Choose a Book for Your Child: 4 Helpful Tips

“How do I choose a book for my child? Is this the right level? What series do you recommend?” We’ve heard these questions many times. It can feel overwhelming walking into a library or bookstore hoping to find a new book your child will enjoy, one that’s age-appropriate, not too easy, not too difficult, and maybe even something they’ll pick up and read entirely on their own, giving you a few moments of peace and quiet.

We get it. This is no easy task. Here are four tips to make choosing a book for your child a little less daunting.

1. Do Your Research

Before arriving at the library or bookstore, know the layout. Head directly to the section where you expect to find appropriately leveled books. Most bookstores organize sections for picture books, board books, easy readers, fiction and chapter books, nonfiction books, and audiobooks. You’ll also likely find a section featuring new releases or books tied to a holiday or special theme.

Doing your research also means contacting your child’s teacher or checking a recent progress report to see what level of books your child has been reading. Levels vary by program, but they’ll give you a general idea of which section to head to.

Check out the Scholastic Book Wizard. This handy tool can help you find book ideas before you even step foot in the bookstore.

2. Test Your Child’s Literacy in the Moment

Choose a book that fits your child’s interests, then open it to the middle. Have your child look at the page and read the words, and mentally note any words they misread. We want children to read most words effortlessly. If your child is sounding out every single word on the page, it may be too difficult. If they zip through the page without errors, try something a little harder.

3. Gauge Your Child’s Comprehension Ability

Ask your child to tell you about the page they just read. Can they give you a general storyline or tell you the main idea?

4. Support Your Child’s Interests

If your child has their heart set on a specific book, get it. If it’s too difficult for them to read on their own, let them know you can’t wait to read it aloud together as a family. Just make sure to also pick up some books your child can read through on their own. Fostering a love of reading means finding “just right” books, and that takes a big step in the right direction.

We’re Here to Help

We hope these tips help you feel confident walking into the library or bookstore. And when you hand over that perfect title to your child, sit back and relax while they get lost in the magic of a good book.

Do you feel your child isn’t performing at the level they should be? Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has worked with many families to close that gap. Contact us today to start down the path toward your child becoming a more confident, capable reader.