Exploros | Book Review (Non-fiction)

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students choose a non-fiction book to read and explain why they chose it. Next, they use pre-reading strategies to make predictions and ask questions. Then they read the book and monitor comprehension by completing graphic organizers. After reading, they evaluate the book with post-reading strategies. Finally, they write a book review, rate the book, and create a new cover for it.

Students should read a non-fiction text for this experience. You can let students self-select the text. You may want to assign a general subject area (geography, biography, science, etc.) that ties in with other subjects being studied in the classroom. Having books on hand for students to choose from or making a trip to the library might be helpful. (A great place to start for 4th grade students are the “Who was/is...” and “What was/are....” book series.)

Note that there is a complementary experience in the Literary Genres unit. Either experience can be used multiple times throughout the school year for students to submit a book review via Exploros.

Objectives

Choose an appropriate non-fiction book and read it.
Write a book review for the book.

Duration

Assign the experience for the duration of the time period that students have from selecting a book to completing reading and writing the book review.

There are a number of reasons why readers read. Two of the most common reasons are to learn new information and for enjoyment. In this experience, you will be reading for both purposes. Using a topic that interests you as guide, you will select a non-fiction book to read and create a book review for your classmates, sharing your opinion about the book and the information you learned.

Objectives

Choose an appropriate non-fiction book and read it.
Write a book review for the book.

The first major step in writing a book review is choosing a book to read! Your teacher will give you instructions on choosing a book for this experience.

Once you know which book you will be reading for this book review, answer the following questions:

State the title and author of the book you have selected.
Describe what you think the book will be about in a sentence or two. (Use the back of the book, insert, or Internet to help you write your description.)
Describe the genre of your book. Explain how you know it falls into that genre.
In a sentence or two, explain why you chose this book to read.

Post your answer

As needed, review non-fiction genres in order to help students identify the genre of their book.

Review each student’s book selection in order to make sure it is appropriate based on requirements you set and the student’s reading level.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.