This week, I attended an elementary school book fair. It was a delightful way to observe first-hand what is popular, and what is not, with 5-12 year old readers. The book fair had a nice variety of fiction and nonfiction books, in a variety of reading levels: board books, picture books, beginning readers, middle grade, and even some YA.

It was fun to shop the book sale with some specific readers in mind. Here are a few things I consider when selecting books.

• Is the cover engaging? In other words, will a young reader pick up the book? If so, will the cover design encourage him to explore the actual text inside, or will he toss it back on the shelf?
• Is the topic engaging? If the book is for recreational reading, the topic should be one that the child enjoys. Not all ten-year-old boys like sports, for example, and not all eight-year-old girls are interested in fashion. Perhaps a fascinating book about animals or an intriguing mystery will be better received.
• Is the content appropriate? Let’s face it. Just because a topic is engaging, it does not mean it is appropriate. As parents, teachers, and authors, we are responsible for providing children and teens with books that offer a Christian world view. Sometimes that means choosing a title from an already-trusted author.
• Is the reading level appropriate? Many children’s books have a reading level printed on the back over or on the title page. A designation of 3.2 would suggest that the book is written for a typical reader in the second month of third grade.
• Is it age appropriate? Some books do not have a designated grade-level, but a more general age level. Board books are for infants and toddlers; early readers are for children who are just beginning to read; beginning chapter books are for children who have some basic reading skills in the 4-8 year old range; middle grade books are for readers 8-12 years old; and YA books for those 13 years old and up.
• Does the reader have a special need? If this is the case, book selection involves all of the above points and then some. I posted about choosing books for readers with special needs here.

What do you consider when choosing books for children and tweens?

Carol

I am super excited about my devotionals for preteens. Did I mention that I got the idea for them from an elementary school book fair? Read more about my books here.