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Recommend a Book to Read

Recommend a Book to Read
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Choose and read a book, then write one paragraph recommending it with reasons and share your recommendation with a friend or family member.

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Step-by-step guide to recommend a book to read

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First Little Readers | Learn To Read | Best Books For Beginner Readers

What you need
A book of your choice, a quiet comfy spot, colouring materials (optional), paper or notebook, pencil or pen

Step 1

Choose a book you are excited to read from your shelf or library selection.

Step 2

Go to a quiet comfy spot and sit down so you can focus on reading.

Step 3

Read the book carefully until you finish or reach a natural stopping point.

Step 4

While reading, write down two or three parts you liked or thought were interesting.

Step 5

Think about why you liked those parts and pick the best two reasons to share.

Step 6

Write one paragraph that includes the book title and author and explains your two reasons for recommending it.

Step 7

Read your paragraph out loud and fix any spelling or words that sound unclear.

Step 8

Add a small drawing or decorate your paragraph to make your recommendation look fun.

Step 9

Show and read your recommendation to a friend or family member and ask what they think.

Step 10

Share your finished recommendation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a paper book or art supplies to decorate our recommendation?

If you don't have a paper book or art supplies for the "decorate your paragraph" step, read an ebook or listen to an audiobook and either draw with pencil/crayons or add a digital doodle or photo on a tablet before sharing on DIY.org.

What should I do if I can't concentrate in my chosen spot and keep getting distracted so I can't finish reading?

If you can't concentrate in your chosen spot, try moving to a quieter room or using headphones, set a 15‑minute timer to 'read until a natural stopping point,' and mark your page with a sticky note so you can return later and still complete the writing steps.

How can the activity be changed for younger versus older children?

For younger children, have an adult write down their two favorite parts and reasons and let them make a big drawing instead of a full paragraph, while older children can write a longer paragraph with specific examples, read it aloud, and post it to DIY.org for feedback.

How can we make the recommendation more creative or share it in a different way?

Enhance the activity by turning your paragraph and drawing into a short video or photo poster, include a favorite quote and a star rating, or create a mini book trailer to upload along with your recommendation on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to recommend a book to read

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Dr. Seuss's ABC - Animated Read Aloud Book (Beginner Books, I Can Read It All By Myself)

4 Videos

Facts about reading and book selection for kids

✍️ A short paragraph (3–5 sentences) is a powerful way to explain why a book matters and get someone excited to read it.

🧠 Just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68% — it's a super quick calm-down trick!

🤝 People are more likely to try a new book when a friend or family member personally recommends it.

📚 The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known stories, written over 4,000 years ago.

👧👦 Kids who read for pleasure usually score higher at school and build stronger vocabulary skills.

How do I do the 'Recommend a Book to Read' activity with my child?

Help your child choose a book they enjoy, letting them read it independently or aloud. After finishing, ask them to write one clear paragraph that includes the title, main idea, favorite parts, and reasons why others should read it. Coach them on sentence structure and specific examples. Finally, have them share their recommendation with a friend or family member in person, by note, or video call to practice speaking and social skills.

What materials do I need for the 'Recommend a Book to Read' activity?

You need the book your child chooses, writing paper or a notebook, and a pencil or pen. Optionally provide crayons or markers for younger kids, a device for typing, and a quiet reading spot. A checklist or simple worksheet with prompts (title, reason, favorite part) helps structure the paragraph. If sharing digitally, have a camera, phone, or email account ready. Keep everything easy to access to encourage independence.

What ages is the 'Recommend a Book to Read' activity suitable for?

This activity works well for children roughly 5 to 14, with simple changes: Ages 5–7 should pick picture books and give oral recommendations while an adult writes their paragraph; use drawings and short sentences. Ages 8–10 can write a basic paragraph using prompts and a checklist. Ages 11–14 can write longer, persuasive recommendations and present to peers. Adjust book complexity, time allowed, and support to match each child’s reading and writing level.

What are the benefits of doing the 'Recommend a Book to Read' activity?

Recommending a book strengthens reading comprehension, summarizing, and persuasive writing skills. Writing a paragraph teaches children to identify key ideas and give reasons, while sharing the recommendation builds confidence and oral communication. The activity encourages empathy by considering others’ tastes, promotes social connection through sharing, and boosts motivation to read more. It also gives parents and teachers an easy way to assess understanding and progress.
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