Generative AI can be a powerful tool for school librarians, especially when it comes to readers' advisory tasks. Finding efficient ways to engage students and promote reading is essential. While librarians creating the summaries and book recommendation lists is best, generative AI can assist when needed.

Here are step-by-step instructions and suggested prompts for using the free version of ChatGPT to streamline these tasks. The techniques discussed can also be applied to other AI platforms such as Claude.AI, Perplexity, and Bard.

As you try out these AI-driven strategies, tweak and refine your approaches to fit your unique school environment, ensuring every student finds the joy and excitement in reading they deserve.

Using AI for Creating Book Synopses

Step 1: Log in to ChatGPT in browser

Step 2: Craft a Written Prompt for ChatGPT
The prompt should include the book’s title, author, a brief description or main themes, and the desired grade level.

Here’s a template you can adapt: “Write a [number of sentences] summary for the book [Book Title] by [Author] that will appeal to [Grade Level] students. Make it exciting and engaging to entice them to read the book. Ensure the summary is at a [Grade Level] reading level.”

Step 3: Enter the Prompt into ChatGPT
Copy the crafted prompt and paste it into the ChatGPT input box.

Step 4: Review and Refine
Review the summary generated by ChatGPT. If necessary, refine your prompt to get a more suitable summary. Ask ChatGPT to tweak the summary to make it more appealing if needed.

Example Prompts for Different Grade Levels

For Elementary School Students:

Prompt: “Write a [number of sentences] summary for the book ‘Charlotte’s Web’ by E.B. White that will appeal to elementary school students. Make it fun and heartwarming to entice them to read the book. Make it on a [ grade ] reading level.”

ChatGPT response: “Discover the magical friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, who uses her web to save him from becoming dinner. This touching story of kindness and loyalty will warm your heart and make you believe in the power of true friendship.””

For Middle School Students:

Prompt: “Write a [number of sentences] summary for the book ‘Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief’ by Rick Riordan that will appeal to middle school students. Make it exciting and engaging to entice them to read the book. Make it on a [ grade ] reading level.”

ChatGPT response: “Join Percy Jackson as he discovers he’s a demigod and embarks on a thrilling quest to prevent a war among the gods. Packed with adventure, mythical creatures, and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat!”

For both elementary and middle school students, you could ask to revise and emphasize relatable characters.

For High School Students:

Prompt: “Write a [number of sentences] summary for the book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee that will appeal to high school students. Make it intriguing and thought-provoking to entice them to read the book. Make it on a [ grade ] reading level.”

ChatGPT response: “Explore the deep-seated issues of racism and justice through the eyes of Scout Finch in a small Southern town. With its unforgettable characters and gripping courtroom drama, this novel will leave you questioning societal norms and reflecting on human nature.”

If desired, tailor the response by asking ChatGPT to revise and highlight themes, conflicts, and/or thought-provoking elements.

Using AI for Book Recommendations

AI can also assist in recommending books that align with students’ interests.

Step 1: Log in to ChatGPT in browser

Step 2: Understand the Student’s Interests
Ask the students about their interests, favorite genres, themes, or any specific books or authors they have enjoyed in the past.

Step 3: Prepare a Prompt for ChatGPT
Based on the student’s interests, craft a prompt that asks ChatGPT to recommend books. Be specific about the genres, themes, or types of books the student enjoys.

Step 4: Review and Share Recommendations
Read recommendations to ensure they are appropriate and engaging for the student. Share with the student and discuss why each book might be a good fit based on their interests.

Step 5: Encourage Feedback
After the student reads a recommended book, ask for their feedback to understand what they liked or didn’t like. This will help refine future recommendations.

Example prompts for book recommendations

For a student who likes adventure and fantasy: “Recommend some adventure and fantasy books for middle school students who enjoyed ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Percy Jackson’.”

ChatGPT response: “If you loved ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Percy Jackson’, you’ll enjoy ‘Artemis Fowl’ by Eoin Colfer, which follows a young criminal mastermind and his adventures with fairies. Another great pick is ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ by C.S. Lewis, where children discover a magical world full of talking animals and epic battles.”

For a student interested in science fiction: “Suggest some science fiction books for high school students who are interested in futuristic worlds and technology.”

ChatGPT response: “For high school students interested in futuristic worlds and technology, ‘Ender’s Game’ by Orson Scott Card is a must-read, featuring a young boy trained to defend Earth from alien attacks. Another great option is ‘Ready Player One’ by Ernest Cline, which dives into a virtual reality world filled with adventure and challenges.”

For a student who enjoys mystery and thrillers: “Recommend mystery and thriller books for elementary school students who like solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.”

ChatGPT response: “Elementary school students who enjoy solving puzzles will love ‘Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew’ series by Carolyn Keene, which follows young detectives on exciting adventures. Another great series is ‘The Boxcar Children’ by Gertrude Chandler Warner, where four siblings solve mysteries while living in an old boxcar.” ■

Elissa Malespina is a school librarian in New Jersey and author of the AI School Librarian.