Reading professionals recommend you select books based on reading ability, not age. But we understand that's not always possible. For an approximate cross reference of average reading level to grade level, Readola offers teachers and families the chart below. Please remember, your student's ability and interest can easily cross into the level above and the level below their assessment or age. Just like those expensive sneakers they love, have them try on different sizes for comfort!
One other quick note. If you're wondering why some picture books are in middle grade reading levels, or some graphic novels are in the lower grade levels, remember that we group titles by the difficulty of the text. Some picture books have lots of text and more difficult words, many graphic novels focus on the drawings with little or simple text. The most important aspect is for kids to find books they're comfortable with and then start challenging them to improve!
If you've used commercial reading programs (such as Guided Reading, Reading Recovery, Accelerated Reader) please scroll down to find our handy Lexile conversion chart.
K-2nd Grade
2nd - 3rd Grade
3rd - 4th Grade