Writing a Book Report
A book report tells others about a book you read. It has four parts: the basic information (title and author), the story elements (characters and setting), a short summary, and your opinion with reasons and examples from the book.
The four parts
The introduction names the book, the author and the genre (fantasy, mystery, nonfiction). The body describes the main characters and setting, then summarizes the plot: the problem, the main events and (if you choose) the ending. A summary is short: hit the big moments, not every chapter.
The opinion is where you shine. Did you like the book? Why? Give reasons and point to specific parts: a scene that made you laugh, a character who surprised you. Finish with a recommendation: who would enjoy this book? Titles of books are underlined when handwritten or italicized when typed.
Title and author → characters and setting → short summary → your opinion with reasons.
Book reports combine summarizing and opinion writing. 3rd graders write opinions about texts with reasons (W.3.1), and 4th and 5th graders draw evidence from the text (W.4.9, W.5.9). See punctuating book titles.
Book report template
Fill in each part, then turn it into paragraphs.
| Part | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Title and author | the book's name and who wrote it | Charlotte's Web by E. B. White |
| Genre | what kind of book | fantasy (talking animals) |
| Characters | the main characters, with a trait each | Wilbur, a gentle pig; Charlotte, a wise spider |
| Setting | where and when | a farm in the countryside |
| Summary | the problem and main events in 3–5 sentences | Wilbur learns he may be made into bacon. Charlotte spins words in her web to save him... |
| Opinion | what you thought and why, with examples | I loved it because Charlotte is a true friend. When she writes 'Some Pig,' it shows... |
| Recommendation | who would like it | Anyone who loves animals and stories about friendship. |
Don't give away a surprise ending unless your teacher asks. You can say: "Read it to find out what happens!"
Weak vs. strong opinions
A book report's opinion needs reasons and evidence.
- Weak: I liked it.
- Strong: I liked it because the main character never gave up, even when everyone laughed at her invention.
- Weak: It was boring.
- Strong: The middle felt slow because three chapters described the same journey.
- Weak: The characters were good.
- Strong: My favorite character was Fern, because she stood up for Wilbur when no one else would.
- Evidence: In chapter 1, Fern grabs the ax and says, "This is the most terrible case of injustice I ever heard of!"
- Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers who like funny animal stories.
- Comparison: If you liked Stuart Little, you'll enjoy this too.
- Rating: I give it 5 stars out of 5.
The difference is always the same: reasons and specific examples from the book.
How to teach book reports
Five short steps, about 15 minutes each.
- Take notes while reading. Characters, setting, big events, favorite parts.
- Fill in the template. One box at a time.
- Write a short summary. 3–5 sentences: problem and main events.
- Back up your opinion. Two reasons, each with an example.
- Recommend it. Who would enjoy this book?
Common mistakes and how to fix them
| Mistake | Why it happens | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Retells every chapter | Summary too long. | Only the problem and big events. |
| Opinion with no reasons | "It was good." | Ask: why? Show me where. |
| Forgets title and author | Jumps into the story. | Start with title, author and genre. |
| Copies the back cover | Not their own words. | Close the book and write from memory. |
Practice: book report quiz
10 questions. Your child can tap the speaker to hear a question read aloud. The first try on each question counts toward the score.
-
1.What goes in the introduction of a book report?
Show answer
The title and author.
-
2.How long should the summary be?
Show answer
A few sentences about the main events.
-
3.Which opinion is strongest?
Show answer
I liked it because the hero never gave up, even when she failed.
-
4.What is the genre?
Show answer
The kind of book.
-
5.How do you write a book title in typed work?
Show answer
In italics.
-
6.What supports your opinion?
Show answer
Examples from the book.
-
7.Tap the word that shows a reason.
.
Show answer
because.
-
8.Which is a recommendation?
Show answer
I recommend this book to animal lovers.
-
9.Should you copy the back cover?
Show answer
No.
-
10.Which part describes Wilbur and Charlotte?
Show answer
Characters.
Writing a Book Report worksheet (free PDF)
Writing a Book Report Worksheet, 3rd–5th grade
A book report template: title, author, genre, characters, setting, summary, opinion with reasons and a star rating. Prints on US Letter paper, with an answer key.
Download the PDFTry it at home
- Book talk: tell the family about a book in 1 minute.
- Sticky notes: mark favorite parts while reading.
- Star ratings: rate every book you finish.
- Recommend: who in the family would like it?
- Compare: book vs. movie.
What comes next
Next: writing a summary. Earlier: transition words. Related: story elements, opinion writing and book titles.
Practice with a game
Free, no sign-up, and they work on phones, tablets and computers.
Reading Rocket
Genre SortLast reviewed: November 11, 2026
Questions parents ask
What should a book report include?
The title, author and genre; the main characters and setting; a short summary; and your opinion with reasons and examples.
How long should a book report be?
For 3rd grade, about one page or three short paragraphs; for 5th grade, four or five paragraphs.
Should a book report tell the ending?
Only if your teacher asks. Otherwise, you can invite readers to find out.
What grade writes book reports?
Usually 3rd to 5th grade, combining summary and opinion writing (W.3.1, W.4.9, W.5.9).
How do you write a book title?
In italics when typed and underlined when handwritten, with important words capitalized.