Free Downloadable Book Report Templates
All templates are free. Pick the one that matches your grade level and download it. Each template includes labeled sections with prompts to guide you.
Elementary School Book Report Template (Grades 3-5)
This template uses simple sections with clear prompts that make it easy for younger students to organize their thoughts.
What's included:
- Title and Author
- Characters, Setting
- Beginning, Middle, and End sections
- My Opinion and Recommendation
The elementary template includes illustration boxes where you can draw pictures from the story and guiding questions to help you know what to write.
Middle School Book Report Template (Grades 6-8)
This template moves beyond basic summary into literary analysis while still providing structure.
What's included:
- Book Information (title, author, genre, publication year)
- Plot Summary
- Character Analysis
- Theme and Conflict
- Personal Response
- Recommendation
The middle school template gives you more room for deeper thinking and includes optional areas you can expand based on your assignment.
RUSH YOUR BOOK REPORT
Need more than just a template? Get a fully written, custom book report tailored to grade level, and instructions.
Professional writing starting at $11/page
High School Book Report Template (Grades 9-12)
This template emphasizes critical thinking and textual evidence.
What's included:
- Book Information (full bibliographic details)
- Summary and Literary Analysis
- Theme and Symbolism
- Character Development
- Critical Evaluation
- Textual Evidence (space for quotes with page numbers)
- Citations
The high school template includes prompts about literary devices, author's purpose, and cultural context.
College Book Report Template
This template follows academic writing standards with space for thesis development and scholarly analysis.
What's included:
- Bibliographic Information (full citation)
- Summary and Thesis Statement
- Analysis (organized by themes or techniques)
- Evidence and Quotes (with proper citations)
- Critical Evaluation
- Comparison (to other works or perspectives)
- Conclusion and Works Cited
The college template is designed for thesis-driven analysis with academic rigor.
How to Use a Book Report Template (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here's exactly how to use these templates to write a strong book report.
Step 1: Choose Your Template
Match the template to your grade level first. Consider your book's genre, fiction focuses on characters and plot, while nonfiction emphasizes main ideas and author's purpose. Check your assignment requirements to ensure the template includes required sections.
Step 2: Fill in Basic Information
Start with the easy information at the top:
- Title: Include the complete title and subtitle if there is one
- Author: Write the author's first and last name. List all co-authors
- Publication info: Add the year published if your template asks for it
- Genre: Be specific—fiction, nonfiction, biography, mystery, science fiction
Step 3: Fill Out Each Template Section
Work through each labeled field in your template. The Title field asks for the book's complete title and subtitle. The Author field needs first and last names of all authors. The Summary section includes a guiding question like "What happens in this book?"—answer it in 3-5 sentences. Each template field has specific instructions telling you exactly what information to include and how much to write.
Step 4: Check Template Completeness
Review every section to ensure all required fields are filled in. Check that your responses match the suggested length shown in each section (some say "2-3 sentences" or "one paragraph"). Verify you've answered all the prompting questions provided in the template. Look for any optional sections you might want to complete for extra credit.
Step 5: Format and Submit
Add page numbers if required. Check margins and spacing match your assignment requirements. Print or save as PDF for submission. Keep a copy of your completed template for your records.
For complete step-by-step writing guidance beyond just filling in a template, see our book report writing guide.
Fiction vs. Nonfiction Book Report Templates
Fiction Template
Use for novels, short stories, plays, and graphic novels.
Focus on:
- Characters and how they change
- Setting
- Plot (beginning/middle/end/conflict)
- Theme (deeper message)
Nonfiction Templates
Use for biographies, history, science, and informational books.
Focus on:
- Main Idea (central topic)
- Supporting Details (evidence/facts)
- Author's Purpose
- Key Facts Learned
Mixed Genre Books
- Historical fiction: Fiction template + historical accuracy section
- Memoir: Either template or combine elements from both
- Creative nonfiction: Nonfiction template + narrative style sections
Customizing Your Book Report Template
Adding Sections
Add "Key Vocabulary" for word lists, "About the Author" for biography info, or "Personal Connections" for relating the book to your life.
Adjusting Length
Expand sections by dragging text boxes larger in Word. Focus most space on summary and analysis.
Adapting by Book Type
- Poetry: Replace "plot" with "themes" and add sections for metaphor and imagery
- Plays: Change "chapters" to "acts and scenes"
- Graphic novels: Add "visual storytelling" sections
- Biographies: Replace "characters" with "important people" and "setting" with "historical context"
Learn the proper outline structure and organization in our book report outline guide with detailed examples.
Tips for Filling Out Book Report Templates
Take Notes While Reading and Use Sticky Notes
Keep a notebook next to you. Jot down character names, important quotes with page numbers, your reactions, and themes. Use sticky notes to mark important pages for major plot events and powerful quotes.
Write Clearly and Specifically
Quote accurately—copy words exactly and include page numbers. Be specific: "The story takes place in rural Alabama during the summer of 1932" beats "The setting was long ago." For analysis, write "I appreciated how the author used flashbacks to reveal the mystery gradually" not just "I liked this book."
Proofread and Save Often
Check spelling for character and author names. Read your finished report aloud. Save every 5-10 minutes and create a backup copy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't wait until the last minute. Keep your summary to one paragraph so you have room for analysis. Follow formatting requirements exactly. Read the assignment sheet before you start and when you finish.
Book Report Template Selection Guide
By Grade Level
- Grades 3-5: Elementary template with simple sections
- Grades 6-8: Middle school template with theme analysis
- Grades 9-12: High school template with literary analysis
- College: College template with thesis-driven analysis
By Assignment Type
- Quick assignments (1-2 pages): Elementary or middle school templates
- In-depth analysis (5+ pages): High school or college templates
Quick Selection
- Match your grade level
- Check teacher's required sections
- Match template complexity to assignment length
- Verify template fits your book type (fiction/nonfiction)
When in doubt, choose one level up—easier to simplify than add analysis.
Why Use a Book Report Template?
Saves Time
Structure is ready, just fill it in.
Ensures Completeness
Templates remind you of all required elements so you won't forget sections.
Reduces Anxiety
Eliminates "where do I start?" panic with clear labeled sections.
Improves Organization
Teaches logical flow from basic info to summary to analysis.
Teaches Format
Shows what book reports should look like.
Templates work well for students new to book reports, visual learners, anyone with limited time, and students with writer's block. You're using a proven structure to focus on analysis instead of organization.
See how finished book reports should look with our annotated book report examples gallery.
Skip the Template, Get the Real Thing
Professional writers deliver perfect book reports
- 100% human writers with subject expertise
- Dual AI detection for quality assurance
- 3-hour rush delivery option available
- 5,000+ students served since 2010
From $11/page with same-day delivery options
Place an OrderFinal Thoughts
Book report templates provide structure when you need it most. They remind you what to include, guide you through each section, and help you create organized reports.
Download the template that matches your grade level. Fill it out section by section using our instructions. Customize it if your teacher requires different sections.
Templates remove the anxiety of "what do I write?" so you can focus your energy on analysis instead of organization. Start with a template, and as you write more reports, you'll develop your own approach.
