Criteria

Completed/Points

Title

Relates to the topic of the book

Purpose

Gives the reviewer’s opinion or reaction to the book; provides information to help others decide whether or not he or she will want to read the book; makes suggestions about who might be interested in reading the book and why it might be useful to him or her.

Introduction/
Beginning

Hooks the reader with the first few sentences; includes the title, author, and the author’s purpose for writing the book (for example, to explain a process, provide information, biography, etc.); very briefly summarizes a few of the main ideas that can be learned by reading the book; states the point the reviewer wants readers to understand or know about the book (see purpose.)

Body

Explains how well the author achieves his/her purpose with thoughtful, detailed support to develop the main idea(s); includes a main idea in each paragraph that helps prove the reviewer’s point; supports each main idea with evidence, details, or examples from the book. The reviewer should also give his/her personal reaction to the book.

Conclusion/Ending

Restates the point the reviewer wants readers to understand or know about the book.

Language

Uses words correctly, especially special vocabulary words relating to the book’s topic.

Sentences

Varies sentence structure; uses complete sentences

Correctness

Uses correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar