Just Right Books

Just right books are critical to developing readers. Reading is like riding a bike. Books that are too easy are like downhill riding, we read them too fast. Books that are too hard are like uphill riding, they are exhausting and skills do not improve. Just right books are like smooth road riding, there may be some small bumps, but we can handle them.

Screen Shot 2012-10-17 at 2.37.48 PMScholastic Book Wizard is a wonderful free tool for finding these just right books. You can search by level, title, topic, and/or author. To make sure that the books are appropriate for your child, start with the guided reading level. (You can email me if you aren’t sure what level your child is reading.) Next, narrow your search by topic or genre. The Book Wizard will then suggest many titles that fit your search. Use this personalized booklist at the library or bookstore to stock up on some great just right books for your child.

Finding Just Right Books

Thank you for your great feedback on my reading survey! Many of you expressed interest in having book lists for your children. Books that are at just right levels are critical to developing readers. If books are too hard, readers can become frustrated and skills do not improve. Think of ourselves learning a new skill… like skiing. We would not want to try that Black Diamond slope after only a few runs down the Bunny Hill. Progress improves with a ski instructor and when we experience success. We might try an Intermediate slope when we feel ready. Reading is exactly the same. Readers need to practice with books that are easy to read, enjoyable, and understandable.

To find just right books, the Scholastic Book Wizard is a wonderful free tool for searching by level, title, topic, and/or author. To make sure that the books are appropriate for your child, start with the guided reading level. (You can email me if you aren’t sure what level your child is reading.) Next, narrow your search by topic or genre. The Book Wizard will suggest many titles that fit your search. Use this personalized booklist at the library or bookstore to stock up on some great just right books for your child!