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Reading Level

Finding and Accessing Books for Your Child’s Development

PCL’s Youth Services department has created a guide for families on finding and accessing books at their child’s reading level. Parent-Teacher Conferences are right around the corner! Parents are encouraged to ask questions about their child’s literacy development. Be sure to ask your child’s teacher what Guided Reading program they use, your child’s reading level, and what the reading level range is for your child’s grade. After you know your child’s reading level and which Guided Reading program the school uses, you can use the following resources to find the right books to stimulate literacy, comprehension, vocabulary building, and advancement.

How do I find books on my child’s level?

You can use tools like the Scholastic Book Wizard to find multiple reading program levels for books. 

Parkland Community Library’s librarians are also on-site to give advice!

What is a Lexile score?

Teachers may refer to Lexile scores when asking students to read books. A Lexile score measures a book’s difficulty level on a low to large scale, measuring a student’s reading ability, and is represented by a number followed by an “L.” A low Lexile score means a book will be easier to comprehend. 

Lexile score ranges for different grade levels: 

  • Kindergarten: BR160L–150L
  • 1st grade: 165L–570L
  • 2nd grade: 425L–795L
  • 3rd grade: 645L–985L
  • 4th grade: 850L–1160L
  • 5th grade: 950L–1260L
  • 6th grade: 1030L–1340L
  • 7th grade: 1095L–1410L
  • 8th grade: 1155L–1470L
  • 9th grade: 1205L–1520L
  • 10th grade: 1250L–1570L
  • 11th grade: 1295L–1610L
  • 12th grade: 1295L–1610L

How do I find the Lexile-level book list?

Use the Lexile find-a-book website here.

What is an Accelerated Reader (AR)?

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a program schools may purchase to monitor reading comprehension. Teachers may request that students read books from an AR book list to take a quiz about the book. AR book lists are organized by readability level for books, using a formula similar to a Lexile score. 

How do I find the Accelerated Reader leveled book list?

Start by finding your school website, and then look for AR book lists used by your school.

Use the AR book finder here.

What is DRA?

The Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) is an individually administered assessment of a child’s reading capabilities. Teachers use DRA testing to identify a student’s reading level, accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. 

How do I find a DRA-leveled book list?

Find the Guided Reading Level, Grade-Level Equivalent, and Lexile Score.

Search for book titles at Scholastic Book Wizard here.

The library has many programs for children that can help encourage a love of reading, no matter their current reading level. Check out our event calendar and stop by Youth Services!

You are also welcome to stop by the Youth Services department and ask Kate about your child’s reading level!

Questions? Email Youth Services.

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