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The Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers

No need to dread a book report! When kids find titles that are engaging, interesting, and thought-provoking, they're hooked. If it's fiction, students can dissect plot, theme, and characters. If it's nonfiction, they can plunge into a subject that fascinates them or learn a lot about something they've never heard of before. Here's a list of surefire selections for students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. For even more ideas, check out 50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12 .

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Inspiring wartime journal reveals teen's inner life.

The Apothecary, Book 1

Cold War kids use magic to save world in brilliant novel.

Everything Sad Is Untrue: (A True Story)

Young refugee's story is told in memories, myths, fables.

Goodbye Stranger

Bittersweet, lovely story of friendship and social media.

Genesis Begins Again

Teen learns to love herself in uplifting tale of misfits.

Hold on tight for an intense tale of survival.

A Long Walk to Water

Touching take on Lost Boys of Sudan, based on true story.

One Crazy Summer

A gem, with strong girl characters, '60s black history.

Poverty, being unhoused explored in hopeful tale.

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights

Little-known disaster gets overdue, in-depth treatment.

The Red Badge of Courage

Compelling Civil War novel questions morality of battle.

Uglies: Uglies Quartet, Book 1

Thoughtful sci-fi about the price of beauty.

Interned girl, Native boy find common ground in moving tale.

All-American Muslim Girl

Captivating coming-of-age tale explores identity, racism.

American Ace

Moving, fast-paced novel-in-verse; great for teen boys.

Bomb: The Race to Build -- and Steal -- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Complex, suspenseful story of developing The Bomb.

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

Thrilling true story of teenagers who stood up to the Nazis.

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings

Poignant memoir-in-verse recalls Cuban American's childhood.

Long Way Down

Gripping, unnerving story of teen boy contemplating revenge.

My Name Is Not Easy

Fascinating story of Alaskan kids growing up in the 1960s.

Other great lists from our editors

Coming-of-Age Books
Books to Help Your Kid Survive Middle School
How to Raise a Reader
Help Your Kids Find Books with Diverse Characters
How Comics Helped My Kid Love Reading

K-12 School Reading List

Recommended reading books for elementary, middle & high school students

Home » Reading lists for High School students » 9th grade reading books for teens aged 14-15

9th grade reading books for teens aged 14-15

Grade 9 books – this recommended reading list has been curated and compiled by teachers and librarians for final year middle school / junior high and freshman high school students in the 9th Grade, aged 14-15. There is a range of exciting and thought-provoking books to suit all abilities, including easy readers and more difficult texts. This list of 9th grade reading recommendations contains titles by Jeff Zentner, Jason Reynolds, Liz Kessler, Adam Silvera, Victoria Aveyard, William Golding, Rick Yancey, Marjorie Rawlings, and more.

Books for Grade 9 – our recommendations

In the wild light by jeff zentner.

Cash’s world is about to change when his best friend Delaney gets them both full-ride scholarships to an elite school. He’ll be able to leave behind a life dominated by his father’s ill health and his late mother’s drug addiction. But can he bear to move away from his grandparents and hometown? This award-winning novel is an emotional engrossing read.

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Does the Death Cast predict someone’s time of death, or is it all just fake news? Orion Pagan and Valentino Prince are two very different characters who are both about to find out after their lives unexpectedly intertwine. This dystopian page-turner prequel to ‘They Both Die at the End’ melds emotion, conflict, and cliffhangers. It’s a gripping read.

Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds

This unique mixed media words and art mash-up explores the meaning of the very oxygen we breathe. Part poetry, part cut up, and part art project Ain’t Burned All the Bright takes a look at life for a black family during the COVID pandemic in America. It’s an exceptional and engaging book to spark discussion in book clubs and to inspire less confident teens to read critically.

Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates

Based on a true story: a young African prince, Amos, was sold into slavery, aged 15. Transported to Massachusetts, he was auctioned and began 45 years as a slave. Courageous, and retaining his dignity, he never stopped dreaming of freedom – and finally, his hopes were realized.

Nothing by Janne Teller

A modern masterpiece that has won awards worldwide. Teen Pierre Anton decides that nothing matters in life and climbs into a tree. He will not move, in spite of all the efforts of his fellow students to prove him wrong. A challenging read that asks questions teens will relate to. Controversial, thought-provoking and at times disturbing.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

A group of boys is marooned on a deserted island and left to fend for themselves. What could possibly go wrong? An ideal book to study in 9th grade literature classes.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

A reluctant airman in WW2 gets closer and closer to achieving enough flights to go home but is thwarted every time in this absurdist portrayal of power and bureaucracy. This book is excellent for studying time shifts and narrative plotting.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

A highly rated and award-winning book. Written in hard-hitting and sharply crafted verse, it tells a cautionary tale of revenge. 15-year-old Will, gun at the ready and ready to kill, is forced to face the potential consequences of his actions as he descends the elevator of his building. This book is a harsh expose of the peer pressures felt by young men.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

In a dystopian world where humans are bred and controlled, can one man bring normal life back to society? A challenging read for students in grade 9.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

In this classic Pulitzer Prize winning story of prejudice, a white lawyer represents a black man accused of the most heinous of crimes in the South. Voted the best novel of the 20th century by American librarians.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Disillusioned with school, 16-year-old Holden Caulfield escapes to New York for three days where the reader finds out more about Holden’s life and Holden finds out more about how ‘phony’ the people and the world are. A classic coming-of-age story.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

The gripping multi-award-winning debut novel by John Green follows teenage Miles Halter as he leaves boarding school in search of “The Great Perhaps”. A great coming-of-age story, and a good novel to study and compare with The Catcher in the Rye.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The first book in a quintet of science fiction stories about human survival after a devastating alien invasion. Gripping and fast-paced, this series of novels will appeal to reluctant readers.

Monster by Walter Dean Meyers

The intelligent and distinctive story of Steve Harmon, charged with being the lookout in a homicide drug store robbery gone wrong is presented as a strangely detached screenplay written by Steve as a way of coping with the system and situation he finds himself trapped inside.

The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

In a dystopian society divided by blood, regular people serve the rich and powerful and the silver-blooded rule with superpowers, Mare Barrow finds out she has a power, a power that changes her life forever. Dark and poignant, this is an epic thriller.

Taking Hold by Francisco Jiménez

A beautifully written autobiography that charts Franciso’s journey from growing up in California and moving to Columbia University in New York. A great story of resilience.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Two unlikely friends, George – small, quick-witted and sharp, and Lennie, large, and childlike find themselves enveloped in injustice and inevitable danger. Will they find a way to escape?

Every Day by David Levithan

A unique story about a teenager, A, who wakes up in a different life and different body each day. In many ways, A has come to terms with this – until A meets Rhiannon whom he wants to stay with every day. A great book for studying character and plot in the 9th grade. A great class reader for 9th grade students.

Under the Bridge by Michael Harman

When hotshot skateboarder Indy drops out of school after a family argument, his brother Tate tries everything to save him from a rapid descent into a life of crime. Gritty and powerful, this book will appeal to reluctant readers.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

A clever and thought-provoking graphic novel about Jin Wang who struggles to fit in at his new High School. When a visiting cousin ruins his hard-earned reputation, where will he turn? A great story of isolation and rejection and an ideal format for reluctant readers.

March by John Lewis

This graphic novel masterpiece which features vivid artwork chronicles the life of Congressman John Lewis during the civil rights movement. Widely praised, this book is a Coretta Scott King Honor book.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

When Dill’s father becomes the town pariah, he soon starts to feel the heat. Travis and Lydia are the only friends he has left, but can they help see him through to the end of school and graduation day? This book offers a harsh look at growing up in a small town in the Bible Belt and is useful to provoke discussion.

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

An intriguing story that blends science fiction, alternative realities, and superheroes into a gripping and pacey thriller. Yael, a death camp prisoner who can shapeshift, plans to impersonate a famous motorcycle racer to assassinate an ageing Hitler in a reimagined 1956. But can she escape the attention of Luka and Felix long enough to maintain her disguise? Ideal for reluctant readers, this novel features a stunning climax. A startling read for teens in the 9th grade.

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

When Ed Kennedy inadvertently stops a bank robbery, he finds himself thrust into a strange and unpredictable world where he delivers messages and makes problems vanish. But who is sending him the messages and orchestrating everything he does and what is the bigger picture? A clever mystery, peppered with plot devices and clues and written in a less formal style – this book will appeal to the more reluctant reader in grade 9.

Shadowmancer by GP Taylor

Obadiah Demurral is the epitome of evil, trying to take over not just the world, but the universe with magic and spells. Raphah, Kate, and Thomas are perhaps the only ones who can stop him. Packed with atmospheric descriptions of smuggling and ancient magic – this is a gripping read for middle graders or reluctant teen readers in grade 9 who enjoy fantasy and magic.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

When Rosie’s parents start arguing and yelling non-stop, she goes off with her friend Windy in search of excitement and escape. This summer, however, they find much more than they bargained for. This is a powerful graphic novel page-turner and coming-of-age story.

Haunt Me by Liz Kessler

A love story with a difference. Joe is a ghost who lives in his old house after his family moves on. When a new family arrives, Erin, a lonely and bullied teenager, shares Joe’s space. A relationship develops and complications abound.

Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

A classic tale of mystery, murder, and bumps in the night. Sherlock Holmes investigates the curse of the Baskervilles and the legend of a gigantic hound that roams the bleak, marsh-infested moors. Full of peculiar suspects and strange phenomena. A gripping read for 9th grade teens who enjoy mysteries and adventures.

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

An award-winning science-fiction novel, set in Opium, a country between Mexico and the United States. A complex story of drugs, power, treachery, and cloning; this fast-moving text follows the adventures of Matt, his allies, and his foes. A good book to discuss in 9th grade literature classes.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

A powerful autobiography from Maya Angelou. Living with her grandmother, Maya and her brother feel abandoned and despised by the local community. Back with their mother in St. Louis, eight-year-old Maya is attacked by a man and is left traumatized. Many years later, kindness, her strength of character and her love of literature allow her to feel free.

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Regarded as one of the hundred best novels of all time, this classic book is an enduring anti-war polemic. Elements of science fiction and time travel combine with WW2 experiences. A must-read.

The Yearling by Marjorie Rawlings

Jody Baxter is a young boy who lives in the 1870s with his impoverished family in the Florida backwoods. The story revolves around a fawn called Flag which Jody adopts and grows up with. In this coming-of-age tale, Jody lives through hunger, fear, and loneliness; anger and rejection – but ultimately finds peace through the love of his family.

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

A classic best-selling book that was described by The New York Times as ‘original, remarkable, and finally heartbreaking … impossible to put down.’ An account, in their own words, of the battles, broken treaties and massacres that left the American Indians landless and defeated.

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

In this complicated love story, Natasha has to fight deportation back to Jamaica, and Daniel is being pushed by his Korean parents to get on with his life. These two young people, with nothing in common and different ambitions, meet, and this sets off a sequence of events that will change their lives.

Revolutionary Summer by Joseph Ellis

A brilliant examination of the people, the politics and the military battles in the summer of 1776 in America. The actions of both sides are brought together into a single story explaining how British actions provoked an American response and vice versa. A more challenging read for 9th grade students.

Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch

The Magisterium draws the reader into an alternative world. Glenn and Kevin have lived next to The Rift for 16 years – but they have never been allowed to cross to the other side. Events conspire and when they are forced to leave home, there is only one way to go – across the Rift and into the unknown. A gripping and compelling read.

The Odyssey by Homer

The classic Greek poem about Odysseus and his ten-year journey home after the fall of Troy. The contemporary slant and lyricism capture the scale of Homer’s epic poetry in an absorbing retelling of the mythical legend.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

A classic novel that has been a bestseller for over 30 years. Set in a New England boarding school for boys during WW2, the relationship between Gene and Phineas is tested, stretched and altered forever. Innocence is lost and the world changed. A great book for students in grade 9.

Merriam-Webster’s School Dictionary

With over 100,000 word definitions and 28,000 usage explanations this dictionary for students aged 14+ has been specifically designed for high school grades. It also includes synonyms, etymology, illustrations, and a Handbook of Style, making this an ideal resource for college preparation and personal statement writing.

Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this 9th grade book list, as well as classroom sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or stocking your school library. If you are ordering from outside the US, have a look at our ‘worldwide orders’ page which makes this process easy.

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About Tom Tolkien

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42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

Inspire your students to share their love of books.

Responding to what you read is an important literacy skill. Reading about other people’s experiences and perspectives helps kids learn about the world. And although students don’t need to dive deeply into every single book they read, occasionally digging into characters, settings, and themes can help them learn to look beyond the prose. Here are 42 creative book report ideas designed to make reading more meaningful for kids.

A poem about the sword in the stone formatted in the shape of the sword in the stone

1. Concrete Found Poem

This clever activity is basically a shape poem made up of words, phrases, and whole sentences found in the books students read. The words come together to create an image that represents something from the story.

2. Graphic Novel

Have students rewrite the book they are reading, or a chapter of their book, as a graphic novel. Set parameters for the assignment such as including six scenes from the story, three characters, details about the setting, etc. And, of course, include detailed illustrations to accompany the story.

A news article displayed on a computer screen with comments and an emoji laid over the print as an example of creative book report ideas

3. Book Snaps

Book Snaps are a way for students to visually show how they are reacting to, processing, and/or connecting with a text. First, students snap a picture of a page in the book they are reading. Then, they add comments, images, highlights, and more.

4. Diary Entry

Have your students place themselves in the shoes of one of the characters from their book and write a first-person diary entry of a critical moment from the story. Ask them to choose a moment in the story where the character has plenty of interaction and emotion to share in a diary entry.

A pizza box decorated with a book cover and a paper pizza with book report details as an example of creative book report ideas

5. Pizza Box Book Report

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas that use upcycled materials, try this one using a pizza box. It works well for both nonfiction and fiction book reports. The top lid provides a picture of the book cover. Each wedge of the pizza pie tells part of the story.

6. Book Jacket

Have students create a new book jacket for their story. Include an attractive illustrated cover, a summary, a short biography of the author, and a few reviews from readers.

A book report made from a mint tin as an example of creative book report ideas

7. Mint Tin Book Report

There are so many super-creative, open-ended projects you can use mint tins for. Teacher blogger Teacher Thrive describes the process of creating book reports using them. There’s even a free template for cards that fit inside.

8. Fictional Yearbook Entries

Ask your students to create a yearbook based on the characters and setting in the book. What do they look like? Cut out magazine pictures to give a good visual image for their school picture. What kind of superlative might they get? Best-looking? Class clown? What clubs would they be in or lead? Did they win any awards? It should be obvious from their small yearbooks whether your students dug deep into the characters in their books. They may also learn that who we are as individuals is reflected in what we choose to do with our lives.

A book report in the form of a cake made from paper

9. Book Report Cake

This project would be perfect for a book tasting in your classroom! Each student presents their book report in the shape of food. Learn more about book tastings .

10. Current Events Comparison

Have students locate three to five current events articles a character in their book might be interested in. After they’ve found the articles, have them explain why the character would find them interesting and how they relate to the book. Learning about how current events affect time, place, and people is critical to helping develop opinions about what we read and experience in life.

A book report written on separate pieces of paper shaped like ingredients of a sandwich

11. Sandwich Book Report

Yum! You’ll notice a lot of our creative book report ideas revolve around food. In this oldie but goodie, each layer of this book report sandwich covers a different element of the book—characters, setting, conflict, etc.

12. Book Alphabet

Choose 15 to 20 alphabet books to help give your students examples of how they work around themes. Then ask your students to create their own Book Alphabet based on the book they read. What artifacts, vocabulary words, and names reflect the important parts of the book? After they find a word to represent each letter, have them write one sentence that explains where the word fits in.

A book report tacked to a tri-fold display board with a face peeking over the top as an example of creative book report ideas

13. Peekaboo Book Report

Using cardboard lap books (or small science report boards), students include details about their book’s main characters, plot, setting, conflict, resolution, etc. Then they draw a head and arms on card stock and attach them to the board from behind to make it look like the main character is peeking over this book report.

14. Act the Part

Have students dress up as their favorite character from the book and present an oral book report. If their favorite character is not the main character, retell the story from their point of view.

A student wears a colorful t-shirt decorated with a book report about the book Ivy and Bean

15. T-shirt Book Report

Another fun and creative idea: Create a wearable book report with a plain white tee. Come up with your own using Sharpie pens and acrylic paint.

16. Bookmark

Have students create a custom illustrated bookmark that includes drawings and words from either their favorite chapter or the entire book.

17. Rays of Sunshine Book Report

This is great for biography research projects. Students cut out a photocopied image of their subject and glue it in the middle. Then, they draw lines from the image to the edges of the paper, like rays of sunshine, and fill in each section with information about the person. As a book report template, the center image could be a copy of the book cover, and each section expands on key information such as character names, theme(s), conflict, resolution, etc.

18. Reading Lists for Characters

Ask your students to think about a character in their book. What kinds of books might that character like to read? Take them to the library to choose five books the character might have on their to-be-read list. Have them list the books and explain what each book might mean to the character. Post the to-be-read lists for others to see and choose from—there’s nothing like trying out a book character’s style when developing your own identity.

19. Character To-Do List

This fun activity is an off-the-beaten-path way to dive deep into character analysis. Get inside the head of the main character in a book and write a to-do list that they might write. Use actual information from the text, but also make inferences into what that character may wish to accomplish.

20. Collage

Create a collage using pictures and words that represent different parts of the book. Use old magazines or print pictures from the Internet.

A group of students pose with their paper bag book reports as an example of creative book report ideas

21. Book Reports in a Bag

Looking for book report ideas that really encourage creative thinking? With book reports in a bag, students read a book and write a summary. Then, they decorate a paper grocery bag with a scene from the book, place five items that represent something from the book inside the bag, and present the bag to the class.

22. Timeline

Have students create a timeline of the main events from their book. Be sure to include character names and details for each event. Use 8″ x 11″ sheets of paper taped together or a long portion of bulletin board paper.

A manilla file folder decorated with elements of a book report as an example of creative book report ideas

23. File Folder Book Report

Also called a lap book, this easy-to-make book report hits on all the major elements of a book study and gives students a chance to show what they know in a colorful way.

24. Public Service Announcement

If a student has read a book about a cause that affects people, animals, or the environment, teach them about public service announcements . Once they understand what a PSA is, have them research the issue or cause that stood out in the book. Then provide a template for a storyboard so they can create their own PSA. Some students might want to take it a step further and create a video based on their storyboard. Consider sharing their storyboard or video with an organization that supports the cause or issue.

A book report written on a 3 dimensional triangle

25. Triorama Book Report

Who doesn’t love a multidimensional book report? This image shows a 3D model, but you can also try an accordion-folded book report, a quadrama, or an info-sphere.

26. Character Cards

Make trading cards (like baseball cards) for a few characters from the book. On the front side, draw the character. On the back side, make a list of their character traits and include a quote or two.

A girl stands next to a book report mobile made from a wire hanger and index cards as an example of creative book report ideas

27. Book Report Mobile

This creative project doesn’t require a fancy or expensive supply list. Students just need an ordinary clothes hanger, strings, and paper. The body of the hanger is used to identify the book, and the cards on the strings dangling below are filled with key elements of the book, like characters, setting, and a summary.

28. Fact Sheet

Have students create a list of 10 facts that they learned from reading the book. Have them write the facts in complete sentences, and be sure that each fact is something that they didn’t know before they read the book.

A book report made from 12 sheets of paper put together to form a dodecahedron as an example of creative book report ideas

29. Dodecahedron Book Report

Creative book report ideas think outside the box. In this case, it’s a ball! SO much information can be covered on the 12 panels, and it allows students to take a deep dive in a creative way.

30. Be a Character Therapist

Therapists work to uncover their clients’ fears based on their words and actions. When we read books, we must learn to use a character’s actions and dialogue to infer their fears. Many plots revolve around a character’s fear and the work it takes to overcome that fear. Ask students to identify a character’s fear and find 8 to 10 scenes that prove this fear exists. Then have them write about ways the character overcame the fear (or didn’t) in the story. What might the character have done differently?

A decorated paper hand with paper charms hanging off of it

31. Charm Bracelet Book Report

What a “charming” way to write a book report! Each illustrated bracelet charm captures a character, an event in the plot, setting, or other detail.

32. Mind Maps

Mind maps can be a great way to synthesize what students have learned from reading a book. Plus, there are so many ways to approach them. Begin by writing a central idea in the middle of the page. For example, general information, characters, plot, etc. Then branch out from the center with ideas, thoughts, and connections to material from the book.

A book made from folded grocery bags is the template for a student book report as an example of creative book report ideas

33. Book Report Booklets

This clever book report is made from ordinary paper bags. Stack the paper bags on top of each other, fold them in half, and staple the closed-off ends of the bags together. Students can write, draw, and decorate on the paper bag pages. They can also record information on writing or drawing paper and glue the paper onto the pages. The open ends of the bags can be used as pockets to insert photos, cut-outs, postcards, or other flat items that help them tell their story.

34. Letter to the Author

Have kids write a letter to the author of the book. Tell them three things you really liked about the story. Ask three questions about the plot, characters, or anything else you’re curious about.

35. Cardboard Box TV

This cardboard box TV book report project is a low-tech version of a television made from a cereal box and two paper towel rolls. Students create the viewing screen cut out at the top, then insert a scroll of paper with writing and illustrations inside the box. When the cardboard roll is rotated, the story unfolds.

36. Board games

This is a great project if you want your students to develop a little more insight into what they’re reading. Have them think about the elements of their favorite board games and how they can be adapted to fit this assignment.

A book report made from a paper background and attached flaps as an example of creative book report ideas as an example of creative book report ideas

37. Foldables

From Rainbows Within Reach, this clever idea would be a great introduction to writing book reports. Adapt the flap categories for students at different levels. Adjust the number of categories (or flaps) per the needs of your students.

38. Timeline

Create a timeline using a long roll of butcher paper, a poster board, or index cards taped together. For each event on the timeline, write a brief description of what happens. Add pictures, clip art, word art, and symbols to make the timeline more lively and colorful.

A girl stands holding a comic strip book report as an example of creative book report ideas

39. Comic Strips

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas for students who like graphic novels, try comic strip book reports. Include an illustrated cover with the title and author. The pages of the book should retell the story using dialogue and descriptions of the setting and characters. Of course, no comic book would be complete without copious illustrations and thought bubbles.

40. Movie Version

If the book your students have read has been made into a movie, have them write a report about how the versions are alike and different. If the book has not been made into a movie, have them write a report telling how they would make it into a movie, using specific details from the book.

A book report in the form of a wanted poster

41. Wanted Poster

Make a Wanted poster for one of the book’s main characters. Indicate whether they are wanted dead or alive. Include a picture of the character and a description of what the character is “wanted” for, three examples of the character showing this trait, and a detailed account of where the character was last seen.

42. Wheaties Box Book Report

Recycle a cereal box and create a book report to look like an old-fashioned Wheaties box that features sports heroes. Include a main image on the front side of the box. Decorate the sides of the box with information about the book’s characters, setting, plot, summary, etc.

Come share your own creative book report ideas in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, dont’ miss 100 famous children’s books every kid should read (plus free printable).

Book reports don't have to be boring. Help your students make the books come alive with these 42 creative book report ideas.

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Expand Your Readers’ Palates With a Book Tasting

A perfect way for kids to nibble on a book. Continue Reading

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10 Days To Faster Reading Summary
10% Happier Summary
10-Minute Toughness Summary
12 Rules For Life Summary
13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do Summary
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Summary
1984 Summary
2030 Summary
21 Days To A Big Idea Summary
21 Lessons For The 21st Century Summary
23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism Summary
30 Lessons For Loving Summary
4 Books That Will Help You Fight (and Beat) Anxiety
4 Procrastination Books to Help You Get Moving on What Matters Most
59 Seconds Summary
60 Seconds & You’re Hired Summary
7 Strategies For Wealth And Happiness Summary
75 Hard Summary
8 Rules of Love Summary
A Beautiful Mind Summary
A Beginner’s Guide To The End Summary
A Brief History Of Everyone Who Ever Lived Summary
A Brief History Of Time Summary
A Christmas Carol Summary
A Crack In Creation Summary
A Curious Mind Summary
A First-Rate Madness Summary
A Force For Good Summary
A General Theory Of Love Summary
A Guide To The Good Life Summary
A Higher Loyalty Summary
A History Of The World In 6 Glasses Summary
A Message To Garcia Summary
A Mind For Numbers Summary
A Monk’s Guide To Happiness Summary
A More Beautiful Question Summary
A New Earth Summary
A People’s History Of The United States Summary
A Promised Land Summary
A Random Walk Down Wall Street Summary
A Return To Love Summary
A Short History Of Nearly Everything Summary
A Splendid Exchange Summary
A Tale of Two Cities Summary
A Universe From Nothing Summary
A Vindication Of The Rights Of Woman Summary
A Walk Around the Block Summary
A Walk In The Woods Summary
A Whole New Mind Summary
A Woman Of No Importance Summary
A World In Disarray Summary
A World Without Email Summary
A Year With Peter Drucker Summary
Abundance Summary
Accidental Genius Summary
Accounting Made Simple Summary
Adapt Summary
Adaptive Markets Summary
Affluenza Summary
Against Empathy Summary
Age Of Ambition Summary
Age Of Anger Summary
Agile Selling Summary
AI 2041 Summary
AI Superpowers Summary
Alchemy Summary
Alexander Hamilton Summary
Alexander The Great Summary
Algorithms To Live By Summary
Alibaba Summary
Alibaba’s World Summary
All About Love Summary
All In Summary
All Marketers Are Liars Summary
Alone Together Summary
Altered Traits Summary
Amazon Summary
Amusing Ourselves To Death Summary
An American Sickness Summary
An Astronaut’s Guide To Life On Earth Summary
An Audience Of One Summary
An Invisible Thread Summary
An Ugly Truth Summary
Anatomy Of An Epidemic Summary
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle Summary
Antifragile Summary
Anxiety at Work Summary
Anything You Want Summary
Are You Fully Charged Summary
Areté Summary
Arise, Awake Summary
As A Man Thinketh Summary
Ask Summary
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry Summary
At Home Summary
Atlas of the Heart Summary
Atomic Habits Summary
Attached Summary
Automate Your Busywork Summary
Awaken The Giant Within Summary
Aware Summary
Awe Summary
Bad Blood Summary
Bad Feminist Summary
Barbarians At The Gate Summary
Barking Up The Wrong Tree Summary
Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mother Summary
Be A Free Range Human Summary
Be Fearless Summary
Be Obsessed Or Be Average Summary
Be Our Guest Summary
Be Useful Summary
Be Where Your Feet Are Summary
Becoming Summary
Becoming The Boss Summary
Behave Summary
Behind The Beautiful Forevers Summary
Behind The Cloud Summary
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life Summary
Best Self Summary
Better Than Before Summary
Between The World And Me Summary
Beyond Order Summary
Big Magic Summary
Big Potential Summary
Billion Dollar Whale Summary
Bird By Bird Summary
Bit Literacy Summary
Bittersweet Summary
Black Box Thinking Summary
Blink Summary
Blitzscaling Summary
Blockchain Revolution Summary
Blue Ocean Shift Summary
Blue Ocean Strategy Summary
Blueprint Summary
Body By Science Summary
Bold Summary
Boost! Summary
Bored and Brilliant Summary
Born A Crime Summary
Born For This Summary
Born To Run Summary
Born To Win Summary
Boss It Summary
Bounce Back Summary
Bounce Summary
Boundaries Summary
Boys & Sex Summary
Braiding Sweetgrass Summary
Brain Food Summary
Brain Maker Summary
Brain Rules Summary
Brain Wash Summary
Brainfluence Summary
Brainstorm Summary
Brandwashed Summary
Brave New World Summary
Brave Summary
Braving The Wilderness Summary
Breakfast With Socrates Summary
Breath Summary
Brief Answers To The Big Questions Summary
Broadcasting Happiness Summary
Broke Millennial Summary
Brotopia Summary
Buddha’s Brain Summary
Build the Life You Want Summary
Building a Second Brain Summary
Building A StoryBrand Summary
Building Social Business Summary
Built To Last Summary
Built to Move Summary
Built To Sell Summary
Bullshit Jobs Summary
Burn the Boats Summary
Business Adventures Summary
Business Model Generation Summary
Buyology Summary
Call Sign Chaos Summary
Can’t Hurt Me Summary
Capitalism And Freedom Summary
Capitalism Summary
Carrots And Sticks Summary
Cashvertising Summary
Caste Summary
Catalyst Summary
Catch Me If You Can Summary
Change By Design Summary
Change Your Questions, Change Your Life Summary
Chaos Monkeys Summary
Chaos Summary
Charlie Munger Summary
Chasing Excellence Summary
Chasing The Scream Summary
Chatter Summary
Chernobyl Summary
Choose Yourself Summary
Clear Thinking Summary
Collaborative Intelligence Summary
Come As You Are Summary
Comfortably Unaware Summary
Common Sense Summary
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits Summary
Company Of One Summary
Confessions Of An Advertising Man Summary
Conscious Uncoupling Summary
Contagious Summary
Content, Inc. Summary
Cooked Summary
Cosmos Summary
Counterclockwise Summary
Courage Is Calling Summary
Cradle To Cradle Summary
Creative Confidence Summary
Creative Schools Summary
Creativity, Inc. Summary
Cribsheet Summary
Crippled America Summary
Crossing The Chasm Summary
Crucial Conversations Summary
Crush It Summary
Crushing It Summary
Crypto Confidential Summary
Cryptoassets Summary
Cryptocurrency Investing For Dummies Summary
Curious Summary
Daily Rituals Summary
Dare To Lead Summary
Daring Greatly Summary
Dark Money Summary
Dark Towers Summary
Dataclysm Summary
David and Goliath Summary
Dear Girls Summary
Decisive Summary
Deep Nutrition Summary
Deep Thinking Summary
Deep Work Summary
Delivering Happiness Summary
Descartes’ Error Summary
Design To Grow Summary
Design Your Future Summary
Designing Your Life Summary
Designing Your Work Life Summary
Die Empty Summary
Die With Zero Summary
Difficult Conversations Summary
Digital Gold Summary
Digital Minimalism Summary
Digital Renaissance Summary
Discipline Equals Freedom Summary
Discipline Is Destiny Summary
Discourses Summary
Disney U Summary
Disrupt Yourself Summary
Do Nothing Summary
Do Over Summary
Do The Work Summary
Do What Matters Most Summary
Do What You Are Summary
Doesn’t Hurt To Ask Summary
Dollars And Sense Summary
Don Quixote Summary
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff Summary
Dopamine Nation Summary
Dotcom Secrets Summary
Doubt Summary
Doughnut Economics Summary
Dreamland Summary
Drive Summary
Duct Tape Marketing Summary
Eat Better Feel Better Summary
Eat, Move, Sleep Summary
Eat Sleep Work Repeat Summary
Eat That Frog Summary
Eat To Beat Disease Summary
Eat To Live Summary
Eating Animals Summary
Eats, Shoots & Leaves Summary
Educated Summary
Effortless Summary
Ego Friendly Summary
Ego Is The Enemy Summary
Einstein: His Life and Universe Summary
Elite Minds Summary
Elon Musk Summary (Ashlee Vance)
Elon Musk Summary (Walter Isaacson)
Emotional Agility Summary
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 Summary
Emotional Intelligence Summary
Empire Of Illusion Summary
Empty Planet Summary
Enchantment Summary
Ending Aging Summary
Energy Summary
Enlightenment Now Summary
EntreLeadership Summary
Epic Content Marketing Summary
Escape Velocity Summary
Essentialism Summary
Everybody Lies Summary
Everybody Matters Summary
Everyday Millionaires Summary
Everyday Zen Summary
Everything I Know Summary
Everything Is F*cked Summary
Everything Is Figureoutable Summary
Everything Is Obvious Summary
Evicted Summary
Excellent Advice for Living Summary
Excellent Sheep Summary
Executive Presence Summary
Expert Secrets Summary
Exploring The World Of Lucid Dreaming Summary
Extraordinary Influence Summary
Extreme Ownership Summary
Facebook Ads Manual Summary
Factfulness Summary
Fail Fast Fail Often Summary
Failing Forward Summary
Faith Summary
Farmageddon Summary
Fascism Summary
Fast Food Nation Summary
Fat For Fuel Summary
Fear Summary
Feel-Good Productivity Summary
Feel Great Lose Weight Summary
Feral Summary
Find Your Why Summary
Finding My Virginity Summary
Finding Your Element Summary
Finish Summary
Finite and Infinite Games Summary
Fire And Fury Summary
First Bite Summary
First Break All The Rules Summary
First Principles Summary
First They Killed My Father Summary
First Things First Summary
Fit For Growth Summary
Flourish Summary
Flow Summary
Fluent In 3 Months Summary
Focus Summary
Food Fix Summary
Fooled By Randomness Summary
Forensics: The Anatomy Of Crime Summary
Forest Bathing Summary
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget Summary
Founders at Work Summary
Four Hundred Souls Summary
Four Thousand Weeks Summary
Freakonomics Summary
Free: The Future Of A Radical Price Summary
Free To Focus Summary
From Here To Financial Happiness Summary
Game Changers Summary
Games People Play Summary
Genius Foods Summary
Genius: The Life And Science Of Richard Feynman Summary
Get A Financial Life Summary
Get Better at Anything Summary
Get Good With Money Summary
Get Out Of Your Head Summary
Get Out Of Your Own Way Summary
Get Smart Summary
Getting COMFY Summary
Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You’ve Got Summary
Getting There Summary
Getting Things Done Summary
Getting to Yes Summary
Ghettoside Summary
Girl, Stop Apologizing Summary
Girl, Wash Your Face Summary
#GIRLBOSS Summary
Girls & Sex Summary
Give and Take Summary
Global Content Marketing Summary
Goals! Summary
Good People Summary
Good Strategy, Bad Strategy Summary
Good To Great Summary
Good Vibes, Good Life Summary
Grain Brain Summary
Great At Work Summary
Great By Choice Summary
Great Thinkers Summary
Green Illusions Summary
Greenlights Summary
Grit Summary
Growth Hacker Marketing Summary
Guns, Germs, and Steel Summary
Habits Of A Happy Brain Summary
Hackers and Painters Summary
Happier At Home Summary
Happier Summary
Happiness Summary
Happy Together Summary
Hardwiring Happiness Summary
Hatching Twitter Summary
Healthy at 100 Summary
Hidden Potential Summary
High-Impact Tools for Teams Summary
High Performance Habits Summary
Hillbilly Elegy Summary
Hiring Success Summary
Hit Refresh Summary
Hold Me Tight Summary
Homo Deus Summary
Hood Feminism Summary
Hooked Summary
How Democracies Die Summary
How Emotions Are Made Summary
How Google Works Summary
How I Built This Summary
How Luck Happens Summary
How Music Got Free Summary
How Not To Be Wrong Summary
How Not To Die Summary
How Not To Worry Summary
How Successful People Think Summary
How the Word Is Passed Summary
How the World Really Works Summary
How To Avoid A Climate Disaster Summary
How To Be A Bawse Summary
How to Be a Conservative Summary
How To Be A Leader Summary
How To Be A Positive Leader Summary
How To Be A Stoic Summary
How To Be Alone Summary
How To Be An Antiracist Summary
How To Be Black Summary
How to Be Right Summary
How to Become a Straight-A Student Summary
How to Break Up With Your Phone Summary
How To Change Summary
How To Change Your Mind Summary
How To Create A Mind Summary
How To Do Nothing Summary
How To Do The Work Summary
How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big Summary
How To Fail Summary
How to Live Summary
How To Love Summary
How to Raise an Adult Summary
How To Read A Book Summary
How To Read Literature Like A Professor Summary
How To Stop Worrying And Start Living Summary
How To Summary
How to Take Smart Notes Summary
How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere Summary
How To Talk To Anyone Summary
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor Summary
How to Think More Effectively Summary
How To Win At The Sport Of Business Summary
How to Win Friends and Influence People Summary
How We Got To Now Summary
How We Learn Summary
How Will You Measure Your Life Summary
Howard Hughes: His Life And Madness Summary
Hug Your Haters Summary
Humans Are Underrated Summary
Humor, Seriously Summary
Hyper-Learning Summary
Hyperfocus Summary
I Contain Multitudes Summary
I Hear You Summary
I Thought It Was Just Me Summary
I Wear The Black Hat Summary
I Will Teach You To Be Rich Summary
Identity Summary
If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy Summary
Ignore Everybody Summary
Ikigai Summary
Imagine It Forward Summary
Immunity Summary
Impeachment Summary
Imperfect Courage Summary
In Cold Blood Summary
In Defense Of Food Summary
In Search Of Excellence Summary
Indistractable Summary
Influence Summary
Inner Engineering Summary
Insight Summary
Inspired Summary
Intimacy And Desire Summary
Intuitive Eating Summary
Invent and Wander Summary
Inventology Summary
Invisible Influence Summary
Invisible Women Summary
Irresistible Summary
It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work Summary
It’s All In Your Head Summary
iWoz Summary
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook Summary
Journey Of Awakening Summary
Joy At Work Summary
Joyful Summary
Just Keep Buying Summary
Just Listen Summary
Just Mercy Summary
Kaizen Summary
Keep Going Summary
Keep Showing Up Summary
Keto Answers Summary
Killing the Mob Summary
Labor Of Love Summary
Late Bloomers Summary
Lateral Thinking Summary
Launch Summary
Lead Yourself First Summary
Leaders Eat Last Summary
Leadershift Summary
Leadership And Self-Deception Summary
Leadership Strategy And Tactics Summary
Lean Analytics Summary
Lean In Summary
Learned Optimism Summary
Legendary Service Summary
Leonardo Da Vinci Summary
Less Doing More Living Summary
Lessons from the Titans Summary
Letters From A Stoic Summary
Letting Go of Nothing Summary
Liespotting Summary
Life After Google Summary
Life in Five Senses Summary
Life Worth Living Summary
Lifespan Summary
Limitless Summary
Linchpin Summary
Lives Of The Stoics Summary
Living Forward Summary
Living In Your Top 1% Summary
Long Life Learning Summary
Long-Term Thinking For A Short-Sighted World Summary
Long Walk To Freedom Summary
Loonshots Summary
Loserthink Summary
Losing My Virginity Summary
Lost Connections Summary
Love People, Use Things Summary
Love Warrior Summary
Love Worth Making Summary
Loving What Is Summary
Made To Stick Summary
Make A Killing On Kindle Summary
Make It Stick Summary
Make Money Trading Options Summary
Make Time Summary
Make Your Bed Summary
Make Your Mark Summary
Making Ideas Happen Summary
Making It All Work Summary
Managing Oneself Summary
Man’s Search For Meaning Summary
Manufacturing Consent Summary
Maoism Summary
Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes Summary
Masters of Scale Summary
Mastery Summary
Mating In Captivity Summary
Maximize Your Potential Summary
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone Summary
Measure What Matters Summary
Meditations On First Philosophy Summary
Meditations Summary
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus Summary
Merchants of Doubt Summary
Metahuman Summary
Mighty Be Our Powers Summary
Million Dollar Consulting Summary
Million Dollar Weekend Summary
Millionaire Success Habits Summary
Mind Gym Summary
Mind Hacking Summary
Mind Over Clutter Summary
Mind Over Money Summary
Mindful Work Summary
Mindset Summary
Mindsight Summary
Mini Habits Summary
Minimalism Summary
Minor Feelings Summary
Mistakes Were Made, But Not By Me Summary
Money: Master The Game Summary
Money Summary
Moneyland Summary
Moonshot Summary
Moonwalking With Einstein Summary
More Money Than God Summary
Move Your Bus Summary
Multipliers Summary
My Age Of Anxiety Summary
My Morning Routine Summary
My Stroke Of Insight Summary
Nail It Then Scale It Summary
Napoleon The Great Summary
Napoleon’s Buttons Summary
Narrative Economics Summary
Necessary Endings Summary
Never Eat Alone Summary
Never Finished Summary
Never Split The Difference Summary
No-Drama Discipline Summary
No Excuses! Summary
No Hard Feelings Summary
No Logo Summary
No More Mr. Nice Guy Summary
No Rules Rules Summary
No Self No Problem Summary
Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t Summary
Noise Summary
Nonviolent Communication Summary
Not Today Summary
Now, Discover Your Strengths Summary
Nudge Summary
On Liberty Summary
On the Origin of Species Summary
On The Shortness Of Life Summary
On Tyranny Summary
On Writing Summary
On Writing Well Summary
One Decision Summary
One Simple Idea Summary
One Up on Wall Street Summary
Open Summary
Option B Summary
Orientalism Summary
Originals Summary
Our Wild Calling Summary
Out Of Our Minds Summary
Outer Order, Inner Calm Summary
Outliers Summary
Outlive Summary
Outwitting The Devil Summary
Own The Day, Own Your Life Summary
Own Your Everyday Summary
Oxygen Summary
4 Books That Will Help You Deal With Painful Relationships
Pandemic Summary
Payoff Book Summary
Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo From Maslow Summary
Peak Performance Summary
Peak Summary
People Over Profit Summary
Perfectly Confident Summary
Permanent Record Summary
Permission Marketing Summary
Personality Isn’t Permanent Summary
Phantoms In The Brain Summary
Pioneering Portfolio Management Summary
Pitch Anything Summary
Pitch Perfect Summary
Pivot Summary
Plato At The Googleplex Summary
Playing With FIRE Summary
Poor Charlie’s Almanack Summary
Power Relationships Summary
Pre-Suasion Summary
Predictable Success Summary
Predictably Irrational Summary
Presence Summary
Principles Summary
Prisoners Of Geography Summary
Problem Solving 101 Summary
Profit First Summary
Psyched Up Summary
Psycho-Cybernetics Summary
Purple Cow Summary
QBQ! Summary
Quiet Power Summary
Quiet Summary
Quit Like A Millionaire Summary
Quitter Summary
Radical Acceptance Summary
Radical Candor Summary
Radical Honesty Summary
Raise Your Game Summary
Raising A Secure Child Summary
Range Summary
Rationality Summary
Reading Like A Writer Summary
Real Artists Don’t Starve Summary
Real Change Summary
Real Help Summary
Reality Is Broken Summary
Reasons To Stay Alive Summary
Reframe Your Brain Summary
Reinvent Yourself Summary
Rejection Proof Summary
Relationship Goals Summary
Remote Book Summary
Requiem For The American Dream Summary
Resilience Summary
Resisting Happiness Summary
Rest Summary
Restart Summary
Rewire Summary
Rework Summary
Rich Dad Poor Dad Summary
Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant Summary
Richard Nixon: The Life Summary
Right Thing, Right Now Summary
Rising Strong Summary
Rookie Smarts Summary
Rule #1 Summary
Safe People Summary
Salt: A World History Summary
Salt Sugar Fat Summary
Sam Walton: Made In America Summary
Same as Ever Summary
Sapiens Summary
Say Nothing Summary
Search Inside Yourself Summary
Second Chance Summary
Secrets Of The Millionaire Mind Summary
See You At The Top Summary
See You On The Internet Summary
Self-Compassion Summary
Selfish Reasons To Have More Kids Summary
Set Boundaries Find Peace Summary
Seven Brief Lessons On Physics Summary
Sex At Dawn Summary
Shattered Summary
She Comes First Summary
Shoe Dog Summary
Show Your Work! Summary
Shy by Design Summary
Siddhartha Summary
Side Hustle Summary
Silent Spring Summary
Simple Rules Summary
Singletasking Summary
Six Thinking Hats Summary
Skin In The Game Summary
Sleep Smarter Summary
Slow Productivity Summary
Small Giants Summary
Smart People Should Build Things Summary
Smartcuts Summary
Smarter Faster Better Summary
Smarter Summary
So Good They Can’t Ignore You Summary
So You Want To Talk About Race Summary
So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed Summary
Social Intelligence Summary
Social Summary
Socialism Summary
Solve For Happy Summary
Soundtracks Summary
Spark Summary
Spartan Up Summary
SPIN Selling Summary
Sprint Summary
Spy the Lie Summary
Stamped From The Beginning Summary
Starry Messenger Summary
Start Something That Matters Summary
Start Summary
Start-Up Nation Summary
Start Where You Are Summary
Start With Why Summary
Startup Growth Engines Summary
Status Anxiety Summary
Steal Like An Artist Summary
Stealing Fire Summary
Steve Jobs Summary
Stillness Is The Key Summary
Stocks for the Long Run Summary
Stolen Focus Summary
Storyworthy Summary
Strengthsfinder 2.0 Summary
Striking Thoughts Summary
Stumbling On Happiness Summary
Subscribed Summary
Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude Summary
Suggestible You Summary
Super Attractor Summary
Super Brain Summary
Super Human Summary
Superbetter Summary
Supercommunicators Summary
Superfreakonomics Summary
Superintelligence Summary
Surrounded by Idiots Summary
Survival Of The Friendliest Summary
Switch Summary
Talent Is Overrated Summary
Talk Like Ted Summary
Talking To Strangers Summary
Team Of Rivals Summary
Team Of Teams Summary
TED Talks Summary
Tell Me More Summary
Ten Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now Summary
Tesla: Man Out of Time Summary
Testing Business Ideas Summary
Thank You For Arguing Summary
Thank You For Being Late Summary
Thanks For The Feedback Summary
That Sounds Fun Summary
The 1-Page Marketing Plan Summary
The $100 Startup Summary
The 100-Year Life Summary
The 10X Rule Summary
The 12 Week Year Summary
The 15 Invaluable Laws Of Growth Summary
The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership Summary
The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding Summary
The 22 Immutable Laws Of Marketing Summary
The 4 Day Week Summary
The 4 Disciplines Of Execution Summary
The 4-Hour Body Summary
The 4-Hour Workweek Summary
The 4 Minute Millionaire Summary
The 4 Pillar Plan Summary
The 48 Laws Of Power Summary
The 5 AM Club Summary
The 5 Choices Summary
The 5 Levels Of Leadership Summary
The 5 Love Languages Summary
The 5 Second Rule Summary
The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People Summary
The 80/20 Principle Summary
The 8th Habit Summary
The Achievement Habit Summary
The ADHD Advantage Summary
The Advice Trap Summary
The Age Of Cryptocurrency Summary
The Age of Empathy Summary
The Alchemist Summary
The Algebra of Happiness Summary
The Algebra of Wealth Summary
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant Summary
The Alter Ego Effect Summary
The Anatomy Of Peace Summary
The Antidote Summary
The Anxious Generation Summary
The Apology Impulse Summary
The Art of Aliveness Summary
The Art Of Asking Summary
The Art Of Choosing Summary
The Art Of Communicating Summary
The Art Of Happiness Summary
The Art Of Learning Summary
The Art of Living Summary
The Art Of Non-Conformity Summary
The Art of Possibility Summary
The Art of Rhetoric Summary
The Art Of Seduction Summary
The Art Of Social Media Summary
The Art of Statistics Summary
The Art Of Stopping Time Summary
The Art Of The Start Summary
The Art of Thinking Clearly Summary
The Art Of Travel Summary
The Art Of War Summary
The Art Of Work Summary
The Artist’s Way Summary
The Audacity Of Hope Summary
The Authoritarian Moment Summary
The Autobiography Of Malcolm X Summary
The Automatic Millionaire Summary
The Barefoot Investor Summary
The Beautiful Cure Summary
The Better Angels Of Our Nature Summary
The Bhagavad Gita Summary
The Big Leap Summary
The Big Necessity Summary
The Biology of Belief Summary
The Bitcoin Standard Summary
The Black Swan Summary
The Blue Zones Solution Summary
The Blue Zones Summary
The Body Keeps The Score Summary
The Body Summary
The Book Of Joy Summary
The Book of Mistakes Summary
The Book Summary
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read Summary
The Botany Of Desire Summary
The Box Summary
The Brain That Changes Itself Summary
The Bullet Journal Method Summary
The Bulletproof Diet Summary
The Burnout Fix Summary
The Business Romantic Summary
The Case Against Education Summary
The Case Against Sugar Summary
The Catcher in the Rye Summary
The Charge Summary
The Charisma Myth Summary
The Checklist Manifesto Summary
The Chimp Paradox Summary
The China Study Summary
The Coaching Habit Summary
The Coach’s Survival Guide Summary
The Code Breaker Summary
The Code Of The Extraordinary Mind Summary
The Comfort Book Summary
The Comfort Crisis Summary
The Complete Ketogenic Diet for Beginners Summary
The Compound Effect Summary
The Confidence Code Summary
The Courage Habit Summary
The Courage to Be Disliked Summary
The Courage to Be Happy Summary
The Creative Act Summary
The Creative Habit Summary
The Cult of We Summary
The Culture Code Summary
The Da Vinci Curse Summary
The Daily Laws Summary
The Daily Stoic Summary
The Dark Net Summary
The Data Detective Summary
The Dawn of Everything Summary
The Decision-Making Blueprint Summary
The Design Of Everyday Things Summary
The Desire Map Summary
The Devil In The White City Summary
The Diary of a CEO Summary
The Dip Summary
The Double Helix Summary
The Drama Of The Gifted Child Summary
The E-Myth Revisited Summary
The Education Of A Value Investor Summary
The Effective Executive Summary
The Emperor Of All Maladies Summary
The End Of Average Summary
The End Of Illness Summary
The End of Jobs Summary
The End Of Poverty Summary
The End Of Power Summary
The End Of Stress Summary
The Energy Bus Summary
The Ethics Of Ambiguity Summary
The Eureka Factor Summary
The Everything Store Summary
The Evolution Of Everything Summary
The Execution Factor Summary
The Facebook Effect Summary
The Fifth Agreement Summary
The Fifth Discipline Summary
The Financial Diet Summary
The Fine Art Of Small Talk Summary
The First 20 Hours Summary
The First 90 Days Summary
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Summary
The Fortune Cookie Principle Summary
The Four Agreements Summary
The Four Steps To The Epiphany Summary
The Four Tendencies Summary
The Freaks Shall Inherit The Earth Summary
The Game Summary
The Genius Of Birds Summary
The Genius of Dogs Summary
The Geography Of Genius Summary
The Gift Of Fear Summary
The Gifts Of Imperfection Summary
The Go-Giver Summary
The God Delusion Summary
The God Equation Summary
The Grand Design Summary
The Great Escape Summary
The Great Gatsby Summary
The Great Mental Models Summary
The Greatest Salesman In The World Summary
The Greatest Secret Summary
The Greatness Mindset Summary
The Habit Blueprint Summary
The Happiness Advantage Summary
The Happiness Equation Summary
The Happiness Hypothesis Summary
The Happiness Of Pursuit Summary
The Happiness Project Summary
The Happiness Trap Summary
The Happy Mind Summary
The Hard Thing About Hard Things Summary
The Hero Code Summary
The Hero Factor Summary
The Hero With a Thousand Faces Summary
The Hidden Habits of Genius Summary
The Hidden Life of Trees Summary
The High 5 Habit Summary
The Highly Sensitive Person Summary
The Honest Truth About Dishonesty Summary
The Hot Zone Summary
The House Of Rothschild Summary
The How of Happiness Summary
The Idea Factory Summary
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Summary
The Importance Of Being Little Summary
The In-Between Summary
The Infinite Game Summary
The Inner Game Of Tennis Summary
The Inner Life of Animals Summary
The Innovator’s Dilemma Summary
The Innovators Summary
The Intelligent Investor Summary
The Interpretation Of Dreams Summary
The Introvert’s Complete Career Guide Summary
The Invincible Company Summary
The Joy of Missing Out Summary
The Joy Of Movement Summary
The Kindness Method Summary
The Language Instinct Summary
The Last Lecture Summary
The Latte Factor Summary
The Law Says What Summary
The Laws Of Human Nature Summary
The Leader in You Summary
The Leadership Challenge Summary
The Lean Startup Summary
The Lessons of History Summary
The Life-Changing Magic Of Not Giving A F*ck Summary
The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up Summary
The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit Summary
The Light We Carry Summary
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing Summary
The Little Book Of Hygge Summary
The Little Book Of Lykke Summary
The Little Book of Talent Summary
The Little Book That Still Beats The Market Summary
The Little Prince Summary
The Long Tail Summary
The Longevity Paradox Summary
The Longevity Project Summary
The Lost Art of Connecting Summary
The Lucifer Effect Summary
The Magic Of Math Summary
The Magic Of Reality Summary
The Magic of Thinking Big Summary
The Man Who Fed The World Summary
The Man Who Solved The Market Summary
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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example)

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

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How to write a book report (+ book report example)

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report?

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Close up shot of student writing a book report in class. Book report example.

Types of book reports

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
What positive characteristics does the character possess?
Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

Explain exactly what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

Close up shot of male student writing a book report in journal. Book report example.

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always include the following elements in any book report:

The type of book report you are writing
The book's title
The author of the book
The time when the story takes place
The location where the story takes place
The names and a brief description of each of the characters you will be discussing
Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
A thesis statement
The point of view of the narrator
Summary of the book
The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
The writing styles of the author
A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget!

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

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Interesting Books to Write a Book Report

Book reports serve as valuable tools for enhancing reading comprehension, critical thinking, and written communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to engage with literature on a deeper level, exploring themes, characters, and literary techniques. However, the effectiveness and enjoyment of writing a book report greatly depend on the book chosen for analysis. By selecting interesting and captivating books, students can immerse themselves in compelling narratives, thought-provoking ideas, and rich literary landscapes.

Book reports go beyond simply summarizing the plot; they encourage students to analyze and interpret the text, develop their own perspectives, and express their thoughts eloquently. Through book reports, students can sharpen their ability to articulate their ideas, form arguments, and provide evidence to support their claims. These skills are essential not only for academic success but also for future professional endeavors.

But if have some problems with such an assignment, we can help you. You can buy custom book report from Exclusive-Paper.com online. We will assign a professional writer for your paper, who will satisfy all your needs.

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Benefits of Choosing Interesting Books

Choosing an interesting book is crucial for fostering enthusiasm and motivation in students. Engaging books captivate their attention, making the reading experience enjoyable and immersive. When students are genuinely interested in the content, they are more likely to delve deep into the story, connect with the characters, and empathize with their struggles. This emotional connection enhances comprehension and retention, leading to more insightful and well-rounded book reports.

By exploring a diverse range of genres, students are exposed to different perspectives, cultures, and ideas. They expand their horizons, develop empathy, and gain a broader understanding of the world around them. Interesting books also offer ample opportunities for critical analysis, encouraging students to question the text, uncover underlying themes, and engage in discussions about important issues.

In this article, we will explore a variety of categories that encompass a wide range of fascinating books for writing compelling book reports. From gripping mysteries and captivating science fiction to thought-provoking non-fiction and timeless classics, each category will present a selection of notable books that are sure to pique the interest of students and ignite their passion for reading and writing.

As you embark on your book report journey, remember that the key to a successful report lies in the selection of an engaging book that resonates with your interests. So, let us now delve into the captivating world of literature and discover the many gems that await us in each category.

Fiction Books for Review

Fiction books offer readers an escape into imaginative worlds filled with intriguing characters, captivating plots, and thought-provoking themes. In this chapter, we will explore three exciting categories within fiction: Mystery and Thrillers, Science Fiction, and Fantasy. Each category presents a list of fourteen notable books that will undoubtedly spark your curiosity and provide ample material for an engrossing book report.

Mystery and Thrillers Books

"Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn Dive into the mind-bending tale of a troubled marriage and a woman's disappearance, filled with twists, deception, and psychological suspense.

"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins Enter a world of unreliable narrators and gripping suspense as a woman becomes entangled in a mystery surrounding a missing person.

"The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown Uncover the secrets of an ancient society and follow a thrilling quest for hidden treasures, all while navigating a web of historical intrigue.

"The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides Delve into the psychological depths of a woman who has been silent since she was accused of a brutal murder and the therapist is determined to uncover the truth.

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson Immerse yourself in the dark and intricate world of computer hacking, corporate corruption, and unsolved mysteries in this gripping Swedish thriller.

"The Cuckoo's Calling" by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) Join private detective Cormoran Strike as he investigates the suspicious death of a famous supermodel, unraveling a web of secrets and deception.

"Sharp Objects" by Gillian Flynn Journey into the twisted mind of a journalist returning to her hometown to cover the murder of two young girls, unearthing dark family secrets along the way.

"The Woman in the Window" by A.J. Finn Explore a suspenseful tale of an agoraphobic woman who witnesses a crime from her window, plunging her into a world of doubt, danger, and paranoia.

"The Snowman" by Jo Nesbø Follow detective Harry Hole as he tracks down a serial killer whose calling card is a chilling snowman left at each crime scene.

"Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty Unravel the mysteries surrounding a murder in a seemingly idyllic beachfront town, where secrets, lies, and complex relationships intertwine.

"In the Woods" by Tana French Accompany detective Rob Ryan as he investigates the murder of a young girl in a case that eerily mirrors his own childhood trauma.

"The Secret History" by Donna Tartt Step into an elite New England college where a group of students becomes entangled in a web of secrecy, leading to a shocking act of violence.

"The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield Explore a gothic mystery as a young biographer is drawn into the dark and haunting tale of a reclusive and enigmatic author.

"Before I Go to Sleep" by S.J. Watson Witness the journey of a woman with anterograde amnesia as she tries to reconstruct her memories and uncover the truth about her past.

Science Fiction Books for Review

"Dune" by Frank Herbert Immerse yourself in a complex and epic science-fiction saga set in a distant future where interstellar politics, religion, and ecology collide.

"Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card Follow the young prodigy Ender Wiggin as he navigates a futuristic world, training for a war against an alien species known as the Formics.

"1984" by George Orwell Enter a dystopian society ruled by totalitarianism, surveillance, and the suppression of individuality, where one man dares to rebel against the system.

"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley Explore a future society where scientific advancements have eradicated suffering, but at the cost of individual freedom and emotional depth.

"The Martian" by Andy Weir Join astronaut Mark Watney as he fights for survival on Mars after being left behind by his crew, using his ingenuity to overcome numerous challenges.

"Neuromancer" by William Gibson Venture into the world of cyberspace, hackers, and artificial intelligence as a washed-up computer hacker takes on a dangerous mission.

"Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson Enter a near-future world where a computer virus threatens to unravel society, mixing elements of virtual reality, ancient mythology, and high-stakes adventure.

"Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline Immerse yourself in a virtual reality treasure hunt set in a dystopian future, where the discovery of a hidden Easter egg becomes a quest for both fortune and survival.

"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood Witness a chilling tale of a society where women are reduced to reproductive roles, exploring themes of oppression, resistance, and the power of storytelling.

"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury Enter a world where books are outlawed, and firemen burn them, following the story of one fireman who begins to question his role in suppressing knowledge.

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins Experience a thrilling dystopian tale where teenagers are forced to fight to the death in an annual televised event, igniting a rebellion against a tyrannical regime.

"Foundation" by Isaac Asimov Embark on a journey through the vast galactic empire as Hari Seldon predicts its impending collapse and establishes a plan to preserve knowledge and civilization.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" by Pierre Bismuth, Michel Gondry, and Charlie Kaufman Explore the intricacies of memory, love, and identity as a man undergoes a medical procedure to erase memories of a failed relationship.

"The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin Venture into a world where gender is fluid, following the story of a human envoy navigating a planet populated by androgynous beings.

Fantasy Books

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling Embark on the magical journey of a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and enrolls in a school of witchcraft and wizardry.

"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien Join Bilbo Baggins on his unexpected adventure as he accompanies a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from a fearsome dragon.

"A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin Enter the immersive world of Westeros, where noble houses vie for power in a rich tapestry of political intrigue, warfare, and mythical creatures.

"The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis Step through the wardrobe into the enchanting realm of Narnia, where talking animals, epic battles, and epic quests await.

"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss Embark on an epic tale of a gifted musician and magician named Kvothe as he recounts his journey from humble beginnings to legendary status.

"American Gods" by Neil Gaiman Explore a world where ancient gods walk among mortals, following a protagonist caught in a conflict between old and new deities.

"Mistborn: The Final Empire" by Brandon Sanderson Immerse yourself in a world where a chosen few possess the power to manipulate metals, as a band of rebels rises against an immortal tyrant.

"The Magicians" by Lev Grossman Journey with Quentin Coldwater as he discovers a magical land called Fillory and grapples with the complexities and dangers of the magical world.

"The Lies of Locke Lamora" by Scott Lynch Enter a world of elaborate heists, political intrigue, and swashbuckling adventures as a skilled thief navigates a city ruled by crime.

"The Way of Kings" by Brandon Sanderson Venture into the captivating world of Roshar, where diverse characters and magical abilities are embroiled in a war for the future of their world.

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho Follow a young Andalusian shepherd boy as he embarks on a journey in search of a hidden treasure, learning profound life lessons along the way.

"The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil Gaiman Experience a haunting and magical tale as a middle-aged man revisits his childhood and encounters a family of supernatural beings.

"Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke Enter an alternative history version of England, where two magicians revive the practice of magic, leading to a clash of old and new traditions.

"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of a mysterious circus that appears only at night, setting the stage for a competition of magical prowess and forbidden love.

These fourteen books in each category provide a glimpse into the vast array of captivating fiction available for book reports. Selecting any of these titles will undoubtedly provide a wealth of material for analysis, discussion, and exploration. So, choose a category that intrigues you the most and embark on a literary adventure like no other.

Non-Fiction Books to Review

Non-fiction books offer a wealth of knowledge, providing readers with insights into real-life experiences, historical events, and scientific discoveries. In this chapter, we will delve into three captivating categories within non-fiction: Biography/Autobiography, History, and Science. Each category presents a list of fourteen remarkable books that will not only educate and inform but also inspire you to embark on a captivating book report journey.

Biography/Autobiography Books

"The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank Step into the poignant and powerful world of Anne Frank as she documents her experiences while hiding from the Nazis during World War II.

"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X and Alex Haley Discover the influential life and transformative journey of civil rights leader Malcolm X, exploring his experiences, beliefs, and activism.

"Educated" by Tara Westover Follow the inspiring story of Tara Westover, who grew up in a strict and abusive household but went on to earn a Ph.D. from Cambridge University.
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama Gain insights into the life and accomplishments of former First Lady Michelle Obama as she shares her personal journey and the impact of her role.

"Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson Dive into the compelling biography of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., and explore the visionary mind behind revolutionary technological innovations.

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot Investigate the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cells were unknowingly used for scientific research, leading to groundbreaking medical discoveries.

"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl Reflect on the profound experiences of psychiatrist Viktor Frankl as he recounts his time in Nazi concentration camps and explores the meaning of life and human resilience.

"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls Delve into the memoir of Jeannette Walls, who grew up in poverty with eccentric parents but went on to achieve success as a journalist and author.
"The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom Experience the remarkable true story of Corrie ten Boom, who, along with her family, helped Jews escape the Nazis during World War II and endured imprisonment in a concentration camp.
"I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban" by Malala Yousafzai Discover the inspiring journey of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist who fought for girls' education and survived an assassination attempt.

"Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" by Laura Hillenbrand Follow the incredible life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete and World War II prisoner of war, as he endures unimaginable hardships and finds strength in the face of adversity.

"Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly Discover the untold stories of the brilliant African-American women mathematicians who made significant contributions to NASA during the Space Race.

"Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela Journey with Nelson Mandela as he shares his extraordinary life, from his childhood in rural South Africa to becoming a renowned anti-apartheid activist and the first black President of South Africa.

"Leonardo da Vinci" by Walter Isaacson Immerse yourself in the life and achievements of the renowned artist, scientist, and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, exploring his remarkable talents and enduring legacy.

History Books to Review

"Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari Take a captivating journey through the history of Homo sapiens, exploring the evolution of our species and the significant milestones that shaped our world.

"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson Uncover the intertwining narratives of architect Daniel Burnham and serial killer H.H. Holmes, set against the backdrop of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago.

"The Guns of August" by Barbara W. Tuchman Dive into a detailed account of the events leading up to World War I, examining the political, military, and social dynamics that shaped the conflict.

"A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn Challenge traditional historical narratives as Howard Zinn presents a perspective of American history from the viewpoints of marginalized communities and social movements.

"The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by William L. Shirer Explore the comprehensive history of Nazi Germany, from Hitler's rise to power to the eventual collapse of the Third Reich.

"The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson Follow the stories of three individuals who participated in the Great Migration, a massive movement of African Americans from the South to Northern and Western cities.

"1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus" by Charles C. Mann Challenge conventional beliefs about the pre-Columbian Americas and explore the diverse and advanced civilizations that thrived before European contact.

"Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared Diamond Examine the factors that shaped the course of human history, from the rise of civilizations to the impact of geography, technology, and disease.

"The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England" by Dan Jones Discover the tumultuous history of the Plantagenet dynasty, exploring the power struggles, wars, and influential figures that shaped medieval England.

"The Civil War: A Narrative" by Shelby Foote Delve into a comprehensive and gripping account of the American Civil War, offering insights into the military strategies, key battles, and the people involved.

"The Silk Roads: A New History of the World" by Peter Frankopan Explore the interconnected history of civilizations along the Silk Road, spanning from ancient times to the present day, and the influence of trade on global events.

"The Wright Brothers" by David McCullough Follow the inspiring journey of Orville and Wilbur Wright as they develop and successfully achieve powered flight, revolutionizing modern transportation.

"The Cold War: A New History" by John Lewis Gaddis Analyze the ideological, political, and military tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, examining the lasting global impact.

Science Books

"The Gene: An Intimate History" by Siddhartha Mukherjee Delve into the captivating exploration of genetics, unraveling the history, impact, and ethical implications of the gene on human life and society.

"The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" by Siddhartha Mukherjee Examine the history, science, and societal impact of cancer, exploring the relentless pursuit to understand and conquer this complex disease.

"Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson Explore the groundbreaking work that shed light on the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment, igniting the modern environmental movement.

"The Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins Delve into the concept of the gene's influence on evolution, as Richard Dawkins presents a thought-provoking exploration of the role of genes in shaping life.

"Cosmos" by Carl Sagan Embark on a cosmic journey as Carl Sagan explores the wonders of the universe, blending science, philosophy, and storytelling to ignite curiosity and wonder.

"The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan" by Robert Kanigel Discover the extraordinary life of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, who made groundbreaking contributions to number theory despite facing immense challenges.

"The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert Examine the ongoing mass extinction of species caused by human activities, exploring the profound impact of our actions on the Earth's biodiversity.

"The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries from a Secret World" by Peter Wohlleben Delve into the fascinating world of trees, uncovering their complex communication systems, social structures, and remarkable abilities.

"The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution" by Walter Isaacson Discover the interconnected stories of the individuals who pioneered the digital age, from Ada Lovelace and Alan Turing to Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.

"The Emperor's New Mind: Concerning Computers, Minds, and the Laws of Physics" by Roger Penrose Engage with the thought-provoking exploration of consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the fundamental nature of reality, presented by renowned physicist Roger Penrose.

"Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren Follow the personal and scientific journey of geobiologist Hope Jahren, who explores the wonders of plants, her struggles in the male-dominated scientific field, and the beauty of perseverance.

Classic Literature Books to Review

Classic literature stands the test of time, offering readers profound insights into the human condition, enduring themes, and timeless storytelling. In this chapter, we will explore a selection of classic literature that has shaped literary canon and continues to captivate readers across generations. From enduring love stories to profound social commentaries, these books provide a wealth of material for engaging and insightful book reports.

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen Delve into the world of witty social commentary and romantic entanglements as Elizabeth Bennet navigates love, societal expectations, and the complexities of class.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee Explore themes of racial injustice, morality, and the loss of innocence through the eyes of Scout Finch in this powerful coming-of-age story set in the Deep South.

"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë Follow the journey of Jane Eyre as she faces hardships, discovers her independence, and finds love in this classic tale of resilience and self-discovery.

"Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville Embark on the epic adventure of Captain Ahab's relentless pursuit of the great white whale, Moby Dick, in this symbolic exploration of obsession, revenge, and humanity's place in the natural world.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties and the tragic tale of Jay Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream.

"Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky Delve into the psychological depths of a young man named Raskolnikov as he grapples with guilt, morality, and the consequences of his actions.

"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë Explore the tempestuous love story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Yorkshire moors.

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger Follow the disillusioned and rebellious Holden Caulfield as he navigates adolescence, alienation, and the complexities of the adult world.

"Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes Journey with the delusional yet endearing knight-errant Don Quixote and his faithful squire Sancho Panza as they embark on chivalrous adventures and confront the blurred lines between reality and imagination.

"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley Engage with the cautionary tale of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, exploring themes of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde Enter the world of decadence, beauty, and moral corruption as Dorian Gray's portrait reflects the true nature of his soul in this dark and philosophical exploration of hedonism and morality.

"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne Examine the consequences of sin and guilt as Hester Prynne bears the scarlet letter "A" in this introspective tale set in Puritan New England.

"War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy Immerse yourself in the sweeping epic of Napoleon's invasion of Russia, following a diverse cast of characters and exploring themes of love, war, and the human capacity for change.

Young Adult Fiction Books

Young Adult (YA) fiction encompasses a rich and diverse genre that caters to the interests and experiences of young readers. These books tackle a wide range of themes, from self-discovery and friendship to adventure and coming-of-age. In this chapter, we will explore a selection of captivating young adult fiction novels that will engage, inspire, and provide excellent material for book reports.

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green Experience a heart-wrenching and poignant love story between two teenagers with cancer, as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and mortality.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins Enter a dystopian world where teenagers are forced to fight to the death in an annual televised event, igniting a rebellion against a tyrannical regime.
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky Follow the introspective and transformative journey of Charlie as he navigates high school, friendships, and his own mental health struggles.
"Divergent" by Veronica Roth Immerse yourself in a dystopian society divided into factions, as a young girl challenges societal norms and uncovers the truth about her identity.
"The Maze Runner" by James Dashner Join a group of teenagers trapped in a maze with no memory of their past, as they navigate deadly challenges and unravel the mysteries of their confinement.
"The Giver" by Lois Lowry Explores a seemingly perfect society where all choices and emotions are controlled, following a young boy who discovers the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface.
"Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher Delve into a thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of a teenage girl's suicide, as she leaves behind a series of cassette tapes detailing the reasons for her decision.
"Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell Experience the heartwarming and bittersweet romance between two misfit teenagers as they navigate the complexities of family, first love, and societal expectations.
"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas Witness the powerful story of Starr Carter, a teenager caught between two worlds, as she becomes an advocate for justice after witnessing the police shooting of her childhood friend.
"Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli Follow Simon Spier, a high school student navigating the challenges of coming out as gay while dealing with friendship, romance, and the complexities of identity.
"Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo Enter the world of a daring heist orchestrated by a group of skilled criminals in a fantastical setting filled with magic, adventure, and intricate character dynamics.
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak Experience the power of words and the resilience of the human spirit through the eyes of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany during World War II.
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie Follow Junior, a Native American teenager, as he navigates life on the Spokane Indian Reservation and attends a predominantly white high school, grappling with issues of identity, friendship, and family.

Contemporary Fiction Books to Review

Contemporary fiction reflects the realities, challenges, and complexities of the modern world. These novels explore a wide range of themes and offer readers a glimpse into the diverse experiences of individuals navigating contemporary society. In this chapter, we will delve into a selection of engaging contemporary fiction novels that provide a rich tapestry for book reports, offering insights into the human condition and the ever-evolving nature of our world.

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng Enter a suburban community and explore the intertwined lives of two families, delving into themes of motherhood, identity, and the complexities of privilege.
"Normal People" by Sally Rooney Follow the compelling on-again, off-again relationship between Connell and Marianne as they navigate love, friendship, and the challenges of young adulthood.
"Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Experience the story of Ifemelu, a Nigerian woman navigating race, identity, and love as she moves to the United States and later returns to Nigeria.
"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini Embark on a powerful journey that explores friendship, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous recent history.
"The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead Follow the harrowing journey of Cora, a young slave, as she escapes from a Georgia plantation and seeks freedom using an actual underground railroad.
"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman Dive into the life of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward and fiercely independent woman, as she learns to confront her past and form meaningful connections.
"Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi Follow the generational journey of two half-sisters, Effia and Esi, and their descendants, spanning from 18th-century Ghana to modern-day America.
"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara Explore the lives of four friends in New York City, delving into themes of trauma, friendship, and the search for meaning and belonging.
"The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt Immerse yourself in a captivating coming-of-age story as Theo Decker navigates loss, art, and the pursuit of identity in the aftermath of a tragedy.
"Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens Follow the remarkable journey of Kya Clark, a young woman living in the marshes of North Carolina, as she navigates isolation, prejudice, and a murder investigation.
"A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles Step into the elegant world of Count Alexander Rostov, who is placed under house arrest in a luxury hotel in Moscow and finds unexpected connections and purpose.

Memoirs Books

Memoirs provide a unique glimpse into the lives and experiences of individuals, offering readers personal narratives filled with insights, reflections, and life lessons. In this chapter, we will explore a selection of compelling memoirs that invite readers to walk in the shoes of extraordinary people and gain a deeper understanding of their journeys. These memoirs offer rich material for insightful and thought-provoking book reports.

"Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis" by J.D. Vance Explore the author's personal journey as he reflects on his Appalachian upbringing, grappling with poverty, addiction, and the challenges faced by the working class.
"Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" by Cheryl Strayed Follow Cheryl Strayed's transformative solo journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, as she confronts personal demons and finds healing in nature.
"The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country" by Helen Russell Experience the author's humorous and insightful exploration of Danish culture and lifestyle as she and her husband relocate to Denmark.
"Just Kids" by Patti Smith Immerse yourself in the memoir of singer-songwriter Patti Smith, as she reflects on her artistic journey, friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, and the vibrant New York City art scene of the 1960s and 1970s.
"The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride Discover the dual narrative of James McBride as he explores his own identity and the remarkable life of his white Jewish mother, who raised twelve children in a racially divided society.

Historical Fiction Books to Review

Historical fiction transports readers to different eras and places, combining rich historical details with imaginative storytelling. These novels allow us to experience pivotal moments in history and delve into the lives of characters living in those times. In this chapter, we will explore a selection of captivating historical fiction novels that provide a vivid backdrop for book reports, offering a blend of historical accuracy and compelling narratives.

"The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett Enter the medieval world of twelfth-century England, following the construction of a magnificent cathedral and the intertwining lives of its builders and inhabitants.
"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr Set during World War II, this novel tells the parallel stories of a blind French girl and a German boy, highlighting the power of resilience and human connection.
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett Immerse yourself in 1960s Mississippi, as three women cross racial boundaries and join forces to write a book that exposes the experiences of African American maids.
"Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel Delve into the court of Henry VIII through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the political and religious upheaval of Tudor England.
"The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón Enter post-World War II Barcelona, where a young boy named Daniel becomes enthralled with a mysterious book that leads him into a labyrinth of secrets and intrigue.
"Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden Explore the world of geishas in pre- and post-World War II Japan, following the captivating journey of a young girl named Chiyo as she becomes a renowned geisha.
"The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco Step into a fourteenth-century Italian abbey, where a Franciscan friar investigates a series of mysterious deaths, uncovering a web of secrets and religious intrigue.
"The Other Boleyn Girl" by Philippa Gregory Immerse yourself in the Tudor court as the Boleyn sisters, Anne and Mary, compete for the attention and affections of King Henry VIII, with dramatic consequences.
"The Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini Journey to Afghanistan from the 1960s to the early 2000s, following the lives of two women, Mariam and Laila, as they navigate love, loss, and the political turmoil of their country.
"Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon Travel through time to eighteenth-century Scotland and twentieth-century Britain as Claire Randall finds herself torn between two worlds and two loves.
"The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead Follows the harrowing journey of Cora, a young slave, as she escapes from a Georgia plantation and seeks freedom using an actual underground railroad.
"The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant Explore biblical history through the eyes of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, as she narrates the story of her family and the lives of women in ancient times.
"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker Discover the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early twentieth century, as she confronts the harsh realities of racism, sexism, and the power of love and resilience.

Cultural Books

Cultural books offer readers a window into different cultures, traditions, and perspectives from around the world. These books celebrate diversity, broaden our understanding of different societies, and encourage empathy and appreciation for cultural differences. In this chapter, we will explore a selection of captivating cultural books that provide unique insights and serve as excellent sources for book reports, inviting readers to explore the richness and complexity of various cultures.

"The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan Delve into the lives of four Chinese-American immigrant families and their daughters, as they navigate the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the clash of Eastern and Western cultures.
"The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri Follow the journey of Gogol Ganguli, a first-generation Indian-American, as he grapples with the challenges of cultural assimilation, family expectations, and self-discovery.
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho Embark on a spiritual journey with Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd, as he seeks his personal legend and encounters diverse cultures along the way.
"Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri Explore the lives of characters from different cultures and backgrounds in this collection of short stories, which delves into themes of love, longing, and the complexities of human connection.
"Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe Enter the world of Okonkwo, a respected warrior in a Nigerian village, as he grapples with the clash of traditional Igbo culture and the arrival of European colonialism.
"The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Díaz Follow the life of Oscar, a Dominican-American nerd, as he navigates love, family, and his connection to Dominican history and culture.
"The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros Experience life through the eyes of Esperanza, a young Mexican-American girl, as she shares her experiences growing up in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago.
"The White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga Explore the contrasting worlds of wealth and poverty in modern-day India through the eyes of Balram Halwai, a chauffeur who rises from servitude to entrepreneurship.
"The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy Enter the world of the twins Rahel and Estha, as their lives unfold against the backdrop of a changing Kerala, India, exploring family, love, and societal constraints.
"Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie Follow Saleem Sinai, a boy born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence day, as his life intertwines with the history of his nation, reflecting the complexities of post-colonial India.
"Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi Experience the coming-of-age memoir of Marjane Satrapi, as she recounts her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and her subsequent journey to adulthood in Europe.
"The Samurai's Garden" by Gail Tsukiyama Journey to a small coastal village in Japan in the late 1930s, as a Chinese painter named Stephen befriends the locals and learns the value of love, friendship, and inner strength.

Contemporary Science Fiction/Fantasy Books to Review

Contemporary science fiction and fantasy novels combine imaginative storytelling with thought-provoking explorations of technology, society, and the human condition. These books transport readers to captivating worlds filled with scientific advancements, magical realms, and thrilling adventures. In this chapter, we will explore a selection of contemporary science fiction and fantasy novels that provide a blend of entertainment and profound ideas, making them ideal choices for engaging book reports.

"Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline Immerse yourself in a virtual reality world called the OASIS, as Wade Watts embarks on a quest filled with '80s pop culture references, high-stakes challenges, and a race against corporate greed.
"The Martian" by Andy Weir Follow astronaut Mark Watney's struggle for survival after being stranded alone on Mars, using his resourcefulness and scientific knowledge to overcome the hostile environment.
"Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel Journey through a post-apocalyptic world where a traveling theater troupe brings hope and art to scattered communities, exploring the power of human connection and the resilience of the arts.
"Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman Explore the hidden world of London Below, a realm of magic and mystery, as Richard Mayhew discovers an underground city filled with fantastical creatures and supernatural adventures.
"The Fifth Season" by N.K. Jemisin Enter a world plagued by cataclysmic seismic events, as characters with extraordinary powers navigate a broken society and face the impending destruction of their world.
"Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard Delve into a dystopian world divided by blood, where Mare Barrow, a commoner with a mysterious power, finds herself caught in a web of political intrigue, rebellion, and betrayal.
"The Poppy War" by R.F. Kuang Follow Rin, a war orphan with shamanic powers, as she enters a prestigious military academy and becomes embroiled in the brutal conflicts of an empire inspired by Chinese history.
"Children of Blood and Bone" by Tomi Adeyemi Embark on a West African-inspired fantasy journey as Zélie fights against oppression, harnessing the power of magic and leading a revolution to restore magic to her people.
"Scythe" by Neal Shusterman Enter a future world where death has been conquered, and a group of individuals known as Scythes are tasked with controlling the population through the art of killing.
"The City of Brass" by S.A. Chakraborty Explore the mythical city of Daevabad, a richly detailed world inspired by Middle Eastern folklore, as Nahri, a skilled con artist, discovers her true identity and becomes entangled in political intrigue.
"A Darker Shade of Magic" by V.E. Schwab Travel between parallel versions of London as Kell, a powerful magician with the ability to traverse worlds, embarks on a dangerous adventure involving forbidden magic and a relic that could change everything.
"The Power" by Naomi Alderman Imagine a world where women develop a deadly electrical power, turning gender dynamics upside down and raising thought-provoking questions about power, gender roles, and societal structures.
"An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir Follow the intertwined stories of Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, in a brutal and oppressive empire, as they challenge the system and fight for freedom.
"The Broken Earth" trilogy by N.K. Jemisin Venture into a world of earth-shattering cataclysms and complex societies, following characters with extraordinary abilities who struggle against a backdrop of prejudice, power struggles, and ancient mysteries.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored a diverse range of books across various genres, providing a wealth of options for captivating book reports. From fiction to non-fiction, classic literature to contemporary works, and cultural books to science fiction and fantasy, each chapter has presented a selection of compelling titles that will engage readers and spark their curiosity.

Through the power of literature, books allow us to embark on incredible journeys, gain new perspectives, and deepen our understanding of the world. They offer a gateway to different cultures, eras, and experiences, encouraging empathy, critical thinking, and personal growth.

Whether you're drawn to the vivid characters and intricate plots of fiction, the insights and wisdom found in non-fiction, or the imaginative worlds of science fiction and fantasy, there is a book for every reader. Each category presented in this article offers a unique lens through which we can explore the human condition, historical events, cultural diversity, and the wonders of the imagination.

When writing a book report, remember to immerse yourself in the narrative, pay attention to the author's style and themes, and consider the impact the book had on you personally. Engage with the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs, and analyze the social, historical, or cultural contexts in which the story unfolds. Don't hesitate to express your own opinions, reflections, and connections to the book.

Books have the power to educate, entertain, and inspire. They ignite our imaginations, broaden our perspectives, and foster a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. So, embrace the joy of exploration and discovery, and let the pages of these remarkable books transport you to new realms of knowledge and imagination.

As you embark on your book report journey, remember that the most important aspect is your engagement with the book and the ideas it presents. Each book is an invitation to delve deeper into its themes, characters, and messages. So, choose a book that resonates with you, embark on an adventure of reading and reflection, and let your book report be a testament to the power and beauty of literature.

Happy reading and writing!

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17 Book Review Examples to Help You Write the Perfect Review

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Blog – Posted on Friday, Mar 29

17 book review examples to help you write the perfect review.

It’s an exciting time to be a book reviewer. Once confined to print newspapers and journals, reviews now dot many corridors of the Internet — forever helping others discover their next great read. That said, every book reviewer will face a familiar panic: how can you do justice to a great book in just a thousand words?

As you know, the best way to learn how to do something is by immersing yourself in it. Luckily, the Internet (i.e. Goodreads and other review sites , in particular) has made book reviews more accessible than ever — which means that there are a lot of book reviews examples out there for you to view!

In this post, we compiled 17 prototypical book review examples in multiple genres to help you figure out how to write the perfect review . If you want to jump straight to the examples, you can skip the next section. Otherwise, let’s first check out what makes up a good review.

Are you interested in becoming a book reviewer? We recommend you check out Reedsy Discovery , where you can earn money for writing reviews — and are guaranteed people will read your reviews! To register as a book reviewer, sign up here.

Pro-tip : But wait! How are you sure if you should become a book reviewer in the first place? If you're on the fence, or curious about your match with a book reviewing career, take our quick quiz:

Should you become a book reviewer?

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What must a book review contain?

Like all works of art, no two book reviews will be identical. But fear not: there are a few guidelines for any aspiring book reviewer to follow. Most book reviews, for instance, are less than 1,500 words long, with the sweet spot hitting somewhere around the 1,000-word mark. (However, this may vary depending on the platform on which you’re writing, as we’ll see later.)

In addition, all reviews share some universal elements, as shown in our book review templates . These include:

A review will offer a concise plot summary of the book.
A book review will offer an evaluation of the work.
A book review will offer a recommendation for the audience.

If these are the basic ingredients that make up a book review, it’s the tone and style with which the book reviewer writes that brings the extra panache. This will differ from platform to platform, of course. A book review on Goodreads, for instance, will be much more informal and personal than a book review on Kirkus Reviews, as it is catering to a different audience. However, at the end of the day, the goal of all book reviews is to give the audience the tools to determine whether or not they’d like to read the book themselves.

Keeping that in mind, let’s proceed to some book review examples to put all of this in action.

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Book review examples for fiction books

Since story is king in the world of fiction, it probably won’t come as any surprise to learn that a book review for a novel will concentrate on how well the story was told .

That said, book reviews in all genres follow the same basic formula that we discussed earlier. In these examples, you’ll be able to see how book reviewers on different platforms expertly intertwine the plot summary and their personal opinions of the book to produce a clear, informative, and concise review.

Note: Some of the book review examples run very long. If a book review is truncated in this post, we’ve indicated by including a […] at the end, but you can always read the entire review if you click on the link provided.

Examples of literary fiction book reviews

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man :

An extremely powerful story of a young Southern Negro, from his late high school days through three years of college to his life in Harlem.

His early training prepared him for a life of humility before white men, but through injustices- large and small, he came to realize that he was an "invisible man". People saw in him only a reflection of their preconceived ideas of what he was, denied his individuality, and ultimately did not see him at all. This theme, which has implications far beyond the obvious racial parallel, is skillfully handled. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing. The boy's dismissal from college because of an innocent mistake, his shocked reaction to the anonymity of the North and to Harlem, his nightmare experiences on a one-day job in a paint factory and in the hospital, his lightning success as the Harlem leader of a communistic organization known as the Brotherhood, his involvement in black versus white and black versus black clashes and his disillusion and understanding of his invisibility- all climax naturally in scenes of violence and riot, followed by a retreat which is both literal and figurative. Parts of this experience may have been told before, but never with such freshness, intensity and power.

This is Ellison's first novel, but he has complete control of his story and his style. Watch it.

Lyndsey reviews George Orwell’s 1984 on Goodreads:

YOU. ARE. THE. DEAD. Oh my God. I got the chills so many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected. Or in Newspeak "Double Plus Good." Let me preface this with an apology. If I sound stunningly inarticulate at times in this review, I can't help it. My mind is completely fried.

This book is like the dystopian Lord of the Rings, with its richly developed culture and economics, not to mention a fully developed language called Newspeak, or rather more of the anti-language, whose purpose is to limit speech and understanding instead of to enhance and expand it. The world-building is so fully fleshed out and spine-tinglingly terrifying that it's almost as if George travelled to such a place, escaped from it, and then just wrote it all down.

I read Fahrenheit 451 over ten years ago in my early teens. At the time, I remember really wanting to read 1984, although I never managed to get my hands on it. I'm almost glad I didn't. Though I would not have admitted it at the time, it would have gone over my head. Or at the very least, I wouldn't have been able to appreciate it fully. […]

The New York Times reviews Lisa Halliday’s Asymmetry :

Three-quarters of the way through Lisa Halliday’s debut novel, “Asymmetry,” a British foreign correspondent named Alistair is spending Christmas on a compound outside of Baghdad. His fellow revelers include cameramen, defense contractors, United Nations employees and aid workers. Someone’s mother has FedExed a HoneyBaked ham from Maine; people are smoking by the swimming pool. It is 2003, just days after Saddam Hussein’s capture, and though the mood is optimistic, Alistair is worrying aloud about the ethics of his chosen profession, wondering if reporting on violence doesn’t indirectly abet violence and questioning why he’d rather be in a combat zone than reading a picture book to his son. But every time he returns to London, he begins to “spin out.” He can’t go home. “You observe what people do with their freedom — what they don’t do — and it’s impossible not to judge them for it,” he says.

The line, embedded unceremoniously in the middle of a page-long paragraph, doubles, like so many others in “Asymmetry,” as literary criticism. Halliday’s novel is so strange and startlingly smart that its mere existence seems like commentary on the state of fiction. One finishes “Asymmetry” for the first or second (or like this reader, third) time and is left wondering what other writers are not doing with their freedom — and, like Alistair, judging them for it.

Despite its title, “Asymmetry” comprises two seemingly unrelated sections of equal length, appended by a slim and quietly shocking coda. Halliday’s prose is clean and lean, almost reportorial in the style of W. G. Sebald, and like the murmurings of a shy person at a cocktail party, often comic only in single clauses. It’s a first novel that reads like the work of an author who has published many books over many years. […]

Emily W. Thompson reviews Michael Doane's The Crossing on Reedsy Discovery :

In Doane’s debut novel, a young man embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results.

An unnamed protagonist (The Narrator) is dealing with heartbreak. His love, determined to see the world, sets out for Portland, Oregon. But he’s a small-town boy who hasn’t traveled much. So, the Narrator mourns her loss and hides from life, throwing himself into rehabbing an old motorcycle. Until one day, he takes a leap; he packs his bike and a few belongings and heads out to find the Girl.

Following in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac and William Least Heat-Moon, Doane offers a coming of age story about a man finding himself on the backroads of America. Doane’s a gifted writer with fluid prose and insightful observations, using The Narrator’s personal interactions to illuminate the diversity of the United States.

The Narrator initially sticks to the highways, trying to make it to the West Coast as quickly as possible. But a hitchhiker named Duke convinces him to get off the beaten path and enjoy the ride. “There’s not a place that’s like any other,” [39] Dukes contends, and The Narrator realizes he’s right. Suddenly, the trip is about the journey, not just the destination. The Narrator ditches his truck and traverses the deserts and mountains on his bike. He destroys his phone, cutting off ties with his past and living only in the moment.

As he crosses the country, The Narrator connects with several unique personalities whose experiences and views deeply impact his own. Duke, the complicated cowboy and drifter, who opens The Narrator’s eyes to a larger world. Zooey, the waitress in Colorado who opens his heart and reminds him that love can be found in this big world. And Rosie, The Narrator’s sweet landlady in Portland, who helps piece him back together both physically and emotionally.

This supporting cast of characters is excellent. Duke, in particular, is wonderfully nuanced and complicated. He’s a throwback to another time, a man without a cell phone who reads Sartre and sleeps under the stars. Yet he’s also a grifter with a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” attitude that harms those around him. It’s fascinating to watch The Narrator wrestle with Duke’s behavior, trying to determine which to model and which to discard.

Doane creates a relatable protagonist in The Narrator, whose personal growth doesn’t erase his faults. His willingness to hit the road with few resources is admirable, and he’s prescient enough to recognize the jealousy of those who cannot or will not take the leap. His encounters with new foods, places, and people broaden his horizons. Yet his immaturity and selfishness persist. He tells Rosie she’s been a good mother to him but chooses to ignore the continuing concern from his own parents as he effectively disappears from his old life.

Despite his flaws, it’s a pleasure to accompany The Narrator on his physical and emotional journey. The unexpected ending is a fitting denouement to an epic and memorable road trip.

The Book Smugglers review Anissa Gray’s The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls :

I am still dipping my toes into the literally fiction pool, finding what works for me and what doesn’t. Books like The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray are definitely my cup of tea.

Althea and Proctor Cochran had been pillars of their economically disadvantaged community for years – with their local restaurant/small market and their charity drives. Until they are found guilty of fraud for stealing and keeping most of the money they raised and sent to jail. Now disgraced, their entire family is suffering the consequences, specially their twin teenage daughters Baby Vi and Kim. To complicate matters even more: Kim was actually the one to call the police on her parents after yet another fight with her mother. […]

Examples of children’s and YA fiction book reviews

The Book Hookup reviews Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give :

♥ Quick Thoughts and Rating: 5 stars! I can’t imagine how challenging it would be to tackle the voice of a movement like Black Lives Matter, but I do know that Thomas did it with a finesse only a talented author like herself possibly could. With an unapologetically realistic delivery packed with emotion, The Hate U Give is a crucially important portrayal of the difficulties minorities face in our country every single day. I have no doubt that this book will be met with resistance by some (possibly many) and slapped with a “controversial” label, but if you’ve ever wondered what it was like to walk in a POC’s shoes, then I feel like this is an unflinchingly honest place to start.

In Angie Thomas’s debut novel, Starr Carter bursts on to the YA scene with both heart-wrecking and heartwarming sincerity. This author is definitely one to watch.

♥ Review: The hype around this book has been unquestionable and, admittedly, that made me both eager to get my hands on it and terrified to read it. I mean, what if I was to be the one person that didn’t love it as much as others? (That seems silly now because of how truly mesmerizing THUG was in the most heartbreakingly realistic way.) However, with the relevancy of its summary in regards to the unjust predicaments POC currently face in the US, I knew this one was a must-read, so I was ready to set my fears aside and dive in. That said, I had an altogether more personal, ulterior motive for wanting to read this book. […]

The New York Times reviews Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood :

Alice Crewe (a last name she’s chosen for herself) is a fairy tale legacy: the granddaughter of Althea Proserpine, author of a collection of dark-as-night fairy tales called “Tales From the Hinterland.” The book has a cult following, and though Alice has never met her grandmother, she’s learned a little about her through internet research. She hasn’t read the stories, because her mother, Ella Proserpine, forbids it.

Alice and Ella have moved from place to place in an attempt to avoid the “bad luck” that seems to follow them. Weird things have happened. As a child, Alice was kidnapped by a man who took her on a road trip to find her grandmother; he was stopped by the police before they did so. When at 17 she sees that man again, unchanged despite the years, Alice panics. Then Ella goes missing, and Alice turns to Ellery Finch, a schoolmate who’s an Althea Proserpine superfan, for help in tracking down her mother. Not only has Finch read every fairy tale in the collection, but handily, he remembers them, sharing them with Alice as they journey to the mysterious Hazel Wood, the estate of her now-dead grandmother, where they hope to find Ella.

“The Hazel Wood” starts out strange and gets stranger, in the best way possible. (The fairy stories Finch relays, which Albert includes as their own chapters, are as creepy and evocative as you’d hope.) Albert seamlessly combines contemporary realism with fantasy, blurring the edges in a way that highlights that place where stories and real life convene, where magic contains truth and the world as it appears is false, where just about anything can happen, particularly in the pages of a very good book. It’s a captivating debut. […]

James reviews Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight, Moon on Goodreads:

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is one of the books that followers of my blog voted as a must-read for our Children's Book August 2018 Readathon. Come check it out and join the next few weeks!

This picture book was such a delight. I hadn't remembered reading it when I was a child, but it might have been read to me... either way, it was like a whole new experience! It's always so difficult to convince a child to fall asleep at night. I don't have kids, but I do have a 5-month-old puppy who whines for 5 minutes every night when he goes in his cage/crate (hopefully he'll be fully housebroken soon so he can roam around when he wants). I can only imagine! I babysat a lot as a teenager and I have tons of younger cousins, nieces, and nephews, so I've been through it before, too. This was a believable experience, and it really helps show kids how to relax and just let go when it's time to sleep.

The bunny's are adorable. The rhymes are exquisite. I found it pretty fun, but possibly a little dated given many of those things aren't normal routines anymore. But the lessons to take from it are still powerful. Loved it! I want to sample some more books by this fine author and her illustrators.

Publishers Weekly reviews Elizabeth Lilly’s Geraldine :

This funny, thoroughly accomplished debut opens with two words: “I’m moving.” They’re spoken by the title character while she swoons across her family’s ottoman, and because Geraldine is a giraffe, her full-on melancholy mode is quite a spectacle. But while Geraldine may be a drama queen (even her mother says so), it won’t take readers long to warm up to her. The move takes Geraldine from Giraffe City, where everyone is like her, to a new school, where everyone else is human. Suddenly, the former extrovert becomes “That Giraffe Girl,” and all she wants to do is hide, which is pretty much impossible. “Even my voice tries to hide,” she says, in the book’s most poignant moment. “It’s gotten quiet and whispery.” Then she meets Cassie, who, though human, is also an outlier (“I’m that girl who wears glasses and likes MATH and always organizes her food”), and things begin to look up.

Lilly’s watercolor-and-ink drawings are as vividly comic and emotionally astute as her writing; just when readers think there are no more ways for Geraldine to contort her long neck, this highly promising talent comes up with something new.

Examples of genre fiction book reviews

Karlyn P reviews Nora Roberts’ Dark Witch , a paranormal romance novel , on Goodreads:

4 stars. Great world-building, weak romance, but still worth the read.

I hesitate to describe this book as a 'romance' novel simply because the book spent little time actually exploring the romance between Iona and Boyle. Sure, there IS a romance in this novel. Sprinkled throughout the book are a few scenes where Iona and Boyle meet, chat, wink at each, flirt some more, sleep together, have a misunderstanding, make up, and then profess their undying love. Very formulaic stuff, and all woven around the more important parts of this book.

The meat of this book is far more focused on the story of the Dark witch and her magically-gifted descendants living in Ireland. Despite being weak on the romance, I really enjoyed it. I think the book is probably better for it, because the romance itself was pretty lackluster stuff.

I absolutely plan to stick with this series as I enjoyed the world building, loved the Ireland setting, and was intrigued by all of the secondary characters. However, If you read Nora Roberts strictly for the romance scenes, this one might disappoint. But if you enjoy a solid background story with some dark magic and prophesies, you might enjoy it as much as I did.

I listened to this one on audio, and felt the narration was excellent.

Emily May reviews R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy Wars , an epic fantasy novel , on Goodreads:

“But I warn you, little warrior. The price of power is pain.”

Holy hell, what did I just read??

➽ A fantasy military school

➽ A rich world based on modern Chinese history

➽ Shamans and gods

➽ Detailed characterization leading to unforgettable characters

➽ Adorable, opium-smoking mentors

That's a basic list, but this book is all of that and SO MUCH MORE. I know 100% that The Poppy War will be one of my best reads of 2018.

Isn't it just so great when you find one of those books that completely drags you in, makes you fall in love with the characters, and demands that you sit on the edge of your seat for every horrific, nail-biting moment of it? This is one of those books for me. And I must issue a serious content warning: this book explores some very dark themes. Proceed with caution (or not at all) if you are particularly sensitive to scenes of war, drug use and addiction, genocide, racism, sexism, ableism, self-harm, torture, and rape (off-page but extremely horrific).

Because, despite the fairly innocuous first 200 pages, the title speaks the truth: this is a book about war. All of its horrors and atrocities. It is not sugar-coated, and it is often graphic. The "poppy" aspect refers to opium, which is a big part of this book. It is a fantasy, but the book draws inspiration from the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanking.

Crime Fiction Lover reviews Jessica Barry’s Freefall , a crime novel:

In some crime novels, the wrongdoing hits you between the eyes from page one. With others it’s a more subtle process, and that’s OK too. So where does Freefall fit into the sliding scale?

In truth, it’s not clear. This is a novel with a thrilling concept at its core. A woman survives plane crash, then runs for her life. However, it is the subtleties at play that will draw you in like a spider beckoning to an unwitting fly.

Like the heroine in Sharon Bolton’s Dead Woman Walking, Allison is lucky to be alive. She was the only passenger in a private plane, belonging to her fiancé, Ben, who was piloting the expensive aircraft, when it came down in woodlands in the Colorado Rockies. Ally is also the only survivor, but rather than sitting back and waiting for rescue, she is soon pulling together items that may help her survive a little longer – first aid kit, energy bars, warm clothes, trainers – before fleeing the scene. If you’re hearing the faint sound of alarm bells ringing, get used to it. There’s much, much more to learn about Ally before this tale is over.

Kirkus Reviews reviews Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One , a science-fiction novel :

Video-game players embrace the quest of a lifetime in a virtual world; screenwriter Cline’s first novel is old wine in new bottles.

The real world, in 2045, is the usual dystopian horror story. So who can blame Wade, our narrator, if he spends most of his time in a virtual world? The 18-year-old, orphaned at 11, has no friends in his vertical trailer park in Oklahoma City, while the OASIS has captivating bells and whistles, and it’s free. Its creator, the legendary billionaire James Halliday, left a curious will. He had devised an elaborate online game, a hunt for a hidden Easter egg. The finder would inherit his estate. Old-fashioned riddles lead to three keys and three gates. Wade, or rather his avatar Parzival, is the first gunter (egg-hunter) to win the Copper Key, first of three.

Halliday was obsessed with the pop culture of the 1980s, primarily the arcade games, so the novel is as much retro as futurist. Parzival’s great strength is that he has absorbed all Halliday’s obsessions; he knows by heart three essential movies, crossing the line from geek to freak. His most formidable competitors are the Sixers, contract gunters working for the evil conglomerate IOI, whose goal is to acquire the OASIS. Cline’s narrative is straightforward but loaded with exposition. It takes a while to reach a scene that crackles with excitement: the meeting between Parzival (now world famous as the lead contender) and Sorrento, the head of IOI. The latter tries to recruit Parzival; when he fails, he issues and executes a death threat. Wade’s trailer is demolished, his relatives killed; luckily Wade was not at home. Too bad this is the dramatic high point. Parzival threads his way between more ’80s games and movies to gain the other keys; it’s clever but not exciting. Even a romance with another avatar and the ultimate “epic throwdown” fail to stir the blood.

Too much puzzle-solving, not enough suspense.

Book review examples for non-fiction books

Nonfiction books are generally written to inform readers about a certain topic. As such, the focus of a nonfiction book review will be on the clarity and effectiveness of this communication . In carrying this out, a book review may analyze the author’s source materials and assess the thesis in order to determine whether or not the book meets expectations.

Again, we’ve included abbreviated versions of long reviews here, so feel free to click on the link to read the entire piece!

The Washington Post reviews David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon :

The arc of David Grann’s career reminds one of a software whiz-kid or a latest-thing talk-show host — certainly not an investigative reporter, even if he is one of the best in the business. The newly released movie of his first book, “The Lost City of Z,” is generating all kinds of Oscar talk, and now comes the release of his second book, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI,” the film rights to which have already been sold for $5 million in what one industry journal called the “biggest and wildest book rights auction in memory.”

Grann deserves the attention. He’s canny about the stories he chases, he’s willing to go anywhere to chase them, and he’s a maestro in his ability to parcel out information at just the right clip: a hint here, a shading of meaning there, a smartly paced buildup of multiple possibilities followed by an inevitable reversal of readerly expectations or, in some cases, by a thrilling and dislocating pull of the entire narrative rug.

All of these strengths are on display in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Around the turn of the 20th century, oil was discovered underneath Osage lands in the Oklahoma Territory, lands that were soon to become part of the state of Oklahoma. Through foresight and legal maneuvering, the Osage found a way to permanently attach that oil to themselves and shield it from the prying hands of white interlopers; this mechanism was known as “headrights,” which forbade the outright sale of oil rights and granted each full member of the tribe — and, supposedly, no one else — a share in the proceeds from any lease arrangement. For a while, the fail-safes did their job, and the Osage got rich — diamond-ring and chauffeured-car and imported-French-fashion rich — following which quite a large group of white men started to work like devils to separate the Osage from their money. And soon enough, and predictably enough, this work involved murder. Here in Jazz Age America’s most isolated of locales, dozens or even hundreds of Osage in possession of great fortunes — and of the potential for even greater fortunes in the future — were dispatched by poison, by gunshot and by dynamite. […]

Stacked Books reviews Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers :

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Malcolm Gladwell’s writing. Friends and co-workers tell me that his subjects are interesting and his writing style is easy to follow without talking down to the reader. I wasn’t disappointed with Outliers. In it, Gladwell tackles the subject of success – how people obtain it and what contributes to extraordinary success as opposed to everyday success.

The thesis – that our success depends much more on circumstances out of our control than any effort we put forth – isn’t exactly revolutionary. Most of us know it to be true. However, I don’t think I’m lying when I say that most of us also believe that we if we just try that much harder and develop our talent that much further, it will be enough to become wildly successful, despite bad or just mediocre beginnings. Not so, says Gladwell.

Most of the evidence Gladwell gives us is anecdotal, which is my favorite kind to read. I can’t really speak to how scientifically valid it is, but it sure makes for engrossing listening. For example, did you know that successful hockey players are almost all born in January, February, or March? Kids born during these months are older than the others kids when they start playing in the youth leagues, which means they’re already better at the game (because they’re bigger). Thus, they get more play time, which means their skill increases at a faster rate, and it compounds as time goes by. Within a few years, they’re much, much better than the kids born just a few months later in the year. Basically, these kids’ birthdates are a huge factor in their success as adults – and it’s nothing they can do anything about. If anyone could make hockey interesting to a Texan who only grudgingly admits the sport even exists, it’s Gladwell. […]

Quill and Quire reviews Rick Prashaw’s Soar, Adam, Soar :

Ten years ago, I read a book called Almost Perfect. The young-adult novel by Brian Katcher won some awards and was held up as a powerful, nuanced portrayal of a young trans person. But the reality did not live up to the book’s billing. Instead, it turned out to be a one-dimensional and highly fetishized portrait of a trans person’s life, one that was nevertheless repeatedly dubbed “realistic” and “affecting” by non-transgender readers possessing only a vague, mass-market understanding of trans experiences.

In the intervening decade, trans narratives have emerged further into the literary spotlight, but those authored by trans people ourselves – and by trans men in particular – have seemed to fall under the shadow of cisgender sensationalized imaginings. Two current Canadian releases – Soar, Adam, Soar and This One Looks Like a Boy – provide a pointed object lesson into why trans-authored work about transgender experiences remains critical.

To be fair, Soar, Adam, Soar isn’t just a story about a trans man. It’s also a story about epilepsy, the medical establishment, and coming of age as seen through a grieving father’s eyes. Adam, Prashaw’s trans son, died unexpectedly at age 22. Woven through the elder Prashaw’s narrative are excerpts from Adam’s social media posts, giving us glimpses into the young man’s interior life as he traverses his late teens and early 20s. […]

Book Geeks reviews Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love :

WRITING STYLE: 3.5/5

SUBJECT: 4/5

CANDIDNESS: 4.5/5

RELEVANCE: 3.5/5

ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3.5/5

“Eat Pray Love” is so popular that it is almost impossible to not read it. Having felt ashamed many times on my not having read this book, I quietly ordered the book (before I saw the movie) from amazon.in and sat down to read it. I don’t remember what I expected it to be – maybe more like a chick lit thing but it turned out quite different. The book is a real story and is a short journal from the time when its writer went travelling to three different countries in pursuit of three different things – Italy (Pleasure), India (Spirituality), Bali (Balance) and this is what corresponds to the book’s name – EAT (in Italy), PRAY (in India) and LOVE (in Bali, Indonesia). These are also the three Is – ITALY, INDIA, INDONESIA.

Though she had everything a middle-aged American woman can aspire for – MONEY, CAREER, FRIENDS, HUSBAND; Elizabeth was not happy in her life, she wasn’t happy in her marriage. Having suffered a terrible divorce and terrible breakup soon after, Elizabeth was shattered. She didn’t know where to go and what to do – all she knew was that she wanted to run away. So she set out on a weird adventure – she will go to three countries in a year and see if she can find out what she was looking for in life. This book is about that life changing journey that she takes for one whole year. […]

Emily May reviews Michelle Obama’s Becoming on Goodreads:

Look, I'm not a happy crier. I might cry at songs about leaving and missing someone; I might cry at books where things don't work out; I might cry at movies where someone dies. I've just never really understood why people get all choked up over happy, inspirational things. But Michelle Obama's kindness and empathy changed that. This book had me in tears for all the right reasons.

This is not really a book about politics, though political experiences obviously do come into it. It's a shame that some will dismiss this book because of a difference in political opinion, when it is really about a woman's life. About growing up poor and black on the South Side of Chicago; about getting married and struggling to maintain that marriage; about motherhood; about being thrown into an amazing and terrifying position.

I hate words like "inspirational" because they've become so overdone and cheesy, but I just have to say it-- Michelle Obama is an inspiration. I had the privilege of seeing her speak at The Forum in Inglewood, and she is one of the warmest, funniest, smartest, down-to-earth people I have ever seen in this world.

And yes, I know we present what we want the world to see, but I truly do think it's genuine. I think she is someone who really cares about people - especially kids - and wants to give them better lives and opportunities.

She's obviously intelligent, but she also doesn't gussy up her words. She talks straight, with an openness and honesty rarely seen. She's been one of the most powerful women in the world, she's been a graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School, she's had her own successful career, and yet she has remained throughout that same girl - Michelle Robinson - from a working class family in Chicago.

I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.

Hopefully, this post has given you a better idea of how to write a book review. You might be wondering how to put all of this knowledge into action now! Many book reviewers start out by setting up a book blog. If you don’t have time to research the intricacies of HTML, check out Reedsy Discovery — where you can read indie books for free and review them without going through the hassle of creating a blog. To register as a book reviewer , go here .

And if you’d like to see even more book review examples, simply go to this directory of book review blogs and click on any one of them to see a wealth of good book reviews. Beyond that, it's up to you to pick up a book and pen — and start reviewing!

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100 Best (and Scariest) Horror Books of All Time

The definition of scary changes from person to person. For some, it might be ghosts and haunted houses. For others, serial killers. For still others, the most frightening things are the ones that go bump in the night, unseen. Despite the w...

The 115 Best Books of All Time

Let’s take a trip through time and discover the world’s literary trends, from epic poems to dystopian novels, by looking at 115 of the best books of all time!

The Only Book Review Templates You'll Ever Need

Whether you're reviewing a fiction or nonfiction book, our book review templates can help you write well-rounded book commentary!

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13 Free Book Report Templates (Easy Copy & Paste)

Book reports are an essential part of the educational process, helping students develop critical thinking and writing skills.

To make this task easier, we’ve created 13 unique and highly useful book report templates that you can download or copy and paste. Each template is designed to cater to different needs and situations, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your assignment.

Template 1: Basic Summary Book Report

A creative bulletin board filled with pinned book report templates, sketches, and notes -- Book Report Templates

Table of Contents

Introduction This template is perfect for beginners or younger students who need to summarize the key elements of a book.

Title : Author : Genre : Publication Date :

Plot Summary : Provide a brief overview of the book’s main events. Focus on the beginning, middle, and end.

Main Characters : List the main characters and provide a short description of each.

Themes : Identify the central themes of the book.

Personal Opinion : Share your thoughts about the book. What did you like or dislike?

Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions of the book.

Template 2: Character Analysis Book Report

Introduction This template is designed for a deeper dive into the characters of a book, ideal for middle school and high school students.

Character Overview : List the main characters.

Character Analysis :

Description :
Role in the Story :
Development :
Personal Thoughts :

Plot Summary : Briefly summarize the plot focusing on how it relates to the character analysis.

Themes : Discuss how the themes are reflected through the characters.

Conclusion : Wrap up your analysis with your final thoughts on the characters and their roles.

Template 3: Theme Analysis Book Report

Introduction This template focuses on analyzing the themes of a book, suitable for high school and university students.

Plot Summary : Briefly summarize the plot.

Themes Analysis :

Examples from the Book :

Character Involvement : Discuss how the characters contribute to these themes.

Personal Reflection : Reflect on how these themes impacted you.

Conclusion : Summarize your analysis and final thoughts.

Template 4: Comparative Book Report

Introduction Perfect for advanced students, this template compares two books, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Book 1 Title : Book 1 Author : Book 2 Title : Book 2 Author :

Plot Summary :

Summary of main events.

Characters Comparison :

Book 1 Description:
Book 2 Description:

Themes Comparison :

Personal Reflection : Discuss your thoughts on the similarities and differences.

Conclusion : Summarize your comparative analysis and final thoughts.

Template 5: Plot Analysis Book Report

Introduction Focuses on analyzing the plot structure, ideal for detailed plot discussions.

Plot Overview : Brief summary of the main plot.

Plot Analysis :

Exposition :
Rising Action :
Falling Action :
Resolution :

Character Involvement : Discuss how the characters influence the plot.

Themes : Identify the main themes revealed through the plot.

Conclusion : Summarize your analysis and overall thoughts.

Template 6: Symbolism Book Report

Introduction Designed for analyzing symbols within the book, this template is perfect for high school and college students.

Plot Summary : Brief overview of the book’s plot.

Symbolism Analysis :

Significance in the Story :

Themes : Discuss how the symbols relate to the themes.

Personal Reflection : Reflect on the symbolism and its impact on your understanding of the book.

Template 7: Creative Book Report

Introduction Encourages creativity by allowing students to express their understanding in unique ways.

Plot Summary : Provide a brief overview of the plot.

Creative Expression : Choose one of the following:

Write a diary entry from a character’s perspective.
Create a comic strip summarizing the story.
Design a new book cover with a summary.

Character Insights : Discuss your creative choices and what they reveal about the characters.

Themes : Identify the main themes expressed through your creative work.

Conclusion : Reflect on your creative process and overall understanding of the book.

Template 8: Historical Context Book Report

Introduction Focuses on the historical context of the book, ideal for historical fiction or non-fiction.

Plot Summary : Brief overview of the plot.

Historical Context :

Time Period :
Key Historical Events :
Impact on the Story :

Character Analysis : Discuss how historical context influences the characters.

Themes : Identify themes related to the historical setting.

Personal Reflection : Reflect on how understanding the history enhanced your reading experience.

Conclusion : Summarize your insights and overall thoughts.

Template 9: Genre Analysis Book Report

Introduction Analyzes the book within the context of its genre, perfect for exploring genre-specific elements.

Genre Characteristics :

Typical Elements of the Genre :
How the Book Fits or Deviates :

Character Analysis : Discuss how the characters embody genre traits.

Themes : Identify genre-specific themes.

Personal Reflection : Reflect on your understanding of the genre through the book.

Conclusion : Summarize your genre analysis and final thoughts.

Template 10: Book Report for a Movie Adaptation

Introduction Compares the book to its movie adaptation, great for understanding different media interpretations.

Book Title : Author : Movie Title : Director : Release Date :

Character Comparison :

Book Description:
Movie Description:

Themes Comparison : Discuss how themes are presented differently in the book and movie.

Personal Reflection : Share your thoughts on the adaptation. Which did you prefer and why?

Conclusion : Summarize your comparison and final thoughts.

Mad-Libs Style Book Report Templates

Mad-Libs style templates can make writing a book report fun and easy, guiding you through each step while allowing room for your personal touch.

Here are three templates to help you create a comprehensive and original book report.

Mad-Libs Style Template 1: Basic Summary Report

Title : __________ Author : __________ Genre : __________ Publication Date : __________

Plot Summary : The book [Title] is about __________ (main character) who lives in __________ (setting). The story begins when __________ (main event). As the plot progresses, __________ (main character) encounters __________ (challenge or conflict). In the end, __________ (resolution).

Main Characters :

[Main Character] : __________ (description of character)
[Supporting Character] : __________ (description of character)
[Antagonist] : __________ (description of character)

Themes : The central themes of [Title] are __________ (theme 1) and __________ (theme 2). These themes are illustrated through __________ (example from the book).

Personal Opinion : I thought [Title] was __________ (adjective). My favorite part was __________ (favorite part) because __________ (reason). I would/would not recommend this book because __________ (reason).

Conclusion : In summary, [Title] is a book about __________ (brief summary of themes and story). Overall, it left me feeling __________ (emotion).

Mad-Libs Style Template 2: Character Analysis Report

Plot Summary : In the book [Title] , the story revolves around __________ (main character) who __________ (brief plot overview). The plot thickens when __________ (major event), leading to __________ (consequences).

Description : __________ (physical and personality traits)
Role in the Story : __________ (main character’s role)
Development : __________ (how the character changes)
Personal Thoughts : I think __________ (main character) is __________ (adjective) because __________ (reason).
Role in the Story : __________ (supporting character’s role)
Personal Thoughts : I think __________ (supporting character) is __________ (adjective) because __________ (reason).

Themes : One of the main themes in [Title] is __________ (theme). This is shown through __________ (example from the book).

Personal Reflection : My favorite character was __________ (character) because __________ (reason). This book made me think about __________ (personal reflection).

Conclusion : The book [Title] offers deep insights into __________ (theme) and __________ (theme). It is a great read for anyone interested in __________ (topic).

Mad-Libs Style Template 3: Theme Analysis Report

Plot Summary : The book [Title] is set in __________ (setting) and follows __________ (main character) as they __________ (brief plot overview). The story takes a turn when __________ (major event).

Description : One of the central themes is __________ (theme). This theme is evident when __________ (example from the book).
Significance : This theme is important because __________ (reason).
Description : Another significant theme is __________ (theme). It is portrayed through __________ (example from the book).
Significance : This theme matters because __________ (reason).

Character Involvement : The characters help develop these themes, especially __________ (main character) who __________ (character’s actions related to the theme).

Personal Reflection : Reading [Title] made me realize __________ (personal insight). The theme of __________ (theme) particularly resonated with me because __________ (reason).

Conclusion : In conclusion, [Title] explores themes of __________ (theme) and __________ (theme) through its characters and plot. This book is __________ (adjective) and leaves a lasting impression because __________ (reason).

50 Best Words to Use in a Book Report

Protagonist
Development
Perspective
Foreshadowing
Juxtaposition
Interpretation

50 Best Phrases to Use in a Book Report

“The protagonist of the story is…”
“The central conflict revolves around…”
“The theme of the novel is…”
“This character’s development is evident when…”
“The author uses symbolism to…”
“A significant motif in the book is…”
“From the perspective of the narrator…”
“The plot takes a turn when…”
“The resolution of the story is…”
“The climax of the novel occurs when…”
“Foreshadowing is used to hint at…”
“The setting plays a crucial role in…”
“Dialogue between characters reveals…”
“The tone of the book is established by…”
“The mood created by the author is…”
“This work can be seen as an allegory for…”
“In the context of the story…”
“Juxtaposition of these elements highlights…”
“Through flashbacks, we learn…”
“The character’s motivation is driven by…”
“An archetype presented in the book is…”
“The synopsis provides an overview of…”
“The depiction of this scene is…”
“Intrigue is built through…”
“Readers empathize with the character because…”
“The integrity of the character is shown by…”
“The complexity of the plot is revealed in…”
“Transitions between scenes are marked by…”
“The conclusion of the story leaves readers…”
“Evocative language is used to…”
“The ambiguity of the ending suggests…”
“This interpretation of the text shows…”
“Realism is portrayed through…”
“The narrative structure includes…”
“Exposition in the story provides…”
“My reaction to the book is…”
“The evaluation of this work suggests…”
“Insightful commentary is provided by…”
“Emphasis is placed on…”
“A critical point in the book is…”
“The reflection on these themes shows…”
“Character interactions demonstrate…”
“A pivotal moment in the story is when…”
“The author’s use of metaphor illustrates…”
“Irony is present in the scene where…”
“The vivid imagery captures…”
“The tone shifts when…”
“Mood changes are evident in…”
“This allegory reflects…”
“Overall, the book emphasizes…”

Now that you have your book report templates, watch this video to learn the basics of how to write your book report:

Final Thoughts: Book Report Templates

Book reports don’t have to be boring or difficult. With these templates, you’re all set to tackle any book report assignment with ease and creativity. Download, customize, and impress!

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Non Fiction Book Report: How to Write the Perfect Paper

The thought of a non fiction book report may bring to mind early school days. In fact, a parent could easily use this article to help their kids complete one of these report assignments. However, even college students may be asked to review or report on a nonfiction book. Thankfully, the standards for what makes a perfect analysis paper doesn’t change across grade levels. The content itself becomes more complicated but the principles stay the same.

There are two main principles to writing a perfect book report: describe and evaluate. Knowing how to perform each and how to balance them can help you, your students, or your kids write the best paper they can.

Describe: The Facts of the Non Fiction Book Report

Description in a book report includes names and major points in the book. This is not the time to state your analysis of the work but simply to list the relevant information so the reader knows where your analysis will go.

The information in the description portion of a nonfiction book report includes background on the author and relevant information on the creation of the book. State how the book has been assembled or organized, especially if it takes a unique genre form. This includes the author’s intention with the book as a thesis or a statement of purpose. Let the reader know that you have a big picture of the nonfiction book being discussed.

Finally, offer a summary of the nonfiction book to get your readers on the same “page” for your evaluation. By selectively summarizing information, the reader (or grader) knows what they should take from your analysis.

Evaluate: Make Your Points

When you begin evaluating, use the information you reviewed and summarized in the description section. Evaluation involves your opinion, but a supported opinion that includes relevant scholarship. This means that other writers’ reviews and journal articles that discuss the nonfiction book you’re studying can come in handy to back up your points.

You can observe the strengths and faults of the book based on your observations and experience. However, the more you can support your statements with the words of others and of the book itself, the better your report will be.

How to Start Writing a Book Report

As you read, you have to read the right way ! This means observing the author’s purpose quickly, learning the background information that will go into your report beforehand, and taking notes. As you read, note the author’s expertise and how they incorporate their thesis. When you see quotes that support the author’s ideas (or yours), take note of where they occur. This can only make writing the report easier in the long run.

The Takeaway

A non fiction book report sounds like a hefty obligation. However, whether it’s a college paper or a child’s school project, a book report doesn’t have to be a burden. Get the two qualities of description and evaluation clearly distinct in your head so that when you read, you can already sort and note the informtation that will make your paper work.

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Commandant's Reading List - A Complete List

Commandant 's Choice

Entry level enlisted: recruit/poolee, entry level officer: candidate/midshipman, primary level enlisted: pvt.-cpl., primary level officer: wo, 2nd lt., 1st lt., career level enlisted: sgt., ssgt., career level officer: cwo-2, cwo-3, capt., intermediate level enlisted: gysgt., msgt., 1st sgt., intermediate level officer: cwo-4, cwo-5, maj., lt.col., senior level enlisted: mgysgt., sgtmaj., senior level officer: col.-gen., counterinsurgency, roots of maneuver warfare, wounded warrior, strategic thinking, regional and cultural studies.

The Commandant's Reading List is a list of books that Marines are recommended and often required to read. They are meant to help Marines develop their personal and professional character. The comprised list is what was published by the Commandant of the Marines Corps. If any changes have been made through a MARADMIN or ALMAR and it is not reflected here, please leave a comment and I will make the necessary corrections.

Leave comments for any books you would recommend to other Marines. Also see the CNO Reading List .

It is about attaining a "30 Year Old Body and 5000 Year Old Mind"as General Amos put it in his 2012 white letter:

In 1989, General Al Gray promulgated the first Commandant' s Reading List and challenged Marines of every rank to re-dedicate themselves to the study of their profession. Our twenty-ninth Commandant clearly understood that the development and broadening of the mind is a critical aspect of the true warrior 's preparation for battle. General Gray viewed reading as a means of preparing for the future, and combat in particular. He ensured that his Marines knew he considered mental preparation as important as physical conditioning or even MOS training.

The introduction of that first list was a milestone in the history of our Corps. It represented an important and useful manifestation of the professional study that has always characterized us as Marines. The idea of Marines diligently pursuing the profession of arms by reading on their own has resonated inside and outside the Corps. Comparing themselves to the most professional military organizations throughout history, Marines take great pride in being part of a thinking and learning organization. The emphasis on thoughtful reading has stood us in good stead over the last 11 years. The adaptation and flexibility shown by Marines faced with a variety of different situations and challenges was anchored in many years of mental preparation for combat.

Over recent years I have become increasingly concerned that Marines are not reading enough anymore. Many are not reading at all. This has happened for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, the last 11 years of continuous combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have been characterized by a high operational tempo that made extraordinary demands on time. Under the pressure of competing requirements, reading was one of the first things to go. For all practical purposes it has been gone for years. Our senior leaders have not emphasized the importance of reading.

Faced with a period of fiscal austerity and an uncertain world, it's more important now than ever before to dedicate time to read and to think. As we prepare ourselves for whatever is to come, the study of military history offers the inexpensive chance to learn from the hard-won experience of others, find a template for solving existing challenges, and avoid making the same mistakes twice. As it was once wisely put, reading provides a "better way to do business.. it doesn't always provide all the answers.. but it lights what is often a dark path ahead." Any book thoughtfully read sharpens the mind and improves on an individual's professional potential.

Whatever has caused our emphasis on reading to atrophy, we as Marines and as leaders, need to restore its preeminence at every level. The Marine Corps will return to its roots as an organization that studies and applies the lessons of history. The attached Commandant' s Professional Reading List represents an updated version of those books most pertinent to the development of professional skills at each level. I have personally reviewed it, and made both deletions and additions. It forms the core of an expanded professional military education program that I expect to be overseen by Commanding Officers and unit leaders at every level. Every Marine will read at least three books from the list each year. All books listed at each level of rank are required, while the books listed under categories are recommended readings to expand understanding in specific areas. The list represents only a starting point, and will ideally whet the appetite for further reading and study. Commanders and senior enlisted will reinvigorate the critical emphasis on reading in their units and develop a unit reading program. Books will be selected for reading and discussion, with time set aside in the schedule to that end. The idea that true professionals study their profession all the time not just in PME schools - will continue to be a strongly emphasized theme in all of our professional schools..officer and enlisted.

This letter represents only the first installment in this effort. On 1 January, a follow-on ALMAR will be published that provides further detail. I have also directed that specific guidance be promulgated that ensures that item G-1 (Professional Military Education) in the fitness report is being used to accurately describe a Marine ' s dedication to the pursuit of life- long learning .

Let me end by saying that I am well aware that much has been asked of our leadership in recent years - some may see this as yet another requirement. I ask that this white letter not be taken in that light. Reading is a critical continuing action. We need to find the time for it just as we find time weekly for individual and unit physical conditioning. What I am calling for is nothing less than a renewal of a critical aspect of our commitment to the profession of arms.

James F. Amos "Marines … the study of our profession is what we do - it tells all … who we are!"

All of the links in this list are affiliate links . The "free audiobook" links are valid for those who have not tried Audible.com and would like to signup for a FREE trial. Currently, Amazon is offering two free audiobooks with a free trial membership

" A Message to Garcia " by E. Hubbard "Leading Marines (MCWP 6-11)" by the United States Marine Corps. " The Warrior Ethos " by S. Pressfield "Warfighting (MCDP 1)" by the United States Marine Corps

" Battle Cry " by L. Uris " Corps Values " by Z. Miller " Making the Corps " by T. Ricks (free audiobook) " The Red Badge of Courage " by S. Crane (free audiobook)

" Battle Cry " by L. Uris " Corps Values " by Z. Miller " I'm Staying With My Boys " J. Proser and J. Cutter " Making the Corps " by T. Ricks (free audiobook) " My Men Are My Heroes " by N. Helms " The Killer Angels " by M. Shaara (free audiobook)

" Ender's Game " by O. Card (free audiobook) " Gates of Fire " by S. Pressfield (free audiobook) " Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller " by B. Davis " My Men Are My Heroes " by N. Helms " Rifleman Dodd " by C.S. Forester " The Last Stand of Fox Company " by B. Drury and T. Clavin (free audiobook) " The Marines of Montford Point: America's First Black Marines " by M. McLaurin

" All Quiet on the Western Front " by E. Remarque (free audiobook) " Battle Leadership " by A. Von Schell " Gates of Fire " by S. Pressfield (free audiobook) " Marine! The Life of Chesty Puller " by B. Davis " Matterhorn: a Novel of the Vietnam War " by K. Marlantes (free audiobook) " The Defense of Duffer's Drift " by E. Swinton " The Forgotten Soldier " by G. Sajer " The Last Stand of Fox Company " by B. Drury and T. Clavin (free audiobook) " The Marines of Montford Point: America's First Black Marines " by M. McLaurin "U.S. Constitution" " With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa " by E. Sledge (free audiobook)

" First to Fight: An Inside View of the U.S. Marine Corps " by V. Krulak " Islands of the Damned " by R. Burgin and B. Marvel (free audiobook) " Outliers " by M. Gladwell (free audiobook) " Quartered Safe Out Here " by G. Fraserl (free audiobook) " Soldiers of God " by R. Kaplan " Storm of Steel " by E. Junger (free audiobook) " The Defense of Duffer's Drift " by E. Swinton " The Forgotten Soldier " by G. Sajer " The Killer Angels " by M. Shaara (free audiobook) "U.S. Constitution" " With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa " by E. Sledge (free audiobook)

" Attacks " by E. Rommel " Black Hearts " by J. Frederick (free audiobook) " First to Fight: An Inside View of the U.S. Marine Corps " by V. Krulak "Infantry in Battle (FMFRP 12-2)" by the United States Marine Corps " Into the Tiger's Jaw " by F. Petersen " Islands of the Damned " by R. Burgin and B. Marvel (free audiobook) " On Killing " by D. Grossman (free audiobook) " Outliers " by M. Gladwell (free audiobook) " Quartered Safe Out Here " by G. Fraser (free audiobook) " Sources of Power " by G. Klein " The Virtues of War " by S. Pressfield (free audiobook) "U.S. Constitution" " War Made New " by M. Boot

" All Quiet on the Western Front " by E. Remarque (free audiobook) " American Spartan " by J. Warren (free audiobook) " Fields of Fire " by J. Webb (free audiobook) " Flags of Our Fathers " by J. Bradley (free audiobook) " Helmet For My Pillow " by R. Leckie " On Killing " by D. Grossman (free audiobook) " The Age of the Unthinkable: Why the New World Disorder Constantly Surprises Us and What We Can Do About It " by J. Ramo (free audiobook) " The Changing Face of War " by M. Van Creveld " This Kind of War " by T. Fehrenbach (free audiobook) "U.S. Constitution" " We Were Soldiers Once…And Young " by H. Moore and J. Galloway

" Battle Cry of Freedom " by J. McPherson (free audiobook) " Blink " by M. Gladwell (free audiobook) " Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War " by R. Coram (free audiobook) " Brute: The Life of Victor Krulak " by R. Coram (free audiobook) " Carnage and Culture " by V. Hanson " Command Culture " by J. Muth " Defeat into Victory " by W. Slim " Forgotten Warriors " by T. Hammes " Hot, Flat, and Crowded " by T. Freidman (free audiobook) " Just and Unjust Wars " by M. Walzer (free audiobook) " Military Innovation in the Interwar Period " by W. Murray and A. Millett " Ripples of Battle " by V. Hanson " The Age of the Unthinkable: Why the New World Disorder Constantly Surprises Us and What We Can Do About It " by J. Ramo (free audiobook) " The Warriors: Reflections on Men in Battle " by J. Gray " This Kind of War " by T. Fehrenbach (free audiobook)

" Achilles in Vietnam " by J. Shay " Assignment Pentagon: How to Excel in a Bureaucracy " by P. Smith and D. Gerstein " Command Culture " by J. Muth " Forgotten Warriors " by T. Hammes " Hot, Flat, and Crowded " by T. Freidman (free audiobook) " Just and Unjust Wars " by M. Walzer (free audiobook) " No Bended Knee " by M. Twining " The Face of Battle " by J. Keegan (free audiobook) " The Mask of Command " by J. Keegan

" Another Bloody Century " by C. Gray " Assignment Pentagon: How to Excel in a Bureaucracy " by P. Smith and D. Gerstein " Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Lies that Led to Vietnam " by H. McMaster " Diplomacy " by H. Kissinger " How Wars End " by G. Rose (free audiobook) " Landscape of History: How Historians Map the Past " by J. Gaddis " Little Book of Economics: How the Economy Works in the Real World " by G. Ip " Military Power: Explaining Victory and Defeat in Modern Battle " by S. Biddle " Modern Strategy " by C. Gray " Supreme Command: Soldiers, Statesmen and Leadership in Wartime " by E. Cohen " Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln " by D. Goodwin (free audiobook) " The Federalist Papers " by A. Hamilton " The Guns of August " by B. Tuchman (free audiobook) " The Landmark of Thucydides " by R. Strassler " The Revenge of Geography " by R. Kaplan (free audiobook)

" 100 Years of Marine Corps Aviation: An Illustrated History " by R. Kaufman " Hammer From Above: Marine Air Combat Over Iraq " by J. Stout " Marine Air: The History of the Flying Leathernecks in Words and Photos " by R. Dorr " On Yankee Station: The Naval Air War over Vietnam " by J. Nichols and B. Tillman "The Art of Airpower, Sun Tzu Revisited" by S. Kainikara " The Naval Air War in Korea " by R. Hallion " U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Since 1912 " by P. Mersky

" Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army " by D. Engels " Clockspeed " by C. Fine " Feeding Mars: Logistics in Western Warfare from the Middle Ages to the Present " by J. Lynn " Keep from All Thoughtful Men: How U.S. Economists Won WWII " by J. Lacey " Pacific Express: The Critical Role of Military Logistics In WWII " by W. McGee " Recurring Logistic Problems as I Have Observed Them " by C. Magruder " Supplying War " by M. van Creveld

" Counterinsurgency Warfare " by D. Galula " Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife " by J. Nagl and P. Schoomaker (free audiobook) " Street Without Joy " by B. Fall (free audiobook) " The Accidental Guerilla " by D. Kilcullen (free audiobook) " The Village " by B. West " War Comes to Long An " by J. Race

" Airpower and Maneuver Warfare " by M. van Creveld " Assault from the Sea: Essays on the History of Amphibious Warfare " by M. Bartlett " Maneuver Warfare " by G. Galvin and R. Hooker " Maneuver Warfare Handbook " by W. Lind " The U.S. Marines and Amphibious War: Its Theory and Practice in the Pacific " by J. Isley and P. Crowl

" Ascent " by B. McGhie " Courage After Fire: Coping Strategies for Troops Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and Their families " by K. Armstrong, S. Best, and P. Domenici " Down Range: To Iraq and Back " by B. Cantrell and C. Dean " Odysseus in America: Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming " by J. Shay " Once a Warrior Always a Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home " by C. Hoge (free audiobook) " Once a Warrior: Wired for Life " by B. Cantrell and C. Dean " Overcoming Post-Deployment Syndrome: A Six Step Mission to Health " by D. Cifu and C. Blake " Shadow of the Sword " by J. Workman " Soft Spots: A Marine's Memoir of Combat and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder " by C. Van Winkle " Unbroken: A WWII Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption " by L. Hillenbrand (free audiobook) " War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder " by E. Tick " Warrior Mindset " by M. Asken, L. Christensen, D. Grossman " What It Is Like to Go to War " by K. Marlantes (free audiobook)

" Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Professional and Personal Life " by R. Paul and L. Elder " General System Theory " by L. Von Bartalanffy " Harnessing Complexity " by R. Axelrod and M. Cohen " Rethinking the Principles of War " by A. McIvor " The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable " by N. Taleb (free audiobook) " The Copernican Revolution " by T. Kuhn " Thinking Fast and Slow " by D. Kahneman (free audiobook) " Thinking in Time: The uses of Histry for Decision Makers " by R. Neustadt and E. May

" Angry Wind: Through Muslim Black Africa by Truck, Bus, Boat, and Camel " by J. Tayler " Eastward to Tartary: Travels in the Balkans, the Middle East, and the Caucasus " by R. Kaplan " Monsoon " by R. Kaplan " Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea " by B. Demick (free audiobook) " The Great Arab Conquests " by H. Kennedy " Understanding Arabs: A Contemporary Guide to Arab Society " by M. Nydell " What Went Wrong? The Clash Between Islam and Modernity in he Middle East " by B. Lewis (free audiobook)

" Developing the Leaders Around You " by J. Maxwell (free audiobook) " Heoric Leadership " by C. Lowney (free audiobook) " Leadership and the New Science " by M. Wheatly " Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times " by D. Phillips (free audiobook) " Once a Marine " by N. Popaditch and M. Steere (free audiobook) " Start With Why " by S. Sinek (free audiobook) " The Power of Communication " by H. Garcia " The Starfish and the Spider " by O. Brafman and R. Beckstrom (free audiobook)

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The 31 Best Books to Read in High School

Coursework/GPA

A huge number of books exist out there, ready and waiting for you to read them. Whether you prefer manga or ancient, epic poems, reading is great for all sorts of reasons .

What follows is a list of highly beneficial books to read in high school (or after!). These are remarkable books— books that made history, books that challenge societal perceptions of the world, and books that are quite simply interesting and moving. The books are presented in alphabetical order, and a short description is given for each book, as well an explanation of why it is worth reading.

Why Is Reading Important?

Why should you read these books? Why should you read at all for that matter? Reading is essential to communication, especially in an era of emails and texting. Beyond even that, though, reading has an array of crucial purposes. It will help improve your grades and test scores. You'll learn about other places, other times, and other cultures. You'll encounter issues you can relate to—issues that speak to you and challenge you to think and feel in new ways. You will grow, empathetically and intellectually. Plus, you'll understand more of the references that crop up all the time in pop culture.

Below are 31 books to read in high school that will help you prepare for college and beyond.

1984 (George Orwell)

This dystopian novel by George Orwell was written 35 years before the date referenced by the title. In this book, Orwell tells a story that warns readers about the possible consequences of complacency in the face of rising dictators (think Hitler and Stalin) and burgeoning technology ripe for misuse. He describes a world where everything is monitored, right down to citizens’ thoughts, and where any opposition to the ruling class is punishable by extreme measures. The oft-encountered quote, "Big Brother is watching," finds its origin in this novel.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)

This sequel to Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is much graver in nature than its predecessor. There are still plenty of good antics worthy of a laugh, but it concerns itself largely with a young boy’s attempt to escape severe family dysfunction and the moral implications of his taking an escaped slave as a companion on his adventure down the Mississippi River. Readers should be warned that the " n -word" is used liberally throughout the novel, which tends to be jarring to many a modern ear.

Mark Twain wants you to read his novel(s).

The Awakening (Kate Chopin)

Set in the Creole culture of the late 1800s, this novel by Kate Chopin details one woman’s process of becoming aware of herself. At the time, women were essentially property, and they were expected to act in demure and socially acceptable ways. As the protagonist "awakens" to her emotional and sexual needs, as well as the ultimate truth of her own independence , all sorts of problems ensue. The novel examines the balance between self-respect and selfishness.

The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath)

This autobiographical novel by poet Sylvia Plath explores the deep, dark reality of mental illness. The protagonist, Esther, a stand-in for Plath herself, is a college student exploring her talents, interests, and sexuality as she descends into an unsettling spiral of mental instability. It is essential for students to understand the seriousness of mental illness as it is so earnestly portrayed in this book.

Black Rain (Masuji Ibuse)

Black Rain , by Masuji Ibuse, is about the very immediate, human consequences of the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It follows a small family of survivors, detailing what happened to them during the days of the bombing and what the effects are some years later. The book adopts a gentle, subtle tone, and yet it is not afraid to delve into very explicit and challenging topics related to the bombings.

Bless Me, Ultima (Rudolfo Anaya)

This semi-autobiographical novel by Rudolfo Anaya contains a healthy dose of magical realism and is considered a staple of Chicano literature. It combines Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences, showing openly the ways in which these forces within the protagonist’s life come into conflict. Young Antonio is growing up in a world that leaves him with more questions than answers: major questions about life and death, good and evil, and so on. These issues seem too big for his six-year-old mind, and yet he grapples with them valiantly through the end of the novel.

Antonio has lots of questions surrounding his faith traditions.

Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)

In Brave New World , Aldous Huxley explores themes similar to those found in Orwell’s 1984 . Huxley wrote this novel earlier than Orwell wrote his, and yet both deal with dystopian concepts. In particular, Huxley balances utopian and dystopian interpretations of a world that is highly controlled, easily manipulated, and extremely dysfunctional, ready to fall apart at any provocation. There are insiders of and outsiders to this world, and each character views and interacts with the society in a different light.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (Dee Brown)

Dee Brown covers a lot of historical ground in this book. In it, Brown describes the history of European Americans as they interact with (and slaughter) the Native Americans who already inhabit what they claim as their country. It’s an infuriating and accurate tale of mistreatments and abuses, as well as the unfortunate decline of a noble people trying to defend their established way of life. It’s essential for students to understand this part of United States history.

The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger)

This bold and controversial novel by J. D. Salinger centers around ideas including adolescent sexuality and relationships. The protagonist is constantly bouncing around from person to person, place to place, activity to activity. Critics were greatly offended by Salinger’s frank discussions of sexual matters and his generally very casual style. This book is an important read in part because of its direct relevance to struggling adolescents and the issues they face.

The Crucible (Arthur Miller)

Arthur Miller wrote this tragic play in the early 1950s. While it is somewhat loosely based on the Salem witch trials of 1692, and while it is likely intended as an allegory to McCarthy’s rooting out of suspected Communists at the time of the play’s writing, the issues it touches on are much more broadly applicable. This is an important dramatic work on how hysteria, cruelty, and ignorant gullibility destroy communities.

Bonus: Studying The Crucible for school and struggling? Check out our The Crucible study guides here !

There are lots of accusations of creepy stuff in The Crucible.

The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank)

Anne Frank’s published diary is different from a typical literary work. It’s a true account of the life of one Jewish girl during the Holocaust, and, while Anne Frank wrote some passages with publication in mind, others she did not. When the book was first published, many passages that her father, Otto Frank, found too long, unflattering, or inappropriate were excluded. Today, the book is available with all material included. Gaining some understanding of this horrific genocide is crucial to students.

Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

Books are on trial in this astounding work by Ray Bradbury. Set in yet another dystopian future where firemen are employed to burn books and the houses that contain them, Fahrenheit 451 tells the story of a fireman who begins to wonder what books have to offer. This novel is an ode to literacy, and, while it has its tragic moments, it ultimately leaves readers with a message of hope.

Flowers for Algernon (Daniel Keyes)

Daniel Keyes writes a very warm and human form of science fiction in Flowers for Algernon . The novel tells the story of a man considered mentally retarded who is selected for an intelligence-enhancing surgery. The book follows the effects, both positive and negative, that come from the sudden change in his I.Q. This is a moving read for students who wish to understand how intelligence plays into our humanity.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf (Ntozake Shange)

In For Colored Girls… , Ntozake Shange creates choreopoetry (poetry meant to be performed with movement and dance) that covers important themes of race, gender, abuse, and perseverance. It’s largely a deep and dark poem, but it contains a message of hope. This is an awesome opportunity for readers to get exposure to poetry in a very relevant and theatrical form.

The rainbow contains all sorts of symbolism.

Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)

First off, let’s all be clear: as some will already know, Frankenstein is not a monster. Rather, the very human Victor Frankenstein is responsible for creating what we recognize as the monster from the story; the creature itself is nameless. Mary Shelley wrote this Gothic thriller in the early 1800s, and yet we remain fascinated by this tale of playing God and facing the consequences. It’s an eerie tale with themes that run deep.

The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)

John Steinbeck’s masterful The Grapes of Wrath centers around the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in American history. It’s a story of hope and despair, moving from one to the other and back again seamlessly throughout the novel. While loaded with biblical allusions, it is not heavy-handed with them, and the writing is often praised as realistic and beautiful.

Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)

Great Expectations , by Charles Dickens, is a staple of English literature. It’s one of his most autobiographical works; it tells the story of a young boy, orphaned and poor, who ultimately experiences a drastic change in his fortunes. In addition, he learns much about love, trust, and relationships in this coming-of-age novel. As the title suggests, the novel also contains discussions of hope, disappointment, and expectations.

The Great Gatbsy (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby a novel that in many ways closely reflected his own experience. The decadence of the Jazz Age was, as is revealed in the novel, both enticing for many and revolting for some. The Great Gatsby follows the quest of a wealthy young man to win back the love of his life by extravagant displays of riches and social connections. As the plot builds to its climax, readers, along with Gatsby's simpler, humbler friend and neighbor, are left to ponder the passing of an era in American history.

BONUS: Reading The Great Gatsby for school but finding it hard to keep track of all the characters? We have several study guides that might be able to help, including our guide to all the characters in The Great Gatsby .

The Joy Luck Club (Amy Tan)

Amy Tan’s novel, The Joy Luck Club , deals with intergenerational and intercultural questions. Tan seeks to represent the Chinese-American experience while also representing issues of mother-daughter relationships and the passage of time. The book focuses on four mother and four daughters across four sections of the novel for a total of sixteen stories that come together to complete this total work.

Lord of the Flies (William Golding)

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies speaks to the evil and degenerate potential that lurks within each human. It can be interpreted religiously, politically, psychoanalytically, or any number of other ways, but the basic premise is that a group of schoolboys stranded on an island descend into grotesque savagery. It’s a disturbing story, to be sure, but one that is important to be familiar with in a world where savage instinct too often presents itself today.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (J. R. R. Tolkien)

As with any work, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are not everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re hugely rewarding pleasure reading for too many fans to count. Tolkien’s masterpieces are more than just pleasure reading, though; the trilogy covers major themes of the epic struggle between good and evil, the necessity of persevering through immensely difficult ordeals, and how to apply mercy. Tolkien asks major questions about those who are evil versus those who are misguided and what we should do when our paths intertwine with any such individuals. The Hobbit is lighter and more kid-focused, but still addresses important themes.

The Odyssey (Homer)

The Odyssey is an epic poem nearly three thousand years old that’s attributed to the blind poet Homer. It tells the story of a war hero’s ten-year quest to return to his home, wife, and son. He encounters a number of varied setbacks along the way, and the trouble isn’t over when he gets home. The Odyssey deals with human interactions with the gods, bringing up questions of righteousness, wrongdoing, and pride as well as ideas of faithfulness and patience.

Oedipus Rex (Sophocles)

This play by Greek dramatist Sophocles is about a man who inadvertently kills his father and marries his mother. It’s dark subject matter, and nothing good comes of it, as you may well suspect. This another example, as in The Odyssey , of the divine tinkering with human lives and the great sin of pride.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey)

Ken Kesey documents in this work the darkest side of mental health care as it existed in the 1960s. While certainly not all mental health care was like what’s described in the book, nor is it all like that today, audiences of the novel are aghast that any care might even vaguely resemble the horrors discussed. Despite how disturbing the storyline is, it’s important for readers to recognize the vulnerability of this too often overlooked segment of society.

Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice follows a family with five daughters, all unwed, and all, due to English customs of the late 1700s and early 1800s, in need of wedding. Of the five daughters, Elizabeth is the focus of the novel, though the others are discussed aplenty. While marriage is one of the central ideas in the novel, there are plenty of other themes to be picked apart, including ones that touch on pride, prejudice, first impressions, love, misunderstanding, and manipulation. This is, all around, a classic piece of literature, and one with which to be familiar.

Next up: one of my favorites, William Shakespeare.

Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet (William Shakespeare)

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is familiar to most people on some level: two teenagers from feuding families fall in love and ultimately sacrifice their lives to their passion. Of all of Shakespeare’s works, it's a particularly popular one to read in high school for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it deals explicitly with teenaged love, and, for another, it’s a relatively simple plot that’s nonetheless action-packed. It also opens with a shameless series of very witty dirty jokes, and such humor is scattered throughout the rest of the show. Then there’s the thematic material, which includes obedience, fate, and rash decisions, among others.

For those who don’t wish to read about teenagers mooning for each other to the point of suicide, there’s always Hamlet . This story follows a Danish prince whose father has died and whose mother has almost instantly married the father’s brother. When Hamlet discovers, via an appearance of his father’s ghost, that his uncle murdered his father, all sorts of interesting events ensue. There’s madness (real and feigned), murder, suicide, treason, and a lot of waffling over the right course of action.

As an added bonus, those who read Hamlet may wish to read Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead . It follows the events of Hamlet from the perspective of two minor and typically much-maligned characters. It’s also hilarious, if absolutely weird.

Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut)

Slaughterhouse-Five is a fictional account of events in some ways very similar to what the author himself experienced as a prisoner of war in WWII. He writes about the atrocities humans commit upon each other, and he also mixes in a number of other concerns, some heavy, some light, such as death, aliens, and the ability to see other points in time, past or future.

Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston)

The novel Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston has been much criticized over the course of its history, and yet it stands as one of the great classics of American literature. It tells the story of a black woman who is full of zest and passion and who is passed from man to man as she goes through life. With her first husband, she is absolutely miserable; with her second husband, it’s more bearable, for a time; and with her third man, she finds happiness. The trials and tribulations she undergoes with all three make for an interesting examination of what it takes for Janie to free the strong, confident woman within.

(Not an actual representation of Janie. Same approach to life, though.)

Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe)

In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart , readers encounter a complex and beautifully rendered examination of life with the Igbo tribe in Africa, both before and after the white man’s interference. Okonkwo is the protagonist, and he goes through a number of difficulties that put him in the position of making distasteful decisions. Readers are left to wonder whether things are falling apart because that’s simply the way of the world or whether different decisions could have kept them together. The inevitability of change is neatly demonstrated.

To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird deals with elements of racism, courage, sympathy, understanding, and hope. It tells the story of a small town where a black man has been falsely accused of raping a white woman. The daughter of the lawyer defending the accused is the main protagonist, and another aspect of the story is her journey from bemused mockery to gentle understanding with regard to an eccentric man in the town. To Kill a Mockingbird rose to prominence during the Civil Rights Movement and remains as potent today as it ever was.

The Ugly American (Eugene Burdick and William Lederer)

The Ugly American by Burdick and Lederer is a denouncement of the American practice of sending insensitive diplomatic figures into foreign countries. Through a series of vignettes, it demonstrates American inefficiency overseas. It so impressed John F. Kennedy while he was a Democratic senator that he sent a copy to each and every one of his Senate colleagues. It can be an uncomfortable read, but a worthwhile one.

If you can read through these 30-odd books before you graduate high school, you'll be in a good shape, from a literary perspective.

Even if you can't read all of them, picking a few would not be a bad place to start. You might start with those that simply sound the most interesting to you, or you could look for themes in the books that relate to what you're learning in school. If you're studying McCarthyism, for instance, maybe try The Crucible ; if you're studying the Holocaust, maybe try The Diary of a Young Girl .

These stories are immensely powerful. Some are newer, having instantly won their place in the pantheon of classics, while others have proven themselves by withstanding the test of time.

Readers will find that they resonate with some books more than others, and that's fine; the point is that all of these books have important messages to communicate, and I encourage readers to be open to finding out what those messages are.

Open a book, and you'll find all sorts of messages! Usually not in bottles, though.

What's Next?

A lot of these books may be read or referenced in AP English Lit classes. Check out our guide to AP Literature for tips on preparing for the exam. If you're not sure whether to take AP English Language or AP English Literature, allow us to provide you with some thoughts on the topic .

While we're on the topic of literature, why don't you take a moment to read some recommendations on which English classes you should take during your high school career?

Are you both a reader and interested in becoming a doctor ? Then you should definitely take a look at our list of books to read as a pre-med student .

And as a reminder, if you decide to read The Great Gatsby or The Crucible , you can check out our analyses of each to help you along the way!

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10 of the Best Spy Novels to Keep You Turning the Pages

Ready to be drawn into a web of secrets and deceptions? Find the best spy novels here!

Katie Moench

Katie Moench is a librarian, runner, and lover of baked goods. A school librarian in the Upper Midwest, Katie lives with her husband and dog and spends her free time drinking coffee, trying new recipes, and adding to her TBR.

View All posts by Katie Moench

Though tales of secrecy, spying, and deception are not just a modern genre, they became especially popular in the United States during the Cold War, allowing everyday citizens to be swept into the tense relationships between nations. During this time, several major authors like John le Carré and Tom Clancy emerged as major names in the spy novel genre who would go on to have long-running careers writing books about the dangers of carrying out spycraft. Spy novels were also penned by authors like Gramham Greene and Stella Rimington, who brought their knowledge of their previous careers with British intelligence services to their work.

In the best spy novels below, you’ll find classics of the spycraft genre as well as new releases from authors whose knowledge of the spy game may surprise you. No matter what you choose, you’ll be drawn into the web of secrets and deceptions contained in these spy novel stories.

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold book cover

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré

Le Carré’s espionage novels have come to be known as hallmarks of the genre, setting the pace for spy stories set during the Cold War. Drawing on his experiences in MI5 and MI6, le Carré launched his career with this novel that begins in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. Berlin Station chief Alec Leamas has just watched an East German soldier shoot the last of his agents, and Leamas is facing either retirement or a desk job. To avoid such a fate, he accepts an undercover assignment as a bitter ex-agent in order to serve as bait to trap Mundt, the deputy director of the East German Intelligence Service. As the game progresses, Leamas finds himself being played, even as he attempts to ensnare his prey.

Red Widow by Alma Katsu

Did you know that Alma Katsu, known for her horror novels including The Fervor and The Deep , had a multi-decade career with the NSA and CIA? Because I certainly did not, before I devoured both Red Widow and its sequel last summer. Set at CIA headquarters, Red Widow introduces Lyndsey Duncan, a semi-disgraced agent who has been assigned to track down a mole in the Russian Division. Also at headquarters is Theresa Warner, the widow of a former director who was killed under mysterious circumstances. The story becomes more complicated and more fast-paced as Lyndsey and Theresa are drawn together in a web of lies and double-crossers.

American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson

Based on true events involving Thomas Sankara, known as “Africa’s Che Guevara”, this novel is set during the heart of the Cold War when Marie Mitchell is an anomaly as a Black, female intelligence in the FBI. Mitchell has been given the chance to advance her career by joining a clandestine and shadowy division trying to undermine Sankara and his Communist ideology. Over the course of the novel, Mitchell seduces Sankara, makes herself part of his world, and ultimately brings about his downfall in this fast-paced ride of a story that combines high-stakes espionage with complicated secrets from its characters’ pasts.

A Map of Betrayal by Ha Jin

A multigenerational novel that interrogates the meanings of loyalty and patriotism, Ha Jin’s work opens with Lilian Shang, a Maryland history professor, discovering the diary of her father, Gary, after his death. Gary was the most high-profile Chinese spy ever to be caught in the United States, and Lilian knew that he had spent his life torn between the country of his birth and the one where he came to live. What Lilian did not know of was a potential hidden family in China that Gary had left behind. This discovery leads her to travel to China in order to unearth her father’s past and develop a full portrait of Gary and his espionage activities.

Rules of Engagement by Stacey Abrams

If you like your suspense with a side of romance, pick up this thriller from Abrams and Montgomery. Dr. Raleigh Foster is an undercover intelligence officer tasked with infiltrating the terrorist group Scimitar, which has stolen lethal, environmental technology. Assigned to partner with her is the distractingly handsome Adam Grayson, whose best friend was killed by Scimitar, and who agrees to pose with Dr. Foster as a couple, despite the fact that he believes she might be responsible for his friend’s death. As Dr. Foster and Grayson get deeper into Scimitar’s dark world, both the risks of getting caught and their attraction to one another begin to rise to dangerous levels.

Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett

In Britain, a Nazi agent known as “The Needle” is one of the most ruthless intelligence agents working for Germany. While there, he uncovers the Allied plans for D-Day, but also exposes his cover in the process. With MI5 on his tail, the Needle cuts a violent path toward the coast, where a U-boat is waiting for him. But, he didn’t count on a storm stranding him on a remote island, or on the courage of the woman who lives there to keep him from carrying out his escape plan.

The Human Factor by Graham Greene

Greene’s service in MI6 during World War II helped inspire this work about Maurice Castle, an operative in the British secret service during the Cold War. Castle is deeply devoted to his wife, who escaped apartheid South Africa with the help of a communist, and because of this, he begins to pass secrets to the Soviets in hopes of helping his in-laws who still live there. As he nears retirement, old leaks in MI6’s Africa division come to light and those around Castle come under increasing suspicion. Castle will have to wrestle with what level of blame he is willing to let others take for his actions — and what level of sacrifice he is willing to bear — in this novel that explores how spies were often pawns in much larger games.

Damascus Station by David McCloskey

Published in 2022, Damascus Station quickly became a modern standout of espionage thrillers. CIA case officer Sam Joseph is sent to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad in order to infiltrate Damascus and find a missing spy. But Joseph and Haddad fall into a relationship, adding an additional level of danger to their mission. Once in Syria, the pair encounters a trail of deadly assassinations and finds themselves under the watch of notorious spy catcher Ali Hassan and his brother Rustum, head of the feared Republican Guard, creating a dangerous cat-and-mouse game from which there is seemingly no escape.

Masquerade (Liz Sansborough #1) by Gayle Lynds

With Masquerade , Gayle Lynds was one of the first female authors to become a major player in the spy novel game. The first in the Liz Sansborough series, the novel opens with CIA Agent Sansborough having no memory of who she is or how she came to work for the CIA. Even more troublingly, one of the world’s best assassins is after her, and the only ally she seems to have is a stranger who claims they are lovers. As Sansborough evades the assassin, she begins to remember parts of her past and digs through the lies she’s been told.

At Risk (Liz Carlyle #1) by Stella Rimington

British counter-terrorism agent Liz Carlyle is up against a challenging task: finding and stopping a terrorist plotting an attack on British soil before it’s too late. Further complicating matters is that the terrorist is an“invisible,” aka traveling on a British passport, and therefore that much harder to track down. Before she began writing the spy novel series, Stella Rimington served as the Director General of MI5.

If you’re looking for even more spy novels, we have plenty of suggestions, from stories based on true events to fantasies involving spies and spy romances . You can also head to our spy novels archive for even more suggestions!

The 10 Most Popular Books on Book Riot in August 2024

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Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

The Best Books for 7th Graders

You’ll notice that the best books for seventh graders tend to veer into upper middle-grade territory. That’s the case with the books on this list. I have so many beloved upper middle-grade books and I’ll link to the full list at the bottom of this post, but this list also has several books I have never recommended on the blog before.

Seventh graders are on the brink of teenage life, and may relate most strongly to books about body image, crushes, and things like that. They’re also more able to tolerate tastefully done stories about sexual harassment, domestic violence, addiction, serious mental illness and other harsh, unpleasant realities of life. On this list, you’ll find books that hit all of these themes. Of course, as always mentioned, seventh graders can always read up or down. They can read and enjoy many of the books I’ve recommended for 6th graders and 5th graders , as well as books for 8th graders .

a selection of great books for 7th graders

Excellent Books for 7th Graders to Enjoy

Here are some of my favorite books for 7th graders:

Genesis Begins Again

Published: January 15, 2019

Thirteen-year-old Genesis grapples with intense self-hate worsened by her father’s verbal abuse and her grandmother’s backward ideologies about skin color. Readers first meet Genesis when she brings her “friends” home for the first time. In an embarrassing turn of events, they arrive to meet all her belongings in the street. The landlord has put Genesis’s family out because her gambling, alcoholic father defaulted on the rent, again . Things seem to look up for their family when they move into a posh neighborhood. Genesis makes new friends, joins the school choir, and even gets a helpful math tutor. Yet, her self-hate follows her. This is a remarkable middle-grade debut with a strong message about colorism, self-love, and the power of music .

The Wrong Way Home

Published: April 2, 2024

This book is mind-blowingly good. Fern and her mother have been living on The Ranch, under the thumb of a charismatic leader named Ben. But her mom has been acting off, and Ben has put her on a water fast to help her get readjusted. One day, Fern’s mother wakes her in the middle of the night and takes her across the country from NY to CA, where they live in a motel in her mother’s teenage neighborhood and adjust back to normal life. There’s only one problem: Fern hatches a plan to return to The Ranch because she thinks her mom has made a mistake. I loved the way this book explores cults in an accessible way for tween readers, and Fern is a highly realistic character I think will resonate with a lot of kids. Readers should know that one side character in this book is gay and another is non-binary.

The Liars Society

Published: February 6, 2024

Weatherby is a new kid at a Boston private school. She’s at the school on a sailing scholarship and immediately is thrust into a world she knows nothing about. Old school phone booths, scrambled phone service at school, friends with kids who go to the country club, and a boy who seems to hate her guts. Jack is a rich kid at the school who is also on the sailing team and is constantly pressured by his father to be the best. When the money for a famed school trip is stolen, Jack, Weatherby, and some of their friends are invited to play a high-stakes secret game that leads to the revelation of shocking family secrets. This suspenseful mystery, told from Jack’s and Weatherby’s perspectives, is fast-paced and high-stakes, perfect for the upper middle-grade crowd.

Twin Cities

Published: July 19, 2022

Twins Luisa and Fernando find their paths diverging as they enter sixth grade. Luisa will attend middle school in the US just across the border from Fernando’s school in Mexico. There, they face different but equally pressing challenges that threaten to tear them apart. Twin Cities is a fascinating look into Mexican culture, life as a twin, and finding your own identity.

Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs

Published: May 18, 2021

Thirteen-year-old Ivy needs to be good to people, even when it’s bad for her. That’s why she pretends to be okay with her mom being a gestational surrogate, a kid at school asking her to let him copy her homework, and never sharing her problems with her friends. But can she keep up the pretense? With a touch of mystery and plenty of heart, this is a thought-provoking novel about people pleasing and being true to oneself.

Life in the Balance

Published: February 16, 2021

Veronica’s life seemed like it was on track until her parents announced that her mom is going to rehab for alcoholism. Her mom who was a softball player when she was younger, her mom the lawyer, her mom who was supposed to help her and her friends practice for softball tryouts. Veronica is frustrated, sad, worried, and even angry at her mom for being unable to stop drinking. She also worries that things will never be the same again. So she throws herself into softball — their family sport — even though she isn’t sure she’s all that into it anymore. At the same time, she’s afraid to share her family’s secret with her best friend (whose parents are getting divorced). Will Veronica ever find a balance? This is a rare portrayal of alcoholism, addiction and rehabilitation in the family — especially in a parent.

All You Knead Is Love

Published: March 30, 2021

All You Knead Is Love follows 12-year-old Alba whose mother forces her to move from NYC to Barcelona, Spain where her grandmother lives. Alba is gender non-conforming, which means that she doesn’t like the typical “girly” dresses or frilly tops her parents often want her to wear. She’s happiest in her jeans and t-shirts. Alba’s father is physically abusive, especially towards her mother, and generally treats Alba with disregard. When Alba arrives Barcelona, she’s quickly drawn in by the vibrant city and its warm people, one of whom is her grandmother. But just when Alba begins to get comfortable, Toni’s bakery is threatened with closure because it just isn’t earning enough money. Alba needs to find a way to save the hub of her newfound community. This is a heartwarming middle-grade novel about identity, family, community, and, of course, food.

We Dream of Space

Published: May 5, 2020

Siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird move through the daily trials of pre-teen life in the 1980’s. Fitch and Bird are twins who are now in the same grade as their older brother, Cash — because Cash was held back in the seventh grade. Bird is a space aficionado and dreams of being an astronaut. Fitch has anger issues and hates that he’s getting crushed on by a girl he doesn’t like — and whom his best friends consider unattractive. Cash feels lost and cannot seem to find his place anywhere. It doesn’t help that the situation at home is tense, with parents who are constantly bickering and a family that cannot seem to make time to talk as a unit or nurture their children. Bird is eagerly anticipating the Challenger launch and is a huge fan of Judith Resnik — the Challenger’s Mission Specialist. This novel follows the siblings until the ill-fated launch day which changes their relationship forever. This character-driven slice-of-life novel shows how different families can be, addresses the struggles of navigating sibling relationships, and highlights what difference an enthusiastic teacher can make.

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance

Published: February 1, 2022

Maizy and her mother have returned to Last Chance, Minnesota, because Maizy’s grandfather is ill. Maizy’s mom had her with the help of a sperm donor, and she seems to have taken a less traditional, unexpected career route since her parents expected her to take over their historical Chinese restaurant, The Golden Palace. However, Maizy’s grandparents love her, and Maizy quickly bonds with them, especially her grandfather. One day, she sees pictures of several young Chinese men, and when she asks her grandfather about them, he begins to tell her a sprawling story about their family’s history in Last Chance, which is interwoven with love, racism, and community. At the same time, The Golden Palace experiences a hate crime, and Maizy is shocked to discover who the perpetrator is. This is a spellbinding middle grade book about one Chinese family’s heritage and the granddaughter who ties it all together.

More to the Story

Published: September 3, 2019

More to the Story is a modern middle-grade novel inspired by the classic novel, Little Women. Four Muslim-American sisters, Jamee la, Maryam, Bisma, and Aleeza, are distraught when their dad has to go abroad for six months for a job. Thirteen-year-old Jam, as she is fondly called has just become the features editor for her school’s newspaper. She’s determined to impress her dad with her first story. At the same time, a family friend’s nephew, Ali moves from the UK to Atlanta. As Jam and Ali’s friendship blossoms, one of her sisters receives devastating news about her health. This is a heartwarming, charming middle-grade novel about sisterhood, family, and following your passion, perfect for fans of books like Little Women .

$novels for book report$

Published: September 7, 2021

In the aftermath of her little brother’s death, Lucy and her parents move to a small town that is still healing from a school shooting four years ago. It’s jarring for Lucy to be around all these kids who lost friends when they were in the third grade, but it’s even harder because, unlike the situation in her home, the kids talk a lot about the shooting, their grief, and seeing therapists. But in all their sharing, the students have cast the shooter’s younger sister and their classmate, Avery — whom Lucy befriends — as an outsider. Will Lucy ever find her place and deal with her grief? Aftermath is a powerful, heartbreaking, and hopeful middle grade book about the impact of school shootings, grief, and friendships.

Partly Cloudy

Things are looking partly cloudy for Madalyn Thomas and her family. After being out of work for the last 7 months, her dad has found work in another state and her mom’s schedule as a social worker has become more packed from taking on overtime. Madalyn’s parents send her to live with her Great Uncle Papa Lobo during the week to allow her to attend school in a different district because of security issues at her former school. But as the only Black girl in class , Madalyn faces a new set of challenges at this new school. Partly Cloudy is an insightful middle grade story about family, community, and handling microaggressions in middle school.

Counting Thyme

Published: April 12, 2016

I loved this story about a family dealing with a cancer-fighting child and finding the balance to be good parents to all three of their kids. If you love books that tackle hard situations with a hopeful lens and sibling stories set in NYC, you’ll adore Conklin’s debut.

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

Yusuf Azeem is not a hero like his dad who talked down a gunman in their small-town A-Z Dollar Store. But his dad’s heroism doesn’t prevent him from getting worsening hateful notes in his locker telling him to “Go Home.” Yusuf and his friend Danial had expected that this would be their year — their entry into middle school and a chance to compete in a robotics contest. However, when some of the townspeople, including a group called the Patriot Sons try to stop the construction of their town’s mosque and begin to target Yusuf and other Muslims in the community, they are forced to take a stand. This is a poignant look at the impact of 9/11 on Muslim communities in America.

Published: October 18, 2022

Five kids form an unlikely friend group at the start of a new school year with surprising results. Lucas is processing his older brother’s death and his mom leaving his dad and him, Robbie is the group goofball with his own challenges, Finn is the walking encyclopedia, Cat is the star athlete, and Anna is the popular girl whose drawn to the group. As the kids play sardines (reverse hide-and-seek), they learn about each other’s most wanted wishes and plot to help each one get them. But when it’s Lucas’s turn, he’s afraid to bare his soul. Can he get past the fear and make his own wish come true? Sardines is a heartwarming middle grade novel about friendship, mental health, bullying, identity, and community.

The Prettiest

Published: April 14, 2020

Eve, Sophie, and Nessa are three different girls in Ford middle-school whose lives are changed when their names appear on “ The Prettiest ” list posted online by someone called “LordTesla.” Sophie is the Queen Bee of middle school, and Eve is the bookworm and poetry aficionado who’s started wearing her brother’s sports jerseys to hide her changing body. Nessa is a plus-sized theater geek with a melodious voice who experiences a slew of emotions — indifference, annoyance, disgust at beauty standards — when she realizes her name didn’t even make the list. The three girls band together in an unlikely friendship to find the person who made the list and make him face the consequences of his actions. This a powerful look at female objectification and sexual harassment in middle school.

How to Find What You’re Not Looking For

Published: September 14, 2021

This book follows 12-year-old Ariel whose life is upturned when her big sister (the best of them all), Leah, elopes with her Indian-American boyfriend after the Loving vs. Virginia ruling. Ariel’s parents are upset, Ariel is struggling with being able to write well at school, and she can’t stop thinking about her sister and everything happening in the world. How to Find What You’re Not Looking For is a poignant, moving, and brilliantly written middle grade novel about family, identity, and love.

Averil Offline

Published: February 13, 2024

Averil’s mom and several parents of kids in her school and neighborhood use an app called Ruby Slippers to track their kids’ location, request video and photos from them on demand, and generally monitor their behavior and actions all day and Averil and her classmate Max are sick of it. Especially when they find out that the app will be updated soon to let parents remotely turn on their kids’ cameras at will. Both kids make a plot to ditch a camping trip and find the original app developer, Rider Wollybeck, in hopes of asking him to rescind the update. This hijinks-filled story is reminiscent of classic stories where kids run away to save the day as Max and Averil stay on their town’s college campus, eating at the cafeteria and sleeping in the library for the 2-3 days needed to accomplish their plan. I love the gentle mystery, STEM angle, and theme of childhood autonomy this book explores. I think it has major kid appeal — and it’s only 208 pages long!

That’s What Friends Do

Published: January 28, 2020

Sammie and David are best friends who first met at Little League. As the only girl on the baseball team, Sammie enjoys being one of the guys, and she and David get along excellently. She’s convinced herself that she’s just better at being friends with the boys. Things are great until a new boy, Luke, moves into the neighborhood. Luke is taller than David and keeps trying to flirt with Sammie even though it obviously makes her uncomfortable. While Sammie looks to David for support, David — who has a crush on Sammie — is preoccupied with being jealous of Luke’s seemingly “smooth” skills. As a result, David starts to focus on making his affection known to Sammie, just as Luke seems to be doing. Eventually, an incident on the bus between David and Sammie jeopardizes their friendship and forces Sammie to re-examine the meaning of true friendship. I loved everything about this wonderful, wholesome story.

Violets Are Blue

Published: October 12, 2021

12-year-old Wren lives with her mom after her parents’ divorce. Her dad has moved to New York City and married his lover (with whom he was unfaithful to her mother), who is now expecting twins. Wren is also a special effects makeup aficionado. Caught up in a new school, navigating new friendships, and balancing her relationships with her parents — whose relationship with each other is strained — Wren notices her mom has begun behaving strangely. Violets Are Blue is an engaging middle-grade book with a relatable, creative protagonist dealing with parental substance abuse.

12 to 22 (POV: You Wake Up in the Future)

Published: August 16, 2022

On her 12th half birthday, her parents surprisingly gift her their approval to post on social networks. Thrilled, Harper starts posting TikTok videos like her idol, Blake Riley. Her first video goes viral and brings her closer to the popular crew in her school who only befriend her so she can teach them her edits. Their interest in her creates a rift between Harper and her best friend Ava. In the midst of the chaos, Harper tries a TikTok filter, which, combined with a wish to be 22, suddenly makes her 22! Unfortunately, her future is much different than she imagined. Is being 22 as great as she imagined? Or will she just want her old life back? And can she even get it back? Or is it too late? This is a charming, light, feel-good story about time travel , social media, and treasuring friendships.

Across the Desert

12-year-old Jolene has a tough life. Her mom is misusing opioids and can barely care for her. She’s mocked at school for wearing too-small clothing and looking haggard. Jolene’s only bright spot is a tween pilot she watches via livestream at the library, “Addie Earhart.” Addie and Jolene gradually form a warm friendship and encourage each other through life’s hardships. But one day during the livestream, Addie crashes her plane. No one but Jolene is watching the stream, and Addie’s mom doesn’t know she even flies planes. It’s up to Jolene to save her, but she’s a kid with no money — and Addie’s is stuck miles away in the Arizona desert. This is a heart-pounding middle grade novel about self-worth, friendships, and the struggle of a parent with addiction.

A Perfect Mistake

Published: July 12, 2022

Max and his community are reeling from a night out gone wrong. Max and his friends Joey and Will went out with two older boys, but Will ended up unconscious and in a coma, and Joey won’t speak to Max anymore. Max also has ADHD and is over six feet tall at 11, which means he stands out in his class. Frustrated that he can’t figure out what happened to Will, Max teams up with an inquisitive classmate, but the truths he unravels aren’t pretty. Can Max get to the bottom of this mystery? A Perfect Mistake is a pitch-perfect middle grade mystery about honesty, peer pressure, and standing up for what’s right.

Published: July 5, 2022

Marianne Blume has convinced herself that she’s not smart. She’s gotten through school so far by charming teachers out of questioning her. But her eighth-grade teacher, Mr. Garcia, isn’t easily fooled. To pull up her grades for high school, Marianne tries to win his favor by joining the school’s trivia team (which he coaches). But as the term progresses, Marianne bonds with the trivia kids and learns that there’s more to being smart than book smart — but also, she’s more intelligent than she gives herself credit for. Bright is a deeply insightful book about labels, persistence, and self-belief, featuring themes like sisterhood, female friendships, and family.

Wishing Upon the Same Stars

This debut middle-grade novel by Arab-American author Jacquetta Nammar Feldman follows young Palestinian-American Yasmeen Khoury, whose parents move from Detroit (which has a thriving Arab-American community) to San Antonio, Texas, where there are few to no other Arab-American families. But just before Yasmeen despairs, she discovers that their next-door neighbors are Arab-Americans too — only, they’re Israeli-American, not Palestinian-American. She befriends their daughter Ayelet, but her father is not pleased, especially with the current Palestinian-Israeli tensions. On top of adjusting to a new school and finding her place in the world, can Yasmeen help her dad see beyond the differences? This is a moving, poignant exploration of finding common ground despite differences and strife.

Coming Up Short

Published: June 21, 2022

Bea is winning at being a shortstop, finally making headway with her crush, and is excited to go to summer camp with her friends when her dad’s legal license is suspended in a town scandal. Suddenly, she develops a case of the yips and begs her parents to send her to another softball summer camp on Gray Island, where her mom grew up. Throughout the summer, Bea learns more about her parents’ previous marriages and other secrets. Coming Up Short is a sporty, summery, and serious coming of age story about a girl dealing with difficult emotions and circumstances.

The Bridge Home

Published: February 5, 2019

This heartbreaking middle grade novel follows sisters Viji and Rukku, who flee an abusive home situation into the streets of Chennai, India, where life isn’t so much better. Faced with hunger and homelessness, the sisters befriend two other kids in the same situation and keep trying to find respite until a tragedy upends their lives. This is great for readers looking for more books about poverty and homelessness or stories set in India.

The Road to Wherever

Published: May 11, 2021

11-year-old June (Henry Junior) Ball’s mother sends him off on the road with his adult second cousins after his father disappears without a word. Cousins Thomas and Cornell are “Ford Men” traveling throughout the US to fix people’s old Ford trucks for free. The Ford owners only have to buy spare parts. As the road trip progresses, the men teach June about Ford trucks, fixing cars, and being kind. June also processes his father’s absence while expanding his heart by meeting just as many broken humans as Ford trucks. This is a heartfelt road trip adventure story about family, community , and purpose.

Golden Girl

Published: February 22, 2022

Afiyah has a problem with taking things (seemed like kleptomania) even when she tries really hard not to. Fortunately, she’s often remorseful and returns the stolen items. She’s shaken when her father is wrongfully arrested for embezzlement at the airport during a family trip. The situation puts a strain on her family and moves Afiyah to strongly examine her tendency to steal — especially after she gets caught in the act. Golden Girl is a touching, realistic coming-of-age story about trying to break bad habits and dealing with a family crisis .

Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes

Published: May 17, 2022

Alex is looking forward to spending the summer (as she’s always done) with her best friend, Will. Will’s mother runs the concession stand at their community pool, and both kids have spent several summers playing games at the pool. This summer, though, a schoolmate named Rebekah has eyes for Will — and him for her! As Rebekah and Will begin a tentative crush-friendship, Alex feels threatened and ropes Will into a big summer project (building their treehouse), for which they’ll need several summer jobs to afford building supplies. Surprisingly to Alex, Rebekah also wants to be her friend too. Can Alex get over her jealousy and other issues in her life to figure out this summer friendship drama? This is a terrific summery middle grade book about evolving friendships , growing up, and adjusting to changes.

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

Published: April 26, 2022

Tae Keller’s newest middle grade book, Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone , opens with new girl Jennifer Chan declared missing at her middle school. As whispers begin, her next-door neighbor Mallory Moss worries that Jennifer may have been abducted by aliens (which Jennifer believed existed). Mallory reunites with two former friends begging them to help her find Jennifer following clues from her time with Jennifer and the diary Jennifer left behind. The story alternates between past and present as readers discover that Mallory’s search is also motivated by an ulterior motive: the need to prove that she and her popular friends didn’t run Jennifer Chan out of town with their bullying. Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone is a razor-sharp, realistic portrayal of kids mismanaging their insecurities and coping by bullying others .

Falling Short

Published: March 15, 2022

In Falling Short , we meet Marco and Isaac. They’ve been besties for as long as they can remember and now they share one pain in common: both their dads aren’t in their lives as they’d like. Isaac’s dad is attentive but currently struggling with alcoholism. Marco’s dad wishes Marco were more athletic, instead of nerdy. At the start of middle school, both boys decide to help each other reach their goals. For Isaac, it’s getting better at more than just basketball — getting better grades and being more responsible. And for Marco, it’s learning a sport: basketball. Can they reach their goals? And will their friendship survive it? I loved this look at a warm friendship bond between boys.

Everywhere Blue

Published: June 1, 2021

When Madrigal’s (Maddie) older brother, Strum, goes missing from his college campus, her musical family loses its harmony. Her French mother is distraught — broken for the first time as Maddie has never seen her. Her piano-playing father doesn’t even touch his instrument, and her fiery sister retreats into a rebellious funk, drinking and partying, even though she’s only 16. Maddie tries to keep everything together: focus on her oboe lessons and compulsive counting that calms her mind. But when her parents leave to look for Strum and Maddie is left with Aria, things seem hopeless. Maddie continues trying to manage school work, friendships, practicing her instrument, and maybe joining a new eco club at school. Eventually, though, with all leads looking dead-ended, Maddie just might have what it takes to find Strum. But can she find her way to him? Everywhere Blue is a poignant, moving middle grade verse novel about family , mental health , music, and caring for the environment .

The Kate in Between

When a bunch of popular kids seems to welcome Kate into their clique, she is torn about ditching her longtime best friend, Haddie. Things get complicated, however, when Kate is a passive participant in a bullying incident that leads to Haddie sinking on thin ice. Then, Kate is captured on camera saving Haddie, and the video goes viral. While news outlets hail “Kate the Great” as a shining example for tweens who should not be bullying other kids, Kate continues to oscillate between craving acceptance from the popular kids and trying to keep her friendship with Haddie, all the while maintaining her public image by appearing in newspapers and on popular YouTube channels. But how long can she keep up the charade? And, is Kate great? Or is she a bad person? The Kate in Between is a timely, complex, and engaging middle grade book about identity, popularity, bullying culture , and going viral.

Those Kids from Fawn Creek

Published: March 8, 2022

This book follows 12 seventh-graders in Fawn Creek’s middle school. These kids have grown up together in their small factory town and know each other in and out. They’ve formed semi-permanent cliques and it’s tough for them to break out from the general expectations of their peers. The story is told by multiple narrators, including the new girl Orchid Mason (who says she’s from New York and has grown up in cities around the world), shy girl Dorothy, and her best friend (and the only person she talks to) Greyson. Cousins Janie and Abby have recently become a duo since their “Queen Bee,” Rennie Dean, moved away to a nearby town but still tries to keep tabs on them and control their actions. When Rennie and her crew find out about Orchid’s seemingly exotic background, they’re at once jealous and convinced that she’s lying. But is she? Those Kids from Fawn Creek is a gorgeously written, character-driven, slice-of-life middle grade book about bullying and the power of kindness.

Published: March 9, 2021

Starfish features Ellie, a fat girl who has been bullied for her weight since she wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash in the pool. Even her older brother and sister make fun of her weight. Her mom controls her diet, monitoring her portions and choosing lackluster “healthy” alternatives. Ellie is feeling more disheartened because her friend Viv who is also plus-sized is moving away. Thankfully, after Viv moves, Ellie finds a friend in her new neighbor Catalina and her family. The family loves food and welcome Ellie with open arms, never judging her for her weight. At school, bullying intensifies when a chair breaks after Ellie sits on it. Her mom is also pushing for gastric bypass surgery for Ellie. Eventually, her father gets her mother to ease off by taking Ellie to a therapist who helps her accept her body and defend herself against bullies. Starfish is a powerful, fat-positive middle grade verse novel about a girl who is learning that she deserves to take up space.

No Fixed Address

Published: September 11, 2018

12-year-old Felix Knuttson is a sweet kid whose brain soaks up trivia like a sponge. His mom Astrid (whom he calls by her name), is loving but unreliable and can’t seem to hold on to a job or a house. When they lose their apartment in Vancouver, Astrid “borrows” a camper van from an ex and moves them in there “just for August” until she finds a job. But September comes, and there’s still no job or house, and Felix needs an address to enroll in school. Astrid figures out a way to do that, but Felix can’t tell anyone about their home situation. At the new school, he makes two new friends and finds out about a trivia contest that might change their housing situation. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned. This is a compelling, realistic, and funny middle grade book about homelessness, poverty , friendship, and mental health.

Violet and the Pie of Life

12-year-old Violet wishes that math could solve all her problems — and she does try to use her math. Unfortunately, her parents are fighting more and more. Her mom seems to nag constantly while her dad is the fun one who does things like buying them fried chicken for dinner. Eventually, after a heated argument one night, her father moves out and her mom won’t tell Violet where he’s gone. At school, her best friend Mackenzie seems to make fun of just about anyone, but especially the nice, pretty girl in their class, Ally. So when Violet gets cast as the Lion in the Wizard of Oz play and Mackenzie gets a small role, while Ally plays Dorothy, Mackenzie asks Violet to quit the play with her. Violet refuses. That and a budding friendship with Ally put a strain on her friendship with Mackenzie, adding to Violet’s overall stress. Violet and the Pie of Life is a realistic portrayal of the impact of parental separation on a child.

A Song Called Home

Published: March 15, 2022

Lou and her sister Casey have to move from the city to the suburbs to live with their new stepfather, Steve, leaving behind their old schools and Lou’s best friend Beth Tsai. Forming this new family is hard on Lou and Casey for different reasons. Lou feels like she’s leaving their alcoholic father behind and Casey worries that Steve is being too nice and the “real Steve” will show up soon. On the day before their move (which is also Lou’s birthday) Lou finds a guitar right outside their old apartment addressed to her. Convinced it’s from her dad, she starts learning to play guitar to maintain that bond with him. As they all navigate the blending of their families, Lou learns about herself and what family truly means. A Song Called Home is a realistic, heartrending depiction of the process of blending a family while dealing with the trauma of having an alcoholic parent.

Farewell Cuba, Mi Isla

Published: September 5, 2023

1960, Cuba. Cousins Victoria and Jackie love living in their island country with their large family. When when Fidel Castro’s communist government takes hold, things change swiftly, leading Victoria’s father to relocate his family to Miami, leaving Jackie and her family behind. As Victoria adapts to life in the US, Jackie and her family struggle in Cuba—until the family decides to send Jackie over to the States with Operation Peter Pan. But will Jackie ever see her family again? Both girls band together to bring the rest of their family to America. Farewell Cuba Mi Isla is a moving, authentic book chronicling the impact of Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba.

Published: March 31, 2020

When Ross is diagnosed with a rare lacrimal gland cancer (in his eye), it’s like a new trial for his seventh-grade existence. Add to that the fact that his mom died from cancer years before, he’s going blind in one eye, his best friend is moving away soon, and mean kids at school are making terrible memes about his illness, and you have a dumpster fire of a year waiting to happen. Or is it? Wink by Rob Harrell is a brilliant, funny, and thoughtful middle grade book about navigating a cancer diagnosis in 7th grade.

Kyra, Just for Today

Published: March 5, 2024

In this companion to A Song Called Home , Kyra’s mother is an alcoholic in recovery. She could always count on having her best friend, Lu — until now. Lu has new friends and splits her time between both friend groups, eventually asking Kyra to join them sometimes. Kyra is also getting bullied for being bigger than most other 13-year-olds. Already, Kyra does so much at home: cooking, and even helping her mom out with her cleaning job. But then her mother starts acting weird, leading Kyra to believe that she’s relapsed. I loved how the author shows readers that recovery is not linear and I enjoyed watching Kyra feel safe in her own skin. Hand to fans of Sumner’s Maid for It and readers who love books featuring food and cooking.

Fox Point’s Own Gemma Hopper

Published: April 11, 2023

7th grader Gemma Hopper’s mother has left their family. Gemma lives with her dad, older brother Teddy, and their twin younger brothers. While their dad works overtime to fend for the family materially, Gemma is saddled with caring for the home and her twin siblings while also serving as a ball machine/practice partner for her brother, who’s a baseball prodigy of sorts. One day, while practicing with Teddy, she strikes him out with two impressive pitches, capturing the attention of some scouts from a competitive baseball team. All of a sudden, Gemma now also has star potential. Can both siblings find a way to work together? This is an engaging graphic novel about family (absent mothers), baseball, and sibling relationships .

The Braid Girls

Published: June 13, 2023

In The Braid Girls , Maggie’s summer is off to a rocky start when her parents announce that she has a half-sister—a daughter her father never knew about until now. Callie’s presence throws off soft-spoken Maggie’s dynamic with her outspoken best friend Daija, even more when Callie joins their hair-braiding business. This is a sweet, relatable middle grade book about sisterhood , entrepreneurship, and finding your voice.

No Matter the Distance

Published: February 21, 2023

This book centers on young Penny, a middle schooler with cystic fibrosis. Penny has to take digestive enzymes and do her breathing treatments to help her lungs get rid of mucus that affects her breathing. While her CF case is relatively mild-moderate, she still struggles with being chronically ill. One day a dolphin shows up in the lake near their house and Penny feels a strong connection with the animal. It turns out the dolphin (whom Penny names Rose) is also sick and needs to return to her pod to get better. Penny may be the only one who can help the scientists take Rose back. But can she do that, when she feels so drawn to the animal? No Matter the Distance is a beautiful middle grade verse novel about living with cystic fibrosis and finding belonging in community.

Morning Sun in Wuhan

Published: November 8, 2022

I’ve had Morning Sun in Wuhan on my radar for a long time because it’s set in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic (and mostly because of the cover). 13-year-old Mei loves cooking and playing a cooking video game with two of her friends. She lives with her physician dad and is still grieving the loss of her mother. Her life suddenly turns upside down when a new virus starts killing people in her hometown Wuhan. Her dad is stuck working at the hospital and leaves Mei at home when the city is locked down. Can Mei cope with the pandemic — and find a way to help others around her? Morning Sun in Wuhan is a fascinating, insightful middle grade account depicting the genesis of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan.

Absolutely Positively Natty

Published: May 9, 2023

Reeling from the impact of her mother’s depression on their family, Natty decides she’s going to be “Good Vibes Only.” She even starts a pep rally club in her cheerless new town. But her pursuit of positivity wears on her friendships and her–until the facade starts to crumble. An insightful exploration of toxic positivity and how kids can manage tough situations instead.

The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn

Published: July 11, 2023

Maudie is a sweet, autistic girl spending the summer with her dad. When her dad’s home is razed in a California wildfire, they move to the small beach town where her father grew up. Throughout the summer, as Maudie makes new friends, starts learning to surf, and enters a surfing contest, a secret tugs at her–one her mother has asked her to keep from her dad. The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn is a vivid, triumphant, and authentic coming-of-age story about discovering one’s inner strength.

A Work in Progress

Published: May 2, 2023

Will feels like the only chubby kid in his class and feels insecure about his weight. Add to that the bullying he faces and his observations of his mother’s attitude toward food, and he falls into a pattern of disordered eating and over-exercising. Thankfully, a budding friendship with a new classmate changes his view. This is a great book about body image issues, and it’s done in an illustrated verse format that I think kids will love.

The Widely Unknown Myth of Apple & Dorothy

The Wildly Unknown Myth of Apple and Dorothy

Published: September 19, 2023

Apple and Dorothy are half-gods, descendants of the Greek gods Zeus and Hera and Pandora, respectively. When Dorothy’s mother refuses to return to Olympus one solstice, she becomes a full human and is soon killed in a car accident, leaving Dorothy and her father grieving. Motivated by a promise she made to Dorothy’s mother, Apple befriends Dorothy. But when the gods rule that all half-gods must return home to Olympus and take their place as gods or remain human, Dorothy chooses Earth, to Apple’s dismay. Apple’s fear of losing Dorothy leads her to make a decision with terrible consequences. As a non-fantasy reader, I loved this book — how clever, creative, and profound it is, especially in the way it approaches friendship and grief. I think fans of Greek mythology will love it.

There they are: 50 of the best books for seventh graders! I hope you find something appealing for your kids. If you’d like more upper middle-grade book recommendations, here’s my list of upper middle grade books .

Which of these books for seventh graders have you read and enjoyed? And which other ones would you recommend?

More Book Lists

Realistic fiction for 7th graders
Mystery books for 7th graders
Historical fiction for 7th graders

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About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

historical fiction books for 7th graders

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Reader Interactions

What do you think leave a comment cancel reply.

November 16, 2020 at 2:53 pm

The only one I’ve read here is Amal Unbound. So good! 🙌

November 17, 2020 at 4:57 pm

Another handy list! I’ve read a few of these and a few are new to me. I should really check out The Prettiest. The Story That Cannot Be Told caught my eye. (BTW, you have the description for One Last Shot underneath Serena Says).

November 18, 2020 at 4:10 pm

Hi Jenna! Thank you so much for your kind comment. Yes, you’ll love THE PRETTIEST! And thanks for the heads up, I’ve fixed that mistake now 🙂

November 21, 2020 at 12:40 pm

There are so many amazing books on this list! And a few I haven’t read yet!

June 14, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Bookmarking this post! Love it!

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The 60 Must-Read Books of Fall 2024

Buzzy novels, compulsively readable non-fiction, and a few deliciously guilty pleasures.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

This season, you have no excuse for being without something good to read. Offerings include explosive novels, revealing memoirs, brilliant biographies, and everything in between. No matter what kinds of books you like, there's a title coming out this fall that's sure to be just what you're looking for.

Becoming Elizabeth Arden

You may know Elizabeth Arden as the beauty empress who took makeup from being a faux-pas to a must-have, but do you know how she got there? Author Stacy A. Cordery details the rags-to-riches story of the Canadian-born entrepreneur whose revolutionary impact on the make-up industry continues today. Expect tales of intense business rivalries, family woes, and two warring American First Ladies.

Creation Lake

This latest from Rachel Kushner, the author of The Mars Room and The Flamethrowers, follows Sadie, a secret agent working undercover to infiltrate a group of French anarchists. All the hallmarks of an excellent thriller are here, as are Kushner's gifts for dark humor and stunning prose, to make for an exciting, exhilarating tear through the shadowy underbelly of international espionage—and the very human emotions that can complicate it.

The Battle of Versailles: The Fashion Showdown of 1973

Sometimes it takes a good fight to mark your place in an industry, and that's exactly how it happened for American fashion designers in 1973. In The Battle of Versailles: The Fashion Showdown of 1973, author Mark Bozek recalls the legendary fashion competition that propelled American fashion designers onto the global scene. The best part? It's the first illustrated book to chronicle the event, with archive images by Bill Cunningham and Jean-Luce Huré.

Blenheim: 300 Years of Life in a Palace

Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill peels back the curtain on what it's like to maintain a palace in 2024, bringing readers through the historic Blenheim Palace, which has been home to the Churchill family for over three centuries. Blenheim features gorgeous photographs which accompany Lady Henrietta's fascinating insight into the estate, its history, and its famous guests throughout the centuries.

Read an interview with Henrietta Spencer-Churchill

Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed to the Supreme Court in 2022 and quickly made her mark, issuing three solo dissents in her first term. Anyone who wants to know how the new justice found her footing so quickly would do well to read her memoir, which describes her life growing up the daughter of two educators in Miami, graduating magna cum laude from Harvard, and charting an admirable rise through the legal profession.

Fashion First

The legendary Annie Hall look. Her plaid suits. Pants on the red carpet. Diane Keaton has been a style icon since the 1970s, but her love of fashion goes back much farther than that, to when she was a little girl who would pick out patterns and ask her mother to create bespoke outfits. In her own characteristically self-deprecating words, the Oscar-winning actress looks back on her sartorial history, charting both her favorite moments and some cringeworthy fashion fails. Expect lots of photos, from vintage snapshots to stunning editorials by the likes of Annie Leibovitz and Ruven Afanador, along with anecdotes from Ralph Lauren, who wrote the foreword, Nancy Meyers, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Giorgio Armani

The Life Impossible

When Grace, a retired teacher, is unexpectedly left a house on Ibiza by a friend with whom she'd lost touch, there's only one thing to do: Get on a plane. But when she lands in paradise, the real story of what happened to her friend and why—as well as secrets from Grace's own past—comes bubbling up from where it was buried. If you're itching to extend your own summer vacation just a bit, we can't think of a better book to join you.

Lady Pamela

Lady Pamela Hicks—the daughter of Lord Mountbatten and first cousin of Prince Philip —has lived a fascinating life. Now 95, Lady Pamela was a bridesmaid at Queen Elizabeth's royal wedding , a lady-in-waiting for the Queen, and joined the Queen and Prince Philip on numerous royal tours. In Lady Pamela , a new visual biography, her daughter India Hicks tells her mother's remarkable life story. A must-read for royal lovers.

Read an interview with India Hicks

Scaffolding

In her much-anticipated first novel, Lauren Elkin describes two women, separated by 50 years, who occupy the same apartment in Paris and navigate seemingly similar challenges: a renovation, infidelity, and hard-won self discovery. Elkin, whose Flâneuse: Women Walk the City was a finalist for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award and a New York Times Notable Book, is a wonderfully precise writer who combines her subjects' stories with humor and insight.

The Play's the Thing: Fifty Years of Yale Repertory Theatre

Meryl Streep, James Earl Jones, and Francis McDormand are just a few of the actors who cut their teeth at the Yale Repertory Theatre. In this book by James Magruder, the history of the institution's first half century is told through the artistic directors who've run it, as well as the departments that make its productions possible, and the actors who've worked there. It's a fascinating, charming look at one of America's most innovative cultural centers and how it became legendary.

Tell Me Everything

Pulitzer Prize–winner Elizabeth Strout, author of Olive Kitteridg e, Anything is Possible , and numerous other critically acclaimed novels, revisits familiar characters in her new book Tell Me Everything , including Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, and Bob Burgess. There’s been a murder in the town of Crosby, Maine, and Burgess, a lawyer, must defend the suspect. Meanwhile, Kitteridge has struck up a new friendship. In other words, life, thank goodness, goes on in Strout’s remarkably-crafted world.

Dear Dickhead

Any book being touted as an "ultracontemporary Dangerous Liaisons" will get our attention. But what will keep it is sharp, observant, and thought-provoking writing like Virginie Despentes offers here, in her story about a second-string writer who begins a correspondence with a movie star (he insulted her online, the modern meet-cute) just as his world—and reputation—are about to explode.

Great Bars of New York City

From the classiest joints in town to some of our most beloved dives, New York City's favorite watering holes are celebrated in this new book, which features gorgeous photos of spots like the King Cole Bar and the Campbell by James T. Murray and Karla L. Murray, as well as odes to the spots by Dan Q. Dao. Should you use the book to inform a crawl through some of NYC's most storied establishments? Only you can answer that, but if you decide to do so, give us a call?

The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America

Vision & Justice initiative founder and T&C contributor Sarah Lewis explores how American thoughts on race were influenced by lies and deliberate indifference from the Civil War through the late 20th century. Lewis dives deep into global history to explain how a 47-year war halfway around the world lent ideas language to the West that would plague the U.S. for generations to come. It's a searing, important read that helps unpack the current moment and future of our country, and also a feat of detective work that uncovers historical events that profoundly changed the course of the world.

Entitlement

Four years after the release of his Leave the World Behind , Rumaan Alam is back with another novel that examines ways in which the comfortable are afflicted. Here, a former teacher takes a job at a billionaire's foundation, rises quickly in the ranks, and becomes his protégé, only to discover that the power his money has to change lives isn't always limited to the beneficiaries of his philanthropy—and that the change it can make isn't always for the better.

The Third Gilmore Girl

What are some of Kelly Bishop's favorite moments throughout her career? Was it winning the Tony Award for A Chorus Line? Or her performance in Dirty Dancing? What about her role in Gilmore Girls ? Find out in a new memoir, where Bishop candidly shares her triumphs and tribulations that made her into the celebrated figure she is today.

Audible Into the Uncut Grass

It's no secret that Trevor Noah's just as smart, charming, and poignant on the page as he is on air, and this latest release from the bestselling author of Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood is no exception. The illustrated fable, with art by Sabina Hahn, tells the story of a young boy's adventure beyond a world he already knows—one where he finds all kinds of lessons that are good for both people who read out loud and people to whom books are read out loud to hear.

We Solve Murders

Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club cozy mystery series has been a very successful—so much so the first one is currently being adapted into a film starring Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. Osman leaves his septuagenarian crime solvers behind in a new mystery, We Solve Murders , which is a similarly delightful and twisty read. The two protagonists are Amy Wheeler, a private security assigned to be a bodyguard for a bestselling author, and her father-in-law, Steve, who is enjoying quiet, retired life after a career as a detective. But once Amy is accused of murder, the two team up in a race around the world to prove her innocence.

Does This Taste Funny?

Stephen Colbert—cookbook author? Along with Evie McGee, his wife of more than 30 years, the late night host and comedian has compiled their most treasured family recipes. Most dishes, like spicy chicken thighs and what they call Stephen’s Kindergarten Soup, are an ode to the couple’s Southern roots (they both grew up in Charleston). This just may be the only cookbook on your shelf that will make you laugh out loud.

She-Wolves: The Untold History of Women on Wall Street

When it comes to trading on Wall Street, it isn't just stocks and bonds that are at the center of the action. In this fascinating, frustrating history of women in high finance, Paulina Bren tells the stories of the mavericks who stormed a boys-club castle and, with grit, determination, and no small amount of talent, dragged seats to the table for themselves.

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

Style News Editor at Town and Country covering society, style, art, and design.

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10 books to add to your reading list in September

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Critic Bethanne Patrick recommends 10 promising titles — fiction and nonfiction — to consider for your September reading list.

September’s novels come from authors with big footprints and include literary fiction, crime fiction and commercial fiction about characters who leave their own big footprints. Some are beloved returning characters; others introduce new, complex voices. Nonfiction titles include memoirs, reportage and historical narrative, each book packed with passion and purpose. Happy reading!

Small Rain: A Novel By Garth Greenwell Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 320 pages, $28 (Sept. 3)

Greenwell’s previous work (his novel “What Belongs to You” and his stories in “Cleanness”) amply demonstrate his brilliance in writing about sex and desire, as well as his brilliance with language. Now he turns the latter toward writing about pain and dependence, in a stark and, yes, brilliant story of a 40-ish gay poet whose aortal tear forces him to confront not just his own mortality but also how he and his partner will move forward in their lives if he recovers.

Guide Me Home: A Novel By Attica Locke Mulholland Books: 320 pages, $29 (Sept. 3)

Texas Ranger Darren Matthews, in the first two Highway 57 novels, coped with East Texas racism and murder. In this third and final title of the trilogy, Matthews has retired early, hoping for a quiet life, when his chaotic mother appears and begs him to investigate a missing Black sorority girl. Unfortunately, even the slightest questions asked about that girl reveal corruption so ugly that Matthews has to rely on his mother for the truth to be found.

The Women Behind the Door: A Novel By Roddy Doyle Viking: 272 pages, $29 (Sept. 10)

Readers first encountered the addicted and abused Paula Spencer in Doyle’s 1996 “The Woman Who Walked Into Doors” and again in the 2006 “Paula Spencer.” They’ll be glad to find her, at 66 a widow and grandmother, content with her job, her boyfriend Joe and her children’s stable families. But when her oldest daughter, Nicola, comes to stay, planning to leave her husband and children, the two women must reckon with old, dark memories.

Tell Me Everything: A Novel By Elizabeth Strout Random House: 352 pages, $30 (Sept. 10)

Strout’s Amgash books, of which this is the fifth and final installment, began with “My Name Is Lucy Barton”; few of us could have predicted that narrator would wind up in Maine during the pandemic or that she’d be living with her ex-husband William. Here, as attorney Bob Burgess, Lucy’s dear friend, is accused of murder, she even winds up meeting Strout’s famous character Olive Kitteridge in the latter’s retirement community.

Entitlement: A Novel By Rumaan Alam Riverhead: 288 pages, $30 (Sept. 17)

Brooke Orr identifies as Black and follows the life trajectory laid out by her adoptive white mother, leading Orr to be in charge of an octogenarian billionaire’s charitable foundation. She finds herself flummoxed when an older Black woman rejects the foundation’s money. Alam never shirks uncomfortable scenes or questions, and here, he pits class against race against greed against freedom, and joy.

Best Copy Available: A True Crime Memoir By Jay Baron Nicorvo University of Georgia Press: 240 pages, $29 (Sept. 1)

Nicorvo was a loving family man who was also a published author (“The Standard Grand”) and college professor. But the long-ago violent crimes he and his single mother endured at the hands of men had affected them both. The past is murky, though: The scanned PDF of a photocopy of her report was stamped “best copy available.” This remarkably honest and sometimes humorous memoir shows how one family ended the cycle of abuse.

By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land By Rebecca Nagle Harper: 352 pages, $32 (Sept. 10)

Nagle belongs to the Cherokee Nation, and knowledge of her own heritage as well as that of the Five Tribes undergirds her fluid and comprehensive account of how U.S. policy has resulted in so much injustice to Native Americans. As she leads up to the 2020 Supreme Court ruling on Sharp vs. Murphy that granted the Muscogee Nation land in Oklahoma for resettlement, Nagle gives voice to frustrations Native people have experienced.

Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life By Brigid Schulte Henry Holt: 432 pages, $32 (Sept. 17)

The journalist who brought us 2014’s “Overwhelmed,” about our overcommitted lives, returns with a book specifically about what doesn’t work when it comes to the American way of employment. Schulte looks at the current picture and the mid-20th century backstory of how we got here and examines other cultures’ methods of work-life balance. Her conclusions offer no pat solutions, rather underscoring the need for change.

Third Ear: Reflections on the Art and Science of Listening By Elizabeth Rosner Counterpoint: 240 pages, $27 (Sept. 17)

Rosner’s parents, Holocaust survivors, spoke six languages at home, and as the young Rosner listened and learned, she realized that the soundscapes of our lives affect us at levels large and small. As an adult writer, she weaves together her own stories alongside interviews with experts of all kinds to demonstrate how deep listening can foster better communication and empathy, in a lively, perceptive book about how and what we hear.

Health & Safety: A Breakdown By Emily Witt Pantheon: 272 pages, $27 (Sept. 17)

Witt, a journalist whose first book, “Future Sex,” was a brave look into everything beyond monogamy, describes what happened when, in 2016, she chose to give up antidepressants and try psychedelic substances. Soon the author had joined the New York City dance-club scene, all while maintaining her regular work during the day. She — and our country — were heading for a breakdown, and with her characteristic honesty, Witt tells the story of both.

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A look at some of the most anticipated nonfiction titles coming out soon

Andrew Limbong

Leila Fadel

Fall is a huge season for books, leading up to the holidays. We take a look at some of the most anticipated nonfiction titles coming out in the next few months.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Crime & Mystery

4 New Crime Novels Thrumming With Menace

Our mystery columnist reviews books by Scott Phillips, Morgan Richter, Snowden Wright and Jamie Harrison.

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By Sarah Weinman

Aug. 28, 2024

If you’re going to write about seedy underbellies and strange subcultures, then follow the road map created by Scott Phillips: Make it funny, make it ribald, make it memorable. That’s what Phillips has been doing ever since his lauded 2000 debut, “The Ice Harvest.”

THE DEVIL RAISES HIS OWN (Soho Crime, 368 pp., $27.95) is his latest novel to feature the photographer Bill Ogden, who was first seen in “Cottonwood,” set on the Kansas frontier in 1872.

The book cover for “The Devil Raises His Own” is red with a cutaway illustration of Los Angeles and a revolver at the bottom.

Now, more than four decades removed from his “Cottonwood” shenanigans, he’s living in Los Angeles, still able to work (and score), albeit more slowly. His granddaughter, Flavia, fresh off killing her husband back in Kansas (“I recently collapsed Albert’s cranial vault,” she says), has taken on partner/successor duties at his photography studio. Both are pulled into the orbit of the “blue movie” industry — milder in 1916, to be sure, but still prone to violence — where they encounter a vivid, pungent cast of scoundrels and flimflam artists, from a film star named Magnolia Sweetspire to a mousy postal inspector named Melvin de Kamp.

Phillips always adopts a wonderfully deadpan air, but beneath his black humor is a steely emotional core. “The Devil Raises His Own” is a romp, but it’s also a poignant exploration of chosen families, broken homes and desperate dreams.

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Dolly Parton is sending free books to children across 21 states — and around the world

Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton celebrated the expansion of her Imagination Library to all children in Kentucky. The charity provides free books to children from birth to kindergarten and has expanded to 21 states and countries around the world.

Dolly Parton performs during an event celebrating the Missouri statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library ,Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Dolly Parton performs during an event celebrating the Missouri statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Dolly Parton addresses attendees at an event celebrating the Missouri statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Dolly Parton address attendees at an event celebrating the Missouri statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Dolly Parton speaks to a audience gathered o celebrate the expansion of the Imagination Library of Kentucky at the Lyric Theatre in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. The library is now available to all 120 counties of Kentucky and provides books to children up to the age of 5 free books. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Dolly Parton, left, speaks with Brittany Beshear, center, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to celebrate the expansion of the Imagination Library of Kentucky at the Lyric Theatre in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. The library is now available to all 120 counties of Kentucky and provides books to children up to the age of 5 free books. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Dolly Parton speaks to a audience gathered to celebrate the expansion of the Imagination Library of Kentucky at the Lyric Theatre in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. The library is now available to all 120 counties of Kentucky and provides books to children up to the age of 5 free books. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Dolly Parton speaks to a audience gathered to celebrate the expansion of the Imagination Library of Kentucky at the Lyric Theatre in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. The library is now available to all 120 counties of Kentucky and provides free books to children up to the age of 5. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

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Dolly Parton’s father grew up poor and never got the chance to learn to read.

Inspired by her upbringing, the 78-year-old country music legend has made it her mission over the past three decades to improve literacy through her Imagination Library book giveaway program. It has expanded statewide in places like Missouri and Kentucky, two of 21 states where all children under the age of 5 can enroll to have books mailed to their homes monthly.

To celebrate, she made stops Tuesday in both states to promote the program and tell the story of her father, Robert Lee Parton, who died in 2000.

“In the mountains, a lot of people never had a chance to go to school because they had to work on the farms,” she said at the Folly Theater in Kansas City, Missouri. “They had to do whatever it took to keep the rest of the family going.”

Parton, the fourth of 12 children from a poor Appalachian family, said her father was “one of the smartest people I’ve ever known,” but he was embarrassed that he couldn’t read.

And so she decided to help other kids, initially rolling out the program in a single county in her home state of Tennessee in 1995. It spread quickly from there, and today over 3 million books are sent out each month. Since the program started, books have been sent to more than 240 million to kids in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.

Missouri covers the full cost of the program, which totaled $11 million in the latest fiscal year. Most of the other states chip in money through a cost-sharing model.

“The kids started calling me the ‘book lady,’” Parton said. “And Daddy was more proud of that than he was that I was a star. But Daddy got to feeling like he had really done something great as well.”

In Kentucky, the Imagination Library reaches children in all 120 counties, Gov. Andy Beshear said at an event Tuesday with Parton. More than 120,000 Kentucky children — nearly half of all preschoolers in the state — are currently enrolled to receive books through the program, first lady Britainy Beshear said.

It encourages families to read together, and it allows children to have their own personal library before starting kindergarten, at no cost to their families, the first lady said.

“It’s really a great way to teach children when they’re very young to learn to love books and to learn to read,” Parton said during the event in Lexington, Kentucky.

Parton, who earned the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award a decade ago, said she eventually wants to see the program in every state. While there is a presence in all of them, 21 have legislation ensuring all kids under 5 can enroll. She said she is proud that her dad lived long enough to see the program get off the ground.

“That was kind of my way to honor my dad, because the Bible says to honor your father and mother,” she said. “And I don’t think that just means, ‘just obey.’ I think it means to bring honor to their name and to them.”

Parton is an author herself whose titles include the 1996 children’s book “Coat of Many Colors,” which is part of the book giveaway program.

As she prepared to sing her famous song by the same name, she explained that it is about a coat her mother made her from a patchwork of mismatched fabric, since the family was too poor to afford a large piece of a single fabric. Parton was proud of it because her mother likened it the multicolored coat that is told about in the Bible — a fantastic gift from Jacob to his son Joseph.

Classmates, however, laughed at her. For years, she said the experience was a “deep, deep hurt.”

She said that with writing and performing the song, “the hurt just left me.” She received letters over the years from people saying it did the same thing for them.

“The fact,” she explained, “that that little song has just meant so much not only to me, but to so many other people for so many different reasons, makes it my favorite song.”

Asked in Kentucky about her lasting legacy, Parton said she’d like to be remembered as “a good ole girl” who worked hard and tried to make people happy and the world a better place.

“Of course I want to be known as a songwriter and a singer, but I honestly can say that the Imagination Library has meant as much, if not more, to me than nearly anything that I’ve ever done,” she said.

Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas. Schreiner reported from Frankfort, Kentucky.

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Journal of Materials Chemistry C

A novel tict-based molecular rotor: synthesis, crystal structure and application in high resolution imaging of sweat pores.

We report the synthesis, characterization and X-ray crystal structure of naphthalimide–methoxyquinoline (NI-HQ) based molecular rotor. NI-HQ crystallizes in a triclinic crystal system with a centrosymmetric Pi space group and it showed strong emission at 436 nm in cyclohexane, 496 nm in CH2Cl2 and 562 nm in DMSO due to TICT state supported by theoretical calculations. The aggregation studies in mixed aqueous solvent and findings of various photophysical parameters in different polarity solvents further confirmed the existence of TICT state. NI-HQ showed strong fluorescence in the solid-state with λmax at 470 nm displaying cyan color with CIE color coordinates x=0.17, y=0.28. We explored NI-HQ for the development and visualization of LFPs up to levels 1–3 using powder-dusting and wet methods (70% H2O–CH3CN solution). The radius, shape and area of sweat pores and widths of the ridges could be differentiated by microscopic techniques. The study on the effect of NI-HQ on the stability of dsDNA using gel electrophoresis showed no degradation of dsDNA. We have demonstrated that NI-HQ offers opportunities for long-term (3 months) storage of developed fingerprints, development of latent fingerprints after 20 days aging and stained latent fingerprints.

Supplementary files

Supplementary information PDF (3471K)
Crystal structure data CIF (562K)

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S. Kumar, B. S. Sran, D. Gahalot, P. C. Mishra and P. Singh, J. Mater. Chem. C , 2024, Accepted Manuscript , DOI: 10.1039/D4TC02400A

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Use Our Free Book Summaries to Learn 3 Ideas From 1,300+ Books in 4 Minutes or Less. If you're looking for free book summaries, this is the single-best page on the internet. Hi! I'm Nik. In 2016, I wrote over 365 book summaries. That's more than one per day! I spent thousands of hours writing these.
Book Reports
Beauty and the Beast. Author: Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. Beauty and the Beast book report - detailed analysis, book summary, literary elements, character analysis, … [more] Book reports and short book summaries for primary and secondary school. More than 500 book reports, book summaries and authors biographies!
How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example)
2. Identify the main elements of the book. Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report. 3. Formulate a thesis statement. Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book.
Free Book Notes, Cliff Notes, Summaries, and Study Guides
FreeBookNotes.com is the original and largest literature study guide search engine on the web. We have meticulously scoured the web to track down all of the free book notes, study guides, book summaries, chapter summaries, and analyses available for thousands of books, plays, and poems. Our team has indexed resources from over 23 study guide ...
Interesting Books to Write a Book Report
Science Books. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. Investigate the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cells were unknowingly used for scientific research, leading to groundbreaking medical discoveries. "The Gene: An Intimate History" by Siddhartha Mukherjee.
PDF Middle School Outline Template for Book Report
When you go to write your book report, be sure to include the information completed on the following pages. The final report must be typed and double spaced. Be sure to hand into your Reading teacher both this template and the book report when you return to school. Introductory paragraph - What is the name and author of the book on which you ...
17 Book Review Examples to Help You Write the Perfect Review
It is a fantasy, but the book draws inspiration from the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Rape of Nanking. Crime Fiction Lover reviews Jessica Barry's Freefall, a crime novel: In some crime novels, the wrongdoing hits you between the eyes from page one. With others it's a more subtle process, and that's OK too.
13 Free Book Report Templates (Easy Copy & Paste)
Mad-Libs Style Book Report Templates. Mad-Libs style templates can make writing a book report fun and easy, guiding you through each step while allowing room for your personal touch. Here are three templates to help you create a comprehensive and original book report. Mad-Libs Style Template 1: Basic Summary Report. Title: _____ Author: _____
Book Reports Books
Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) by. Suzanne Collins. (shelved 7 times as book-reports) avg rating 4.33 — 3,690,147 ratings — published 2009. Want to Read. Rate this book. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars.
AI Book Summarizer
Use the Book Summarizer's AI book summary generator to automatically generate book summaries. Simply upload a file or paste a link, and you will get detailed plot summaries and mind maps within seconds. You can also have in-depth interactions with the AI. Supports a wide range of file formats! Generate AI book summaries for free.
50 Must-Read Short Books Under 250 Pages
In a previous mega list here on Book Riot, I highlighted 50 must-read books over 500 pages. It only seems right to follow that up with this list of 50 must-read short books. A mix of narrative styles and genres, the 50 books in this essential list of the best short books are all under 250 pages. If you're planning what to read for your next ...
Non Fiction Book Report: How to Write the Perfect Paper
Describe: The Facts of the Non Fiction Book Report. Description in a book report includes names and major points in the book. This is not the time to state your analysis of the work but simply to list the relevant information so the reader knows where your analysis will go. The information in the description portion of a nonfiction book report ...
Commandant's Reading List
October 16, 2016. 14 min read. # PME. The Commandant's Reading List is a list of books that Marines are recommended and often required to read. They are meant to help Marines develop their personal and professional character. The comprised list is what was published by the Commandant of the Marines Corps. If any changes have been made through a ...
Best Young Adult Novels, Best Teen Fiction, Top 100 Teen Novels
10. The Book Thief. by Markus Zusak. Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel — a young German girl whose book-stealing and storytelling talents ...
60 of the Best Books for 8th Graders
So I've included books about crushes, body image, sexual harassment and consent, and identity. Many of these books are personal favorites that I would certainly hand to my favorite 13 year olds. For newer books for 8th graders, check out our brand new list of books for 13 year olds. Click on the graphics to head over to the book's Amazon page.
The 31 Best Books to Read in High School
The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) This autobiographical novel by poet Sylvia Plath explores the deep, dark reality of mental illness. The protagonist, Esther, a stand-in for Plath herself, is a college student exploring her talents, interests, and sexuality as she descends into an unsettling spiral of mental instability.
10 of the Best Spy Novels to Keep You Turning the Pages
Masquerade (Liz Sansborough #1) by Gayle Lynds. With Masquerade, Gayle Lynds was one of the first female authors to become a major player in the spy novel game. The first in the Liz Sansborough series, the novel opens with CIA Agent Sansborough having no memory of who she is or how she came to work for the CIA.
50 Fantastic Books for 7th Graders to Enjoy
Published: May 5, 2020. Siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird move through the daily trials of pre-teen life in the 1980's. Fitch and Bird are twins who are now in the same grade as their older brother, Cash — because Cash was held back in the seventh grade. Bird is a space aficionado and dreams of being an astronaut.
25+ Free Printable Book Report Templates [Word
25+ Free Printable Book Report Templates [Word | PDF] Teachers and students use book report template to cut down some of the workloads. Teachers assign a lot of book reports to the students to make sure that students read a lot of books. These well-designed book report templates help the students to enjoy the act of reading and can become ...
The 60 Must-Read Books of Fall 2024
Pulitzer Prize-winner Elizabeth Strout, author of Olive Kitteridge, Anything is Possible, and numerous other critically acclaimed novels, revisits familiar characters in her new book Tell Me ...
10 books to add to your reading list in September
Critic Bethanne Patrick recommends 10 promising titles — fiction and nonfiction — to consider for your September reading list. September's novels come from authors with big footprints and ...
A look at some of the most anticipated nonfiction titles coming out
LEILA FADEL, HOST: Labor Day signals the summer coming to an end, which can be a bummer, except for the fact that it also means we have a whole heap of books coming out this fall to look forward to.
4 New Crime Novels Thrumming With Menace
THE DEVIL RAISES HIS OWN (Soho Crime, 368 pp., $27.95) is his latest novel to feature the photographer Bill Ogden, who was first seen in "Cottonwood," set on the Kansas frontier in 1872. Image
Dolly Parton is sending free books to children around the world
Dolly Parton's father grew up poor and never got the chance to learn to read. Inspired by her upbringing, the 78-year-old country music legend has made it her mission over the past three decades to improve literacy through her Imagination Library book giveaway program. It has expanded statewide in places like Missouri and Kentucky, two of 21 states where all children under the age of 5 can ...
Elon Musk eyes role on Donald Trump's government efficiency commission
After favoring Joe Biden in 2020, Musk has now fully embraced Trump. He helped create a SuperPAC, America PAC, in support of the Republican candidate, which has raised at least $8.7 million from ...
A Novel TICT-based Molecular Rotor: Synthesis, Crystal structure and
We report the synthesis, characterization and X-ray crystal structure of naphthalimide-methoxyquinoline (NI-HQ) based molecular rotor. NI-HQ crystallizes in a triclinic crystal system with a centrosymmetric Pi space group and it showed strong emission at 436 nm in cyclohexane, 496 nm in CH2Cl2 and 562 nm in DMSO due to TICT state supported by theoretical calculations.

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Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

Common Sense Selections for Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

How to Help Kids Build Character Strengths with Quality Media

Multicultural Books

YouTube Channels with Diverse Representations

Podcasts with Diverse Characters and Stories

The Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

The Apothecary, Book 1

Everything Sad Is Untrue: (A True Story)

Goodbye Stranger

Genesis Begins Again

A Long Walk to Water

One Crazy Summer

The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights

The Red Badge of Courage

Uglies: Uglies Quartet, Book 1

All-American Muslim Girl

American Ace

Bomb: The Race to Build -- and Steal -- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings

Long Way Down

My Name Is Not Easy

Other great lists from our editors

9th grade reading books for teens aged 14-15

Books for Grade 9 – our recommendations

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds

Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates

Nothing by Janne Teller

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Looking for Alaska by John Green

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Monster by Walter Dean Meyers

The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Taking Hold by Francisco Jiménez

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Every Day by David Levithan

Under the Bridge by Michael Harman

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

March by John Lewis

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Shadowmancer by GP Taylor

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

Haunt Me by Liz Kessler

Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

The Yearling by Marjorie Rawlings

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Revolutionary Summer by Joseph Ellis

Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch

The Odyssey by Homer

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Merriam-Webster’s School Dictionary

About Tom Tolkien

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