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)
  • Explore hands-on science at home by checking out a STEAM 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.
  • Muzzy Languages learning tool in English, Spanish, Russian and others.

Reading Resources

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 story lines
  • 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 series

Beginning Nonfiction Book Collection

Nonfiction books for pre-readers and early readers

  • Less than about 40 pages
  • Illustrations on many pages
  • Large, clear text or are 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 helps evaluate your children’s progress through six stages of reading development.
  • Family Time Machine offers activities for a variety of age and skill levels. Instructions in Spanish also available.
  • 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.  
  • Reading Rockets for Parents Articles and suggestions for great books and helpful tips for your struggling reader.
  • Read Write Think provides resources for parents from the International Literacy Association.
  • Family Reading Night Promotes literacy across the state of Illinois.
  • Raz Kids Provides a searchable Reading Level Correlation Chart with multiple reading level choices.