book report layout examples

12+ Book Reports – Free Sample, Example, Format Download

A book report is a document made by students of various levels that show how well they understood a book and lets them share their insight and realizations regarding their reading assignment. They can be of different Report Formats depending on the volume of the book to be read or what the teacher requires. These reports can be written in a notebook or a manual.

Report Template Bundle

• Google Docs

Annual Report Book Cover Template

• Illustrator
• Apple Pages
• MS Publisher

Biography Book Report Outline Template

Book Report Template

Simple Book Report Template

Editable Book Report Template

College Book Report Format

Middle School Book Format

Sample Grade Book Outline

Funny Book Example

What Is a Book Report?

What are the parts of a book report.

• Introduction. This part introduces the book with details such as the title and the author. It also includes the reason why you choose it and what kind of story it is.
• Setting. It answers the question, Where did the story take place? and you should give a description of the place with as many details as possible.
• Characters. A story can’t be a story without characters to provide the actions and move the story forward. Their names and what they look like should be stated.
• Story. The most important part is the narrative of the story telling what happened in the book, which includes the main events and conflicts the characters are trying to solve.
• Conclusion. This is where you sum up your report by giving your conclusion through realizations, lessons learned, and the things you want other people to know about.

Book Sales Report

Basic Book Report Example

Printable Journal Book

Mobile Book Sample

Tips on Writing a Good Book Report

• Before writing your book report, know the requirements of your assignment to know what should be included in your book report.
• To help you organize your ideas for your report, you can outline the main ideas and sub-ideas of the story while it is still fresh in your head.
• The details about your book should be stated accurately and your summary should only touch on the basic plot points of the book.
• You don’t have to summarize every chapter of the book. Instead, choose the one that is the most significant and interesting.

More in Report Templates

Vintage Wattpad Book Cover Template

Dessert Cookbook Cover Template

Logistics Services ebook Cover Page Template

Food Journal Book Cover Template

Education eBook Cover Page Template

Children's Education Book Cover Template

Cookbook Book Cover Template

Photo Cookbook Cover Template

Children Wattpad Book Cover Template

Business Wattpad Book Cover Template

Get instant access to free & premium book cover templates , ai tools & daily fresh content.

Get access to 1 million+ FREE, PRO, template bundles with professional written original content. Advanced AI, design, document editing tools

• Advertising
• Applications
• Assessments
• Certificates
• Announcement
• Invitations
• Newsletters
• Questionnaires
• Food & Beverages
• Recruitment
• Marketing Examples
• Transportation

8+ Book Report Examples & Samples in DOC | PDF | Ai | Pages | Google Docs

Free Book Report Template

• Apple Pages
• Google Docs

Biography Book Report Outline Template

Sample Introduction

Non Fiction

Summary Book Report

How to Write and Format a Book Report?

What is a book report outline, high school.

Short Book Report

Tips for Writing a Better Book Report

• Read the whole book. This might be an obvious suggestion but some people have the tendency to base their reports on summaries and short reports .
• Note down key points while reading. It will be easier for you to remember significant details that can be emphasized in your report.
• Use proper transitions. It’s easy to portray successive events but once two statements are of a different idea, you need to properly transition these statement examples in pdf to avoid confusion.
• Work ahead of time. This will allow you to properly review your report before the submission date.

Guidelines for Writing a Book Report

• Provide a summary of the whole book. You don’t need to state everything from each chapter, just focus on whatever you think is important.
• Relay relevant details of the book. You need to identify whether a portion of the book is relevant to its context or just a simple side story.
• Use appropriate descriptions. When describing a character, specify how they were portrayed in the book. Even if you dislike a character, refrain from purposely making them look bad.
• Avoid plagiarism. Do not copy a book’s content word for word whenever you want to point out a scenario or statement. You can simply get the main idea or make use of quotations.

More Design

How to write a progress report, 9+ business report examples, samples, how to write an evaluation report, 7+ visit report examples, samples, 9+ sales report examples, samples, 10+ expense report examples, samples, 6+ technical report examples, samples, 10+ audit report examples, samples, report examples, samples.

Related Articles

• id; ?>)" rel="noopener" role="button" tabindex="0" aria-label="postclick">8+ Research Report Examples, Samples
• id; ?>)" rel="noopener" role="button" tabindex="0" aria-label="postclick">50+ Examples of Reports in PDF

Summer Deal! Top-rated Essay Writers Online! Get 50% OFF On Your First Essay Order!

Your 50% Off + Real Help Await!

Skip the Bots, Talk to Us

Have us text you Estimated wait time: about 2 minutes

Have us call you Estimated wait time: about 5 minutes

Chat with support Estimated wait time: about 3 minutes

Email us The current response time is 6 hours

Have us text you

Estimated wait time: about 2 minutes

By clicking “Text me” you agree to our terms and privacy policy .

We will contact you shortly!

Have us call you

Estimated wait time: about 5 minutes

By clicking “Call me” you agree to our terms and privacy policy .

The current response time is 6 hours

Please reach out to us at:

Book Report

What is a Book Report & How to Write a Perfect One

Published on: Jan 26, 2022

Last updated on: Sep 1, 2023

Share this article

Writing a book report is a terrifying experience for many students. The terror begins with reading and understanding what you're reading but then continues as your thoughts become paper in front of you.

Have you ever been assigned a book report and thought, ‘Ugh! This is going to be terrible?’ Well, we're here to help. 

Below you can find a helpful guide to understand how to write a perfect report. Here we have also provided some sample book reports and a free book report template for your help. 

On This Page On This Page -->

What is a Book Report?

A book report is an informative piece of writing that summarizes the novel and presents some brief analysis on its main elements like plot, setting, characters.

This could either be a work of fiction or nonfiction with a tone covering everything from serious to humorous.

A book review is not the same as a book report.

Although they may look similar, one requires in-depth analysis and an objective point of view while the other is more descriptive and subjective.

Some course instructors may ask students to add relevant themes of the book and plot elements into their book reports. But, on a very basic level, a book report is an extremely simple form of review for any given text - no matter what its genre or author.

How does a book report writing benefit you?

Writing a good report will help students to improve their analytical and communication skills. They also get the opportunity to practice expressing themselves through creative or critical thought about the different aspects of books they read.

Assessing the Book Before Writing the Review 

Before delving into the content of a book, it's essential to gather some key information. Begin by noting the following details:

• Author: Who authored the book? Are you familiar with any other works by this author?
• Genre: What category does the book fall into—fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? 
• Which audience would find this type of book appealing? Is this your typical genre preference? Do you enjoy reading books within this genre?
• Title: How does the title impact you? Does it pique your interest? Does it align well with the book's content?
• Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: Analyze the book jacket or cover. What does it convey? Is it an accurate representation of the book? Did it generate excitement for you to read it? Are there any illustrations or images within the book? If so, what type are they, and do they captivate your interest?

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Book Report Outline

Writing a book report becomes more manageable when you follow a structured outline. Here's an outline you can use as a guideline for your book report:

How to Write a Book Report? - H2

Writing a book report involves several key steps that can help you effectively communicate your understanding and analysis of a book. Here's a guide on how to write a book report:

Introduction

• Begin with an engaging introductory paragraph that includes the book's title, author, and publication information.
• Provide a brief overview of the book's genre and main theme.
• Include any initial reactions or expectations you had before reading the book.
• Summarize the main plot or central idea of the book without giving away major spoilers.
• Highlight key events, conflicts, and characters that drive the narrative.
• Focus on the most significant aspects of the story and avoid excessive details.

Analysis and Evaluation

• Analyze the author's writing style, storytelling techniques, and use of literary devices.
• Discuss the book's strengths and weaknesses, supporting your statements with examples from the text.
• Evaluate how effectively the author conveys their message and engages the reader.
• Consider the book's impact on you personally and its relevance to broader themes or issues.

Themes and Messages

• Identify the main themes or messages explored in the book.
• Discuss how these themes are developed throughout the narrative.
• Provide specific examples or quotes to support your analysis.

Character Analysis

• Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships.
• Discuss their motivations, personalities, and how they contribute to the story.
• Use examples and quotes to illustrate your points.
• Summarize your main points and overall assessment of the book.
• Offer your personal opinion on the book, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
• Reflect on the impact the book had on you and who you would recommend it to.

Formatting and Proofreading

• Structure your book report into paragraphs with clear topic sentences.
• Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
• Ensure your report is well-organized and follows a logical flow.
• Citations may be required if you quote or reference specific passages from the book.

Remember, a book report is not just a summary; it also involves critical analysis and interpretation. 

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and insightful book report that effectively conveys your understanding.

Book Report Examples

Before you head into the writing process of your book report, it's a great idea to take some time and look at examples of other people's book reports.

In this way, you'll see how others have written their own work in an engaging manner that will inspire creativity on your part as well.

Book Report Sample

Book Report on Harry Potter

Book Report on Matilda

Book Report on Pride and Prejudice

Book Report for Kids

Book Report MLA Format

Book Report Worksheet

High School Book Report Template

Non-Fiction Book Report Template

Book Report Template 4th Grade

3rd Grade Book Report Template

Book Report Ideas

Picking a book for your report can be an intimidating task. You don't have any idea which books to read or what the professor will prefer, but there are some ideas of different subjects you could write about:

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• The Fault in Our Stars book report
• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• Hunger Games book report
• A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
• Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• Charlotte's webbook report

If you are still not sure about how to write a book report that will help you earn an A, then our essay writer AI is the perfect solution for you. Consider taking professional essay writing assistance from one of our experienced writers who specialize in this area.

No matter if you need help with your college essay, book review, book report, or full-length research paper, we can help. Contact our expert essay writing service today to get the best assistance with all your academic tasks! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main parts of a book report.

The main parts of a book report are the bibliography, characters, setting, themes, and plot. These four elements form a descriptive book report. However, most reports that you will read in high school or college are expository-based, meaning they explore an idea rather than discuss it. 

Are book reports essays?

A book report is, quite simply, an essay about a book. A book report is a type of essay that students are asked to write by their teachers. Different formats for this writing assignment may be used, but the most common one is expository style (i.e., telling about something). 

How long should a book report be?

Your book report should not exceed two double-spaced pages, and it should be somewhere between 600 and 800 words in length. 

What is a thesis in a book report?

After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic. This sentence is the thesis statement and serves as an overview of what will be discussed in this paper. 

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Join our mailing list for discount & offers

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: Our website content is sometimes created using AI but is reviewed and verified by our experienced team of editors. All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Subscribed successfully!

Email Address Already Exists!

Please Enter Valid Email!

How to Write a Book Report

Writing a book report can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. In essence, a book report is a summary of a book’s content, structure, and analysis. It is a way for you to demonstrate your understanding of the book and its themes. A well-written book report can showcase your attention to detail, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is a book report?

A book report is a written summary of a book’s content and your analysis of it. It includes an introduction, plot summary, analysis, and conclusion. A book report is typically assigned to students in middle or high school, but it can also be assigned in college. Book reports are typically 250–500 words long.

What is the purpose of a book report?

The purpose of a book report is to demonstrate your understanding of the book and its themes . It is a way for you to practice critical thinking skills and develop your writing ability. Additionally, a book report can help a teacher assess a student’s reading comprehension and analytical abilities.

What are the elements of a good book report?

A good book report should include the following elements:

• Introduction : This section should include the book’s title, its author, and any other relevant information.
• Plot summary: This section should provide a summary of the book’s plot, including the main characters, setting, and conflict.
• Analysis: This section should provide your analysis of the book, including its themes, symbolism , and other literary devices .
• Conclusion : This section should summarize your thoughts on the book and its relevance.

How to write a book report

Writing a book report might feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller steps can make it more manageable. Here’s a detailed guide on how to write a book report that will help you get started:

1 Read the book

Read the book thoroughly, taking note of the significant plot points, characters, themes, and tones. It’s important to read the book carefully to identify these things.

2 Take notes

As you read, take notes on the plot, characters, and themes. This will help you organize your thoughts and keep track of important information.

3 Create an outline

Use your notes to create an outline for your book report. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover all the major points.

4 Write the introduction

The introduction should include the book’s title, its author, and any other relevant information. It should also include a thesis statement that summarizes your overall opinion of the book.

5 Write the plot summary

The plot summary should provide a brief summary of the book’s plot, including the main characters, setting, and conflict. Be sure to include any major plot twists or events that affect the story.

6 Write the analysis

The analysis explores your insights into the book, including its themes, symbolism, and any other literary devices. Use specific examples from the book to support your analysis and provide evidence for your arguments.

7 Write the conclusion

The conclusion should summarize your overall thoughts on the book and its relevance. Be sure to restate your thesis statement and provide a final analysis of the book.

Tips for writing a book report

When writing a book report, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, avoid repetition by adding a new perspective about the book. Second, be concise and keep your analysis focused on the content your readers are looking for. Third, support your claims and positions with insights from the book and provide evidence for your arguments.

Remember, there are no firm requirements for what should be included in a book report. However, it’s important to pay attention to elements with specific formatting rules, such as the title page, table of contents, page numbers, headings and subheadings, citations , and the works cited page . Always refer to the assignment for specific guidelines and formatting requirements.

If you follow these steps and keep these tips in mind, you can write a thorough and thoughtful book report that will impress your readers. Don’t be afraid to share your opinion and insights into the book and remember to support your arguments with evidence from the text.

Book report vs. book review

A book report and a book review are often confused, but they are not the same thing. A book report is a summary of a book’s content and analysis, while a book review is a critical evaluation of a book’s content, style, and merit. A book review is typically written for a more advanced audience and is often published in a literary journal or newspaper.

Example book report

To provide a clear example of a book report, we’ll look at one on To Kill a Mockingbird , by Harper Lee.

Introduction: To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel written by Harper Lee and published in 1960. The book is set in the 1930s in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, and follows the story of a young girl, Scout Finch, as she learns about the injustices of the world around her. The novel explores themes of racism, prejudice, and the loss of innocence and is a powerful commentary on the social issues of its time.

Plot summary: The book revolves around the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of raping a white woman. Scout’s father, Atticus Finch, is the defense attorney for Tom Robinson and faces opposition from the town’s residents for defending a Black man. Throughout the story, Scout and her brother Jem learn about racism and prejudice and the importance of standing up for what is right. The trial serves as a catalyst for the children’s moral growth and understanding of the world around them. The plot also features Boo Radley, a reclusive neighbor who becomes a mystery for the children to solve.

Analysis: To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful commentary on racism and injustice in America. The book highlights the importance of empathy and understanding and shows the devastating effects of prejudice. The characters in the book, especially Atticus Finch, serve as examples of how to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition.

Conclusion: To Kill a Mockingbird is more than just a story; it is a window into a time and place that many of us have never experienced firsthand. It is a reminder that racism and prejudice still exist today, and it challenges people to examine their own biases and beliefs. The book’s themes of justice, equality, and empathy are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published. To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Book report FAQs

A book report is a written summary of a book’s content and your analysis of it.

The purpose of a book report is to demonstrate your understanding of the book and its themes. It is a way for you to practice critical thinking skills and develop your writing ability.

What should a book report include?

A book report should include an introduction, a plot summary, an analysis, and a conclusion. It should also include the book’s title, its author, and any other relevant information.

This blog post was written with the support of Grammarly generative AI.

• Try for free

How to Write the Best Book Report - With Examples

Download for free!

Specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features many specific examples of how to structure each type of report.

Writing a Book Report

Book reviews can take on many different forms. Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses . Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue. You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include in order to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Looking for printable book report outlines?

Our printable guide to writing a book report includes outlines, examples, tips, and all the elements your students need to write great book reports.

Always include the following elements in any book report:

The type of book report you are writing

The book's title

The author of the book

The time when the story takes place

The location where the story takes place

The names and a brief description of each of the characters you will be discussing

Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions

A thesis statement

The point of view of the narrator

Summary of the book

The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction

The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph

The writing styles of the author

A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Three Types of Book Report Formats

A plot summary.

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions. Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

• The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

A Character Analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

• Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
• What positive characteristics does the character possess?
• Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
• Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
• Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

EXAMPLE Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

• In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

• Explain exactly what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
• Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
• Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
• After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.
• In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

Featured Middle School Resources

Related Resources

About the author

TeacherVision Editorial Staff

The TeacherVision editorial team is comprised of teachers, experts, and content professionals dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and relevant information in the teaching space.