Make notes. While you are reading the book, think about the report or review you are going to write. Note any important thoughts that occur as you are reading, or mark parts of the book that you consider key sections with sticky notes.
Write an outline. Translate your notes into a rough outline of a report or review so you begin to add more structure to your thoughts and identify the key things you want to say. Divide your outline into an introduction, body and analysis, and decide which of your notes and thoughts would fit into each section.
Write the introduction. It should include basic factual information such as the book title and author, the genre and one or two sentences to introduce the book and the review or report.
Write the body. The body of a book report or review describes the book. Think about where the story takes place, whether it is set in the past, present or future, and who the main character is and what he is like. Explain the plot by picking out the key elements of the book and discussing why they are important.
Write the analysis. Include this section in a report or a review. A report is more factual, so make your points in a neutral, objective tone. Note the author's aim and whether he achieved it. Discuss literary tools the author used to make the book effective or powerful, and identify strong and weak sections of the book. A review can express opinions on these topics as long as they are backed up with examples and well-articulated reasons.
Write the conclusion. In a few sentences, summarize your report or review and state your impression of the book.