Critique a book
Read a short book and write a thoughtful book critique, summarizing plot, describing characters, and giving reasons for your opinion.
About this activity
Read a short book and write a thoughtful book critique, summarizing plot, describing characters, and giving reasons for your opinion.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Choose a short book that sounds fun and that you can finish in one or two sittings.
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Step 2
Find a quiet comfy spot where you can read without interruptions.
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Step 3
Set a timer for 20 to 45 minutes depending on how long the book is.
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Step 4
Read the book from start to finish paying attention to the main events.
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Step 5
Place sticky notes on pages that show big events feelings or important clues.
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Step 6
Write the book title the author and your name at the top of your paper.
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Step 7
Write a one paragraph summary of the plot using your own words.
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Step 8
Make a short list of the main characters and write one sentence describing each one.
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Step 9
Write two or three sentences that explain your opinion of the book and give clear reasons why you liked or did not like it.
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Step 10
Add one line that says who you would recommend the book to and why.
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Step 11
Reread your whole critique slowly to check that your ideas are clear.
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Step 12
Fix any spelling punctuation or grammar mistakes using your eraser and pencil.
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Step 13
Decorate your page with colors small drawings or fun borders to make it look great.
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Step 14
Share your finished critique on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I teach my child to write a book critique?
Start by having the child read a short book, then ask them to jot notes about the beginning, middle, and end. Show how to write a 2â3 sentence plot summary, describe two main characters with a few traits, and explain their opinion with at least two examples from the text. Finish by revising for clarity and checking spelling. Encourage sentence starters like âI liked⌠becauseâŚâ and praise thoughtful evidence.
What materials do I need to critique a book?
Youâll need the short book, a notebook or paper, pencils and an eraser, and sticky notes or a highlighter for marking parts to discuss. Optional: a simple checklist or rubric, sentence-starter cards, a quiet space, and a timer for focused work. A tablet or computer is fine if the child prefers typing. Printable templates help younger writers organize plot, characters, and reasons for their opinion.
What ages is this activity suitable for?
Book critiques work for many ages. Ages 6â8 can write short summaries and one-sentence opinions with adult guidance or use oral critiques. Ages 9â12 can produce paragraph-length summaries, character descriptions, and supported opinions. Teens (13+) can analyze themes and evidence in more depth. Adjust expectations: use sentence starters and templates for younger kids and encourage independent analysis and longer responses for older children.
What are the benefits of writing book critiques?
Writing critiques strengthens reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking by asking children to support opinions with evidence. It builds writing organizationâsummaries, character descriptions, and reasoned judgmentsâand increases empathy as kids consider charactersâ motives. Regular practice boosts confidence presenting ideas and prepares children for school assignments. It also creates conversation starters for family reading time and helps kids choose future books more intentiona
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have sticky notes or colored pencils listed in the materials?
If you don't have sticky notes use small folded scraps of paper or bookmarks to mark big events and feelings, and swap colored pencils for crayons, markers, or even cut-up magazine colors to decorate your page.
What should I do if I lose focus or can't finish the book within the 20â45 minute timer step?
Try shortening the timer into two or three focused chunks with small breaks in your quiet comfy spot, and use sticky notes to mark where you stopped so you can pick up the plot and main events easily during the reread step.
How can this activity be changed for younger or older kids while still following the instructions like writing a summary and character list?
For younger kids pick a short picture book and let them draw the one-paragraph summary and use stickers to label characters, while older kids can extend the 20â45 minute timer, write a longer summary and more detailed character sentences, and include specific page clues from their sticky notes.
What are simple ways to improve or personalize the finished critique before sharing on DIY.org?
Add a small timeline of sticky-note events, a one-line rating or recommendation badge, a cover illustration using your colors and drawings, and a short recorded explanation to upload with your critique on DIY.org.