Book Review Note-taking Worksheet
For Summer Reading Books
(Please use this as a guideline for taking notes on your two summer reading books, or print this out and take your notes directly on this worksheet. Bring your notes with you the first week of school in order to participate in activities centered on your summer reading.)
Setting Notes:
1.) WHEN and WHERE the story takes place.
2.) Take notes on specific details which explain what is unique about the setting.
3.) Remember to discuss the “feeling” or atmosphere of the place:
WHEN AND WHERE: Special details about the time/place/atmosphere:
Character Notes:
Take notes on at least two characters from each book: the main character and one other important character. Here are some character traits which will help you think about your characters:
adventurous curious helpful logical resourceful
ambitious demanding honest loving ruthless
bossy dishonest humble loyal self-confident
brave disrespectful humorous mischievous self-disciplined
compassionate empathetic imaginative modest serious
conceited energetic independent organized shy
courageous generous intelligent proud stubborn
cowardly greedy lazy respectful studious
creative hardworking leader responsible unselfish
Follow this format for the main character and another character from your novel:
Character’s Name: ______
General Description: everyday life – age, family, job, appearance, activities, hopes/fears, likes/dislikes.
Character Traits: Evidence/examples from the novel:
1.)
2.)
How the character changed from the beginning of the book to the end:
At the beginning:
At the end:
What caused the change:
Plot:
Summarize the plot; you may use bullet points. The plot includes the events in time order including the conflict (problem) and how that problem is resolved.
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Theme:
Some big ideas:
right vs. wrong man vs. nature good vs. evil love vs. hate
self-reliance growing up honesty selfishness
courage jealousy friendship responsibility
leadership persistence family fear
loneliness sacrifice war wisdom
overcoming difficulties fearful following a dream overcoming stereotypes
What’s the most important big idea in my book:
Author’s lesson/message about this big idea:
______
Examples from the book which demonstrate the author’s message about the big idea:
______
Quotations (Passages from book)
Find two passages from the novel that made you stop and think:
1.______2.______
Connection:
Make a connection to another novel, a movie or TV show, or a personal experience.
This reminds me of…. This connects to my life because …. This makes me think of….
Question:
Now that you’ve finished the novel, what one question do you have?
______