How to Find Great Early Chapter Books
Yesterday I started my new book list series, Early Chapter Books. This is an ongoing series to help parents fill the bookshelves of kids who have moved beyond easy readers but are not yet ready for middle grade chapter books. In many libraries, these books are labeled as “bridge” books, but there are also some wonderful choices which may be mixed in with general books (in the photo you see not all books are labeled “bridge”)
When Kiddo first started reading chapter books I spent a lot of time combing the library shelves and reading book review blogs looking for quality books. I always let Kiddo choose his own books, but that doesn’t mean I don’t put a few a lot of books right under his nose. If I didn’t he would be reading nothing but sports facts (not that there’s anything wrong with that!).
I admit I’m not a literacy expert, but as an interested parent, I have learned a few tips about choosing books during my hours at the library.
Tips from a Parent:
None of these tips are set-in-stone rules, but if you’re having trouble finding age appropriate books at the early chapter books reading level, keep in mind a few of my general guidelines:
- A good clue is the age of the protagonist. Is the main character the same age as your child? If so, then likely the book is a good match. Make allowances for children who learn to read at a late age.
- Size of type. Books with larger fonts are geared towards younger children.
- Density of illustrations. The more illustrations the younger the audience. This does not apply to all books, of course. Graphic novels are the exception as well as a new crop of books based on the Wimpy Kid model. Illustration-heavy books are good choices for reluctant readers.
- Color illustrations usually indicate an easier reading level. Easy readers have color illustrations, as do many transitional chapter books like Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover.
- Length of book. Most early chapter books are 100 or fewer pages.
- If you find an author you like, look for more of their books. Authors often write multiple books for the same reading level.
- Kids naturally self-censor. If a books is too difficult, they will put it down.
Final Thoughts:
Don’t forget: Most early chapter books are labeled for kids ages 5-8, but every child learns to read at a different rate and what might have been a good independent reading choice for my child at the age of 5, might still be too difficult for your 7 year old.
If you find your child has started reading a book that is too challenging for him, don’t despair! Simply choose a new book or read it along with him. Kids will resist reading if you push them too hard (in my experience).
If you’re still having difficulty finding appropriate books use my fail-safe technique: ask a librarian!
Do you have any tips to add? Leave them in the comments below so we can all share and learn!
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Great tips! Thanks for sharing. One of the great resources at our local library is a list of books arranged by reading level. The library uses the same reading level scale as our school system, so I can easily look for books that are at the right reading level for my kids. I expect other libraries may do the same.
I’ve never seen a library arrange books that way. Sounds great.
These are excellent tips. My son really likes graphic novels, so I’m trying to learn more about that genre.
In general I use the same tips, plus trying to find something that would match my daughter interests. Right now she is all over Boxcar Children and goes through them like she did with Secrets of Droon.
I would also add that the length of sentences and the amount of dialog affects reading level. Some novels/chapter books begin with a character talking and right in the middle of the action. Sometimes this is confusing for children. One thing parents can do is to read aloud the first chapter or two so children have the character and setting info. and then let them go on by themselves.
Yes, I agree! Very good tip. Thanks, Jocelyn.
The problem I have is that I have an advanced reader and I find it difficult to find age appropriate content that challenges his reading. He is 8. Any ideas?
Erin, that is my situation at present, too. 8 year olds are just on the cusp of reading middle grade novels. With my son I’ve started looking at award lists like the Newbery and Cyblis. Also classic kids chapter books tend to have more complicated sentence structure and vocabulary than contemporary counterparts so look for books in that category, too. I still always look at the age of the protagonist. If the age is 12, the book is probably not age appropriate, but reading the jacket tells me a lot about if the book is going to be too scary or mature. My 8 year old really enjoyed The Enormous Egg, recently, a book written in 1956. The Castle in the Attic might be another good book to try. Andrew Clements is a good contemporary author to look for. I’ve got some classic book lists on the blog, too – you can find them here: http://www.whatdowedoallday.com/tag/classics
I hope this helps!
We use the Lexile scores. Every book has one & a good library has books arranged by score. Most libraries indicate the score on the outside of the book like schools do. My kids know exactly where to look and where not to bother. The only downside is that while that method is standard for elementary grades, not all upper grades do it.
Interesting, Libby. Thanks for your comment. Maybe you are referring to school libraries, but don’t think libraries which arrange books by means other than Lexile scores are not good. Like other tools (incl. the ones I’ve mentioned), Lexile and other leveling systems are useful, but not prescriptive.