• What is a book talk?

  Credits: Samanta Cleaver

  A book talk is a short presentation about a book with the goal of convincing other people to read it. It’s not a formal book report or review. And, it’s more persuasive than expository—think sales and marketing. In a book talk, the goal is to engage the listeners and present a fun, exciting, and even suspenseful commercial for your book. A book talk could highlight the plot, like this example featuring the book Smile by Raina Telgemeir. It could focus on a character, like this talk on the book Matilda by Roald Dahl. Or, it could recreate a book’s mood to ignite readers’ curiosity. Teach your students how to do book talks by modeling the practice. Then hand the reins to students by assigning them book talks in partners or as presentations.

  What are some good book talk examples?

  Books talks can take many forms. Here are some of our favorite examples:

  • Teacher Mr. Rigney talks about Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
  • A student-led book talk about Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • A student-led book talk about Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes. (Note how she takes on the character of Wemberly to sell the book. This student takes on the persona of Percy Jackson for her book talk.)

  As you get started, use a book talk template to help students organize their talks.

  Choosing a book to talk about

  Probably the best way to choose a book for a book talk is to find one that you really like. If students need inspiration to find a book to talk about:

  • Provide a box of books that are recommended for their grade level, like this list for 4th grade.
  • As you get to know students, slip them a note card with a personalized book recommendation. The personal touch will give them the confidence to know that they can read the book and that it’s a good choice.