Write a Review

Recommended For: All ages

Badges: Space & the Future, Artist in Space

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Download this activity as a PDF - no electricity needed.

 

Have you ever told a family member or friend to read a book because you liked it? Did you ever tell someone to avoid watching a movie because you didn’t enjoy it? Do you have strong opinions? A review is a chance to express your ideas and opinions. A review not only shares your opinion of a book or movie, but it supports that decision with evidence. In this activity, you can write a review of a book or movie.

 

What You Need

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• Access to your local library, digital library, or movie streaming platform

• Pencil and paper

 

Read or Watch

 

Select a science fiction or space-themed book to read or movie to watch. It’s helpful to make some notes while you are reading or watching. Write down specific scenes or quotes.

 

Wonder

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• Who is telling the story? Is it in first person? Third person?

• When and where does the book/movie take place?

• Does the author do a good job making your feel like it is real, and that you are there?

• Do you like the writing style? Do you like the way the movie is filmed?

• Did the story keep you guessing?

• What was your favorite part? Why?

• What was your least favorite part? Why?

• Did the book make you laugh? Cry? Scared?

• Who would you recommend this book to? Your friends? Younger readers? Older readers? Fans of other books/movies that are similar?

• What do you think makes a great book cover?

• Take a look at your books at home. What do you like about them? What don’t you like? 

 

Tip: You can do some background research on the author or director to learn more.

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Write 

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A review should have 4 parts: 

1. The book’s title and author OR the movie’s title and director

2. A short summary of the plot (but don’t give away any spoilers!)

3. A comment on the book’s/movie’s strengths or weaknesses

4. Your personal opinion/reflection about the book/movie

 

Need some help getting started?​

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Check out this resource from ReadWriteThink: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson876/ReviewComponents.pdf

 

Read some example reviews. Here are some reviews written by students: https://www.mensaforkids.org/teach/lesson-plans/book-review-guide/book-review-writing-examples/