Can you imagine walking into the library or bookstore and asking, "Where do you keep the books for retirees?" Sounds silly, right? You already know that while some of the books in our adult fiction section will appeal to older readers more than twenty-somethings, they're still all "adult fiction" books and we shelve them in the same section.
And yet, we at the library get a number of well-meaning parents and grandparents who come in asking, "Where are your third grade books?" or "Where do you keep books for ten-year-olds?"
Unfortunately, in the same way the adult section doesn't have a shelf of books especially for thirty-somethings, the children's section is one big confusing blob of genres and reading levels (sorted alphabetically by author, of course). So what can you as a parent do to narrow down the selection and find books that meet your child's unique reading needs?
Ask your child's teacher. There are several programs out there that schools and libraries use to help children find books on their "reading level." Whether you them or hate them, such programs may even be part of your child's grades. Many TCCL staff members are familiar with these programs and can help you find books on the various levels, but it helps if you can tell us which program your child's school is using! Ask your child's teacher during your next parent-teacher conference or send them a quick email.
Search the library catalog by Lexile. If you check out the Advanced Search feature on TCCL's catalog, you'll find a place to enter a Lexile reading level range. Lexile, one of the leveling programs mentioned above, is used in Oklahoma's Common Core standards for language and reading, as well as by several publishing houses. Even if your child's school doesn't use Lexile scores directly, you can still access charts online that will tell you what a typical Lexile range is for your child's grade level. You can adjust your range up or down as needed.
Check out ARBookFind. One of the most popular leveling programs is Accelerated Reader, used by many Tulsa area schools. The official website, ARBookFind.com, allows users to search for books by reading level and genre, as well as by "interest level," where you can narrow your search to, for example, only books with content that would be appropriate for a lower elementary child. ARBookFind also has a feature that allows you to make printable lists from your search results, which you can then take to the library or bookstore to simplify your book-finding trip.
Use the NoveList database. TCCL subscribes to NoveList, a comprehensive database of book-related information which you can access for free with your library card. Where this database really shines is in its "read-alike" suggestions. If there's a book your child has enjoyed lately, check the NoveList entry for "read-alike" page that will recommend ten books with similar themes. The Advanced Search feature also lets you search for books by grade level, Lexile score, AR level, or Dewey topic, to name only a few things.
Finally, choice is key. If your child wants to read a book "above" his reading level, let him try! That motivation may be enough to get him through the hard parts. If your child is getting frustrated by reading "on level," let her slack off with something easy that she's excited about. No matter what the various leveling programs say, you are the expert on your child. At the end of the day, making sure your child learns to enjoy reading is more important than reading by the numbers.
- Tori Hamilton, Children's Library Associate, Glenpool Library