WHAT’S THE RIGHT BOOK FOR MY CHILD?
Excerpted from Sylvan Learning Center’s Successful Student Magazine
By Barbara Spivey
Perhaps you can’t judge a book by its cover, but helping your child select a book does
not have to be such a challenge either. Knowing your child’s needs and personality will help you choose
excellent books.
Publishers supply valuable information right on the cover, the jacket, the title page and
the back of the title page. On paperback books, look for the genre heading on the spine or the back
cover. Most likely, you also will find the reading level by age or grade. For instance,
“Young Adult” means the book is suitable for sixth through ninth-graders. Many books that are
labeled “Adult” can be enjoyed by 10th- through 12th-graders.
Hardback books usually have even more information. On the back of the title page,
the Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data (CIP) lists the author, title and
publisher. More importantly, it may include a concise summary, the reading level and the
library subject heading. On both hardback and paperback books, look for a summary and brief,
signed reviews. These will give you an idea about the book’s subject, scope and
slant.
Next, there are several questions you can ask as you analyze your child’s needs in a
new book:
Q: Does the book offer some challenge in vocabulary, style and complexity?
Tip: Children should read slightly above their
level but not so far that they find it discouraging or formidable.
Q: Does your child need pictures or other illustrations such as photographs, maps,
charts or graphs?
Tip: Graphic or artistic elements often help children comprehend their reading, especially if they are visual learners.
Q: How long are the chapters or sections?
Tip: Length should be appropriate for thematurity of the reader. New readers who
have trouble reading fluently need shorter chapters they can review until they
understand.
Q: What topics interest your child?
Tip: Readers become engaged—and encouraged—when they can explore their current interests
while reading.
Q: What authors does your child like to read?
Tip: Find out who writes in the style of those
authors and broaden your child’s pool of favorite writers.
Q: What genres does your child prefer?
Tip:Explore new genres to expand your child’s interests.
Q: Is your child struggling with a problem or experiencing a new situation in life:
Tip: Books often take on universal themes that
help children understand and put in perspective their own experiences.
Q: Does your child want something stimulating or relaxing?
Tip: Even within genres, books vary in pace. There are books readers can appreciate for
their literary style and others they’ll love for plot twists and turns.
Q: Does this book add depth and dimension to your present home library:
Tip: When buying a new book, consider something distinguishable from the others in your child’s collection.
Armed with these questions and tips, talk with your child’s teacher or a librarian
for suggestions. Also, consider checking out some of the following for book lists and ideas:
- BookAdventure: (www.bookadventure.org) The world’s first online reading incentive
program for students K-8. The site generates quizzes for over 3,900 book titles. It creates customized booklists based on reading grade-level and interest
category.
- The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA):
(www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists)
Book lists generated by committees of librarians. Paper copies are available at many libraries and bookstores.
- What Do I Read Next?, What Do Children Read Next? and What Do Young Adults Read Next?: Published
by Detroit-based Gale Research Inc. (800/877-4253) and available at most libraries and bookstores. If
you know the books your child enjoys, these volumes will recommend other good titles along the same lines.
- Best Books for Children, Preschool through Grade 6; Best Books for Junior High Readers; Best Books
for Senior High Readers; and Best Books for Young Adult Readers: Published by R.R.
Bowker (888/269-5372), these recommended books list and index books by subject
and genre. Available at most libraries and book stores.
- Children’s Literature Web Guide:(www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown) Includes
bibliographies and discussions of award-winning books, plus a number of links
to other children’s literature Web sites for parents and teachers.
