This is the "Choosing Books for Kids" page of the "How to Choose Books for Kids" guide.
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How to Choose Books for Kids   Tags: book_lovers, books, educators, k-12, k-6, kids, parents, reluctant_readers, school, teachers, teens, youth_collection  

Wondering how to decipher Accelerated Reading levels? Looking for appropriate material for your child's maturity level, interest level or reading ability? Want books without violence or profanity? Check out this guide for tips and explanations.
Last Updated: Jan 24, 2012 URL: http://explore.westervillelibrary.org/books4kids Print Guide RSS UpdatesShareThis
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Choosing Books for Kids

 

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Books for Reluctant Readers

Having trouble getting your kid excited about reading?

These books combine juicy topics appropriate to your child/teen's age with easier vocabulary to help motivate kids who may be struggling with reading.

 

New @ the Library

Browse lists of the newest books that the library has to offer!

Note: If you have trouble viewing the lists, try clicking the Refresh or Reload button on your browser.

 

Need More Help?

Chat with an Ohio librarian 24/7! Or email us!

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Note to Parents

Helping your child find appropriate reading material requires your guidance and continued support. When choosing books for your child, take into consideration the following:

  • Pick up a book and have your child flip through the first few pages. Oftentimes, your child can tell you if there is too much text or if the words are too big.
  • Consider your child's two or three favorite books. Compare other books by this standard. Feel free to pick up a few that are slightly easier and slightly harder than their favorite titles!
  • Be sure that the subject matter is appropriate for your child's age and/or maturity level. Are they ready to learn about concepts such as manners, math, war or sexuality?
  • Be sure to choose books that will keep your child's interest. Are they bored by trucks and fascinated by dinosaurs? Try to choose materials that will make your child excited to read!
 

Reading Levels & Ratings

Many publishers and independent companies organize books based on different reading level concepts, such as text difficulty, curriculum standards, reading comprehension, etc.

Since there is no reading level or ratings standard for books (unlike movies, music, or video games), the library does not organize books based on reading levels. Instead, we organize titles based on general age groups, author and/or subject matter. To find out more about how books are organized at the library, please see the box below.

For information about Accelerated Reader, Lexile codes or for information about popular books and their age-appropriateness, please take a look at the list of websites provided below.

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Library Terms Demystified

  • Board Books
    For infants and toddlers. The content ranges from basic concepts to simple stories. Board books are made out of hard cardboard, a durable choice for babies who like to rip pages out of books.
  • Picture Books  
      
    For two to six years old. Picture books are typically 32 pages long with illustrations that are integral to the story. These are often meant to be read aloud while the listener pores over the pictures. This collection includes alphabet and counting books.
  • Readers  
      
    For kindergartners through 2nd graders. These are books with limited vocabulary and scattered illustrations, designed to be friendly for those learning to read on their own.
  • Juvenile Fiction
    For 2nd graders to 5th/6th graders. This is a collection of novels for children, often called chapter books. Note: The main difference between juvenile fiction and teen fiction is subject matter, not reading difficulty.
  • Juvenile First Chapter Books  
      
    For young readers ready to move from readers into chapter books. Characterized by having slightly larger print, more pictures and shorter chapters than books for older readers. Shelved by author unless a series has multiple authors.
  • Juvenile Non-Fiction & Biographies  
      
    For toddlers to teens. There is something for everyone in non-fiction! Be sure to flip through these books to gauge difficulty, and let your child pick out subjects that sound interesting. This collection includes fairy tales, folklore & poetry.
  • Juvenile Magazines
    For toddlers through ‘tweens. Magazines are a great way to get reluctant readers on board! Subjects range from nature to popular culture to sports and humor.
  • Kids & Teen Audiobooks  
      
    Audiobooks are also a good alternative for reluctant readers. These titles usually mirror titles found within the juvenile fiction, juvenile non-fiction and teen sections. And don't forget about Playaways!
  • Teen Fiction & Non-Fiction  
      
    For 6th to 12th graders. This is mostly a popular collection, including comics and manga. The main difference between juvenile fiction and teen fiction is subject matter, not reading difficulty.
  • Teen Magazines
    For 5th graders and up. Topics include popular culture and high interest titles such as Transworld Skateboarding, MAD and Seventeen.
 

For More Assistance

Need more guidance on choosing books?

Check out our Parent/Teacher collection (located behind the Youth Services desk) for books about books, including the ones linked below.

 

Born to Read

Prepare your child for the world of reading by developing their early literacy skills.

Not sure where to start? Check out the book suggestions below, or find out more about our Born to Read initiative.

 

Online Collections for Book Selection

Get out your library card for this one; you're going to need it!

  • Novelist Plus
    Find lists of award winners, recommended reads, grab-and-go book lists, ratings for age-appropriateness, Lexile codes and much more!
 

Websites with Suggested Book Lists

Still not sure what books to give your kids? Check out these websites for more suggestions.

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Browse More Topics

Common Childhood Concerns
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Gift Guide 2008
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Needs some book suggestions this holiday season? Check out our list of books that would make great gifts for everyone on your list!
Gift Guide 2009
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Needs some book suggestions this holiday season? Why not test drive some titles before buying them? These books will make great gifts for everyone on your list!
Gift Guide 2010
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Want to find the perfect book for your favorite foodie, crafter, sci-fi geek or dinosaur fan? Check out our guide for the books that will make the best gifts!
Getting Ready to Read
by Westerville Library - Last Updated Mar 2, 2012
Help your child get ready to read! Beginning at birth, your baby can begin to develop literacy skills that will make learning to read easier. These books, games and websites can help.
My Family & Me
by Westerville Library - Last Updated Apr 11, 2012
Nuclear or non-traditional: Whatever your family looks like, we have a book for that! Also included are websites to help teach your child about their family heritage or work on a genealogy project for school.

Copyright ©2012, Westerville Public Library. All rights reserved.

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