Writing a Book Review

Help us out by rating & reviewing the last book you read and let John Jay know all about it!  Why not write one now?

1. From home or school, find the book you read in the library's catalog.
2. Click on "Be the first to submit a comment & rating" or "Submit a comment & rating."
3. Put a name in the First Name box.  Do NOT put your last name in the Last Name box.
4. Give the book some stars.
5. Add why you liked or didn't like the book in the comment box.
6. Click send.

Review Tips:
* Keep it short and simple.
* Be sure to include why you thought it was good, bad, or otherwise.  Please don't just give us a summary of the book, i.e. tell us what the book is about.  
* Try not to give away the ending!

What do I Write About?

Thought Starters for Fiction

Your opinion could include the following.  Do not write about all of these.
  • Genre.  How does the author stay true to the rules of the genre?
  • Plot.  Did the author do a good job developing the story and moving it along?
  • Characterization. Did the author do a good job bringing the characters to life?
  • Setting.  Did the author do a good job creating a time and place?
  • Themes. Did the author do a good job with the message of the book?
  • Style. Did the author use good words, imagery, sounds, metaphors, or mood?
  • Stance of the Implied Reader. Did the author get a reaction out of you?  Did the author do a good job making you feel empathy?

Thought Starters for Nonfiction

Your opinion could include the following.  Do not write about all of these.
  • Organization.  Did the author do a good job organizing the information?
  • Style.  Was it a good book to read for pleasure reading or is it better for research?
  • Authority.  Is the author someone we can trust to tell the truth?
  • Author's Sources.  Did the author document their sources of information?  Are there suggested items for further reading?
  • Bias.  Does the author take one side of the story and not tell the other side?
  • Current.  Is this book old and out of date?
  • Enough detail.  Did the author leave anything out?
  • Special features.  Does it have charts, maps, pictures, websites for more info?  Does it have any unusual qualities?
  • Insiders only.  Would someone who knows nothing about the topic enjoy the book?

What's Good?

Simply looking for your next great read?  Try the 2011-2012 booklists, the web sites below or see Mrs. Hooper.