Grades K-5
Independent Readers
Raising a reader starts with you!
- Get a library card and come visit us.
- Sign up for a reading program
- Tag Along (Grades K-2)
- Rockin’ Readers (Grades 3-5)
- Select books from our curated reading lists
- Explore hands-on science at home by checking out a STEAM Discovery Kit for ages 6 and older. Each kit includes books, educational toys and equipment on a variety of topics.
- Check out an Adventure Pack, ages 3 and older, containing books, CDs and interactive materials designed to boost literacy skills.
- Novelist K-8 offers read-alikes and book suggestions.
Book TAlk lists
During the school year, we bring the library to you to talk about programs and books, tell stories and answer questions to get children excited about the library. Students are given handouts listing books for their grade level:
Early Reader Collection
Books labeled levels 1-4.
- Level 1: Getting Ready to Read
10 words or less on a page - Level 2: On My Way
10-20 words on a page - Level 3: Almost There
More difficult storylines - Level 4: Reading On My Own
Longer stories, often broken up into short chapters
Beginning Chapter Book Collection
- Have less than 100 pages
- Short chapters
- Illustrations on many pages
- Large, clear text
- Simple plot line often the plot may be repeated across books in a series
Beginning Nonfiction Book Collection
Nonfiction books for pre-readers and early readers
- Less than 40 pages
- Illustrations on many pages
- Large, clear text or wordless
- Very short chapters or no chapters
Graphic Novels
Youth graphic novels in all genres are intended for kids up to grade 5 and can be a successful visual reading experience.
Nonfiction
Through grade 8
Other Resources
Reading is Fundamental and helps evaluate your children’s progress through six stages of reading development.
Colorin Colorado: (español) Un sitio bilingüe para familias y maestros para ayudar a los niños leer.
Dogo Books are book reviews by kids for kids.
Notable Children’s Digital Media from ALSC includes real-time, dynamic, and interactive media content for children 14 years of age and younger that enables and encourages active engagement and social interaction while informing, educating, and entertaining in exemplary ways.
Family Reading Night promotes literacy across the state of Illinois.
Raz Kids provides a searchable Reading Level Correlation Chart with multiple reading level choices.