals with the the death note, his goals change slightly when L trys to stop him, and he focuses on trying to learn L’s real name. L befriends light in order to find out if he is Kira. In the end L becomes emotionally unwell after finding out the truth and so he decides to write his own name in the death note so that he can join Light in the world of nothingness.

Before L can take his final rest, a deadly virus is discovered and falls into the hands of a terrorist organization. The only hope for a cure rests in the daughter of a scientist who had discovered a cure shortly before the terrorist group killed him.

In my opinion this was a good book, it was interesting enough to keep my attention throughout the entire book, witch is very hard to do. As a fan of the TV series I wish that the events of the TV series were mentioned more because lets face it, the only reason somebody would pick this up is if they liked the show. There weren’t many familiar characters at all outside of L, and they few that were mentioned weren’t mentioned for very long at all.

All In all it was a good book and I didn’t loose anything from reading it so if you have a chance I would recommend it, but chances are you wont enjoy it much unless you enjoyed the TV show.

(PS: I really hope I’m posting this in the right place)

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The 10 Best Book Reviews of 2020

Adam morgan picks parul sehgal on raven leilani, merve emre on lewis carroll, and more.

The pandemic and the birth of my second daughter prevented me from reading most of the books I wanted to in 2020. But I was able to read vicariously  through book critics, whose writing was a true source of comfort and escape for me this year. I’ve long told my students that criticism is literature—a genre of nonfiction that can and should be as insightful, experimental, and compelling as the art it grapples with—and the following critics have beautifully proven my point. The word “best” is always a misnomer, but these are my personal favorite book reviews of 2020.

Nate Marshall on Barack Obama’s A Promised Land ( Chicago Tribune )

A book review rarely leads to a segment on The 11th Hour with Brian Williams , but that’s what happened to Nate Marshall last month. I love how he combines a traditional review with a personal essay—a hybrid form that has become my favorite subgenre of criticism.

“The presidential memoir so often falls flat because it works against the strengths of the memoir form. Rather than take a slice of one’s life to lay bare and come to a revelation about the self or the world, the presidential memoir seeks to take the sum of a life to defend one’s actions. These sorts of memoirs are an attempt maybe not to rewrite history, but to situate history in the most rosy frame. It is by nature defensive and in this book, we see Obama’s primary defensive tool, his prodigious mind and proclivity toward over-considering every detail.”

Merve Emre on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland ( The Point )

I’m a huge fan of writing about books that weren’t just published in the last 10 seconds. And speaking of that hybrid form above, Merve Emre is one of its finest practitioners. This piece made me laugh out loud and changed the way I think about Lewis Carroll.

“I lie awake at night and concentrate on Alice,  on why my children have fixated on this book at this particular moment. Part of it must be that I have told them it ‘takes place’ in Oxford, and now Oxford—or more specifically, the college whose grounds grow into our garden—marks the physical limits of their world. Now that we can no longer move about freely, no longer go to new places to see new things, we are trying to find ways to estrange the places and objects that are already familiar to us.”

Parul Sehgal on Raven Leilani’s Luster ( The New York Times Book Review )

Once again, Sehgal remains the best lede writer in the business. I challenge you to read the opening of any  Sehgal review and stop there.

“You may know of the hemline theory—the idea that skirt lengths fluctuate with the stock market, rising in boom times and growing longer in recessions. Perhaps publishing has a parallel; call it the blurb theory. The more strained our circumstances, the more manic the publicity machine, the more breathless and orotund the advance praise. Blurbers (and critics) speak with a reverent quiver of this moment, anointing every other book its guide, every second writer its essential voice.”

Constance Grady on Anne Brontë’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall ( Vox )

Restoring the legacies of ill-forgotten books is one of our duties as critics. Grady’s take on “the least famous sister in a family of celebrated geniuses” makes a good case for Wildfell Hall’ s place alongside Wuthering Heights  and Jane Eyre  in the Romantic canon.

“[T]he heart of this book is a portrait of a woman surviving and flourishing after abuse, and in that, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall feels unnervingly modern. It is fresh, shocking, and wholly new today, 200 years after the birth of its author.”

Ismail Muhammad on Anna Wiener’s Uncanny Valley ( The Atlantic )

Muhammad is a philosophical critic, so it’s always fun to see him tackle a book with big ideas. Here, he makes an enlightened connection between Wiener’s Silicon Valley memoir and Michael Lewis’s 1989 Wall Street exposé, Liar’s Poker.

“Like Lewis, Wiener found ‘a way out of unhappiness’ by writing her own gimlet-eyed generational portrait that doubles as a cautionary tale of systemic dysfunction. But if her chronicle acquires anything like the must-read status that Lewis’s antic tale of a Princeton art-history major’s stint at Salomon Brothers did, it will be for a different reason. For all her caustic insight and droll portraiture, Wiener is on an earnest quest likely to resonate with a public that has been sleepwalking through tech’s gradual reshaping of society.”

Hermione Hoby on Mieko Kawakami’s Breasts and Eggs ( 4 Columns )

Hoby’s thousand-word review is a great example of a critic reading beyond the book to place it in context.

“When Mieko Kawakami’s Breasts and Eggs  was first published in 2008, the then-governor of Tokyo, the ultraconservative Shintaro Ishihara, deemed the novel ‘unpleasant and intolerable.’ I wonder what he objected to? Perhaps he wasn’t into a scene in which the narrator, a struggling writer called Natsuko, pushes a few fingers into her vagina in a spirit of dejected exploration: ‘I . . . tried being rough and being gentle. Nothing worked.’”

Taylor Moore on C Pam Zhang’s How Much Of These Hills Is Gold ( The A.V. Club )

Describing Zhang’s wildly imaginative debut novel is hard, but Moore manages to convey the book’s shape and texture in less than 800 words, along with some critical analysis.

“Despite some characteristics endemic to Wild West narratives (buzzards circling prey, saloons filled with seedy strangers), the world of How Much Of These Hills Is Gold feels wholly original, and Zhang imbues its wide expanse with magical realism. According to local lore, tigers lurk in the shadows, despite having died out ‘decades ago’ with the buffalo. There also exists a profound sense of loss for an exploited land, ‘stripped of its gold, its rivers, its buffalo, its Indians, its tigers, its jackals, its birds and its green and its living.’”

Grace Ebert on Paul Christman’s Midwest Futures ( Chicago Review of Books )

I love how Ebert brings her lived experience as a Midwesterner into this review of Christman’s essay collection. (Disclosure: I founded the Chicago Review of Books five years ago, but handed over the keys in July 2019.)

“I have a deep and genuine love for Wisconsin, for rural supper clubs that always offer a choice between chicken soup or an iceberg lettuce salad, and for driving back, country roads that seemingly are endless. This love, though, is conflicting. How can I sing along to Waylon Jennings, Tanya Tucker, and Merle Haggard knowing that my current political views are in complete opposition to the lyrics I croon with a twang in my voice?”

Michael Schaub on Bryan Washington’s Memorial ( NPR )

How do you review a book you fall in love with? It’s one of the most challenging assignments a critic can tackle. But Schaub is a pro; he falls in love with a few books every year.

“Washington is an enormously gifted author, and his writing—spare, unadorned, but beautiful—reads like the work of a writer who’s been working for decades, not one who has yet to turn 30. Just like Lot, Memorial  is a quietly stunning book, a masterpiece that asks us to reflect on what we owe to the people who enter our lives.”

Mesha Maren on Fernanda Melchor’s Hurricane Season ( Southern Review of Books )

Maren opens with an irresistible comparison between Melchor’s irreverent novel and medieval surrealist art. (Another Disclosure: I founded the Southern Review of Books in early 2020.)

“Have you ever wondered what internal monologue might accompany the characters in a Hieronymus Bosch painting? What are the couple copulating upside down in the middle of that pond thinking? Or the man with flowers sprouting from his ass? Or the poor fellow being killed by a fire-breathing creature which is itself impaled upon a knife? I would venture to guess that their voices would sound something like the writing of Mexican novelist Fernanda Melchor.”

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Writing an Excellent Book Review: A Step-by-Step Guide

‘ So many books, so little time ’, said Frank Zappa. We all love to read storybooks. They are filled with amazing characters, beautiful pictures and so many more things. These books welcome us into their fascinating world, spark our imagination and curiosity and, above all, they bring joy to our life. We then want to share our experience of reading a particular book with our family and friends. Some of us might find it tough to remember all the details at that time. One way of remembering all the wonderful details of the book is by writing them down. So, let’s learn how to write a book review today!

Tips on how to write a book review for children

There are many reasons for learning to write a book review. It helps us share our thoughts and feelings about the book, strengthens our writing skills and sharpens our thinking skills. Now, are you ready to write a book review? Here are a few things that you would want to cover in your book review. Pick up the latest book you have read and let’s get started!

Title, author and other details

Before you even begin to write your book review, you need to write down the title of the book and the name of the author. You may also want to write the name of the illustrator who created the beautiful images in the book. Another good practice would be to write the name of the publisher. You are most likely to find this information on the cover page of your book. 

Here’s the order: 

• Title of the book
• Name of the author
• Name of the illustrator
• Name of the publisher

Book ratings

A Book review is all about your opinion of the book. Hence, you should include something that lets the reader know instantly if you liked or disliked the book. One way of doing this is to give it a rating out of 10 or use the 5-star method. For example, you could give all 5 stars to a great book and 2 stars to a book that you didn’t really like. Remember that your book review must be in line with these ratings, so do this at the end, but leave some room for it on top of the page so that the reader notices it instantly. 

Here’s the rating guide:

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – I loved this book, and I think everyone else will love it too. 
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – I liked this book, and I think most of my friends would like it. 
• ⭐⭐⭐ – It’s a good book, and many will enjoy reading it. 
• ⭐⭐ – I didn’t like this book, but a few of my friends would like it. 
• ⭐ – I didn’t like this book at all, and most of my friends will agree with me. 

Summarise the book

Summarise the book in less than 100 words. Be mindful and do not give away too much information about the story. While summarising the book, remember to not give away the surprises in the book. You could describe where the story takes place and the main event in the story.

Here are a few things you can include in your summary:

• Moral of the story or a lesson learned from reading the story.
• Place and main event of the story; just don’t reveal the surprise here.
• Main characters and what kind of people they are. 
• How easy is the book to understand?

Share things that you liked and disliked about the book

Start by writing about three things that you really liked about the book. You could talk about the words used, the characters and how the story began or ended. Then you could cover things that you disliked in the book; it could be the pictures or even the way the story ended. 

Here are a few things you could talk about:

• Did you like the way the story was written–beginning, middle and end?
• Did you like the ending? Why or why not? Could it be better?
• Were the characters and their thoughts explained well?
• Were the words easy to understand?
• Were there pictures? Did you like them? Why or why not?
• Was the story interesting or dull? Why or why not?

These pointers will help you write a book review that covers almost everything about the book. At the end of it, you could also mention if you would like your family and friends to read it as soon as possible or if they can pick another book to read. Remember that writing a book review is not always easy; initially you may find it very hard, but soon with practice you will get better. So keep writing! All the best! 

Did you find these tips helpful? Do leave a book review of your favourite book in the comments section. 

Also read, 

• A Step-By-Step Poetry Writing Guide For Children
• Seven-Day Challenge To Help Your Child Write Their Very First Story
• The Ultimate Checklist For Language Development

About the Author

Mekhala Joshi

“Me-kha-la!” That happens at least once when she introduces herself to new people. She wholeheartedly believes in the quote by Arthur Rubinstein that says – “if you love life, life will love you back”. She is an organizational psychologist and psychometrician. She was a class teacher of 36 adorable girls for two years, grades 2 & 3, as a part of the Teach For India Fellowship. These little girls have a special place in her heart, and when she writes for children, she writes for them!

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August 21, 2023

I am loving your articles. As a volunteer who have worked for Teach for India, i can appreciate that you wrote this article by putting yourself in the shoes of them. Because whenever there is a presentation, or a speech by a visitor to the college or school, I use to do the same. My focus was on giving high quality feedback at the end of the lecture so i use to jot down all the important ideas discussed.

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The Best Books of the Year (So Far)

The nonfiction and novels we can’t stop thinking about.

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By The New York Times Books Staff

• May 24, 2024

Fiction | Nonfiction

We’re almost halfway through 2024 and we at The Book Review have already written about hundreds of books. Some of those titles are good. Some are very good. And then there are the following.

We suspect that some (though certainly not all) will be top of mind when we publish our end-of-year, best-of lists. For more thoughts on what to read next, head to our book recommendation page .

James , by Percival Everett

In this reworking of the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck down the Mississippi River, is the narrator, and he recounts the classic tale in a language that is his own, with surprising details that reveal a far more resourceful, cunning and powerful character than we knew.

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Good Material , by Dolly Alderton

Alderton’s novel, about a 35-year-old struggling to make sense of a breakup, delivers the most delightful aspects of romantic comedy — snappy dialogue, realistic relationship dynamics, funny meet-cutes and misunderstandings — and leaves behind clichéd gender roles and the traditional marriage plot.

Martyr! , by Kaveh Akbar

A young Iranian American aspiring poet and recovering addict grieves his parents’ deaths while fantasizing about his own in Akbar’s remarkable first novel, which, haunted by death, also teems with life — in the inventive beauty of its sentences, the vividness of its characters and the surprising twists of its plot.

The Hunter , by Tana French

For Tana French fans, every one of the thriller writer’s twisty, ingenious books is an event. This one, a sequel to “The Searcher,” once again sees the retired Chicago cop Cal Hooper, a perennial outsider in the Irish west-country hamlet of Ardnakelty, caught up in the crimes — seen and unseen — that eat at the seemingly picturesque village.

Wandering Stars , by Tommy Orange

This follow-up to Orange’s debut, “There There,” is part prequel and part sequel; it trails the young survivor of a 19th-century massacre of Native Americans, chronicling not just his harsh fate but those of his descendants. In its second half, the novel enters 21st-century Oakland, following the family in the aftermath of a shooting.

Headshot , by Rita Bullwinkel

Set at a women’s boxing tournament in Reno, Nev., this novel centers on eight contestants, and the fights — physical and emotional — they bring to the ring. As our critic wrote: This story’s impact “lasts a long time, like a sharp fist to your shoulder.”

Beautyland , by Marie-Helene Bertino

In 1970s Philadelphia, an alien girl sent to Earth before she’s born communicates with her fellow life-forms via fax as she helps gather intel about whether our planet is habitable. This funny-sad novel follows the girl and her single mother as they find the means to persevere.

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder , by Salman Rushdie

In his candid, plain-spoken and gripping new memoir, Rushdie recalls the attempted assassination he survived in 2022 during a presentation about keeping the world’s writers safe from harm. His attacker had piranhic energy. He also had a knife. Rushdie lost an eye, but he has slowly recovered thanks to the attentive care of doctors and the wife he celebrates here.

Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis , by Jonathan Blitzer

This urgent and propulsive account of Latin American politics and immigration makes a persuasive case for a direct line from U.S. foreign policy in Central America to the current migrant crisis.

The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook , by Hampton Sides

By the time he made his third Pacific voyage, the British explorer James Cook had maybe begun to lose it a little. The scientific aims of his first two trips had shifted into something darker. According to our reviewer, the historian Hampton Sides “isn’t just interested in retelling an adventure tale. He also wants to present it from a 21st-century point of view. ‘The Wide Wide Sea’ fits neatly into a growing genre that includes David Grann’s ‘ The Wager ’ and Candice Millard’s ‘ River of the Gods ,’ in which famous expeditions, once told as swashbuckling stories of adventure, are recast within the tragic history of colonialism .”

The Rebel’s Clinic: The Revolutionary Lives of Frantz Fanon , by Adam Shatz

This absorbing biography of the Black psychiatrist, writer and revolutionary Frantz Fanon highlights a side of him that’s often eclipsed by his image as a zealous partisan — that of the caring doctor, who ran a secret clinic for Algerian rebels.

Fi: A Memoir , by Alexandra Fuller

In her fifth memoir, Fuller describes the sudden death of her 21-year-old son. Devastating as this elegant and honest account may be — it’s certainly not for the faint of heart — it also leaves the reader with a sense of having known a lovely and lively young man.

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An assault led to Chanel Miller’s best seller, “Know My Name,” but she had wanted to write children’s books since the second grade. She’s done that now  with “Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All.”

When Reese Witherspoon is making selections for her book club , she wants books by women, with women at the center of the action who save themselves.

The Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro, who died on May 14 , specialized in exacting short stories that were novelistic in scope , spanning decades with intimacy and precision.

“The Light Eaters,” a new book by Zoë Schlanger, looks at how plants sense the world  and the agency they have in their own lives.

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

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