How to Select Books for Early Readers
- 1). Compose a list of the early reader’s interests. Ask yourself whether he likes story genres, like fantasy, or educational subjects, such as science. If he has no preference in reading material, make a list of his general interests.
- 2). Locate the children’s section of your local library, bookstore, or book-selling website. Search for books that match the list of interests you’ve compiled. Read the summary on the back of each book; titles may be misleading.
- 3). Browse through each book and take note of the page count and font size. Return any books that seem too lengthy or tedious for beginners.
- 4). Read a few pages from the remaining books. Return any books that contain difficult vocabulary words or sentence structures, unless you feel the early reader is ready for a challenge.
- 5). Consult a librarian or bookstore salesperson if you are still having trouble finding a book. These people may offer suggestions on popular children's books or personal favorites.
- 6). Search for the awards each book has won if you still need to narrow down your choices. These awards are typically mentioned on the front cover of the book. Well-known literary awards include the Coretta Scott King Book Award, which is given to outstanding African-American authors and illustrators, and the Newbery Medal, which is awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children for the year's most distinguished contribution to children's literature.