A book talk is quite different from storytelling in the sense that it does not reveal the entire tale, but serves as a "teaser" to the book so that the audience will get interested and read the book for themselves.

1. Choose a book. Select one you have already read, and that you like.

2. Research. Look up information about the author, the time and place the story was written. Look for other books, films, TV shows, websites, etc. that are related to your story.

3. Choose a focus. What interests your audience? You can structure your talk around a story character, or the mood of the story, or the plot.

4. Write an outline of your talk. Keep it short, a maximum of around 20 minutes.:

5. If you're using props (a costume, visual aids, music, etc.) to stimulate your audience's interest, prepare and test them ahead of time.

1. Introduce yourself and your book. First impressions last, so start with enthusiasm. But don't fake it - your audience might get the impression that you're just eager to please).

2. Build rapport with your audience by involving them in your introduction. Let them know that they can speak up.

3. Keep repeating the book's title and the author's name, so the audience will remember and will be able to look up the book in the library or bookstore.

4. Be interested in the audience's responses, comments, and questions. Invite them to share their opinions about the book.

5. End with the goal of "selling" the book in mind. You may read a passage from the story or a review of the book, and then cut it short with a cliffhanger.

8. Let your audience know where find the book - in what library or bookstore, and in what section. If you have copies in hand that they may borrow, let them know.

In a time where books are taking a backseat to television, the internet, and computer games, it is a challenge to get teens interested in reading. Book talks can provide interactivity to the "boring" task of reading and can help open up teenagers to the world of literature. A good book talk encourages the audiences not just to read the book that was discussed, but also to choose other reading materials on their own in the future.

• Donelson, Kenneth L. and Eileen Pace Nilsen. Literature for Today's Young Adults. New York: Longman, 1994.
• Hertz, Sarah K. and Donald R. Gallo. From Hinton to Hamlet: Building Bridges Between Young Adult Literature and the Classics. Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1996.
• Nichols, Mary Anne. Merchandising Library Materials for Young Adults. Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, 2002.