About Books and Book Reviews

*  Writing Your Own Reviews  *

Writing book reviews helps others decide if they want to read the book for themselves. Why not share a review of a book you've recently read and tell others what you thought of it?

What to do with your reviews:

1. You can send your reviews to library@parkgatejm.herts.sch.uk  These can then be displayed in the library and in our reading newsletter.
2. Leave a review on google classroom (library).
3. Write a review or give stars out of 5 (5 being the best) on a sticky note and put it up in your classroom reading area or in the library.
4. Fill in the purple/lilac book reviews file in your classroom.
5. Leave a review on our Libresoft library system. You'll need your login for this (which you can get from Mrs Parr).

Reviews can include the following:

• Title
• Author
• Illustrator (if any)
• Is it Fiction, Non-Fiction, Picture Book, Graphic Novel, Poetry, etc?
• Recommended age
• Brief summary - but not giving away any spoilers or endings!
• Main character(s) if fiction
• Strengths and weaknesses of the book
• A rating (sometimes stars or perhaps 5/5, with 5 being the best)

Think about...

• The language and vocabulary used.
• If there are illustrations or photos, what are they like and how do they complement the book?
• What type of genre or subject is it about (humour, mysteries, animals, etc)?
• What was the plot like (fiction)?
• Was it fast paced, slow to get into, etc (fiction)?
• In non-fiction, is the information presented and explained clearly and do the pictures (if any) work well with the text?

Why not have a go and write your own book review?

*  Bookish Websites  *

   Libresoft Library Catalogue

Did you know on our library system you can leave book reviews and give star ratings for books you've read? Why not do this and let everyone know what you thought about it?

You will need your library login for this - please see or email Mrs Parr if you don't know it. Contact details are at the bottom of the main library page. And remember to log out when you're finished!

   Books for Topics  

The place to go for suggested reading and great booklists! By topic, year group, key stage, favourite non-fiction and more. 

   Caryl Hart

Lots of great fun bookish activities on Caryl’s website. Check regularly for lots of information about author and illustrator events online.

   Children's Book Sequels

Have you ever wondered "What comes next?" when you're reading a really good book? 

Children's Book Sequels is here to help you discover the right order of any series from Harry Potter to Biggles. There are lots of links to authors' websites full of information, fun and games. 

   Love My Books!

This website includes activities based on over 200 carefully chosen books. Great book related activities, family book reviews, books and illustrations, reading with your child, themes.

   Love Reading 4 Kids

Read free opening chapter extracts of thousands of books plus videos, activities, recommendations, booklists and more.

   The Reading Realm

Free home learning packs: Fairy Tales; Nature and Animals. Author interviews and other free resources including The Owl and the Pussycat and The Velveteen Rabbit. App available to buy on the AppStore.

   The Reading Zone

Free resources include book extracts, book recommendations, new titles, author information, booklists, reading ideas. Links to Kidszone and Familyzone for more activities and book-related stuff.

   The Scottish Book Trust

• Authors on Demand: author videos and readings, teacher’s resources. 80 videos including Michael Morpurgo, Michael Rosen, Anthony Horowitz, Chris Riddell, Cressida Cowell, James Mayhew, Jon Klassen, Julia Donaldson, Malorie Blackman, Kes Gray, Lauren Child, Oliver Jeffers and more.
• Writing: writing masterclasses, creative writing classes, toolkits, lesson plans and more.

   Toppsta

Children's book review website with over 11,000 reviews from children, parents, teachers and librarians. Browse books by title, author, illustrator, series, age of children and read first chapter extracts. Great site. Why not send them a review of a book you've read?

   Who Next?  A Guide to Children's Authors

Use this excellent resource to help you find books you might enjoy. If you've already enjoyed stories by one author, use this to find others who write in a similar way. The links that have been made between authors are based on genre and theme, styles of writing or similar aspects of characterisation and settings. 

The most popular titles by each author are listed and the information is arranged in four age groups: 5-7, 8-11, 12-14 and 14+. Who Next ...? also suggests suitable titles for dyslexic and reluctant readers.

Speak with or email Mrs Parr for a login for this site if you don't already have it.

   World Book Day

Excellent site. Not just for World Book Day but all year round!

• Resources include: book extracts, teaching guides & resource packs for particular books & authors, author & illustrator masterclasses which include videos and teacher’s resources, brief themed booklists, recommended reads, Storycraft: expert story writing tips, Imagination author videos, booktrailers, colouring, cooking, make and do – and lots, lots more.
• Also on website under Inspiration heading, World of Stories audiobooks has a selection of free audiobooks. 
• Also check World of Stories Online. Includes books like How to Train Your Dragon, Rooftoppers, Percy Jackson, The Bolds, Ottoline and the Yellow Cat, The Worst Witch, Skellig and many more.