AP Government and Politics 2009-2010
Book Review Guidelines
Patti Palmer

Each book review should be typed; approximately 1200-1500 words in length. Word count must be included in the final draft of your review.

The book review must include the following:

Ø A cover page wwith the author's name, book title, publisher, publication date centered on the top third of the page.  In the bottom third of the page, center your name and the date you submit your boor review. 

Ø An identification and short biographical sketch of the AUTHOR(S), which may include answers to the following: when/where born? Where/how educated? Bias? Special qualifications? Present position? Political affiliation or prior governmental experience.

Ø A SUMMARY of the book’s contents and a description of its general scope and nature. A brief identification of the book’s major themes, content and conclusion. Points covered might include:

o subject matter covered
o authors purpose: what is he/she trying to do?
o period of time covered?
o emphasis?
o Nature of evidence/proof?
o Organization?
o Is the book historical? Political? Social? Economic? Biographical?
o What did the book teach you about how the "game" of politics is played?

Ø A CRITICAL EVALUATION which MUST include:

o Strengths and weaknesses of the work?
o reliability of the sources and were the sources primary or secondary?
o Was the book balanced, objective or biased? On what do you make that opinion?
o Charts/Illustrations? Were they used and if so, how effectively?
o Literary style?
o Your recommendation for the book and why? Be as specific and in depth as possible. I need a complete rationale for your opinion

Total points for this assignment will be 200. Fifty (50) points will be awarded if this assignment is turned in by on or before the day and time of your 1st semester final exam. However, the assignment will not appear in your grade until second semester. The 50 points will help you in December, not June

Book review is due on or before March 24, 2010

You must submit your book review to www.turnitin.com AND bring a printed copy to school with you on the day you give me your review.  NOTE: If any or all of this book review is found to be plagiarized from another source, either print or electronic, you will not get credit for the assignment.

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