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A tool to check the comprehension of students' reading

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I've used Whooo's Reading with my middle school students for just over a year now and absolutely love it! My students keep track of their independent reading and answer questions/take quizzes during class time. I can adjust the question level to differentiate for my lower readers, can set goals for students, and reward students who go beyond the requirements.

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ONE OF US IS BACK | Official Book Trailer

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Penguin Teen Book Trailers and other Events

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publishing books teen "young adult" "middle grade" "children's books" "picture books" ya "john green" "sarah dessen" "vampire academy" "richelle mead" pengui...

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Subscribe to Penguin Teen! http://www.youtube.com/penguinteenbooks At Penguin Teen, we're your number one source for the latest and greatest books for the young and the young-at-heart. Tune in for videos from best selling authors, live action trailers, animated shorts featuring our popular characters, and much more!

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Why we Need Book Trailers and How to make them

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Why book trailers?

When it comes to online content, people are spending more time watching videos than they are reading the written word.

You might be worried that this means fewer people are reading in general. Fear not! You can use this online trend to your advantage as an author...

Book trailers add another dimension to help readers understand your book. They're used to promote books, tell stories, and sell books. Statistically, most people prefer to watch a video to learn more about something. They're also much more likely to make a purchase after watching.

But there's a lot of bad book trailers out there. The last thing you want to do is create something that hurts your book marketing efforts.

So we decided to research the very best book trailers online. We've also included our take on why we think each book trailer works so that you can better use them to inspire your own.

After extensive research, we found these 21 truly amazing book trailers.

But, before we get into these inspiring book trailers, let's answer a few frequently asked questions about book trailers.

What is a book trailer?

A book trailer is a short video or teaser that introduces a book in a way that makes people want to read it.

If done correctly, using a book trailer can help improve your online presence and allow you to reach new potential readers.

Why do I need a book trailer video?

Not everyone knows you as an author or your books. Many potential readers will only give your ad or social media post a few seconds of attention unless it's truly engaging. Not enough time to really get what your book is about.

So how do you capture them as a new audience if they don't know what you have to offer?

By using a book trailer!

What makes a good book video trailer?

A good book trailer has the same effect as a good movie trailer.

1. It makes people excited about reading the book

2. It raises curiosity about the characters, the plot, and the story's ending.

You can, of course, also use movie trailers relevant to your genre as inspiration for your book trailer as well. When billions of dollars of box-office revenue are at stake, you can be sure a lot of careful research has gone into what makes the perfect movie trailer.

What should I include in my book trailer?

The details in your book trailer should be enough to draw viewers in without giving away the whole story or the plot of the story.
Keep the following in mind when deciding what to include in your book trailer:

1. Know your target audience

2. Hook your audience (create tension)

3. Keep it short and catchy

4. Use visuals and sound that enhance your message

5. Have a Call-to-Action

Know your target audience

Every author has a target audience.

Since your book is written with this target audience in mind, the book trailer should also be made with this audience in mind.

Every element you choose in the trailer should speak to your target audience, the music, narration (if any), pacing (action trailers will be faster-paced than romance for example), fonts used, and any other choices you make in the trailer's content.

This is really author branding 101 and applies as much to your book video trailer as it does to every other aspect of your author marketing.

Hook your audience (create tension)

Use a one-liner that captures the essence of the storyline or central theme of the book.

It can be a quote from one of the characters, a glimpse of the setting where the plot unravels, a quote from a review that stands out. The options are endless.

When a person reads or hears the hook, they should immediately get sold on reading the book.

Pro tip: The key to a great hook is creating tension. Tension can be created in many ways. These should already be familiar to you as a writer to keep pages turning.

For example, show what's at stake if the main character loses, or show the reader what they stand to gain in reading the book (if non-fiction), or even what they stand to miss out on if they don't!

Tension is the push-pull in a trailer that creates the emotion that motivates action. Don't be afraid to lean on the usual tension-creating tools in your writer's toolbox.

Keep it short and catchy

Remember that this is a teaser, it should not be more than 2 minutes.

The closer you are to reaching the 2-minute mark, the more information you end up giving away. You also run the risk of losing your audience before you deliver the call to action that tells the viewer what you want them to do (more on that shortly).

Use visuals and sound that enhance your message

Whether you choose to go for videos or images will depend on the concept of your book trailer, but they should complement your book's genre. This includes the music as well.

It would be rather strange to use punk rock music in a book trailer for a children's book right?

So although your trailer should have a sense of originality, it should still fit the general theme of the particular genre the book belongs to.

Have a Call-to-Action

You need to have a strong Call-to-Action to encourage someone watching the book trailer to purchase the book.

There is nothing more painful for a customer than wanting something but not knowing where to find it.

So make sure you don't only tell people to buy the book, but tell them where to buy the book.

If you're teasing a future release, tell them when it'll be available as well.

Top book trailer examples to inspire you (and why we love them)

Lev Grossman's The Magician's Land
Crowdsource your content.
Crowdsourcing your content for a book trailer is a great way to interact with existing readers. It makes them feel special and included by directly contributing to the message you're sending out through your writing. It's also a great method for an author on a budget.

I love how this trailer combines the credibility of some huge names in fiction with what feels like a random sampling of a huge superfan base. You get the feeling everyone is involved with getting this story out there by the end.

Impyrium by Henry H. Neff
Bring your story to life with animation
Different types of animations (graphics) are used here and they bring some uniqueness to the trailer.

The combination of 2D and 3D animation makes the trailer stand out. The trailer sets the tension and plotline and engages the viewer.

Keep in mind that quality animation is expensive. If you want to use this approach, be willing to pay for an animation team that knows what they're doing.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Have your story told
This is a great approach for children's books. It's very relatable and makes you feel like you're with the narrator as they tell the tale.

Having someone read the story as they would to a child makes your child-like imagination start working again. You can imagine how it will be reading the book or listening to it.

Gods & Monsters by Shelby Mahurin

Get readers to visualize the tension in your story.

Showing scenes from the book can make someone want to know the story behind that scene. What events took place leading up to the critical points of your stories.

The trailer is very visual and can help in creating curiosity as the reader wants to see the full picture unfold.

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
Share your best reviews.
Having great reviews on your book trailer helps give your book credibility. We're social creatures. Before we buy and risk wasting cash (and time), we confirm we're making the right choice by checking out other reader experiences.

Giving one more social confirmation that your book is worth the read might be the thing you need to make another book sale.

Fugitive Six by Pittacus Lore

Leave readers asking questions.

This trailer leaves a lot of unanswered questions. From the title of the book, you can already guess that the storyline is about six fugitives, but the trailer only gives you the names of those fugitives with no additional information apart from the fact that someone or something wants to locate these six people.

The book is science/adventure fiction and the sound and visuals fit the genre. It's a simple trailer that conveys the essence of this science fiction thriller..

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard
Share some lines from your book/ Show the thoughts of your leading characters.
This is another great way of hooking your audience without giving away too much information.

Sharing the thoughts of your characters gives an idea about what might unfold in the story. It makes viewers wonder why the character has those thoughts. What inspired or drove this character to feel this way?

Knowing what a character thinks adds a lot of detail without having to say much. Someone watching the trailer will draw their own conclusions until they read the book.

The Scattering by Kimberly McCreight
Use suspense to create curiosity about the story.
This trailer is a great example of how you can capture your audience with suspense. It is well made and feels like a book trailer for a thriller fiction book.

The trailer is only 30-seconds long, and it still manages to create curiosity about the story. This just comes to show that your book trailer does not have to be lengthy for people to be sold on reading your book.

It's also essentially 2 voice actors, a dial tone and a sound wave graphic, with an end screen for the books of course. This is a good example of how a great trailer doesn't have to be expensive.

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern
Let your readers speak for your book.
Another crowdsourcing approach using a compilation of videos and pictures from fans saying what they want to say. It portrays what the book is about without giving anything away.

Because this is a non-fiction book, it uses real people with real stories. A perfect fit for the book genre.

Even the music lyrics are an extension of the book's message.

Everless by Sara Holland
Use eye-catching animation.
The animation in this trailer is very detailed and has strong contrast which matches the mood of the music and sound effects.

Having powerful animation makes the trailer look professional and suggests to the viewer they're probably going to find an equally professionally written story.

A professional-looking book trailer can add a lot of credibility to your book. As mentioned before, a trailer like this is a lot more expensive to produce than many other approaches.

The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
Using only graphics and text. Let the reader focus on the words.
There is no voiceover or narration in this trailer. This is a great way to get people to pay attention to the trailer.

Sometimes with music or more specifically voiceovers, people can be passive when listening or watching something.

Using only graphics solves the problem. The person has no choice but to be attentive if they want to know about the book.

But if you go for this style of a book trailer, just make sure your graphics are great. Your font and the images must be eye-catching, otherwise, people will just get bored and not get to the end of the trailer.

This kind of trailer is also a lot easier to create as well.

Wherever You Go by Pat Zietlow Miller
Use illustrations from the book.
For children's books, using illusions from the book is a great way to give the person watching an idea of what to expect. Most likely that person is the parent, teacher or someone who will be reading to children. They'll be showing the illustrations to their kids as they read.

Since children are more visual, showing the person buying the book what to expect in this experience gives them more reason to buy your book. Especially if they like the illustrations.

Between Us by Mari Suggs
Use catchy music that fits the genre.
This music used here is not overly romantic but is still perfect for a romance novel.

Having music that matches the genre and the general theme of your trailer can make all the difference.

Music adds to the whole experience and helps capture the mood of what it might feel like to read your book.

The Vault of Vishnu by Ashwin Sanghi
Details are given without the plot being given away.
This trailer is a great example of how you share details about the book without giving away the plot.

It summarises aspects of the book but leaves out important information. Making you wonder about how everything mentioned comes together.

One More Thing by B.J. Novak
Make it humorous (if appropriate).
As I watched this book trailer, I tried to understand the angle they were going for and after a minute I realised that this trailer is a ball of comedy.

The author knows his audience, hence he featured some other well-known comedians apart from himself (Mindy Kaling).

The trailer itself is a short skit comedy and makes you want to know what other fun things might be in the book.

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Good enough to be a movie trailer.
Since this is a historical non-fiction book, the trailer is like a mini-documentary that explains the events that took place.

The narrator's voice and tone are perfectly matched. He sounds like he could be someone from the era when all these events took place.

And, as it's based on actual events, using real pictures from the events makes you want to know more about the people you have been introduced to.

Bravelands by Erin Hunter
Have a great introduction.
Although book trailers are short, if the introduction is bad then your viewer might never even get to the end.

The introduction to this trailer is fantastic!

From the beginning the trailer demands attention.

It begins by introducing the author. If you are familiar with their books, you are more willing to want to watch the rest of the trailer to see more about their new release. It then shows what's at stake in the story, creating tension right away that pulls you along. Finally, we learn about the unlikely (and very original) heroes we'll journey with on the way.

Cursebreaker by Brigid Kemmerer
Typography still matters.
One might think the typography you use in your book trailer doesn't matter as much.

It does!

The typography used here matches the book cover art. So when the books appear at the end it ties everything together. This makes the trailer feel like a true extension of the book's branding.

The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli
Have your main character tell their story.
Letting the main character explain what happens in the book is another way to narrate the book.

This brings the book to life by making the character more real. We're left wondering if they'll fulfill their quest and, of course, need to read the book to find out!

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Let the author do the talking.
Are you already a well-known personality on screen, or at least feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera? Why not make the trailer yourself.

Since the book is about Trevor's life, it makes sense for him to tell you about the book. This makes it more personal.

I think I also just like his trailer because he's just being his funny natural self.

30th Anniversary Book Trailer by Philippa Gregory
Showcase your series.
If you have been writing books for a long time or have published many books, this is definitely something you should consider.

Looking back on all your books so far and using them as your trailer not only markets your new book but gives a chance to some books that may not have been seen much.

Beyond Book Trailers

A book video trailer can be a fantastic way to engage readers and make them buy your book.

But it's far from the only marketing tool in your author marketing tool kit.

You're going to want a central hub online where your beautiful book trailers live. This home is your author website. This will also allow you to create the call to action you want to go directly under your trailer.

If you need help with author website design services, we're here to help! Get in touch with us today to create a fun and exciting website!If you'd like to learn more about author websites in general and see a ton more examples check out our 67 author websites mega post.

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21 Epic Book Trailers (Inspiring Videos and Why They Work)

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Why book trailers? When it comes to online content, people are spending more time watching videos than they are reading the written word. You might be worried that this means fewer people are reading in general. Fear not! You can use this online trend to your advantage as an author...

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Books open a world of possible

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Scholastic Book Trailers and other Events

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Welcome to Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and children’s media! Scholastic creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. Pull up a chair and explore our author interviews, book trailers, resources for parents and educators, celebrity PSAs about reading, how-to craft and education videos, and so much more! And if you see a glimpse of a big red dog, don’t worry...that’s our beloved Clifford!

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Gives YA loving students a place to find books that will like

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The Incredible Adventures of Absolutely Normal

If You Were Me and Lived in...the Ancient Mali Empire

I Know When You're Going To Die

The Mountain and the Goat

Roger Tarkington and the Magic Calendar (Book 1)

The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to Share

Spooky Magic (Evie Everyday Witch Book 2)

The Bully Brigade: Headmaster Bully

The Slug Queen Chronicles: The Invisible Truth

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best website for student and adult book reviews

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great website for student and adult book reviews

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LitPick Book Reviews offers honest STUDENT and ADULT BOOK REVIEWS by readers for readers, Voted an AASL Best Website for Teaching and Learning. Authors and publishers can also get powerful book reviews of their titles and readers can find great book suggestions.

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Online library that allows students access to lots of books and videos.

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Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

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Let every child be a reader!

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EVERY CHILD A READER supports all those who inspire children and teens to enjoy reading — thousands of parents, educators, librarians and booksellers across America — year-round as well as through our popular and long-running national programs.

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Celebrate the Library at your school Apr. 7-13

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National Library Week 2023: There’s More to the Story Thank you to Honorary Chair Molly Shannon and everyone who participated in National Library Week 2022. National Library Week 2023, April 23-29, will be celebrated with the theme “There’s More to the Story.” Libraries are full of stories in a vari…

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Allows all people to read

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Bookshare | An Accessible Online Library for people with print disabilities

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Bookshare makes reading easier. People with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers can customize their experience to suit their learning style and find virtually any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading.

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Differentiate reading instruction with high-quality articles and lessons

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ReadWorks | Award-Winning, EdTech Nonprofit Organization

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ReadWorks is an edtech nonprofit organization that is committed to helping to solve America’s reading comprehension crisis.

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Celebrity read-alouds bring kids' storybooks to life

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

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Help ELL students learn to read

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STORYWORLD - read and connect us through language and shared stories

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Home Page - STORYWORLD - read and connect us through language and shared stories

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Students Rate, Review, and Recommend Books. Also, showcases popular books at the moment.

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Excite, encourage and engage kids to read! Check out Biblionasium, where young readers connect & share book lists and good reads with friends, teachers & parents. Look up the reading level difficulty of thousands of books and find the right fit books. A powerful teacher tool and valued parent resource.

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Where to find Free Print and Online Materials

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First Book
First Book is a non-profit that provides new books and educational resources to schools and programs serving children in need, from birth to age 18. The benefits of registering with First Book include free books from the First Book National Book Bank, low-cost books and resources from the First Book Marketplace at 50-90 percent off retail price, and potential funding from First Book's corporate partners and generous donors.

Literacy Empowerment Foundation
Literacy Empowerment Foundation's Reading Resource Project offers free books to recipients who can pay shipping, handling, and administrative costs. Reading Resource Project books come in sets of 100 books per set and any literacy-based effort qualifies for these books. You do not have to be a school or teacher to qualify.

Little Free Library
Little Free Library is a place to find a book or bring a book to share! Find Little Free Libraries in neighborhoods all over the world, all with different offerings. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. Through its Impact Library Program, Little Free Library provides no-cost Little Free Library book exchanges to communities where books are scarce.

Free Books to Read Online

Free Audiobooks and Video Read Alouds

KidLit TV
Children can experience authors and illustrators reading their works through KidLit TV's Read Out Loud program, which includes an array of titles featuring diverse people and cultures. Find more read-alouds, plus podcasts, activity ideas, book trailers, and more at their award-winning website.

Storyline Online
At Storyline Online, SAG-AFTRA Foundation records well-known actors reading children's books and makes graphically dynamic videos so that children around the world can enjoy favorite stories, such as The Kissing Hand, A Bad Case of Stripes, and Stellaluna.

Book Distribution Programs

Additional Resources

In Search of Free Books, Reading Rockets' roundup of sources for free and low-cost books.

Where to Find Free Audiobooks and Digital Text-to-Speech Books for Your Child from Understood.

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Need help finding books to put into the hands of readers? Check out these resources and bring print and online books to qualifying schools and students.