Learning to read is about developing skill and confidence, but to be successful and want to keep at it, kids need to read the right books for their age, interest and ability level. How do you find appropriate books?  Pick books that are ‘just right’ – whether it’s the seventh grade summer reading or books for your early reader, picking the right book really matters.

Sound hard? Trust me it isn’t… you don’t need a college diploma to know which books are perfect for your child’s reading level. All you need are your eyes, ears and a little parental discernment.

Don’t fall for the hype – When you’re combing the library shelves for books for your early reader, don’t go for the books on the latest movie craze. Spiderman, Cars the Movie or Ninja Turtles are full of names, characters and plot twists that are sure to have your early reader struggling. These books are written to promote the movie or toys, not help your child learn to read. Green Eggs and Ham is always going to beat Pokémon in helping children learn to read.

Librarians can be your best resource – Librarians know everything. And whatever they don’t know, they know how to find. Our son was ready for simple chapter books in third grade, but my experience after three daughters, left me unsure of what to suggest for him. I headed to the library and a wise and experienced librarian introduced me to Matt Christopher books. They were ‘just right’ length chapters and all written with sports minded boys in mind, perfect for our son. So whether you’re searching for the right level of book or subject matter that will engage your reader, librarians have the experience and resources to help you find ‘just the right’ books.

Follow the ‘just right’ rules- This free download has the information you need to help you or grandma find books that suit their current reading level. You don’t want your child skating by with easy books, you don’t want them struggling with difficult books… you want your child perfectly suited with a book that is ‘just right’.  And yes, that’s a Goldilocks reference. Click to download!

Use tried and true reading lists- Every year Battle of the Books creates new reading lists. They start at second grade reading level and continue up to college prep. Each list has up to 30 books, 50% on, 25% above, 25% below grade level of participants and interest levels should cover a broad range of topics which may include some non-fiction titles as well as fiction. Some other great lists to get you started are the Caldecott medal winners, the Newberry medal winners and the ALA notable books.

Remember, it takes a lot to learn to read and it’s going to take time. Keep it positive. Make it fun. Praise and encourage them, just like when they were learning to speak. Be careful not to get impatient or upset. Keep calm and carry on. They’ll get there. And always, while they’re learning to read for themselves, keep reading to them. Let them relax in the comfort of a good story and the sound of your voice.