This is the best way for you and your students to share great books with each other. You can use it as a part of a reading workshop, or just implement random book talks throughout the school year to help your students decide what to read. Below are some instructions an examples of book talks to give you an idea.
When to do a Book Talk...
How to do a Book Talk...
What it sounds like...
Book Talk of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
"This is one of my FAVORITE books! I would definitely give it five-stars. It's a young adult book, and it's about this freshman in high school named Melinda. She starts off school with no friends, because all of her friends in Middle School won't talk to her; they are mad at her for calling the cops on a party over the summer. So, she struggles through school, dealing with mean teachers, her annoying parents, and being an outcast for most of the year. But Melinda has a secret that she can't tell anyone... she won't even admit it to herself. It is the story of Melinda struggling to find her voice and speak out against all those who would do her harm, and those who already have.
This book is rally a page-turner. I kept reading because I wanted to know what happened to her. Also, it is told from Melinda's point of view in a very authentic voice. There were some very funny parts, like when her dad ruins the turkey on Thanksgiving and when she is talking about the Marthas. I would definitely recommend reading this book because it is so inspiring and really entertaining."
As you can see, this is not too much information about the book, but it is just enough that other students interested in the topic may decide to pick it up. You may choose to do book talks in groups, for example, book talking four or five science fiction books, or a few books that relate to something you've read as a class. Or, you can have students book talk their independent reading books rather than writing a boring book report. This will buff-up their public-speaking skills AND allow them to share great literature with their peers.
"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." -- Chinese Proverb