middle school book report projects

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

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.

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.

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.

5. 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.

6. Mint Tin Book Report

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

7. 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.

8. 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. See the sandwich and pizza options above and check out this blog for more delicious ideas.

9. 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.

10. 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. A fun adaptation of this project is the book report cheeseburger.

11. 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.

12. 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 the report.

13. 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. Get step-by-step directions .

14. 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.

15. Watercolor Rainbow 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Bookmark

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

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. Collage

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

23. Book Report Triorama

Who doesn’t love a multidimensional book report? This image shows a 3D model, but Elisha Ann provides a lesson to show students how to glue four triangles together to make a 4D model.

24. 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.

25. Clothes Hanger 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.

26. 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 give them 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. Letter to the Author

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.

31. Book Report Charm Bracelet

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. 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.

33. Cereal Box TV Book Report

This 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.

34. 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?

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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. For more, here are step-by-step directions .

38. Comic strips

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas for students who like graphic novels, try comic strips. 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.

39. 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.

40. Cereal Box

Recycle a cereal box and create a book report Wheaties-style. Decorate all sides of the box with information about the book’s characters, setting, plot, summary, etc.

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. 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.

What creative book report ideas did we miss? Come share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most popular kids’ books in every grade., dig deeper with our longreads, newsletter sign up to get our best longform features, investigations, and thought-provoking essays, in your inbox every sunday..

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11 Creative Book-Report Ideas That Middle Schoolers Will Enjoy!

The benefits of reading cannot be overstated. Reading leads to increased empathy, a robust vocabulary, stronger problem-solving skills, and better emotional intelligence. Reading is even correlated with success later in life. 

For middle-school students, strong reading skills are critical. Not only does reading help them succeed in English class, but literacy skills become increasingly important as history, geography, and science introduce more complex ideas. 

One way to ensure that your middle-school students read and comprehend literature is by assigning them book reports, but say the words “book reports,” and you’ll probably have a class staring at you, looking less than thrilled. At Adaptively, we constantly seek ways to equip educators to engage their students. So, we’ve put together some creative book-report ideas to encourage your students to tackle their assigned reading and book reports eagerly and excitedly!

Check out These 11 Creative Book-Report Ideas for Middle Schoolers:

1. create a diary for one of the characters.

Have your students choose a character from the book and write diary entries from that character’s perspective. Emphasize that they should focus on this character’s point of view. What does this character feel throughout the book? How do they react to the main character’s behaviors? Do they see things differently than other characters? 

2. Draw a Map

If your student is reading a book that involves a lot of travel, have them draw a map. Whether the location is real or imaginary, plotting and labeling the most significant sites will be a good exercise in reading comprehension. Then, on the back of the map, the student can write descriptions of the mapped settings.

3. Interview the Character

Have the student write out an interview with one of the characters. They can write the questions like a reporter and then answer them as the character.

4. Dress up as the Character

Students can dress up as their favorite book characters with this fun take on book reports. Then, have the other students ask each “character” questions. The class can create a good mix of plot-related questions (“What did you do to overcome that challenge?”) and fun questions (“If you were living today, what would your favorite movie be?”).

5. Create a Comic Book or Graphic Novel

Do you have any artistic students? Have them choose a scene from the novel and create a comic-book version. They can draw pictures and include relevant dialogue in word bubbles. 

6. Write a Letter to a Friend

Instead of writing a standard book report, have your students write a letter recommending their book to a friend. The letter should include information about the plot and characters. It should also include reasons why the friend would like the book (“You like scary stories,” or “It was so funny, I couldn’t put it down.”). 

7. Write a Poem

Have your students write a poem about their book. You can also ask your students to write their poetry in the style of a famous poet like Shakespeare or E. E. Cummings. 

8. Book in a Box

Let your students decorate the inside of a box with representational items or pictures from their books. You can display their dioramas around the classroom.

9. Create a Yearbook

With this idea, a student can create a two-page yearbook of characters from the story. First, the student can draw pictures of the characters or cut out pictures from magazines, even casting celebrities as the characters. Then, below the photos, they can write the characters’ names and a brief character description and assign each one a superlative. 

10. Rewrite the Ending

This book-report idea allows students to use flexible thinking to explore optional ideas. Students can offer another way the book could have ended and discuss if the change would affect the story’s tone or overall message.

11. Write a Sequel 

Students can compose a short sequel to the book. How much time has passed? What are the characters doing now? What has changed since the end of the book? 

There you have it—11 creative book-report ideas for middle schoolers that will spur your students to enjoy reading. 

Are you looking for more ways to supercharge your school’s classrooms? Adaptively’s enrichment programs and game-based learning strategies will keep your students engaged and learning throughout the school year and over the summer months. Contact us today to see how we can help improve your school’s learning outcomes.

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10 Book Report Ideas That Kids Will Love

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Fun book report ideas for fourth, fifth and sixth graders.

Book reports don’t need to be painfully boring. In fact, they can be a ton of fun, and with the right project, students will love the entire process of creating and sharing meaningful book projects. There are loads of great book report ideas out there just waiting to happen in your classroom!

Here are 10 book report ideas that kids will love:

1. cereal box book report.

These oh-so-cool reports were always the top-ranked project by my fifth graders. Students loved creating an original book report display using a covered cereal box and ready-made templates. The finished projects made a great classroom display, and students loved looking at their classmates’ creative reports. Read more about Cereal Box Book Reports HERE .

2. Paper Bag Book Report

This is a super simple idea that is quite fun for students. Provide each student with a lunch-sized paper bag. Tell them to think about 5 objects that relate to the main character of their book . The objects have to be small enough to fit into the bag . Send the bags home and have students place the 5 objects in the bag and bring them back to school. On the day they are due, have students take turns sharing the objects in their bags and explaining how they relate to the main character of the book. You can even make a great display with the bags, objects, and books to pique the interest of other students.

3. Character Day

Have students dress up as the main character of their book. Then, have each student take a turn standing in front of the class and telling their character’s story in first person point of view.

4. Book Report Lap Book

you need are two file folders, some cardstock or construction paper, scissors, glue, and the FREE book report template found here . The finished products are quite amazing, and your students will probably keep theirs forever! Check out my photo tutorial for making a lap book .

5. Book Scene Diorama

Have students construct a diorama of one of the main events of their book. They will make a 3-dimensional scene, including models of characters, the setting, and objects. A shoebox makes a great place to build a diorama. Require students to write a description of the scene.

6. Book Report Posters

This might be the easiest option of the book report ideas. Have students first sketch their posters on a sheet of notebook paper. Then, provide students with a large piece of poster paper or chart paper. Posters must identify main characters, setting, title, problem, and solution. Display finished posters in the classroom or on hallway walls.

7. Book Report Mobiles

Mobiles are easy to make, and it’s fun to watch students use their creativity in designing their own projects. A paper plate folded in half makes a great base/topper for mobiles. Have students write the title of the book on this paper plate semi circle and hang the mobile pieces from it. Provide students with construction paper, yarn, markers, paper hole punches, and any other materials they might need.

8. Book Report Mini Books

With just one piece of paper, your students can make a complete, creative book report!

In these clever book projects , students identify:

• Title/Author
• Main Character

No tape, glue, or staples required! Photo directions are included in this download.

9. Design a Book Jacket

Show your students several examples of some outstanding book jackets. Point out the front with the title and illustration, the spine and its information, and the back with the book summary. Also show the two inside flaps with information about the author and a smaller summary. Provide them each with a larger piece of paper and have them design a jacket for the book they have just read.

10. Ready-to-Print Templates

Use NO PREP book report templates to save your sanity AND to keep things fun for your students. You could print out all 12 templates in this Book Report Templates Packet and let students choose the one they want to do each month! There is even a really nice digital option for Google classroom included!

Regardless of which of these book report ideas you choose, be sure to clearly outline the expectations before your students begin. It’s best if you can model a project to demonstrate the quality of work your students should strive for.

Keep it fun and engaging, and your students will be excited to invest their time in their projects!

Check out these ready to go, easy to use book report projects in my store:

SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

Pin this to your favorite classroom Pinterest board  so you can come back for these book report ideas!

To recap, the 10 Book Report Project Ideas are:

• Cereal Box Book Report
• Paper Bag Book Report
• Character Day
• Book Report Lapbook
• Book Scene Diorama
• Book Report Posters
• Book Report Mobiles
• Design a Book Jacket
• Ready-to-Print Templates

Shelly Rees

Hi, I’m Shelly! Thank you for being here. I love helping third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers with fun and engaging activities that require no to little prep! Let me help you by taking some of the stress and work off your plate.

Hi, I'm Shelly

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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.

Attributes: 1-3 4-5 6-8

Resource Link:  https://www.weareteachers.com/creative-book-report-ideas/

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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.

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• How Comics Helped My Kid Love Reading

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20 Book Activities For Middle School: Art Projects, Games, And Resources

January 28, 2024 //  by  Brittany Ray

When it comes to book activities for middle school students, they need to be fun and engaging! One of the best things about being English teachers is that we get the chance to be creative and have fun with our assignments for students.

For veteran and prospective teachers, we have 20 great and interesting book activities for your middle schoolers!

1. Do a VLOG

Coming up with the Video Blog option was such a success in my class! I had my students upload a quick one to three-minute videos on Google Classroom each week addressing the following: How many pages they read, new characters introduced, a brief summary of new happenings, and if they are still interested in the book.

Having students do this each week served also as independent reading logs .

Learn More: Visme

2. Create Graphic Novels or Comic Strips

No matter what grade level you teach, creating graphic novels is a creative idea that is fun for the entire class. I really love this cheap bundle on Teachers Pay Teachers because you can print up as many copies as you need and there are great explanations.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

3. Rotating Book Talks

There are lots of different ways to do a book talk. This method is a great alternative to the traditional book report and allows for active discussion of book details. The reason why I do “rotating” book talks, is because kids tend to get off task when they sit for too long.

Therefore, I would have a set list of questions that each student would discuss with their small group. After 8-10 minutes, students would then rotate to a different group of students.

4. Do an Activity From the Book

More than likely, you won’t always be able to do an activity from the book. However, doing an activity from the book (when able) is a great way to incorporate field trip life experiences.

For example, if you are teaching The Hunger Games , get with your local game and fish organization for a fishing or archery lesson. Your students will never forget the experience of the book!

Learn More: News 4 Jax

5. Character Autopsy

This activity includes creativity and deep analytical thinking. First, you will need butcher paper, the text you’re reading and the list of points to address. This activity allows students to find textual evidence to represent the head, heart, hands, feet, and eyes.

Learn More: Mr. Moon UK

6. Socratic Discussion

A Socratic discussion is (in my humble opinion) one of the best ways to discuss text analysis and key elements, and encourage respectful debate. This activity is especially good if you are reading controversial texts. If you are needing a good lesson plan or guide on how to do this, Read PBN has a free guide with tons of great lesson material.

Learn More: Read PBN

7. Create a Brochure

Last year, my students read the book Holes  by Louis Sachar and loved it. I wanted to make sure I had some fun mini-lessons that would really get the kids interested in the book. One of our activities was making a brochure to sell the product “Sploosh” within the story.

I like to use heavier stock paper, but whatever you have will do. Make sure your students have the title of the product, art, the price, what it does, and why you (the customer) need it.

Learn More: PEAI

8. Film a Trailer

Did you know that Apple Movies has a way to create movie trailers? Out of my decade in public education, this was one of my favorite activities for students. After reading the book Code Talkers by Chester Nez , I assigned groups of 6-10 students to collaborate and film a movie trailer that hit the main points of this story.

This is a great way to incorporate a video graphic lesson and 21st-century digital tools. Also, you could even use this as one of your creative book report ideas.

Learn More: Apple, Inc.

9. Re-Create a Scene

Re-creating a scene from a story is a great assignment for students to show an in-depth understanding of a text. I like to do this with the famous romantic balcony scene of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.  Students can use whatever jargon or dialect they choose to get the idea of the scene across to others.

Learn More: Regent’s University London

10. Choral Reading

Classroom activities like these make students pay close attention to sentence structure. The thinking process shift from just reading to reading with a purpose. Allow students access to a short story on paper and ensure everyone has their own copy.

Learn More: Institute of Education Sciences

11. Pop Corn Reading

There is a lot of debate in education regarding pop-corn reading. However, I will say this, in my period of time in education I have realized that unless kids practice how to read out loud, they will struggle with fluency. Pop-corn reading is an activity that will work with an array of reading fluency lessons and be beneficial to students.

Learn More: Pinterest

12. Create a Cast

With any of our favorite texts, we can always imagine which actors/actresses would play our favorite characters. Ask your students, “If they were to make a video version of your favorite texts, who would play the parts?”, and you will see some awesome creativity.

13. Create a Playlist

Creating a music playlist for students makes your students really think deeply about the perspective of the characters in a story.

Learn More: Apple Support

14. Food Day for Foods in the Book

Where there is food, there is interest! I have done many food days with text-themed stories and my students always loved it.

Learn More: The George Institute

15. Write a Letter from One Character to Another

This activity is a relevant option if you want a creative way for your students to display literary analysis skills. Writing a letter from one character to another challenges the thinking process and encourages analytical thinking.

Learn More: Grammarly

16. Go Back in Time!

If you read a time period novel, get in that time machine and go back to the time period your novel is based in. One of the best examples for me of this was reading  The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and doing a 1920’s themed class day.

17. Create a Collage

Need something to do with those old magazines? Make a collage that represents different aspects of the story and let the creativity fly.

Learn More: Shelley Klammer

18. Do a Literary Scavenger Hunt!

Scavenger hunts are so much fun. Simply print your clues on a 3 for your students to use. I really like searching on Teachers Pay Teachers for great scavenger hunt material.

Learn More: Free Kids Crafts

19. Do a Little Dance (Time Lines for the Story)

This one sounds a bit nuts, but, it makes the story come alive. When reading Macbeth, I taught my students all about the time period, including how dancing was a big deal. Take some time to learn and teach your students a dance from the story or the time period the story was written in.

Learn More: Thing Link

20. Do a Creative Presentation

One great way to show what you have learned is through making a presentation. Students can explain the different cast of characters, character names, character analysis, and storyline. There are so many different ways to present material that your students can get creative with the digital process.

Learn More: Teach Hub

Book Report Packet for Middle School

Tips and tools for how to write a book report

Use the 4 strategies and 2 resources in this packet to help your middle school students get more out of their reading and write better book reports. These strategies can be applied to any work of fiction, and the editable worksheets focus on collecting and organizing the most important plot and character information.

• 4 strategies with tips on how to put them into practice
• An editable plot sequencing printable for gathering and documenting important plot points
• An editable character study printable for summarizing character information by chapter
• A generic rubric for grading and assessing book study projects like book reports.

Some of the strategies featured include:

Create an alternate book cover, plot sequencing.

Featured Middle School Resources

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About stephanie.

Fun and Creative Book Report Ideas for Middle School Students

• Stephanie Michael
• Categories : Help with writing assignments paragraphs, essays, outlines & more
• Tags : Homework help & study guides

How to Get Started

First things first, you need to understand what your teacher is looking for and select the right kind of book. If it’s some specific book you don’t really have a choice but if you get the option to choose from a genre or list, you have a little more room for creativity. Once you have your book, you’ll have to read it of course, and then you’ll have to decide what kind of report to do. Make sure to check with your teacher if you have any specific questions about which book to choose or what they are looking for in your report. Completing your book project for middle school doesn’t have to be a chore, make it interesting and fun.

What to Include: The Basics

You’ll want to include a list and brief descriptions of the main characters and some of the supporting characters. You’ll also want to touch on the setting, or when and where the story took place, as well as a plot summary illustrating the progression of the book. So, now that you know the pieces - how can you put it all together?

The Standard Report

Writing up a standard book report might not be the most fun but it’s easy and some teachers will require you to stick to the basics. You’ll want to write an essay style report that includes the basics listed above.

• A list of characters and their descriptions, try to be as descriptive as possible with your main characters, describe them personally but also include a brief explanation of their evolution throughout the story.
• Include a brief explanation of the setting, when and where your story takes place, noting any particularly distinctive details.
• Lastly you’ll want to include a plot summary. Keep in mind that you aren’t rewriting the book but try to give as many details as possible. You will want to illustrate your understanding of the story’s progression and the moral, if there is one.

A storyboard can be done on a piece of poster board or cardboard and usually includes pictures and paragraphs that help the audience, in this case your class and teacher, get an idea of what’s going on in the book. The basic parts still apply but you can feel free to illustrate (or use clip art) to help emphasize certain parts. Try to have a flow to your storyboard and include titles for each section. For example you can use just a picture to show the time and place your book was set but make sure to label it under setting.

Creating a Symbolic Model

This is where your creativity really gets to shine. Using a 3D model can help you show the importance of symbolism in your book by bringing to life the important symbols used in a story. For example if innocence is used throughout your book you could use a baby’s cradle as your base. You can buy a pre-made doll cradle, make one from paper, or get even more creative using materials you find.

Add other symbols that remind you of innocence or go along with the theme like a rattle, a bottle, or a mobile. Attach paragraphs to the objects describing each one of the basics listed above. Make sure you discuss this kind of project with your teacher to ensure that you’re headed in the right direction.

Creating a Scene or Setting from the Story

Using a shoe box, or similarly sized box, create a model reenacting an important scene or setting in the story. Of course, you still want to write up a brief summary of the basics, that you can include with your scene but this can help you get creative and really understand either the setting or the scene you choose. If you want to get extra creative, section the box off into three or four smaller compartments and include the beginning, middle, and conclusion of your story. This can help the class get an idea of what happened in the story and it can help your teacher see how much you really understood the progression.

Create a PowerPoint Presentation

If you like using computers ask your teacher if you can create a PowerPoint presentation for your book report. As always include the basics but feel free to emphasize key points with pictures or animations. You can then give your report strictly from your presentation or using notes with more detail. Make sure to write everything down, either in the presentation or on paper so you can turn in your work and get credit for all of the information.

Get Creative

As long as you keep in communication with your teacher about what’s expected from you and deliver the necessary information you’ll usually find that your teacher will be very flexible with how you present the information. Don’t be afraid to get creative and remember to have fun while you’re completing your book projects for middle school.

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