- Librarians, reading specialists, classroom teachers and recommendations from other children can most likely help you with this task. • Attached is a document called “Hook Books” . This attachment contains some of the most popular and engaging series for readers at each levels.
- For older children, it can be beneficial to read the first few chapters together . Provide them with support in understanding the story. Explain to them what is happening in your brain while you read the story together (Are you making predictions? Is the story a bit biased? What do you know about the characters without the author explicitly telling you?) When the story starts “getting good” tell your reader to go read independently and fill you in on what happened.
- The search engine below is also helpful. It will let you pick the book level , interest level , book topic.
There is a great website called AR BookFinder that will help you find thousands of books at your child’s reading level. Here’s how:
- Click this link: http://www.arbookfind.com/. Select “parent” and submit.
- Click on the “Advanced Search” tab. Now, find where it says ATOS Level (similar to grade-equivalent).
- Estimate your child’s reading level. A 3.1 equates to a book that is third grade, first month of school. Let’s say your fourth grader was reading on grade level this year. You might want to search 4.0- 5.0 Or maybe you have a third grader reading about a half year behind in which case you would search 2.5-3.0. If you’re uncertain of your child’s level, estimate on the low side. Children and adults lose interest quickly when reading is too difficult. Reading needs to be FAST, FUN and EASY for children to enjoy it.
- You can also select additional criteria such as “Interest Level,” “Non-fiction,” “Topics,” etc.
- Click “Go” and a list will be generated for you. Use the “AR BookBag” buttons and to create your list to print for the library.
