How to Do a Book Talk for School A Booktalk is telling about a book with the purpose of convincing someone to read it. You are “selling” the book to a person, a small group, or a large group.

Steps to Doing a Booktalk Talk to your teacher about what type of book she wants you to read. Ms. Whatley --- Choose a good book then read it, cover to cover. Do some research about the author and see if you can find out what the author says about the book.

Steps to Doing a Booktalk, cont. List the elements or make notes about your book. Dwell on the positives. Use sticky notes to mark interesting parts or important passages. Title, Author, Genre Setting Main Character or 3 most important characters. How would you describe them? What conflict or struggle did the character have to overcome? Describe a few details, WITHOUT giving away too much. No spoilers!!!! What was the mood of the novel: funny, scary, sad, exciting? What was the theme? (The central idea or lesson about life) Why did you like the book? What do you remember most about the book? Pick a passage, quote, description, or memorable line to share. To whom would you recommend this book and why?

Types of Booktalks (From More Readers’ Advisory by Joni Richards Bodart) Plot Summary: When the plot is the main focus of excitement, tell about what happens up to a climactic point and stop. “To find out what happened next, read . . .” Good with adventure, suspense, thrillers, mystery, science fiction Character Description: Give a detailed description of the main character or become one of the main characters and tell about yourself and what happens in the book. Good for autobiography, realistic fiction, and character-driven novels. Mood Based: Capture a unique writing style or mood. You can use quotes, short passages, or make your talk sound like the book, stylistically. Use your voice, changing pitch, pace, and rhythm, and pause for effect.

Compose your talk Write it down, then later add to note cards. Questions can be good starters. Ex. “Have you ever . . . .” Make it interesting! Use some ideas to make your talk fun, but be sure to ask your teacher if you want to bring a prop, dress up, or anything unusual. Be sure to address the elements that the teacher has asked you to address. DO NOT give away the ending! Show initiative. Do something to stand out but don’t be weird. Add other elements to improve your talk, like props, reading elements of the book in a lively and interesting way, or acting the role of a character to tell your story. Impress. Add a bibliography at the end (You can generate it in Destiny). Use big words and literary terms. Show the teacher that you have learned something in the process of preparing the booktalk.

Practice Your Talk Practice at home. Pets make great audiences. Visualize encouraging others to read your book. Time your presentation. Make sure you can pronounce every word or phrase. If you are using props or a costume, include them in each rehearsal. Ask your family and friends to listen and offer suggestions. Avoid looking bored or looking like you’re only doing this because you have to for a grade. Enthusiasm sells!

Tips and Warnings Keep calm and speak steadily. It’s better to go too slow than so fast that no one can understand you. Practice at home, if possible, and record yourself at least once. Be like Goldilocks, not too long, too short, but just right. Bring the book to show. Use notecards, not sheets of paper. Provide any relevant props.

In Review Include your favorite moment. Talk about the plot, but no spoilers! Type of book Setting Your favorite character Information about the author If you have required elements or strict instructions, be sure to meet them.

Questions?