Thank you for visiting my booklists!

I have listed books for third through fifth grade as well as books to read aloud, and adult books. Each list has fiction as well as non-fiction titles. Within each list I have chosen books that are "easy", "average", and "challenging". The books that are listed as "easy" are books that are of that grade levels interest but the text readability is at a lower grade level. For example the book, Ant Cities by Arthur Dorros is listed under the third grade list but is listed as an "easy" book because the text is about a second grade readability. The titles listed as "average" under each grade level means that the text is at grade level for readability. The titles that are listed as "challenging" at each grade level means that the interest level is at that grade level but the text readability is at a higher grade level. For example, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is listed under the fifth grade list but the readability of the text is actually at a sixth grade level.

The labels of "easy", "average", and "challenging" are just guides. Students may still find a particular book "too hard", or "too easy". I suggest to parents and teachers to have their students use the 5 Finger Rule. When a student picks out a book to read, they should open it to a random page and try to read it. If they miss or have difficulty with more than 5 words (keep track with your fingers!), or if they find the text confusing, then that text is too challenging, and they should try a different book. If the student doesn't encounter any challenging words, then the text may be "too easy". Students should encounter 1-5 challenging words while reading a page in a text, when selecting a book, this would be a "just right" book.

The best way to improve your students reading ability is to have them independently read a "just right text" at home. These texts can be anything from the newspaper (average readability is at an 8th grade level), magazines, letters, cards, e-mails, recipes, books, etc... Students should not be "forced" to read as it will decrease their motivation for reading. Third graders should be reading 15-30 minutes per day. Fourth graders should be reading 25-40 minutes per day. Fifth graders should be reading 35-50 minutes per day.

If your student is a struggling reader, is disinterested or does not want to read everyday, I would take a look at what they are reading, the text may be too challenging. Have your student pick out a text that is just right, or on the easy side for them to increase their motivation. Also ask you student what they are interested in, and find texts (books, magazines, etc...) that is of high interest to your student, this will also increase their motivation to read. Another suggestion is to read with your student alternating the pages. For example, set a goal, "we will read for 15 minutes", then ask your student to read one page then you read the next page, and so on and so forth for the full 15 minutes. Another strategy to motivate your student to read is to read aloud a picture book to them instead. This increases students motivation to read and models good reading. Ideally, parents and/or teachers should read aloud a book to their student(s) for ten minutes and then engage in "reading time" where the student and the parent/teacher reads their own "just right" books independently for a set amount of time.

The read aloud lists are just books that I have enjoyed reading to my students as well as books that are some of my students favorites!

The adult book list are books that I have read and have thoroughly enjoyed, and wish to recommend to others. You will find more "education" and "reference" books under my resources page. Don't forget that the best way to get kids reading and ENJOY IT is to model reading at home, and at school by reading in front of your student.

I have also added other published booklists under resources, don't forget to check those out!

I am constantly changing and updating my booklists so please come back and check it out!

Lastly, I highly suggest that before you give a student a book/text, or a student picks a book/text from any list or resource that you (parent or teacher) reads it and review it first!!! Make sure that the texts contents are agreeable to your student. A book that is good for one student may not be the best choice for another! So please make sure that the book is a good fit!

Happy Reading and Enjoy!

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Do you have an absolute favorite book and you want to find something similar to read?  Look no further visit this website to find book suggestions based on your favorite books!

http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/search