Tips for Choosing a "Just Right" Chapter Book

Trouble picking beginning chapter books for your kiddo? 

• 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/early  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.

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 one child at the age of 5, might still be too difficult for a different 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.