Helping your child choose books matched to both their interests and reading skills can be challenging. Finding books means balancing diverse interests with developing skills. Different book leveling systems used by various publishers can be inconsistent, and even books labeled as within a grade level often vary widely. You and your child may feel overwhelmed by the options available from a library or bookstore. Below are some guidelines for choosing books matched to your child:
Too easy or too hard?
Like adults, children sometimes choose books that feel challenging because they are interested in a topic. They often also prefer books that feel comfortable and are an “easy read.”
Books that stretch their current reading skills encourage new learning and vocabulary. With books beyond their current skill set, consider supporting your child by showing them how to sound out words and stopping to explain new vocabulary.
Books with words that may feel “too easy” free up working memory to focus on deep understanding. Re-reading familiar books encourages both fluency and comprehension. Ask your child questions about what they read to strengthen their understanding.
Consider genre, topic, and author
Identifying a preferred genre can help narrow down available options. Notice if your child is often reading graphic novels or books about animals, and support them in choosing a new book from within a preferred genre or topic.
Ask your child for the author of a book they particularly enjoy and find other titles by the same author. Popular children’s book series can also be a great resource in selecting books matched to readers. Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems is a popular choice with preschool through first graders. The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne is a favorite among many second and third-graders.
Narrowing down choices
Support your child in selecting a new book by encouraging them to reflect on their reading. Show them how to scan the cover and first few pages and ask themselves:
- Am I interested in reading this book?
- Do I know almost all of the words?
- Is it easy for me to understand the book?
- Does my reading sound smooth?
If your child answers yes to these questions, the book is likely a solid choice for your child to read independently at home. If your child answers no to some of these questions, the book can still be a great choice for your child to read with your support.
Choosing a book can feel overwhelming for young readers. Narrowing down the options and encouraging self-reflection helps guide your child to choose books that both support their skills and nurture their interests.