“Books and Baking” is a sweet alternative to a book report. After reading a novel, students creatively express information about the book (theme, character, setting or whatever literary element you have been working on in your curriculum) in the form of a baked good. This requires students to think deeply and creatively about a novel. In addition to the baking, there is a written component. My high school students love this; it could easily be slightly revised for use with younger ages well.