Turn reading comprehension into movie-making magic! This Book Trailer Project invites students to create a short video trailer that advertises their novel—just like a movie preview. Students must highlight characters, setting, conflict, and rising action without giving away the ending, encouraging rich understanding and strategic summarizing.

This project includes clear step-by-step scaffolds to support every learner—from planning to script writing to final production. Students will practice close reading, summarizing, writing for an audience, speaking, and multimedia storytelling all in one fun and engaging project.

What’s Included:

Project Overview Page (what is a book trailer & expectations)

Story Elements Planning Checklist

Point of View Choice Guide (1st vs. 3rd person narration)

Script Development Framework (hook → characters → conflict → cliffhanger)

CUPS Editing Checklist for polished writing

Cliffhanger Creation Guide (how to end with intrigue!)

Materials Planning Page

Pitch Sheet for students to get teacher approval

Success Criteria Checklist for self-evaluation

Skills Students Practice:

• Identifying and summarizing key story elements
• Script writing and narrative crafting
• Understanding audience + tone
• Demonstrating comprehension through visual storytelling
• Editing with CUPS conventions
• Public speaking and presentation skills

Why Teachers Love It:

Works with any novel or independent reading book

Built-in supports help students who struggle with writing

Encourages creativity, collaboration, and engagement

Works beautifully as a culminating project, book club assignment, or alternative book report

Perfect For:

Grades 3–8 (fully adaptable)

ELA • Novel Studies • Literature Circles • Book Clubs • Multimedia Projects

In-Person • Hybrid • Digital Classrooms