We hear this question a lot: “How do I choose the right book for my child? Is it at the right level? What series should I pick?”
It can be overwhelming to walk into a library or bookstore to select the perfect book for your child. You want something that will capture their interest, be age-appropriate, and provide just the right level of challenge—neither too easy nor too difficult. And, of course, it would be great if the book kept them engaged long enough for you to enjoy a few peaceful moments of quiet.
It is no easy task! To help take some of the stress out of the process, here are four practical tips for selecting books your child will enjoy and that will support their reading development.
Do Your Homework Before You Go
Preparation is key! Before heading to the library or bookstore, familiarize yourself with the layout of the space. Most stores have clearly labeled sections for different reading levels, including picture books, board books, easy readers, chapter books, nonfiction, and audiobooks. Take a mental note of where to find books that are appropriate for your child’s age or reading level.
If your child is already in school, consider reaching out to their teacher or reviewing their most recent progress report to get a better idea of what level they’re reading at. This can help guide your book choices. Reading levels can vary across different programs, but this will give you a general idea of where to look in the store or library.
Another great resource is the Scholastic Book Wizard (https://bookwizard.scholastic.com/), which allows you to search for books based on reading level, age, or interest. It’s a fantastic tool to explore before you even step foot inside a bookstore!
Test the Book’s Difficulty in Real Time
Once you’ve selected a book, it’s time to do a quick check to ensure it’s a good fit. Open the book to a random page (preferably near the middle), and ask your child to read it aloud. Keep an eye on how they’re handling the text:
- If your child is struggling to sound out nearly every word, the book is probably too difficult.
- If they breeze through the page with few to no errors, the book may be too easy.
- Ideally, you want a book that’s challenging but still accessible—where your child can read most of the words confidently but may need to pause and sound out a few tricky ones.
Gauge Their Comprehension
After your child has read a page or two, ask them to summarize what they’ve read. Can they describe the main idea or storyline? Are they able to recall key details?
This helps you gauge whether the book matches their comprehension level. If they can explain what happened, the book is likely within their abilities. If they’re unsure or can’t remember what they’ve read, it might be too challenging or they might not be fully engaged with the material.
Honor Your Child’s Interests
Above all, make sure to support your child’s personal interests. If there’s a book or series they’re excited about, get it—even if it’s slightly above their current reading level. If they can’t read it independently, promise to read it aloud together as a family. Shared reading time can be a special bonding experience, and you’ll still be fostering their love of books and stories.
At the same time, don’t forget to include books they can read on their own. A mix of “just right” books will help them feel a sense of accomplishment and build their confidence as readers.
Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center Supports Reading Development for All Children
These tips make the process of choosing books for your child a little less daunting. When you finally hand over that perfect book to your child, watch them light up with excitement as they get lost in a world of imagination and learning.
If you’re concerned that your child isn’t reading at the level they should be, there’s no need to worry. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has helped countless families across North Liberty, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids bridge the gap and build stronger, more confident readers. Contact us today to get started on your child’s path to becoming a more capable and enthusiastic reader!
info@enrichmenttherapies.com
740 Community Drive, Unit A
North Liberty, IA 52317
319-626-2553
infodm@enrichmenttherapies.com
5530 West Pkwy, Suite 300
Johnston, IA 50131
515-419-4270
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