BOOK TALK FORMAT*
Your book talk must be 2-3 minutes in length. It should include the following things:
1. Introduction: Show your book as your tell the title, author, number of pages, and genre.
2. Setting: Describe the setting (time & place) of the book.
3. Characters: Name and describe the main characters.
4. Plot: Give a brief summary of the basic story line. Include the conflict, but NOT the resolution. Don’t give away the story. If
you can define the climax without ruining the ending, do so.
5. Theme: What, in your view, is the primary theme of the book?
6. Recommendation: Tell whether you liked the book or not—give some reasons to support your answer. To whom would
you recommend the book?
7. BOOK PAGE: Include a book page (8 ½ x 11—can be made on computer or by hand) with a simplified version of your book talk
for display in the room. Include a picture of the cover of the book. Page should be neat and organized. Drawing or printing in
color would be a nice touch.
*All students should be prepared to present on
Monday, November 2, 2009.
My QUESTIONS, NOTES, or IDEAS:
Book Talk Rubric Name________________________
Criteria + √ —
INTRODUCTION Creative introduction Boring introduction No introduction
Clearly tells title, author & Tells author, title, or Forgets title, author, &
genre genre genre
SETTING Tells when and where the Tells where or when Didn’t mention the setting
story takes place Not sure, not clear
CHARACTERS Named main characters Mentioned characters, but Did not tell anything
Included details about the no details about main character
characters
PLOT Summary includes conflict and Summary was there, but Summary was
climax rambling or confusing incomprehensible
Succinct and clear Some parts missing or Many parts missing
told too much Gave away the ending
THEME Clearly defined and elaborated Defined, but not Not defined
elaborated
RECOMMENDATION Gave rating with reasons Gave rating, but no No rating
Recommended to specific reasons No recommendation
people Sort of recommended it
PRESENTATION Clear, strong, pleasant voice No expression in voice Difficult to understand
Speaks with expression Somewhat prepared 6 inch voice or screeching
Well prepared Gum in mouth
Unprepared
BOOK PAGE Includes all required Includes most of required Missing information
information information No cover image
Includes picture of book cover Does not include picture of Lacks organization
Creative and neat organization cover
Formats aids understanding Organized, easy to read