Written Book Summaries

This quarter, as a support for our writing work, readers are required to respond to FOUR of their required six books by writing a complete summary of the book after they've read it.  These summaries may be typed or handwritten, but MUST be a representation of the writer's personal best work.  We're looking for thoughtful, well-written, neat, and correct summaries.  All summaries must include the following elements:

1.  The book title (Remember!  Titles should be Capitalized and underlined or italicized!)
2.  Author
3.  Genre (Remember!  "Fiction" is NOT a genre.  Is this book fantasy fiction?  Realistic fiction?  A mystery?)
4.  A summary of important events from the story (problem and solution, beginning, middle AND end).  Or, if this is an informational text, include discuss all of the main or key ideas.

Still not sure what we're looking for?  Take a look at Chase's example.  This is a summary of a biography about Albert Einstein.

Chase's summary meets our expectations for a written book response.  While we are NOT expecting to see entirely perfect summaries (even Chase has a few opportunities for improvement), we are looking for evidence that the reader thoroughly understood the book (beginning to end) and can explain the book in their own words in a logical, organized fashion.  It is important that these summaries are written by the students themselves, and they take the time to edit and revise as needed.  Mrs. Koster and Mrs. Nash will be conferencing with reader-writers as needed to discuss their responses, using these summaries as teachable moments for writing.

Care for a piece of advice?  Chase shared with his class that, as he was writing his book response, he kept his copy of the 3rd nine weeks reading expectations next to him.  He repeatedly checked the directions for written summaries as he was writing so he could be sure he was working towards meeting the standards.  Way to go, Chase!  Thanks for letting us share your work!

Mrs. Koster and Mrs. Nash can't wait to read more great summaries soon!