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Book Summaries: Browse Over 1,200 Titles on One Page

Use Our Free Book Summaries to Learn 3 Ideas From 1,200+ Books in 4 Minutes or Less

If you’re looking for free book summaries, this is the single-best page on the internet.

Hi! I’m Nik . In 2016, I wrote over 365 book summaries. That’s more than one per day! I spent thousands of hours writing these.

Since then, we’ve grown our catalog to over 1,200 book summaries, and they’re all free of charge. Right now, I personally publish one new book summary every Wednesday at 2 PM CET .

We also post a new, animated book summary every Friday at 2 PM CET on our Youtube channel . For a playlist with our most popular videos, see below.

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Our free book summaries cover the following 44 topics:

• Biography  &  History
• Politics ,  Culture  &  Society
• Environment
• Relationships ,  Sex  &  Parenting
• Happiness  &  Self-Improvement
• Money ,  Investing  &  Personal Finance
• Productivity
• Motivation & Inspiration
• Marketing  &  Sales
• Management  &  Leadership
• Health ,  Fitness  &  Nutrition
• Business, Startups & Entrepreneurship
• Creativity & Writing
• Education  &  Philosophy
• Communication
• Religion  &  Spirituality
• Technology  &  the Future
• Work ,  Careers  &  Success
• Mindfulness & Mental Health

You can browse all our summaries below, sorted alphabetically. We also have a guide to help you remember what you read , a free course to help you read more , and a lifetime membership with audio versions of our summaries, PDF guides, full-length books, and a lot more!

Pro tip:  Use Ctrl + F (or Cmd + F on a Mac) and enter whatever title you’re looking for to quickly jump around on this page.

• 10 Days To Faster Reading Summary
• 10% Happier Summary
• 10-Minute Toughness Summary
• 12 Rules For Life Summary
• 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do Summary
• 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Summary
• 1984 Summary
• 2030 Summary
• 21 Days To A Big Idea Summary
• 21 Lessons For The 21st Century Summary
• 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism Summary
• 30 Lessons For Loving Summary
• 4 Books That Will Help You Fight (and Beat) Anxiety
• 4 Procrastination Books to Help You Get Moving on What Matters Most
• 59 Seconds Summary
• 60 Seconds & You’re Hired Summary
• 7 Strategies For Wealth And Happiness Summary
• 75 Hard Summary
• 8 Rules of Love Summary
• A Beautiful Mind Summary
• A Beginner’s Guide To The End Summary
• A Brief History Of Everyone Who Ever Lived Summary
• A Brief History Of Time Summary
• A Christmas Carol Summary
• A Crack In Creation Summary
• A Curious Mind Summary
• A First-Rate Madness Summary
• A Force For Good Summary
• A General Theory Of Love Summary
• A Guide To The Good Life Summary
• A Higher Loyalty Summary
• A History Of The World In 6 Glasses Summary
• A Message To Garcia Summary
• A Mind For Numbers Summary
• A Monk’s Guide To Happiness Summary
• A More Beautiful Question Summary
• A New Earth Summary
• A People’s History Of The United States Summary
• A Promised Land Summary
• A Random Walk Down Wall Street Summary
• A Return To Love Summary
• A Short History Of Nearly Everything Summary
• A Splendid Exchange Summary
• A Tale of Two Cities Summary
• A Universe From Nothing Summary
• A Vindication Of The Rights Of Woman Summary
• A Walk Around the Block Summary
• A Walk In The Woods Summary
• A Whole New Mind Summary
• A Woman Of No Importance Summary
• A World In Disarray Summary
• A World Without Email Summary
• A Year With Peter Drucker Summary
• Abundance Summary
• Accidental Genius Summary
• Accounting Made Simple Summary
• Adapt Summary
• Adaptive Markets Summary
• Affluenza Summary
• Against Empathy Summary
• Age Of Ambition Summary
• Age Of Anger Summary
• Agile Selling Summary
• AI 2041 Summary
• AI Superpowers Summary
• Alchemy Summary
• Alexander Hamilton Summary
• Alexander The Great Summary
• Algorithms To Live By Summary
• Alibaba Summary
• Alibaba’s World Summary
• All About Love Summary
• All In Summary
• All Marketers Are Liars Summary
• Alone Together Summary
• Altered Traits Summary
• Amazon Summary
• Amusing Ourselves To Death Summary
• An American Sickness Summary
• An Astronaut’s Guide To Life On Earth Summary
• An Audience Of One Summary
• An Invisible Thread Summary
• An Ugly Truth Summary
• Anatomy Of An Epidemic Summary
• Animal, Vegetable, Miracle Summary
• Antifragile Summary
• Anxiety at Work Summary
• Anything You Want Summary
• Are You Fully Charged Summary
• Areté Summary
• Arise, Awake Summary
• As A Man Thinketh Summary
• Ask Summary
• Astrophysics for People in a Hurry Summary
• At Home Summary
• Atlas of the Heart Summary
• Atomic Habits Summary
• Attached Summary
• Automate Your Busywork Summary
• Awaken The Giant Within Summary
• Aware Summary
• Awe Summary
• Bad Blood Summary
• Bad Feminist Summary
• Barbarians At The Gate Summary
• Barking Up The Wrong Tree Summary
• Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mother Summary
• Be A Free Range Human Summary
• Be Fearless Summary
• Be Obsessed Or Be Average Summary
• Be Our Guest Summary
• Be Useful Summary
• Be Where Your Feet Are Summary
• Becoming Summary
• Becoming The Boss Summary
• Behave Summary
• Behind The Beautiful Forevers Summary
• Behind The Cloud Summary
• Benjamin Franklin: An American Life Summary
• Best Self Summary
• Better Than Before Summary
• Between The World And Me Summary
• Beyond Order Summary
• Big Magic Summary
• Big Potential Summary
• Billion Dollar Whale Summary
• Bird By Bird Summary
• Bit Literacy Summary
• Bittersweet Summary
• Black Box Thinking Summary
• Blink Summary
• Blitzscaling Summary
• Blockchain Revolution Summary
• Blue Ocean Shift Summary
• Blue Ocean Strategy Summary
• Blueprint Summary
• Body By Science Summary
• Bold Summary
• Boost! Summary
• Bored and Brilliant Summary
• Born A Crime Summary
• Born For This Summary
• Born To Run Summary
• Born To Win Summary
• Boss It Summary
• Bounce Back Summary
• Bounce Summary
• Boundaries Summary
• Boys & Sex Summary
• Braiding Sweetgrass Summary
• Brain Food Summary
• Brain Maker Summary
• Brain Rules Summary
• Brain Wash Summary
• Brainfluence Summary
• Brainstorm Summary
• Brandwashed Summary
• Brave New World Summary
• Brave Summary
• Braving The Wilderness Summary
• Breakfast With Socrates Summary
• Breath Summary
• Brief Answers To The Big Questions Summary
• Broadcasting Happiness Summary
• Broke Millennial Summary
• Brotopia Summary
• Buddha’s Brain Summary
• Build the Life You Want Summary
• Building a Second Brain Summary
• Building A StoryBrand Summary
• Building Social Business Summary
• Built To Last Summary
• Built to Move Summary
• Built To Sell Summary
• Bullshit Jobs Summary
• Burn the Boats Summary
• Business Adventures Summary
• Business Model Generation Summary
• Buyology Summary
• Call Sign Chaos Summary
• Can’t Hurt Me Summary
• Capitalism And Freedom Summary
• Capitalism Summary
• Carrots And Sticks Summary
• Cashvertising Summary
• Caste Summary
• Catalyst Summary
• Catch Me If You Can Summary
• Change By Design Summary
• Change Your Questions, Change Your Life Summary
• Chaos Monkeys Summary
• Chaos Summary
• Charlie Munger Summary
• Chasing Excellence Summary
• Chasing The Scream Summary
• Chatter Summary
• Chernobyl Summary
• Choose Yourself Summary
• Clear Thinking Summary
• Collaborative Intelligence Summary
• Come As You Are Summary
• Comfortably Unaware Summary
• Common Sense Summary
• Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits Summary
• Company Of One Summary
• Confessions Of An Advertising Man Summary
• Conscious Uncoupling Summary
• Contagious Summary
• Content, Inc. Summary
• Cooked Summary
• Cosmos Summary
• Counterclockwise Summary
• Courage Is Calling Summary
• Cradle To Cradle Summary
• Creative Confidence Summary
• Creative Schools Summary
• Creativity, Inc. Summary
• Cribsheet Summary
• Crippled America Summary
• Crossing The Chasm Summary
• Crucial Conversations Summary
• Crush It Summary
• Crushing It Summary
• Cryptoassets Summary
• Cryptocurrency Investing For Dummies Summary
• Curious Summary
• Daily Rituals Summary
• Dare To Lead Summary
• Daring Greatly Summary
• Dark Money Summary
• Dark Towers Summary
• Dataclysm Summary
• David and Goliath Summary
• Dear Girls Summary
• Decisive Summary
• Deep Nutrition Summary
• Deep Thinking Summary
• Deep Work Summary
• Delivering Happiness Summary
• Descartes’ Error Summary
• Design To Grow Summary
• Design Your Future Summary
• Designing Your Life Summary
• Designing Your Work Life Summary
• Die Empty Summary
• Die With Zero Summary
• Difficult Conversations Summary
• Digital Gold Summary
• Digital Minimalism Summary
• Digital Renaissance Summary
• Discipline Equals Freedom Summary
• Discipline Is Destiny Summary
• Discourses Summary
• Disney U Summary
• Disrupt Yourself Summary
• Do Nothing Summary
• Do Over Summary
• Do The Work Summary
• Do What Matters Most Summary
• Do What You Are Summary
• Doesn’t Hurt To Ask Summary
• Dollars And Sense Summary
• Don Quixote Summary
• Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff Summary
• Dopamine Nation Summary
• Dotcom Secrets Summary
• Doubt Summary
• Doughnut Economics Summary
• Dreamland Summary
• Drive Summary
• Duct Tape Marketing Summary
• Eat Better Feel Better Summary
• Eat, Move, Sleep Summary
• Eat Sleep Work Repeat Summary
• Eat That Frog Summary
• Eat To Beat Disease Summary
• Eat To Live Summary
• Eating Animals Summary
• Eats, Shoots & Leaves Summary
• Educated Summary
• Effortless Summary
• Ego Friendly Summary
• Ego Is The Enemy Summary
• Einstein: His Life and Universe Summary
• Elite Minds Summary
• Elon Musk Summary (Ashlee Vance)
• Elon Musk Summary (Walter Isaacson)
• Emotional Agility Summary
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 Summary
• Emotional Intelligence Summary
• Empire Of Illusion Summary
• Empty Planet Summary
• Enchantment Summary
• Ending Aging Summary
• Energy Summary
• Enlightenment Now Summary
• EntreLeadership Summary
• Epic Content Marketing Summary
• Escape Velocity Summary
• Essentialism Summary
• Everybody Lies Summary
• Everybody Matters Summary
• Everyday Millionaires Summary
• Everyday Zen Summary
• Everything I Know Summary
• Everything Is F*cked Summary
• Everything Is Figureoutable Summary
• Everything Is Obvious Summary
• Evicted Summary
• Excellent Advice for Living Summary
• Excellent Sheep Summary
• Executive Presence Summary
• Expert Secrets Summary
• Exploring The World Of Lucid Dreaming Summary
• Extraordinary Influence Summary
• Extreme Ownership Summary
• Facebook Ads Manual Summary
• Factfulness Summary
• Fail Fast Fail Often Summary
• Failing Forward Summary
• Faith Summary
• Farmageddon Summary
• Fascism Summary
• Fast Food Nation Summary
• Fat For Fuel Summary
• Fear Summary
• Feel-Good Productivity Summary
• Feel Great Lose Weight Summary
• Feral Summary
• Find Your Why Summary
• Finding My Virginity Summary
• Finding Your Element Summary
• Finish Summary
• Finite and Infinite Games Summary
• Fire And Fury Summary
• First Bite Summary
• First Break All The Rules Summary
• First Principles Summary
• First They Killed My Father Summary
• First Things First Summary
• Fit For Growth Summary
• Flourish Summary
• Flow Summary
• Fluent In 3 Months Summary
• Focus Summary
• Food Fix Summary
• Fooled By Randomness Summary
• Forensics: The Anatomy Of Crime Summary
• Forest Bathing Summary
• Forgiving What You Can’t Forget Summary
• Founders at Work Summary
• Four Hundred Souls Summary
• Four Thousand Weeks Summary
• Freakonomics Summary
• Free: The Future Of A Radical Price Summary
• Free To Focus Summary
• From Here To Financial Happiness Summary
• Game Changers Summary
• Games People Play Summary
• Genius Foods Summary
• Genius: The Life And Science Of Richard Feynman Summary
• Get A Financial Life Summary
• Get Good With Money Summary
• Get Out Of Your Head Summary
• Get Out Of Your Own Way Summary
• Get Smart Summary
• Getting COMFY Summary
• Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You’ve Got Summary
• Getting There Summary
• Getting Things Done Summary
• Getting to Yes Summary
• Ghettoside Summary
• Girl, Stop Apologizing Summary
• Girl, Wash Your Face Summary
• #GIRLBOSS Summary
• Girls & Sex Summary
• Give and Take Summary
• Global Content Marketing Summary
• Goals! Summary
• Good People Summary
• Good Strategy, Bad Strategy Summary
• Good To Great Summary
• Good Vibes, Good Life Summary
• Grain Brain Summary
• Great At Work Summary
• Great By Choice Summary
• Great Thinkers Summary
• Green Illusions Summary
• Greenlights Summary
• Grit Summary
• Growth Hacker Marketing Summary
• Guns, Germs, and Steel Summary
• Habits Of A Happy Brain Summary
• Hackers and Painters Summary
• Happier At Home Summary
• Happier Summary
• Happiness Summary
• Happy Together Summary
• Hardwiring Happiness Summary
• Hatching Twitter Summary
• Healthy at 100 Summary
• Hidden Potential Summary
• High-Impact Tools for Teams Summary
• High Performance Habits Summary
• Hillbilly Elegy Summary
• Hiring Success Summary
• Hit Refresh Summary
• Hold Me Tight Summary
• Homo Deus Summary
• Hood Feminism Summary
• Hooked Summary
• How Democracies Die Summary
• How Emotions Are Made Summary
• How Google Works Summary
• How I Built This Summary
• How Luck Happens Summary
• How Music Got Free Summary
• How Not To Be Wrong Summary
• How Not To Die Summary
• How Not To Worry Summary
• How Successful People Think Summary
• How the Word Is Passed Summary
• How the World Really Works Summary
• How To Avoid A Climate Disaster Summary
• How To Be A Bawse Summary
• How to Be a Conservative Summary
• How To Be A Leader Summary
• How To Be A Positive Leader Summary
• How To Be A Stoic Summary
• How To Be Alone Summary
• How To Be An Antiracist Summary
• How To Be Black Summary
• How to Be Right Summary
• How to Become a Straight-A Student Summary
• How to Break Up With Your Phone Summary
• How To Change Summary
• How To Change Your Mind Summary
• How To Create A Mind Summary
• How To Do Nothing Summary
• How To Do The Work Summary
• How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big Summary
• How To Fail Summary
• How to Live Summary
• How To Love Summary
• How to Raise an Adult Summary
• How To Read A Book Summary
• How To Read Literature Like A Professor Summary
• How To Stop Worrying And Start Living Summary
• How To Summary
• How to Take Smart Notes Summary
• How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere Summary
• How To Talk To Anyone Summary
• How to Think Like a Roman Emperor Summary
• How to Think More Effectively Summary
• How To Win At The Sport Of Business Summary
• How to Win Friends and Influence People Summary
• How We Got To Now Summary
• How We Learn Summary
• How Will You Measure Your Life Summary
• Howard Hughes: His Life And Madness Summary
• Hug Your Haters Summary
• Humans Are Underrated Summary
• Humor, Seriously Summary
• Hyper-Learning Summary
• Hyperfocus Summary
• I Contain Multitudes Summary
• I Hear You Summary
• I Thought It Was Just Me Summary
• I Wear The Black Hat Summary
• I Will Teach You To Be Rich Summary
• Identity Summary
• If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy Summary
• Ignore Everybody Summary
• Ikigai Summary
• Imagine It Forward Summary
• Immunity Summary
• Impeachment Summary
• Imperfect Courage Summary
• In Cold Blood Summary
• In Defense Of Food Summary
• In Search Of Excellence Summary
• Indistractable Summary
• Influence Summary
• Inner Engineering Summary
• Insight Summary
• Inspired Summary
• Intimacy And Desire Summary
• Intuitive Eating Summary
• Invent & Wander Summary
• Inventology Summary
• Invisible Influence Summary
• Invisible Women Summary
• Irresistible Summary
• It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work Summary
• It’s All In Your Head Summary
• iWoz Summary
• Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook Summary
• Journey Of Awakening Summary
• Joy At Work Summary
• Joyful Summary
• Just Keep Buying Summary
• Just Listen Summary
• Just Mercy Summary
• Kaizen Summary
• Keep Going Summary
• Keep Showing Up Summary
• Keto Answers Summary
• Killing the Mob Summary
• Labor Of Love Summary
• Late Bloomers Summary
• Lateral Thinking Summary
• Launch Summary
• Lead Yourself First Summary
• Leaders Eat Last Summary
• Leadershift Summary
• Leadership And Self-Deception Summary
• Leadership Strategy And Tactics Summary
• Lean Analytics Summary
• Lean In Summary
• Learned Optimism Summary
• Legendary Service Summary
• Leonardo Da Vinci Summary
• Less Doing More Living Summary
• Lessons from the Titans Summary
• Letters From A Stoic Summary
• Letting Go of Nothing Summary
• Liespotting Summary
• Life After Google Summary
• Life in Five Senses Summary
• Life Worth Living Summary
• Lifespan Summary
• Limitless Summary
• Linchpin Summary
• Lives Of The Stoics Summary
• Living Forward Summary
• Living In Your Top 1% Summary
• Long Life Learning Summary
• Long-Term Thinking For A Short-Sighted World Summary
• Long Walk To Freedom Summary
• Loonshots Summary
• Loserthink Summary
• Losing My Virginity Summary
• Lost Connections Summary
• Love People, Use Things Summary
• Love Warrior Summary
• Love Worth Making Summary
• Loving What Is Summary
• Made To Stick Summary
• Make A Killing On Kindle Summary
• Make It Stick Summary
• Make Money Trading Options Summary
• Make Time Summary
• Make Your Bed Summary
• Make Your Mark Summary
• Making Ideas Happen Summary
• Making It All Work Summary
• Managing Oneself Summary
• Man’s Search For Meaning Summary
• Manufacturing Consent Summary
• Maoism Summary
• Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes Summary
• Masters of Scale Summary
• Mastery Summary
• Mating In Captivity Summary
• Maximize Your Potential Summary
• Maybe You Should Talk To Someone Summary
• Measure What Matters Summary
• Meditations On First Philosophy Summary
• Meditations Summary
• Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus Summary
• Merchants of Doubt Summary
• Metahuman Summary
• Mighty Be Our Powers Summary
• Million Dollar Consulting Summary
• Million Dollar Weekend Summary
• Millionaire Success Habits Summary
• Mind Gym Summary
• Mind Hacking Summary
• Mind Over Clutter Summary
• Mind Over Money Summary
• Mindful Work Summary
• Mindset Summary
• Mindsight Summary
• Mini Habits Summary
• Minimalism Summary
• Minor Feelings Summary
• Mistakes Were Made, But Not By Me Summary
• Money: Master The Game Summary
• Money Summary
• Moneyland Summary
• Moonshot Summary
• Moonwalking With Einstein Summary
• More Money Than God Summary
• Move Your Bus Summary
• Multipliers Summary
• My Age Of Anxiety Summary
• My Morning Routine Summary
• My Stroke Of Insight Summary
• Nail It Then Scale It Summary
• Napoleon The Great Summary
• Napoleon’s Buttons Summary
• Narrative Economics Summary
• Necessary Endings Summary
• Never Eat Alone Summary
• Never Finished Summary
• Never Split The Difference Summary
• No-Drama Discipline Summary
• No Excuses! Summary
• No Hard Feelings Summary
• No Logo Summary
• No More Mr. Nice Guy Summary
• No Rules Rules Summary
• No Self No Problem Summary
• Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t Summary
• Noise Summary
• Nonviolent Communication Summary
• Not Today Summary
• Now, Discover Your Strengths Summary
• Nudge Summary
• On Liberty Summary
• On the Origin of Species Summary
• On The Shortness Of Life Summary
• On Tyranny Summary
• On Writing Summary
• On Writing Well Summary
• One Decision Summary
• One Simple Idea Summary
• One Up on Wall Street Summary
• Open Summary
• Option B Summary
• Orientalism Summary
• Originals Summary
• Our Wild Calling Summary
• Out Of Our Minds Summary
• Outer Order, Inner Calm Summary
• Outliers Summary
• Outlive Summary
• Outwitting The Devil Summary
• Own The Day, Own Your Life Summary
• Own Your Everyday Summary
• Oxygen Summary
• 4 Books That Will Help You Deal With Painful Relationships
• Pandemic Summary
• Payoff Book Summary
• Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo From Maslow Summary
• Peak Performance Summary
• Peak Summary
• People Over Profit Summary
• Perfectly Confident Summary
• Permanent Record Summary
• Permission Marketing Summary
• Personality Isn’t Permanent Summary
• Phantoms In The Brain Summary
• Pioneering Portfolio Management Summary
• Pitch Anything Summary
• Pitch Perfect Summary
• Pivot Summary
• Plato At The Googleplex Summary
• Playing With FIRE Summary
• Poor Charlie’s Almanack Summary
• Power Relationships Summary
• Pre-Suasion Summary
• Predictable Success Summary
• Predictably Irrational Summary
• Presence Summary
• Principles Summary
• Prisoners Of Geography Summary
• Problem Solving 101 Summary
• Profit First Summary
• Psyched Up Summary
• Psycho-Cybernetics Summary
• Purple Cow Summary
• QBQ! Summary
• Quiet Power Summary
• Quiet Summary
• Quit Like A Millionaire Summary
• Quitter Summary
• Radical Acceptance Summary
• Radical Candor Summary
• Radical Honesty Summary
• Raise Your Game Summary
• Raising A Secure Child Summary
• Range Summary
• Rationality Summary
• Reading Like A Writer Summary
• Real Artists Don’t Starve Summary
• Real Change Summary
• Real Help Summary
• Reality Is Broken Summary
• Reasons To Stay Alive Summary
• Reframe Your Brain Summary
• Reinvent Yourself Summary
• Rejection Proof Summary
• Relationship Goals Summary
• Remote Book Summary
• Requiem For The American Dream Summary
• Resilience Summary
• Resisting Happiness Summary
• Rest Summary
• Restart Summary
• Rewire Summary
• Rework Summary
• Rich Dad Poor Dad Summary
• Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant Summary
• Richard Nixon: The Life Summary
• Rising Strong Summary
• Rookie Smarts Summary
• Rule #1 Summary
• Safe People Summary
• Salt: A World History Summary
• Salt Sugar Fat Summary
• Sam Walton: Made In America Summary
• Same as Ever Summary
• Sapiens Summary
• Say Nothing Summary
• Search Inside Yourself Summary
• Second Chance Summary
• Secrets Of The Millionaire Mind Summary
• See You At The Top Summary
• See You On The Internet Summary
• Self-Compassion Summary
• Selfish Reasons To Have More Kids Summary
• Set Boundaries Find Peace Summary
• Seven Brief Lessons On Physics Summary
• Sex At Dawn Summary
• Shattered Summary
• She Comes First Summary
• Shoe Dog Summary
• Show Your Work! Summary
• Siddhartha Summary
• Side Hustle Summary
• Silent Spring Summary
• Simple Rules Summary
• Singletasking Summary
• Six Thinking Hats Summary
• Skin In The Game Summary
• Sleep Smarter Summary
• Slow Productivity Summary
• Small Giants Summary
• Smart People Should Build Things Summary
• Smartcuts Summary
• Smarter Faster Better Summary
• Smarter Summary
• So Good They Can’t Ignore You Summary
• So You Want To Talk About Race Summary
• So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed Summary
• Social Intelligence Summary
• Social Summary
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• Solve For Happy Summary
• Soundtracks Summary
• Spark Summary
• Spartan Up Summary
• SPIN Selling Summary
• Sprint Summary
• Spy the Lie Summary
• Stamped From The Beginning Summary
• Starry Messenger Summary
• Start Something That Matters Summary
• Start Summary
• Start-Up Nation Summary
• Start Where You Are Summary
• Start With Why Summary
• Startup Growth Engines Summary
• Status Anxiety Summary
• Steal Like An Artist Summary
• Stealing Fire Summary
• Steve Jobs Summary
• Stillness Is The Key Summary
• Stocks for the Long Run Summary
• Stolen Focus Summary
• Storyworthy Summary
• Strengthsfinder 2.0 Summary
• Striking Thoughts Summary
• Stumbling On Happiness Summary
• Subscribed Summary
• Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude Summary
• Suggestible You Summary
• Super Attractor Summary
• Super Brain Summary
• Super Human Summary
• Superbetter Summary
• Supercommunicators Summary
• Superfreakonomics Summary
• Superintelligence Summary
• Surrounded by Idiots Summary
• Survival Of The Friendliest Summary
• Switch Summary
• Talent Is Overrated Summary
• Talk Like Ted Summary
• Talking To Strangers Summary
• Team Of Rivals Summary
• Team Of Teams Summary
• TED Talks Summary
• Tell Me More Summary
• Ten Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now Summary
• Tesla: Man Out of Time Summary
• Testing Business Ideas Summary
• Thank You For Arguing Summary
• Thank You For Being Late Summary
• Thanks For The Feedback Summary
• That Sounds Fun Summary
• The 1-Page Marketing Plan Summary
• The $100 Startup Summary
• The 100-Year Life Summary
• The 10X Rule Summary
• The 12 Week Year Summary
• The 15 Invaluable Laws Of Growth Summary
• The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership Summary
• The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding Summary
• The 22 Immutable Laws Of Marketing Summary
• The 4 Day Week Summary
• The 4 Disciplines Of Execution Summary
• The 4-Hour Body Summary
• The 4-Hour Workweek Summary
• The 4 Minute Millionaire Summary
• The 4 Pillar Plan Summary
• The 48 Laws Of Power Summary
• The 5 AM Club Summary
• The 5 Choices Summary
• The 5 Levels Of Leadership Summary
• The 5 Love Languages Summary
• The 5 Second Rule Summary
• The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People Summary
• The 80/20 Principle Summary
• The 8th Habit Summary
• The Achievement Habit Summary
• The ADHD Advantage Summary
• The Advice Trap Summary
• The Age Of Cryptocurrency Summary
• The Age of Empathy Summary
• The Alchemist Summary
• The Algebra of Happiness Summary
• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant Summary
• The Alter Ego Effect Summary
• The Anatomy Of Peace Summary
• The Antidote Summary
• The Anxious Generation Summary
• The Apology Impulse Summary
• The Art of Aliveness Summary
• The Art Of Asking Summary
• The Art Of Choosing Summary
• The Art Of Communicating Summary
• The Art Of Happiness Summary
• The Art Of Learning Summary
• The Art of Living Summary
• The Art Of Non-Conformity Summary
• The Art of Possibility Summary
• The Art of Rhetoric Summary
• The Art Of Seduction Summary
• The Art Of Social Media Summary
• The Art of Statistics Summary
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• The Art Of The Start Summary
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• The Art Of Travel Summary
• The Art Of War Summary
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• The Artist’s Way Summary
• The Audacity Of Hope Summary
• The Authoritarian Moment Summary
• The Autobiography Of Malcolm X Summary
• The Automatic Millionaire Summary
• The Barefoot Investor Summary
• The Beautiful Cure Summary
• The Better Angels Of Our Nature Summary
• The Bhagavad Gita Summary
• The Big Leap Summary
• The Big Necessity Summary
• The Biology of Belief Summary
• The Bitcoin Standard Summary
• The Black Swan Summary
• The Blue Zones Solution Summary
• The Blue Zones Summary
• The Body Keeps The Score Summary
• The Body Summary
• The Book Of Joy Summary
• The Book of Mistakes Summary
• The Book Summary
• The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read Summary
• The Botany Of Desire Summary
• The Box Summary
• The Brain That Changes Itself Summary
• The Bullet Journal Method Summary
• The Bulletproof Diet Summary
• The Burnout Fix Summary
• The Business Romantic Summary
• The Case Against Education Summary
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• The Catcher in the Rye Summary
• The Charge Summary
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• The Coaching Habit Summary
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• The Code Breaker Summary
• The Code Of The Extraordinary Mind Summary
• The Comfort Book Summary
• The Comfort Crisis Summary
• The Complete Ketogenic Diet for Beginners Summary
• The Compound Effect Summary
• The Confidence Code Summary
• The Courage Habit Summary
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• The Creative Act Summary
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• The Cult of We Summary
• The Culture Code Summary
• The Da Vinci Curse Summary
• The Daily Laws Summary
• The Daily Stoic Summary
• The Dark Net Summary
• The Data Detective Summary
• The Dawn of Everything Summary
• The Decision-Making Blueprint Summary
• The Design Of Everyday Things Summary
• The Desire Map Summary
• The Devil In The White City Summary
• The Diary of a CEO Summary
• The Dip Summary
• The Double Helix Summary
• The Drama Of The Gifted Child Summary
• The E-Myth Revisited Summary
• The Education Of A Value Investor Summary
• The Effective Executive Summary
• The Emperor Of All Maladies Summary
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What is freebooknotes.

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How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.

Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.

What Is a Book Report?

"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.

"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.

"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting. 

"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?

"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)

In this article from the education resource Classroom,  you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.

"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)

In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.

"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)

This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?

"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)

The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.

"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.

Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.

Selecting and Finding a Book

"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)

This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.

"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)

This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.

"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."

"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)

The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.

The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.

Formats of Book Reports

"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.

"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)

Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.

"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.

"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)

EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.

"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)

This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.

In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.

"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.

"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )

Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.

"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)

This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.

"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief but helpful post from Classroom  details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.

The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.

Plot Summary and Description

"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )

This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.

"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report. 

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.

Analyzing Characters and Themes

"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider  incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.

"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)

The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film  Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.

"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )

Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."

"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )

This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.

Selecting and Integrating Quotations

"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)

This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.

"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)

This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.

"Quote Integration" (YouTube)

This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.

"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)

This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.

Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.

"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief article from the education resource  Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.

"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.

Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.

How to Be an Active Reader

"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)

Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.

"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)

The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.

"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )

In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea. 

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.

Assessing Your Reading Comprehension

"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)

Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.

"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)

ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.

"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )

The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )

ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.

"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.

CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.

"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )

From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner  walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.

Methods of In-text Annotation

"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)

This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.

"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)

This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.

"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )

This article from the Book Riot  blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.

"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )

This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.

Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.

Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports

"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )

These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.

"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )

This   printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"

"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )

ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.

"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )

This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.

Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports

"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)

Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.

"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)

This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )

In this article for Classroom,  Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .

"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)

These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.

Sample Rubrics

"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.

"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)

This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.

"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )

Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine  will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.

Creative Book Report Assignments

"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)

This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.

"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )

Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.

"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )

This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.

"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)

This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.

"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)

In this PDF resource from the NCTE's  English Journal,  Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.

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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example) 

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 a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example) 

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report? 

Book reports can take on many different forms. 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 to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Types of book reports 

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

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:

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.

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.

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.

Theme analyses

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.

How to write a book report

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example 

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In  To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall,  To Kill a Mockingbird  is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

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

Don't forget! 

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 .

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How to Write a Book Report With Examples in 4 Easy Steps

Learn how to write a book report in just a few easy steps.

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Last updated on Mar 14th, 2024

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Table of Contents

Do you have a book report to complete and want to know how to write a book report? We are right here for you! Book reports are useful in learning because they help students enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. At the same time, they give authors a detailed look at a text’s composition and stylistic aspects. 

This essay will show us how to write a book report efficiently. It’s a skill that helps you not only get more out of what you’re reading but also write a report that accurately describes how great the book is. Let’s get started. 

What is a book report?

You may ask, “What does a book report look like?” So, before we go into how to write a book report, let’s first define it. The report consists of the plot, characters, and style of the essays. It usually focuses on a single activity, but can also relate to a topic or theme. The report is usually a high school assignment designed to help students improve their communication and research skills. It also teaches students how to express themselves in many areas of their lives.

Book Report vs. Book Review

A book report and a book review are sometimes mistaken, although they are not the same. A book report summarizes a book’s content and analysis, whereas a book review evaluates its substance, style, and value. A book review is often written for a more advanced readership and is frequently published in a literary journal or newspaper.

What exactly is the aim of a book report?

There are some main purposes for writing a book report:

• Give the book a quick glance to make it more readable.
• Provide enough information so that the reader may readily understand the text.
• Show the book’s style and tone.
• Encourage the reader or buyer to read and purchase the book.
• Discuss a book’s main parts.
• Provide a summary and evaluation of a piece of fiction.

Furthermore, creating a report helps the student enhance their analytical and communication skills. They can express themselves through creative or critical thinking in the texts they read.

Also Read: How to Write a Book About Your Life

What are the parts of a great book report?

Introduction including Title and Author : Consider how to start a book report with an appealing introduction. Mention the book’s title, author, and genre, and provide a brief storyline summary. Explain your major theme or point of view. Sometimes it includes the book’s publishing date.

Content summary : This part should include an overview of the book’s plot, including the main characters, setting, and conflict. Provide a succinct summary of the plot. Highlight important events and turning points. Avoid spoilers. 

Analysis and perspective : Examine the main characters, including their characteristics, motives, development, and plot roles. Investigate important themes, symbols, and motifs, as well as how they affect the narrative. Examine the author’s writing style and perspective, as well as how they affect the plot.

Conclusion : Summarize your key ideas. Restate your general opinion of the book and perhaps recommend who might enjoy it or what types of readers would benefit from it. This part should sum up your thoughts on the book and its significance.

How to Start Writing A Book Report

When you start writing, you should be familiar with the essential processes. However, if you are unsure, there is no need to worry. Instead, look at the methods below to help you write a superb report.

1. Choose the book Carefully

Choosing the right book is a vital step in your writing process. Some teachers assign books to you, and you have no choice. However, if you choose a novel for yourself, make sure it interests you.

2. Properly Read the Book

Reading is a vital element of producing a good report since it helps you to delve into the details of the narrative. Unfortunately, many students believe they can get by with just the overview, notes, and details, but this is not the case if they want an A.

3. List the key points

Every time you read an excellent book, make a note of the most important topics and situations in your notebook. This assures that no matter where or when inspiration strikes, all of these riches are only a page away.

4. Create a thesis statement

The thesis statement is the most crucial aspect of your paper. It should be a claim you think to be correct. Furthermore, it might be backed by good instances from the book, enhancing the strength of your writing work. 

5. Make the Book Report Outline

It is critical to have a decent and solid outline when creating the best report. When drafting the outline, be sure to include all of your ideas and opinions. It helps authors stay organized and focused on what needs to be done next. 

Also Read: How to Become a Book Editor

How to Write A Book Report

When you start writing, you need to be familiar with the essential processes. However, if you are unsure, there is no need to worry. Here’s a comprehensive guide to writing a book report to get you started:

1. Write the introduction

The opening is the most significant element of your report because it introduces and presents the topics that will be covered in greater detail. As a result, the introduction paragraph should include both an attention-grabbing hook statement and a thesis statement that sums up everything.

2. Write the body paragraphs

The body of the report describes three major things:

• Main purpose

You should also consider the book’s theme or motif, as well as the character’s interactions with others. 

3. Write the conclusion

The conclusion is where you mention three major points:

• Finish up the complete report.
• Describe what you learned from the book.
• Please state whether or not you would recommend it.
• Express your opinion about the book.

Also, this section should be concise, no longer than one paragraph. However, make sure it communicates everything that has to be expressed before closing with a suitable conclusion. 

4. Proofreading

Once you’ve finished writing it, start proofreading. First, correct all grammatical, punctuation, and vocabulary errors. Also, modify the complex and tough words or sentences. Finally, strive to make it error-free and understandable to the audience.

Also Read: Best Writing Websites for Writers

Tips for Writing a Book Report

When writing a book report, keep the following factors in mind:

• Read Very carefully : Pay close attention when reading to ensure that you thoroughly grasp the material. Take notes on essential topics such as themes and characters.
• Follow the Guidelines : Stick to what your teacher or whoever assigned the report expects. Make sure your work is the appropriate length and covers the appropriate topics.
• Outline Structure : Determine how your report will be organized. A simple outline with parts for introduction, summary, analysis, and conclusion can help you stay organized.
• Introduce the Book : Begin your report by providing basic information about the book, such as its title, author, genre, and a summary of why it is essential. 
• Summarize and Analyze : Discuss what happened in the book while also delving into why it matters. Discuss the characters and how they evolve during the novel. 
• Evaluate and Reflect : Discuss your ideas on the book, including what you liked, disliked, and why. Consider how the book touched you personally.
• Use Evidence : Back up your claims using examples from the text. Quotes or specific scenarios might assist you in illustrating your point and demonstrate that you truly grasped what you read.
• Proofread : Before submitting, go back and check for errors. Check for typos, spelling problems, and anything else that could make your report difficult to comprehend. 

Example of a great book report

To present a clear example of a book report, let’s look at “ The Adventures of Tom Sawyer ” by Mark Twain.

Introduction

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” is a popular novel written by Mark Twain and published in 1876. It follows Tom Sawyer through the childhood adventures and troubles of a mischievous and inventive little boy in a fictional village in St. Louis . . . . Petersburg, Missouri with comedy, suspense, and poignant observations about society And just right, this timeless story continues to appeal to readers of all ages.

Plot Summary

Set in the 19th century, the novel begins with Tom Sawyer living with his Aunt Polly, his brother Sid, and his cousin Mary. Tom is known for his fun spirit and willingness to get into trouble. He falls in love with the new girl in town, Becky Thatcher, and also develops a close relationship with his friend Huckleberry Finn, an outcast.

Throughout the story Tom is in a series of escapades, such as whitewashing a fence as punishment, searching for treasure with Huck, attending his funeral, and witnessing a murder These experiences illustrate Tom’s philosophy, n ‘mind, and growing maturity as he learns important lessons about friendship, responsibility and the impact of his actions Are known.

The story ends with Tom and Becky trapped in a cave, sparking a dramatic rescue that draws the community together and Tom finally emerges as a hero who has overcome the physical danger of the cave and its emotional challenges, the victory of youth.

Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” offers more than just a simple children’s story. It subtly depicts life in small-town America in the 19th century, focusing on social interactions, cultural attitudes, and youthful innocence. Twain’s subtle style of writing and human behavior and her sly gaze make the story both funny and thought-provoking.

Tom Sawyer is a particularly interesting character, displaying the defiance and curiosity associated with infancy. Readers will experience the joys and challenges of growing older through Tom’s eyes, from the joys of discovery to the heartache of pain. Twain masterfully captures the essence of childhood, making one approachable and memorable.

Furthermore, the work delves into issues of autonomy, identity, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing society. Whether Tom defies authority, faces ethical challenges, or makes friends across social boundaries, his journey reflects a universal struggle to find his place in society while staying true to himself.

In conclusion, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” remains a timeless work that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Mark Twain’s vivid storytelling, memorable characters, and insightful comments on society ensure the novel remains relevant and engaging more than a century after its publication. Through Tom Sawyer’s Escape, readers are reminded that the journey to adulthood is about the enduring power of imagination, friendship, and adventure.

What length should a book report be?

The length of a book report varies according to the assignment criteria. Book reports are typically one to three pages long, but they can be lengthier for more detailed assessments.

Should I add my opinion to a book report?

Yes, you should include your perspective in a book report. However, be careful to back up your thoughts with facts from the text. Your comments and evaluations contribute to the report’s interesting and informative nature. 

Do I have to read the whole book to write a book report?

While it is preferable to read the full book to produce a thorough analysis, you can still write a book report based on substantial chunks of it. However, make sure you fully comprehend the plot, characters, and themes.

How should I format a book report?

Follow any formatting guidelines specified by your instructor or institution. Book reports are typically written as essays, having an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Can I utilize outside sources for my book report?

It depends on the assignment’s requirements. In some situations, you may be asked to use outside sources to supplement your analysis.

Should I use quotes from the book in my report?

Yes, using quotes from the book can help to strengthen your analysis and provide evidence for your observations. Simply make sure to correctly cite any quotations using the required citation style.

How should I conclude a book report?

At the end of your book report, summarize your main themes and share your final thoughts on the book. You can summarize your overall assessment and describe the book’s significance or impact.

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Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words.

Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. If you are looking to write a book review instead of a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Review .

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider what types of things you will need to write your book report. First, you will need to get some basic information from the book:

• Publisher location, name of publisher, year published
• Number of Pages

You can either begin your report with some sort of citation, or you can incorporate some of these items into the report itself.

Next, try to answer the following questions to get you started thinking about the book:

• Author: Who is the author? Have you read any other works by this author?
• Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? What types of people would like to read this kind of book? Do you typically read these kinds of books? Do you like them?
• Title: What does the title do for you? Does it spark your interest? Does it fit well with the text of the book?
• Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: What does the book jacket or book cover say? Is it accurate? Were you excited to read this book because of it? Are there pictures? What kinds are there? Are they interesting?

As You Read

While reading a work of fiction, keep track of the major characters. You can also do the same with biographies. When reading nonfiction works, however, look for the main ideas and be ready to talk about them.

• Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them? Were there good and bad characters?
• Main Ideas: What is the main idea of the book? What happens? What did you learn that you did not know before?
• Quotes: What parts did you like best? Are there parts that you could quote to make your report more enjoyable?

When You Are Ready to Write

Announce the book and author. Then, summarize what you have learned from the book. Explain what happens in the book, and discuss the elements you liked, did not like, would have changed, or if you would recommend this book to others and why. Consider the following items as well:

• Principles/characters: What elements did you like best? Which characters did you like best and why? How does the author unfold the story or the main idea of the book?
• Organize: Make sure that most of your paper summarizes the work. Then you may analyze the characters or themes of the work.
• Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
• Recommend: Would you recommend this book to others? Why? What would you tell them before they read it? What would you talk about after you read it?

Revising/Final Copy

Do a quick double check of your paper:

• Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
• Check the punctuation and grammar slowly.
• Make sure you provide enough summary so that your reader or instructor can tell you read the book.
• Consider adding some interesting quotes from the reading.

7 Printable Book Reports

There are numerous ways to present a book report. Over the years, my kids have created bookmobiles, book posters, and even a book shoe box. Yes, there is such a thing. Book reports encourage reading comprehension, the skill of summarizing, sequencing, and even reflection. However, sometimes we don’t want a book report to become a week-long project. That’s where printable book reports become beneficial. There are 7 FREE Printable Book Reports below! Take a look at which one would work for you and yours!

* Be sure to check out our  Hamburger Paragraph Organizers and for your younger students, take a look at our large collection of Draw & Write sheets .

As a Christian Book and Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

Why Printable Book Reports

For starters, Printable Book Reports are flexible. They can be used once a year, month, quarter, or for every book your student reads. For us, we use them multiple times in a year. Printable Book Reports are also versatile and easily accessible. There are 7 different versions of our Printable Book Reports to choose from. Some versions are more appropriate for younger students while others are geared toward an older student. My 4th grader chooses a different one than my 6th grader, but both book reports offer the same benefits.

How to use Printable Book Reports

Any time you add an activity to your homeschool, make sure it is worth your time and your student’s effort. For us, these book reports allow my student the opportunity to summarize and work on their writing skills. Specifically, my kids practice developing concise sentences, editing, sequencing, and writing with a flow.  That can be difficult for even experienced writers.

Before assigning your student the book report, engage in open dialogue with your child about the book. Ask them questions about their book. Get them talking about the characters, plot, setting, and dynamics of the story. This alone will assist your budding writer greatly. It is almost like verbal brainstorming. Once you have gotten a grasp on your student’s take of the book, assign them one of the 7 book reports.

From my experience, print two copies of the book report. The first copy will be their rough draft. After they complete it, address any grammar or sentence structure errors. This is also the appropriate time for them to clarify details or add sentences to connect ideas. Once this has been done, your student is ready to write their final draft. For those of you looking to expand this into a full book report project, encourage your student to illustrate a book cover on a separate sheet of paper. Then, have your student attach the illustration and written book report onto a small poster board side-by-side. It makes an impressive display!

So, no matter what book report template you choose, these can be a valuable language arts teaching tool!

DOWNLOAD 7 PRINTABLE BOOK REPORTS

Another reading comprehension option for younger students.

Your student may not be ready for the Printable Book Reports above. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t an appropriate teaching tool to use after they have finished reading a book. We use a very simple 4-square graphic organizer for our younger students when wanting to work on reading comprehension. It is something that you can work on together and can be used for a mere storybook rather than a novel. Check out our 4-Square Graphic Organizers here.

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A Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book Report (with Examples)

Last Updated: March 13, 2024 Fact Checked

• Researching
• Drafting the Report
• Reviewing & Revising

Sample Book Reports & Summaries

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This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,413,910 times.

A book report is a short essay that summarizes and analyzes a work of fiction or nonfiction. Writing a book report may not seem fun at first, but it gives you a great chance to fully understand a work and its author. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to write a book report, from choosing a book and outlining to drafting and editing your final paper.

Things You Should Know

• Read the entire book and take notes on important themes, characters, and events. Use your notes to create an outline with evidence that supports your analysis.
• Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book.
• Analyze the author’s writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements.

Researching Your Book Report

• For example, find out if your teacher wants you to include citations, such as page numbers from the book, in your report.
• Ask your teacher how much of your paper to devote to summary versus analysis. Most book reports are direct summaries with objective analysis rather than your personal opinions. In contrast, a book review or commentary is more opinion-driven.

• Some popular books for book reports include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Choose a book at your grade level.

• Author: Who wrote the book? Do you know any other works by this author?
• Genre: Is the book fiction or nonfiction? If it’s fiction, is it historical, fantasy, horror, etc.? If it’s nonfiction, is it a biography, memoir, science, etc.?
• Audience: Who would find this book appealing? Is it intended for a specific age range or gender? Do you typically enjoy books like this?
• Title: Does the title catch your interest? Does it fit well with the book’s content?
• Book Cover/Illustrations: What does the book cover convey and does it accurately represent the book? How do you feel when you look at it? If the book has illustrations, what are they and do they hold your interest?

• Take breaks while reading to keep your attention sharp. Try to find a pace that is comfortable for you. If you get distracted after 15 minutes, read in 15-minute intervals. If you can go an hour, read for an hour at a time.
• Give yourself enough time to read the entire book. It’s very difficult to write a book report if you’ve just skimmed over everything. Don’t procrastinate!
• Don’t trust online book summaries. You can’t guarantee that they are accurate or true to the text.

• For example, look for a sentence that clearly describes a main setting in the book, such as “The castle was gloomy and made out of large black stones.”

Outlining Your Book Report

• Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book’s genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report.
• Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts. Focus on important aspects while avoiding spoilers.
• Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the author’s writing style and use of literary devices, like foreshadowing, metaphors, imagery, etc. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and use quotes and examples from the text.
• Themes and Messages: Identify the book’s main themes or messages and how they develop through the course of the book. Provide specific quotes and examples.
• Character Analysis: Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships. Explain their motivations, personalities, and significance to the story. Provide examples and quotes to support your analysis.
• Personal Reflection: Depending on your teacher’s instructions, you might share your personal opinions and discuss what you liked and disliked about the book. Reflect on how the book relates to broader themes or issues.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with your final thoughts or reflections on the book.
• Bibliography: If required, include a works cited page or bibliography listing all the sources you used to write your book report.
• Outlining takes time, but it saves you more time once you reach the editing stage.
• Some people prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others just type up a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.

• Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like every other line is a quote, try to dial back. Aim to include a maximum of one quotation per paragraph. Quotes and examples should still take a backseat to your summary.

• For example, you’ll likely need to focus primarily on discussing the most important characters or the characters that appear most frequently in the text.
• When you are finished with your outline, go back through it to see if it makes sense. If the paragraphs don’t flow into one another, move them around or add/delete new ones until they do.
• Also, check to see if your outline covers all of the major elements of the book, such as the plot, characters, and setting.

Writing Your Book Report

• For example, a sentence summary might state, “This book is about the main character’s journey to Africa and what she learns on her travels.”
• Don’t take up too much space with your introduction. In general, an introduction should be 3-6 sentences long, though in rare cases, they may be longer or shorter.

• Use vivid language when you can and include plenty of details. For example, you might write, “The farm was surrounded by rolling hills.”

• For instance, if the main character moves to Africa, you might describe what happens before the move, how the move goes, and how they settle in once they arrive.

• For example, you might write that the main character is “a middle-aged woman who enjoys the finer things in life, such as designer clothes.” Then, connect this description to the plot summary by describing how her views change after her travels, if they do.
• Expect to introduce the characters in the same sentences and paragraphs as the plot introduction.

• You might write, “The author argues that travel gives you a new perspective. That is why her main characters all seem happier and more grounded after visiting new places.”
• For fiction, determine if the author is using the story to pass along a certain moral or lesson. For example, a book about an underdog athlete could encourage readers to take chances to pursue their dreams.

• For example, an author who uses lots of slang terms is probably going for a hip, approachable style.

• Some teachers require, or strongly suggest, that you include the author’s name and the book title in your concluding paragraph.
• When writing a conclusion , don’t introduce any new thoughts. Any important points should be made in your body paragraphs. Save the space for your recap.

Reviewing and Revising Your Book Report

• Before you submit your paper, make sure that you’ve spelled the author’s name and any character names correctly.
• Don’t trust your computer’s spell check to catch all the errors for you. Spell check can be helpful, but it isn’t perfect and can make mistakes.

• If you’re nervous about asking, try saying something like “It would be great if you could go over my book report and make sure that it reads smoothly.”
• Remember, no one’s first draft is perfect, so don’t get upset if someone suggests you do something differently. They want to help make your report the best it can be, so don’t take constructive criticism personally.

• For example, double-check that you are using the correct font, font size, and margins.
• Once you've finished proofreading, revising, and checking that you've addressed all the requirements, you're ready to submit your book report!

• Even though your book report is your own work, avoid using “I” too much. It can make your writing feel choppy. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• It might be tempting to watch the movie or read the online notes instead of reading the book. Resist this urge! Your teacher will be able to tell the difference. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Calm down and walk around if you get too frustrated while writing. If you write a book report while angry, you're more likely to misspell things!
• Choose a unique book. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is an absolute no. Everyone chooses those. Try something different!
• Write when anything comes to mind! You don't want to lose your ideas!

• Give yourself plenty of time to write your report. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may feel rushed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Stealing or using another person’s work is considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure that the work you submit is all your own. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-book-report.html
• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
• ↑ https://grammark.org/how-to-write-a-book-report/
• ↑ https://library.valleycollege.edu/elements_of_book_report.pdf
• ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/steps-to-writing-a-book-report
• ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
• ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-setting
• ↑ https://www.tcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/writing-center-handouts/essay-types-plot-summary.pdf
• ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

About This Article

To write a book report, start by introducing the author and the name of the book and then briefly summarizing the story. Next, discuss the main themes and point out what you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader. Finally, write about the author’s style of writing, paying particular attention to word choice and the overall tone of the book. For tips on editing and polishing your paper before turning it in, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Book Report Planning Sheets

Customize book report planning sheets.

If you're assigning this to your students, copy the worksheet to your account and save. When creating an assignment, just select it as a template!

What is a Book Report?

It is a written summary and analysis of a book's content, intended to provide an overview of its key elements, themes, characters, and plot. It is often used as an educational tool to assess a reader's understanding of a book and their ability to critically analyze its various aspects. They can vary in structure and complexity depending on the grade level and educational objectives.

What are Book Report Planning Worksheets?

They are effective tools that teachers assign to students to organize ideas before beginning a larger, more in-depth report. This simple form is meant to highlight the main idea, plot, setting, and main characters of a book, while also showing that students understand what they read, and that they are able to present information about the pages they've read. Planning an outline ahead of time with a Storyboard That template is an essential step towards an incredible and unique project. This planning can be done in class or as homework in note form.

Why are they Important and How are they Best Used?

They are important because they help students create a plan before executing a large project. Students are able to take what they know from the book, and write it all down in one place. They are also able to decide what they want to include, or not include, in their reports by having all of the information laid out in front of them.

In the world of education, fostering reading comprehension and critical thinking skills is a vital mission. These worksheets provide a structured framework that guides the class through a journey of analyzing, understanding, and reflecting on the books they read.

Types of Projects

• The Traditional Report: The traditional approach involves key elements such as the title and author, summarizing the plot, character analysis, setting description, and personal opinions. These worksheets serve as book report forms that students can use to structure a specific idea, as well as their thoughts and insights. Kids are prompted to identify the main ideas, describe the book's aspects, and offer their opinions on their favorite parts.
• Character Analysis: Delving into characters is a fantastic way to enhance reading comprehension. Students can identify character traits, motivations, and changes throughout the story. By using a book report template for kids, teachers guide elementary-age children to critically think about the characters' development and role in the narrative.
• Setting Exploration: Settings often play a significant role in shaping the story's atmosphere and events. Our worksheets offer a structured platform for students to identify and describe the settings, as well as analyze how they impact the plot and characters. This free printable tool engages middle school students and elementary age kids in a deeper understanding of the story's context.
• Comparative Analysis: Comparing and contrasting two books with similar themes or genres is an enriching exercise. Students can analyze characters, plots, themes, and writing styles side by side. This activity encourages critical thinking as students identify similarities and differences between the two works, honing their ability to critically assess literature.
• Book-to-Movie Comparison: In an age where many books find themselves on the silver screen, comparing a book to its movie adaptation can be captivating. With our worksheets, students can highlight the differences and evaluate how successfully the adaptation captures the essence of the novel. This engaging activity invites children to express their opinion on how well the story transitioned from page to screen.
• Critical Book Review: Encouraging critical thinking is a cornerstone of education. Our handouts can be transformed into platforms for students to review what they've read with a discerning eye. By using a book report generator, students can evaluate plot development, character depth, and writing style, strengthening their analytical skills.
• Alternate Conclusion, Ending, or Sequel: Nurturing creativity is equally important. Our templates can serve as springboards for students to imagine alternate endings or sequels to the book. By completing a book report planning form, grade school children create new narrative possibilities, fostering their imaginative thinking.
• Letter to the Author: What better way to engage students than allowing them to interact with the author? Worksheets can include sections for students to write letters to authors, sharing their thoughts, questions, and reactions. This activity bridges the gap between the author's creation and the student's interpretation.
• Book Advertisement: These worksheets can take the form of designing advertisements or promotional posters for the book. By focusing on key aspects, students not only comprehend the book but also learn to present their understanding in a visually appealing manner.
• Timeline of Events: Understanding the chronological sequence of events is crucial in comprehending stories. Templates can be adapted to create timelines of important events from the book. Students fill in the report form with short summaries of events, identifying their significance, and arranging them chronologically.

Tips for Making a Template

• Understand the Purpose: Begin by understanding the purpose. It's a tool designed to guide students through the process of analyzing and summarizing a book's content.
• Identify Your Audience: Determine whether the worksheet is intended for elementary-grade students or middle-school students.
• Choose a Format: Decide on the format of your worksheet. You can use a no prep printable book report template, or create a custom design.
• Incorporate Structured Sections: Include sections for various aspects of the book such as a short summary, character analysis, and personal reflections.
• Utilize Free Resources: Search for free book report templates online to gather ideas and inspiration for your worksheet's layout and content.
• Consider Grade-Level Appropriate Language: Tailor the language used in the worksheet to suit the reading comprehension level of the students for whom it's intended.
• Add Visual Elements: Enhance engagement by incorporating visuals, like images or icons, to make the worksheet visually appealing.
• Provide Prompts for Analysis: Offer prompts and questions that encourage critical thinking. Include questions like "What is a book report?" and "What are some ideas to make your project unique?"
• Offer Space for Personalization: Include sections that allow students to share their personal opinions, a favorite part of the book, and creative insights.
• Include Organizational Tools: Utilize a book report maker or book report generator to create a professional-looking worksheet. A book report graphic organizer can also help students structure their thoughts effectively in their own words.

By incorporating elements like templates, book report planning forms for grade school, and relevant book report examples, you can design a worksheet that guides students through a comprehensive exploration of the book's content while fostering their creativity and critical thinking skills.

More Storyboard That Resources and Free Printables

• Creative Writing Worksheets
• Plot Diagram Template
• Student Planner Template
• Graphic Organizer Templates

How to Make a Book Report Worksheet

Choose one of the premade templates.

We have lots of templates to choose from. Take a look at our example for inspiration!

Click on “Copy Template”

Once you do this, you will be directed to the storyboard creator.

Give Your Worksheet a Name!

Be sure to call it something related to the topic so that you can easily find it in the future.

Edit Your Worksheet

This is where you will include directions, specific images, and make any aesthetic changes that you would like. The options are endless!

Click "Save and Exit"

When you are finished, click this button in the lower right hand corner to exit your storyboard.

From here you can print, download as a PDF, attach it to an assignment and use it digitally, and more!

Happy Creating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Book Reports

Do book report worksheets limit creativity.

No, they don't inherently limit creativity. While they provide structure through elements like book report templates, they can be adapted to encourage creative analysis. By exploring how to write a report that allows creativity, educators can strike a balance between structured analysis and imaginative insights. Ideas can be integrated to spark imaginative thinking. A well-designed book report template for kids allows room for personal expression while maintaining organization.

Do book reports differ based on grade levels?

Yes, they vary by grade level. Elementary reports focus on simple summaries and character descriptions. Middle school reports delve into themes and analysis. High school and college projects demand deeper analysis, including writing style and context. Worksheets and free book report templates can guide each level.

Are book reports limited to novels?

They extend beyond novels to include non-fiction, biographies, and more, and free book report templates adapt to different genres. A versatile book report template for kids accommodates various reading materials, and ideas cater to diverse literary forms.

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Free Book Report Templates: Printables for Grades 3-5 for Fiction or Nonfiction Books

Take a new spin on your book report assignment. 📚😍

The Nocturnals are fun-filled animal adventure books with companion nonfiction for elementary school classrooms. Check out The Nocturnals World , a resource hub with free turnkey printable activities and educator guides, and browse The Nocturnals bookstore!

Building lifelong readers is one of the most important things we can do in our classrooms. The benefits of reading are wide-ranging, from improving vocabulary skills to boosting cognitive development, concentration skills, and curiosity for learning. So, how do we get young learners excited about reading and sharing what they’ve learned? Check out our free book report template printables .

Four different activities are ready to print to help you take a new spin on your next book report assignment for fiction or nonfiction books. Students will love filling in their mini book report one-pagers or making their selections from the choice board to share details about what they read.

Worksheets Included:

My mini book report—fiction and nonfiction.

These book report one-pagers are a great way for students to reflect on their readings as they complete different sections of the worksheet. There’s a version for both fiction and nonfiction.

Book Report Choice Board

Give students choices on how they want to complete their book report assignment. This choice board offers eight fun options, from designing a comic to creating a playlist or writing interview questions, so students can let their creativity guide them.

Designing Water Bottle Stickers

Students are obsessed with stickers. In this unique activity, students will design water bottle stickers that the main character of the book would love to have, along with a short description of their choices.

Give students fun-filled books to choose from

Animal adventure books from The Nocturnals are the perfect way to get your upper elementary students excited about reading. Paired with nonfiction companion texts that explore nocturnal animal facts, this series is great for hi-lo readers. Visit The Nocturnals World for more free printable activities and educator guides.

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How to Write a Great Book Report

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• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

One assignment has lasted the test of time, uniting generations of students in a common learning exercise: book reports. While many students dread these assignments, book reports can help students learn how to interpret texts and gain a broader understanding of the world around them.  Well-written books can open your eyes to new experiences, people, places, and life situations that you may have never thought about before. In turn, a book report is a tool that allows you, the reader, to demonstrate that you have understood all the nuances of the text you just read.

What's a Book Report?

In the broadest terms, a book report describes and summarizes a work of fiction or nonfiction . It sometimes — but not always — includes a personal evaluation of the text. In general, regardless of grade level, a book report will include an introductory paragraph that shares the title of the book and its author. Students will often develop their own opinions about the underlying meaning of the texts through developing thesis statements , typically presented in the opening of a book report, and then using examples from the text and interpretations to support those statements.  

Before You Start Writing

A good book report will address a specific question or point of view and back up this topic with specific examples, in the form of symbols and themes. These steps will help you identify and incorporate those important elements. It shouldn't be too hard to do, provided you're prepared, and you can expect to spend, on average, 3-4 days working on the assignment. Check out these tips to ensure you're successful:

• Have an objective in mind.  This is the main point you want to present or the question you plan to answer in your report.  
• Keep supplies on hand when you read.  This is  very  important. Keep sticky-note flags, pen, and paper nearby as you read. If you're reading an eBook , make sure you know how to use the annotation function of your app/program.  
• Read the book.  It seems obvious, but too many students try to take a shortcut and simply read summaries or watch movies, but you often miss important details that can make or break your book report.
• Pay attention to detail.  Keep an eye out for clues that the author has provided in the form of symbolism . These will indicate some important point that supports the overall theme. For instance, a spot of blood on the floor, a quick glance, a nervous habit, an impulsive action, a repetitive action... These are worth noting.
• Use your sticky flags to mark pages.  When you run into clues or interesting passages, mark the page by placing the sticky note at the beginning of the relevant line.  
• Look for themes.  As you read, you should begin to see an emerging theme. On a notepad, write down some notes on how you came to determine the theme.
• Develop a rough outline.  By the time you finish  reading the book , you will have recorded several possible themes or approaches to your objective. Review your notes and find points that you can back up with good examples (symbols). 

Your Book Report Introduction

The start of your book report provides an opportunity to make a solid introduction to the material and your own personal assessment of the work. You should try to write a strong introductory paragraph that grabs your reader's attention. Somewhere in your first paragraph , you should also state the book's title and the author's name.

High school-level papers should include publication information as well as brief statements about the book's angle, the genre, the theme , and a hint about the writer's feelings in the introduction.

First Paragraph Example: Middle School Level

" The Red Badge of Courage ", by Stephen Crane, is a book about a young man growing up during the Civil War. Henry Fleming is the main character of the book. As Henry watches and experiences the tragic events of the war, he grows up and changes his attitudes about life.

First Paragraph Example: High School Level

Can you identify one experience that changed your entire view of the world around you? Henry Fleming, the main character in "The Red Badge of Courage", begins his life-changing adventure as a naive young man, eager to experience the glory of war. He soon faces the truth about life, war, and his own self-identity on the battlefield, however. "The Red Badge of Courage", by Stephen Crane, is a coming of age novel published by D. Appleton and Company in 1895, about thirty years after the Civil War ended. In this book, the author reveals the ugliness of war and examines its relationship to the pain of growing up.

The Body of the Book Report

Before you get started on the body of the report, take a few minutes to jot down some helpful information by considering the following points.

• Did you enjoy the book?
• Was it well written?
• What was the genre?
• (fiction) Which characters play important roles that relate to the overall theme?
• Did you notice reoccurring symbols?
• Is this book a part of a series?
• (nonfiction) Can you identify the writer's thesis?
• What is the writing style?
• Did you notice a tone?
• Was there an obvious slant or bias?

In the body of your book report, you will use your notes to guide you through an extended summary of the book. You will weave your own thoughts and impressions into the plot summary . As you review the text, you'll want to focus on key moments in the storyline and relate them to the perceived theme of the book, and how the characters and setting all bring the details together. You'll want to be sure that you discuss the plot, any examples of conflict that you encounter, and how the story resolves itself. It can be helpful to use strong quotes from the book to enhance your writing. 

The Conclusion

As you lead to your final paragraph, consider some additional impressions and opinions:

• Was the ending satisfactory (for fiction)?
• Was the thesis supported by strong evidence (for nonfiction)?
• What interesting or notable facts do you know about the author?
• Would you recommend this book?

Conclude your report with a paragraph or two that covers these additional points. Some teachers prefer that you re-state the name and author of the book in the concluding paragraph. As always, consult your specific assignment guide or ask your teacher if you have questions about what is expected of you. 

• 10 Steps to Writing a Successful Book Report
• The Red Badge of Courage Book Summary
• How to Start a Book Report
• What Does Critical Reading Really Mean?
• Book Report: Definition, Guidelines, and Advice
• How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story
• How to Compare Two Novels in Comparative Essay
• How to Design a Book Cover
• Symbols and Motifs in Literature
• How to Outline a Textbook Chapter
• How to Write and Format an MBA Essay
• How to Write a Response Paper
• How to Write a Critical Essay
• How to Study for an Open Book Test
• Top Conservative Novels
• 50 General Book Club Questions for Study and Discussion

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The Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers

No need to dread a book report! When kids find titles that are engaging, interesting, and thought-provoking, they're hooked. If it's fiction, students can dissect plot, theme, and characters. If it's nonfiction, they can plunge into a subject that fascinates them or learn a lot about something they've never heard of before. Here's a list of surefire selections for students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. For even more ideas, check out 50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12 .

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Inspiring wartime journal reveals teen's inner life.

The Apothecary, Book 1

Cold War kids use magic to save world in brilliant novel.

Everything Sad Is Untrue: (A True Story)

Young refugee's story is told in memories, myths, fables.

Goodbye Stranger

Bittersweet, lovely story of friendship and social media.

Genesis Begins Again

Teen learns to love herself in uplifting tale of misfits.

Hold on tight for an intense tale of survival.

A Long Walk to Water

Touching take on Lost Boys of Sudan, based on true story.

One Crazy Summer

A gem, with strong girl characters, '60s black history.

Poverty, being unhoused explored in hopeful tale.

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights

Little-known disaster gets overdue, in-depth treatment.

The Red Badge of Courage

Compelling Civil War novel questions morality of battle.

Uglies: Uglies Quartet, Book 1

Thoughtful sci-fi about the price of beauty.

Interned girl, Native boy find common ground in moving tale.

All-American Muslim Girl

Captivating coming-of-age tale explores identity, racism.

American Ace

Moving, fast-paced novel-in-verse; great for teen boys.

Bomb: The Race to Build -- and Steal -- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Complex, suspenseful story of developing The Bomb.

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

Thrilling true story of teenagers who stood up to the Nazis.

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings

Poignant memoir-in-verse recalls Cuban American's childhood.

Long Way Down

Gripping, unnerving story of teen boy contemplating revenge.

My Name Is Not Easy

Fascinating story of Alaskan kids growing up in the 1960s.

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Trump VP contender Kristi Noem writes of killing dog – and goat – in new book

South Dakota governor includes bloody tale in campaign volume – and admits ‘a better politician … wouldn’t tell the story here’

• Who will be Trump’s VP? A shortlist

In 1952, as a Republican candidate for vice-president, Richard Nixon stirred criticism by admitting receiving a dog, Checkers , as a political gift.

In 2012, as the Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney was pilloried for tying a dog , Seamus, to the roof of the family car for a cross-country trip.

But in 2024 Kristi Noem , a strong contender to be named running mate to Donald Trump , the presumptive Republican nominee, has managed to go one further – by admitting killing a dog of her own.

“Cricket was a wirehair pointer, about 14 months old,” the South Dakota governor writes in a new book, adding that the dog, a female, had an “aggressive personality” and needed to be trained to be used for hunting pheasant.

What unfolds over the next few pages shows how that effort went very wrong indeed – and, remarkably, how Cricket was not the only domestic animal Noem chose to kill one day in hunting season.

Noem’s book – No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward – will be published in the US next month. The Guardian obtained a copy.

Like other aspirants to be Trump’s second vice-president who have ventured into print , Noem offers readers a mixture of autobiography, policy prescriptions and political invective aimed at Democrats and other enemies, all of it raw material for speeches on the campaign stump.

She includes her story about the ill-fated Cricket, she says, to illustrate her willingness, in politics as well as in South Dakota life, to do anything “difficult, messy and ugly” if it simply needs to be done.

By taking Cricket on a pheasant hunt with older dogs, Noem says, she hoped to calm the young dog down and begin to teach her how to behave. Unfortunately, Cricket ruined the hunt, going “out of her mind with excitement, chasing all those birds and having the time of her life”.

Noem describes calling Cricket, then using an electronic collar to attempt to bring her under control. Nothing worked. Then, on the way home after the hunt, as Noem stopped to talk to a local family, Cricket escaped Noem’s truck and attacked the family’s chickens, “grabb[ing] one chicken at a time, crunching it to death with one bite, then dropping it to attack another”.

Cricket the untrainable dog, Noem writes, behaved like “a trained assassin”.

When Noem finally grabbed Cricket, she says, the dog “whipped around to bite me”. Then, as the chickens’ owner wept, Noem repeatedly apologised, wrote the shocked family a check “for the price they asked, and helped them dispose of the carcasses littering the scene of the crime”.

Through it all, Noem says, Cricket was “the picture of pure joy”.

“I hated that dog,” Noem writes, adding that Cricket had proved herself “untrainable”, “dangerous to anyone she came in contact with” and “less than worthless … as a hunting dog”.

“At that moment,” Noem says, “I realised I had to put her down.”

Noem, who also represented her state in Congress for eight years, got her gun, then led Cricket to a gravel pit.

“It was not a pleasant job,” she writes, “but it had to be done. And after it was over, I realised another unpleasant job needed to be done.”

Incredibly, Noem’s tale of slaughter is not finished.

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Her family, she writes, also owned a male goat that was “nasty and mean”, because it had not been castrated. Furthermore, the goat smelled “disgusting, musky, rancid” and “loved to chase” Noem’s children, knocking them down and ruining their clothes.

Noem decided to kill the unnamed goat the same way she had just killed Cricket the dog. But though she “dragged him to a gravel pit”, the goat jumped as she shot and therefore survived the wound. Noem says she went back to her truck, retrieved another shell, then “hurried back to the gravel pit and put him down”.

At that point, Noem writes, she realised a construction crew had watched her kill both animals. The startled workers swiftly got back to work, she writes, only for a school bus to arrive and drop off Noem’s children.

“Kennedy looked around confused,” Noem writes of her daughter, who asked: “Hey, where’s Cricket?”

On Friday, reaction to news of Noem’s description of killing her dog and her goat included satire, the Barack Obama adviser turned podcaster Tommy Vietor calling the governor “Jeffrey Dahmer with veneers”, a reference to a famous serial killer and a recent scandal over Noem’s cosmetic dentistry treatment .

But most responses, particularly from dog lovers and people who hunt with dogs, simply expressed disgust.

Rick Wilson, of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, called Noem “deliberately cruel” and “trash”. Ryan Busse, the Democratic candidate for governor of Montana, said : “Anyone who has ever owned a birddog knows how disgusting, lazy and evil this is. Damn.”

Noem herself posted a screengrab of the Guardian report – and an admission that she recently “put down three horses”.

“We love animals,” she said, “but tough decisions like this happen all the time on a farm. Sadly, we just had to put down three horses a few weeks ago that had been in our family for 25 years.”

The governor also said her book contained “more real, honest and politically incorrect stories that’ll have the media gasping”.

In the book, however, she sums up her story about Cricket the dog and the unnamed, un-castrated goat with what may prove a contender for the greatest understatement of election year: “I guess if I were a better politician I wouldn’t tell the story here.”

• Republicans
• US elections 2024
• US politics
• Politics books
• South Dakota

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