Dr Seuss Thematic Book Review
What is the title of each book that you have chosen?
What was the date of publication and name of the publishing company for each book?
Who is the intended audience for each book?
What do you believe the author’s purpose was for writing these books?
What themes can you identify in the books? Themes are usually implied and not
directly stated, and can appear in the setting, characters and action. Are these stories
about: friendship, working hard, courage, doing the right right, greed, jealousy, love,
caring, happiness, sadness?
directly stated, and can appear in the setting, characters and action. Are these stories
about: friendship, working hard, courage, doing the right right, greed, jealousy, love,
caring, happiness, sadness?
What are the morals of the stories? What is Dr Seuss trying to say in his story? What
are his life lessons? Morals can be directly stated or implied. E.g. slow and steady
wins the race; be happy with what you have; think twice before you act; the apple
doesn’t fall far from the tree.
are his life lessons? Morals can be directly stated or implied. E.g. slow and steady
wins the race; be happy with what you have; think twice before you act; the apple
doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Identity at least three examples/quotations from each book that prove that the theme
and/or moral are important to the story. Make sure that you talk about each example
or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme/moral
and the example from the book.
and/or moral are important to the story. Make sure that you talk about each example
or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme/moral
and the example from the book.
Include a few sentences about the impact the theme and moral had upon you and
why it made the books more or less enjoyable to read. This is an evaluative/personal
opinion section.
why it made the books more or less enjoyable to read. This is an evaluative/personal
opinion section.
Thematic Book Review Structure
Introductory paragraph - explain the purpose of the report, name the book titles, author, publication information
Example:
The two books chosen for this comparative book study are: The Red Badge of Courage and ________. The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane, is a coming of age novel, published by D. Appleton and Company in 1895, about thirty years after the Civil War ended.
Second paragraph - genre, plot, intended audience and purpose for both books
Example: The Red Badge of Courage is a historical fiction book aimed at young adolescents. Henry Fleming, the main character, begins his life-changing adventure as a naive young man, eager to experience the glory of war. He soon faces the truth about life, war, and his own self-identity on the battlefield. As Henry watches and experiences the tragic events of the war, he grows up and changes his attitudes about life.
Third paragraph - theme analysis of both books
Example: In this book, the author reveals the ugliness of war and examines its relationship to the pain of growing up.
Fourth paragraph - moral analysis of both books
Fifth paragraph - quotations that evidence themes/morals
Sixth paragraph - personal opinion/evaluative statements
Conclusion - summary of points. No new information.
