The main library and Branch will be closed on Sunday, March 31 in observance of Easter.

Grades K-5

Independent Readers

Raising a reader starts with you!


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:

Grades K-3 | Grades 4-5


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.

Reading Rockets for Parents offers 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.