TALK THAT BOOK!

Ms. Nanette Dougherty

BOOKTALKS are a great way to share books you love and discover new books your classmates love…

BOOKTALKS ARE:

brief, dramatic presentations to get readers interested in a book

like commercials trying to sell your book to the reader

THEIR GOAL: Hook the reader!

TO DO and NOT TO DO! There are some things that you

should do, and some things that you should NOT do, when planning and presenting your booktalk.

DO: Show the book cover, and clearly

state the title and author at the beginning and end of the booktalk.

Tell something exciting from the book.

Model enthusiasm for the book. Make the book come alive for the

reader.

“HOOK” your audience. Leave them “hanging!”

DON’T: Don’t tell too much or make the booktalk go on too long. Sometimes, less is more. 2-3 minutes is ideal.

Don’t bore your audience!

DON’T: Don’t tell the ending! (NEVER,

EVER TELL THE ENDING!) Don’t give your opinion of the

book. (Choosing the book means you approve.)

Choosing Books for Your Booktalks:

Choose ONLY books you love OR find interesting or intriguing.

Choose ONLY books that you have read and enjoyed.

TIPS Prepare what you will say. You can

write a script, but you want to appear natural and “keep it real.”

Practice your booktalk in front of the mirror, friends or family members, until you feel comfortable. Remember, practice makes perfect!

TIPS Use different voices or sound effects. Use props. For example, to present

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you can have a chocolate bar or a lucky gold ticket.

Be creative. Think of things to make the book come alive for the reader. There are no limits- so “think outside the box!”

TIPS for FICTIONFor fiction, you can take on the persona of a character, act out part of the story, introduce the setting, retell part of the story.You can carefully select especially motivating parts or parts you loved.

TIPS for NONFICTIONYou might try to find some fascinating facts from the book.Use a prop.Ask the audience some questions…

TIPS You can prepare note cards to help

you practice and learn your script.

You can write post-it notes and “hide” them on the back of the book in case you get stage fright.

You want to appear natural. Think of yourself as an actor or actress! You can improvise.

The sky’s the limit! Be creative!

SHOW, DON’T TELL SHOW your audience what is inside

the book, instead of just “TELLING” them.

Good luck with your DEBUT!