How to Write a Readers Annotation
A readers annotation is written to lure someone to want to read the book being annotated. It stimulates
interest, but never gives away the conclusion of the book. It may hint at disaster or triumph, but never
tells the potential reader what the disaster or triumph will be, only that it comes about.
Annotation writing is an art, but it is also a skill that can be acquired with just a little effort. The
following steps are a framework within which beginners can work. After a while, they become
subconscious and a part of a good annotator, just as every other skill acquired ceases to require
concentrated thought to be practiced.
Identify the Central Character
Who is the central character?
In most cases there is only one character to be identified, but occasionally we can also focus on a
relative, lover, the “other man,” the alien, or a foil of the protagonist, depending upon the audience we
wish to reach. A central character can be an animal, person, machine. No matter.
What 4-5 words identify the central character?
Identify the Significant Other(s)
With whom does the central character interact? Foster parent, best friend, cat, nature?
The significant other(s) are identified by the amount of emotional involvement
the central character has with him/her/it.
Identify the Setting
Does the action take place in an urban ghetto, a posh suburb, a rural outpost?
Are we on a dark and foreboding moor? In outer space?
Identify the Time Period
Are we dealing with the here-and-now, the past, or some future world?
Identify the Central Character’s Challenge
Is our character trying to find a place to belong, to win a big race,
to come to grips with her/his sexuality, to save humankind from disaster?
Identify the Roadblocks to the Success of the Challenge
Are personal characteristics the root of the character’s problems
(selfish, thoughtless, lack of self-confidence)? Are society issues the problems
(racial prejudice, abuse, divorce)? Is the roadblock a natural disaster or mechanical/electronic?
What to Do Next
Decide which of the above are absolutely essential to convey to a potential reader.
Select the strongest verbs, adjectives, adverbs possible and string the book’s characteristics together
in 20-30 words. Remember full sentences are not required.
What to Avoid
For the most part, good annotations do not contain more than one sentence or phrase.
Avoid evaluative statements. Those comments can be included through adjectives,
for example: chilling, thrilling, hilarious, moving, etc.
Adapted from Mary K. Chelton and Dorothy Broderick
Juvenile Reader’s Advisory 2008
Handouts available at www.jocolibrary.org/bradleydebrick
Crystal Faris – crystalfaris@kclibrary.org Bradley Debrick – debrickb@jocolibrary.org