1 of 6

Write now Article Tools

BOOK REPORT BOOSTERS

As an elementary school student, you may call a book report a bane or a blessing. Either way, you may be required to complete several per semester. Here are two basic facts of elementary school life: teachers love books, and they love to assign book reports!

BOOK REPORT CHOICES

Any homework assignment is a lot easier and interesting, if you can choose a topic you like. If you can visit the school or public library, and select a book that intrigues you, your entire project will go much more smoothly.

Many teachers offer a list of requirements for book report genres. For example, students might be required to report on a biography one month, a novel the next month, and a non-fiction book the following month. Why not choose a biography on a music star, a football hero or even an infamous pirate? How about choosing a novel about dogs, airplane pilots or hockey? Non-fiction titles are available on virtually any subject you might imagine. With a little digging, you can probably find an acceptable book on a topic you like.

BOOK REPORT FORMATS

Teachers usually love creativity. Even if you are required to turn in a written (or typed) book report, you may be able to beef up your project with artwork, props or other aids.

POSTER PROJECT

Posters are perfect for book reports! A collage, made from magazine pictures or even computer clip art, can help tell about your book. If you love to draw, why not sketch a scene from the story? Other poster ideas might include maps, silhouettes, pop-ups and photography.

DYNAMIC DIORAMA

A simple shoe box can swiftly become a scene from the story. Perhaps you have tiny toy animals or people that can stand in for the characters!

For a report on Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell, one student transformed an empty box into a barn stall. Real hay, thimble buckets, popsicle-stick fencing and toy horses earned her an "A."

Another student created a swamp scene for a report on a Shrek book.

SPEAKING PARTS

Usually, at least once a year, teachers will require oral book reports. Although these are generally delivered in-person, some instructors will accept audiotaped or videotaped presentations. Visual aids, props and even appropriate costumes are always a plus!

If you read a book about the Wild West, why not put on cowboy clothes for your report? Or, if you read a military book, you might wear camouflage gear. And a fairy tale might inspire you to wear royal attire!

BOOK REPORT BASICS:

Whatever format you choose, your book report must contain all of the basic details about the book. This can make all of the difference between an "A-plus" book report project and an average one. If you produce a very creative and artistic book report, you can certainly attach a page or two to highlight key features, as listed here.

The title, author and number of pages are essential. Most teachers will also look for the publisher's company name and the copyright date.

Author information is also important. A brief biography is a big plus. When and where was the author born, and what other books has he or she written?

What type of book is it? Was it an adventure tale, a biography, a fantasy, a romance, a science fiction thriller or another genre? Was it fiction or non-fiction?

Who were the main characters in the book? What was the main plot about? Why do you think the author wrote this particular book?

Did you like the book? Would you recommend it to others?

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Book reports: Creative ideas for elementary school students?
We want to hear your view. Write now!