Book Reports

I'm not a big fan of book reports because I don't want kids to dread reading because they know they have a report coming. I also don't want to burden younger grades with too much writing. When I was in school, I thought the format took an exciting book and didn't do it justice (just making it boring).

I do like book reports because when I'm not available to discuss with the kids each book they've read, I'd like them to reflect on it. I also sometimes just need a small writing assignment and it seems to fit in how easy they are to do.

Here are some of my favorite book report ideas:

• Find a critic's review of the book and write a comparison/contrast from your perspective
• Compare / contrast yourself with the main character
• Make a list of 10-15 rules to live by that the main character lives by. Compare this to a list of rules others want him to live by. What is the outcome?
• Make a test (and answer key) for the book
• Put yourself in the role of main character. What would have been different?
• Tell what way this book has added to your life? What have you learned? What have you discovered about yourself or others?
• Write an alternate ending for the book
• Do a character sketch (give the moral, emotional, emotional, physical and circumstantial characteristics of one of the people in the book).
• Explain why you would or would not want to live in a world presented by the author
• Write a jeopardy game / questions about the book
• Plan a party with a theme based on the book.

If these aren't enough, do a google search for "creative book report ideas."
I also liked this link.