Selecting Suitable Books for Kids
Guide to Choosing Appropriate Books for Children
Encourage children to read and develop a love for books and reading by ensuring that they are given books that are suitable for their age, interests and reading level.
Fostering an enjoyment of books in children requires selecting books at an appropriate reading level that will also stimulate their interest. The following factors are all significant when choosing books for young readers.
Child Reading Levels
There are many different measurements of reading levels. In general, primary-aged children are regularly assessed at school and their reading level monitored. In most cases, teachers are happy to provide information about reading levels to parents to facilitate additional reading opportunities at home.
One system of assessment, Metametrics, Inc Lexile measures, is used in many American schools. Lexile measures provide a number/score that can then be used to find books at that level in a comprehensive Lexile database of books.
Subject Matter
An appropriate reading level isn’t the only factor in choosing suitable books. For a young student with advanced reading skills, some books at the correct reading level will contain subject matter that is inappropriate. If an older, less able reader is given books that are too childish in content, they may be put off working on improving their reading.
Children will enjoy reading and are more likely to actively seek opportunities to read if the books they are offered are not only at a suitable reading level but also related to topics and genres in which they are particularly interested.
Non-Fiction Books for Children
If a child has a particularly interest, non-fiction books can be a great way to encourage them to read. Sports, animals, trains, science, art, dance, history and other subjects often hold a fascination for children. Some children are more drawn towards factual books than novels and stories.
Discussing Difficult Subjects with Children
It is not always easy to discuss complex and/or sensitive topics such as faith, death, relationships, environmental issues, physical development and social issues with children. Sharing novels or picture books with a message with children can make discussing these subjects less confrontational or embarrassing.
Australian Premiers’ Reading Challenges
Several States governments in Australia run annual Reading Challenges to encourage school-aged children to read. A target number of books is set and to reach this target, students must choose books from a grade-appropriate list of books. The booklists are divided into various challenge levels and provide a good indication for parents of the appropriate age reading level and subject content of a large number of classic and modern picture books, novels and non-fiction books.
Librarians and Booksellers
Never underestimate the human factor in selecting appropriate books. Talk to a child’s teacher, school librarian or a local public library staff member for recommendations. In addition, friends with children of a similar age will also be able to provide helpful advice on books that their own children have enjoyed.
When shopping for books, take a list of author names that the child has already shown an interest in. Bookshop owners should be able to recommend authors who write in a similar style or who cover similar subject matter.
An enthusiasm for reading and the written word is a great asset for any student. Parents, teachers and other carers can provide the best opportunities for this by offering books that both interest and stimulate young readers.
