Reading Fiction Reviews
Before you write your own review, you should see how other students reviewed fiction. As you read these samples, pay close attention to the types of details included. Consider how you might share similar details in your own review.
Reading a Paragraph Review
A paragraph response to a book has three main parts: The topic sentence introduces the title, author, and main idea. The body sentences introduce the main character, the obstacles faced, and the lessons learned. The ending sentence gives your final opinion of the book.
Sample Paragraph
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Review of Shiloh
Topic Sentence Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a story about a boy’s struggle to keep a dog that is not his. Marty Preston lives in West Virginia. One day while exploring, he discovers a beagle. He names the dog Shiloh but learns that the dog belongs to Judd Travers, who is known for mistreating animals. Body Sentences When Marty’s dad makes him return Shiloh to Judd, Marty sees Judd kick Shiloh. Then one day Shiloh escapes, and Marty builds him a cage in the woods. Marty struggles to decide how to keep the dog without stealing from a neighbor or lying to his parents. Something happens that forces him to tell the truth. Ending Sentences If you want to know if he keeps Shiloh, you will have to read the book yourself. I think you’ll like Shiloh as much as I did.
Respond to the paragraph.
Answer the questions about the paragraph.
- Name the title, author, and main character of the book.
- What main obstacle faces the main character?