Disclosure- Links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Unless noted, if I am reviewing a product, I have been compensated for my time. I write honest reviews. They are not required to be positive. I only recommend the resources we love and use.

A book talk invites students to discuss a book they love or hate and try to convince others why they should read or never read the book.

I first heard about book talks from one of my favorite professors, Dr. Katherine Kelly, when she gave one on the first day of Teaching Adolescent Literature. Book talks were one of the projects I implemented in my classroom year after year. I love how they have a formal element (students present) but are much more interesting and creative than a dry book report. I also love book talks because they help readers practice organizing their ideas, public speaking, and create a huge list of books everyone wants to read.

Book Talk 101

A book talk is a short presentation that aims to get students to read a book their peer loves. They work; I’ve had students fighting (in a good way) over the presenter’s book.

Book Talks give a summary but no spoilers.

They appeal to a student’s curiosity. Speakers read a short snippet of the book to pique their audience’s interest.

They let the reader share what they loved about the book and why someone else should read it.

Book talks can also convince someone they should never read a book because it’s too scary, gross, romantic, etc. (Usually, this backfires)

They are a great way to get kids reading, help kids organize a short speech, and encourage others to read books recommended by their peers.

Materials

• Great books
• Index Cards
• Visual object (made or found)
• Project handout with example index card layout and rubric

Book Talk- Guidelines and Requirements

Below are the guidelines and requirements I gave my middle school students when I had to formally assess them and give grades. Now that I homeschool and do not give grades in my classes, I give students guidelines and assess them informally.

The assignment can be easily differentiated by age and learning style.

• Change time requirement
• Eliminate or add elements
• Offer an alternative to the index card
• Make the presentation more or less formal

A printable version of the assignment and rubric are in my member library.

7th & 8th Grade Book Talk- Assignment and Guidelines

Grading- 40 points- 30 pts- oral presentation, 5 pts- visual object and explanation, 5 pts- index card 

This year, you will present two book talks: one on a fictional book and another on a non-fictional book of your choice.

Your job is to convince us why we should read or not read your book.

• Length- 3-5 minutes

• Discuss the book by briefly mentioning all of the following:

1. Read a short section of the book to pique our interest
2. Summary without giving the ending away
3. Description of main character/s
4. Name the genre and subgenre. Is it fiction or nonfiction? Science fiction, graphic novel, etc?
5. Describe important conflicts and/or themes.
6. Discuss your visual object. Why did you choose it, and what does it represent?
7. Discuss what you liked/disliked.
8. Discuss why you think others should read this book.

• Visual Object- Bring in or make a visual representing something important to your book. It can be important to a character, theme, conflict, etc. Be creative, put time into choosing the object, and be able to discuss why you chose it. (Example: something the main character treasures, food that represents something important, map, drawing)

Giving your Book Talk

1. Choose a short section of the book that will pique our interest. Put a bookmark there so you can easily find it when you present. 
2. Stand confidently at the podium or in front of the class
3. Speak clearly and loud enough that I can hear you in the back of the room.
4. You may use your index card, but do not rely on it. 
5. Practice at home. 

Index Card

Fill out 1-2 index cards for your book. Follow the example, but make it your own.
You are welcome to change the order; just be sure to include everything below. 

Are you a homeschooler?

I’m offering a Creative ELA class on Book Talks in October 2025. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter or join one of my memberships so you get a reminder to register. My member library also has a video Book Talk Mini-lesson and printable brainstorming sheet.

Teachers, you’ll find my Library Membership has a ton of resources, like the Book Talk handout and rubric, ready for you to use in your classroom.

Book talks are a wonderful way to help readers dive into books and share what they learn and love with friends and family. If you’re looking for an alternative to a book report, give a book talk a try.