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iRubric: Independent Reading Book Critical Review rubric

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Independent Reading Book Critical Review 
Independent Reading Book Review
Students chose a book to read independently and then review. The review incorporates information about the book's characters, setting, plot, genre, theme, and writing style. We will then work to upload these reviews to our school's Destiny online library catalog.
Rubric Code: H34A56
By GunnyJ
Ready to use
Public Rubric
Subject: English  
Type: Writing  
Grade Levels: 9-12

Powered by iRubric Book Review
  Excellent/Advanced

10 pts

Acceptable

8 pts

Needs Work

6 pts

Poor

4 pts

Title/Author/Genre Sentence

Excellent/Advanced

First sentence listing title and author is attention-getting and provides information in addition to title and author. The book's genre is listed, ad it is clear from the review why the book would fit into that genre.
Acceptable

Title and author are both listed immediately, but no other information is provided in that sentence. The book's genre is listed, and the review makes brief reference to a reason the book fits the genre.
Needs Work

Title and author are not immediately mentioned but are eventually provided in a sentence or two. The book's genre is listed.
Poor

Title and/or author are not mentioned, or they are written on a separate line instead of in a sentence. Genre is not mentioned or it is not correct.
Setting

Excellent/Advanced

Time and place of story are provided in an interesting way and integrated with other information.
Acceptable

Time and place of story are both listed and integrated with other information.
Needs Work

Time and place of story are both listed, but they seem to be thrown in randomly.
Poor

Time and/or place of story are not mentioned.
Characters

Excellent/Advanced

The most important characters are mentioned in the review and described. Relationships between characters are clear.
Acceptable

The most important characters are mentioned and described. Relationships between characters may not be clear.
Needs Work

Characters are mentioned. Description of characters is minimal and/or confusing.
Poor

The review does not mention essential characters to the story. No elaboration if a main character is mentioned.
Plot

Excellent/Advanced

The plot description is brief, does not seem to give away too much, and is clear and easy to follow. After reading the description, the reader feels curious about the plot.
Acceptable

The plot description is brief and easy to follow. A bit more information should have been given or too much has been provided. The description lacks interest.
Needs Work

The plot description is overly complicated, overly simple, or overly boring. Events may also be disorganized.
Poor

The plot description is very minimal, way too detailed, or confusing due to disorganization.
Quotes/Passages

Excellent/Advanced

The review provides at least three quotes (passages) from the book. The importance of the quotes to the story is fully supported.
Acceptable

The review provides at least two quotes (passages) from the book. The importance of the quotes to the story is somewhat supported.
Needs Work

The review provides at least one quote (passage). An attempt is made at explaining the importance of the quote.
Poor

There are no quotes (passages) in the review, or they are simply placed in the paper without any support or meaning.
Theme

Excellent/Advanced

The theme listed for the book seems plausible based upon the other information provided about the book.
Acceptable

The theme listed is a theme, but it does not seem to be the best fit for the book.
Needs Work

The theme listed is a theme, but it does not fit the book.
Poor

The "theme" listed is not a theme, a life lesson the reader could apply.
Recommendation

Excellent/Advanced

The review provides a clear recommendation statement. The book is recommended to specific types of readers.
Acceptable

The review provides a clear recommendation statement. It is assumed that every reader would feel the same about the book.
Needs Work

The review provides a recommendation statement. However, it is general such as, "This is a good book."
Poor

The review does not include a recommendation statement.
Proofreading/MLA Format

Excellent/Advanced

The paper is organized and ideas flow causing no confussion for the reader. The format, spelling, and grammar is nearly flawless. MLA format is followed completely.
Acceptable

The paper shows organization, however, some ideas may be confusing. The format, spelling, and grammar is mostly correct. An increase of vocabulary is needed. MLA format is mostly correct.
Needs Work

Review is readable, but lacks oranization which distracts the reader. Errors with the format, spelling, and grammar detracts from the paper. Some attempt to use MLA format.
Poor

The paper has little organization, and does not follow the criteria outlined in the paper. Proofreading is not evident.



Keywords:
  • literature reading book review writing

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