I am a story and book lover! Here are some story charts I have created for Level 1 students to use in our book review assignment. ( I am also adding some picture books that can be used with younger students.) My goal is to give them knowledge and understanding of story structure. Once they have a firm grasp of story structure, writing about literature is no longer a mystery or a terror.
All stories are composed of five basic elements: Characters, Setting, Conflict, Plot, and Theme. Even though CONFLICT, CHARACTERS, and SETTING are story elements in their own right, they also appear in the PLOT. See “Understanding the Story Charts” for an explanation of each of the elements. Also, here is a Story Chart Key that you can print to use along with the Story Charts.
I would love to know how you are using the Story Summary Charts! Use the comments below to share your literature experiences!
NEW! A sheet of 4 bookmarks explaining the Elements of Literature! The bookmarks are ready to print on high quality cardstock on the vivid color setting. Best results will be obtained on a photo-quality printer.
Story Chart key, Bookmarks, and Blank story chart
Blank Story Summary Chart
The categories based on length are subjective. Also, a short novel might be more advanced or complex than some of the long novels, and vice versa.
Oh, a word of warning: these story charts are plot spoilers. 🙂 It’s best to read the book first and then study the story chart.
Short OR MEDIUM LENGTH NOVELS
ALL-OF-A-KIND FAMILY Story Summary Chart
THE BLACK STALLION Story Summary Chart
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Story Summary Chart
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE Story Summary Chart
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE Story Summary Chart
THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND Story Summary Chart
THE DOOR IN THE WALL Story Summary Chart
THE BIG WAVE Story Summary Chart
SARAH PLAIN AND TALL Story Summary Chart
PETER NIMBLE AND HIS FANTASTIC EYES Story Summary Chart
CHARLOTTE’S WEB Story Summary Chart
BLACK BEAUTY Story Summary Chart
ALICE IN WONDERLAND Story Summary Chart
STUART LITTLE Story Summary Chart
Short Non-Fiction
THE HIDING PLACE Story Summary Chart
HARRIET TUBMAN Story Summary Chart
RED SCARF GIRL Story Summary Chart
Long Novels
THE BRONZE BOW Story Summary Chart
LITTLE WOMEN Story Summary Chart
THE LORD OF THE RINGS Story Summary Chart
WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS Story Summary Chart
THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL Story Summary Chart
SWEEP Story Summary Chart
TOM SAWYER Story Summary Chart
FAHRENHEIT 451 Story Summary Chart
HUCKLEBERRY FINN Story Summary Chart
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Story Summary Chart
JOHNNY TREMAIN Story Summary Chart
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Story Summary Chart
JANE EYRE Story Summary Chart
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO Story Summary Chart
IVANHOE Story Summary Chart
THE HOBBIT Story Summary Chart
THE YEARLING Story Summary Chart
short stories
“Christmas Day in the Morning” Story Summary Chart with Text
“The Little Mermaid” Story Summary Chart with Text
“The Story of Joseph” Story Summary Chart with Text
Picture Books Story Charts
“The Tale of Peter Rabbit” Story Summary Chart with Text
I just stumbled upon your site. What an incredible resource! Do you have blank story charts that a student can fill in? Thank you.
Hi, Amanda! Thank you for your encouragement! Actually, I DO have a blank story chart form. I just posted it at the top of the page next to bookmarks and Story Chart Key.
Thanks for the great idea, and happy reading!
Jennifer