Reading Levels and Genres

Goldilocks Method for determining if a book is "Just Right" for children going into Kindergarten through 3rd grade

Do you remember Goldilocks' quest to find the porridge, chair and bed that were "just right"? Selecting a book can sometimes feel the same way. Just as Goldilocks fund that some porridges were too hot or too cold and others were just right, we often have difficulty finding books that are "just right" and not too hard to too easy.


When you are reading a book you can try asking yourself these questions to help you find a book that is "just right" for you.

TOO EASY BOOKS

  1. Have you read this book many times before?
  2. Do you know and understand almost every word?
  3. Can you read it smoothly and fluently without much practice or effort?

JUST RIGHT BOOKS

  1. Is this book new to you?
  2. Are there a few words per page that you don't recognize or know the meaning of instantly?
  3. Can someone help you if you reach a tough spot?

TOO HARD BOOKS

  1. Are there more than a few words on a page that you don't recognize or know the meaning of?
  2. When you read, are you struggling and does it sound choppy?
  3. Is everyone busy and unable to help you if you hit a tough spot?

Book Nuts Reading Club: Goldilocks Rule

Five Finger Method for determining if a book is right for you.

The Five Finger Method is one way to test a book before you spend too much time with it and get frustrated.

  1. First choose the book you think you would like to read.
  2. Find a page of text somewhere in the middle of the book. Find a page with lots of text (words) and few or no pictures.
  3. Begin to read the page. It is best to read the page aloud or in a whisper if possible while doing the test so you can hear the places where you have difficulty.
  4. Each time you come to a word you don't know, hold one finger up.
  5. If you have all five fingers up before you get to the end of the page, wave the book "good-bye". It is probably too difficult for you right now. If you need help finding a book, ask your librarian.
  6. If you have no fingers up when you finish the page, then the book may be an easy read for you.
  7. If you have less than five fingers but more than one or two fingers up when you finish reading the page, the book may be just what you need to grow as a reader.

Book Nuts Reading Club: Five Finger Test

Genre Definitions for children going into 3rd grade through 8th grade

Fiction -
Stories may be based on actual events or people or may be entirely the author's imagination. However, all works of fiction contain elements made up by the author.

Fantasy -
Fiction that contains elements that are not realistic, such as talking animals, magical powers, etc.

Historical Fiction -
Stories that take place in a particular time period in the past. Often the basic setting or characters are real but the plot is made up.

Mystery -
Fictional stories about an event, which is not explained, or a crime that is not solved until the end of the story, to keep the reader in suspense.

Realistic Fiction -
Fictional stories that take place in modern time. The events that characters are involved in could really happen.

Science Fiction -
Stories are a blend of scientific fact and fictional elements, and may include futuristic technology.

Nonfiction -
All of the information in a non-fiction book is true. None of the information can be made up. Non-fiction books can be about any subject.

Biography -
The story of a real person's life, written or told by another person.

Poetry -
Verse written to create a response of thought and feeling. Rhythm and rhyme often help convey meaning.