Choosing Chapter Books for Third Graders

By third grade, most readers (even struggling readers), should be able to pick up a chapter book and read it. It is often a difficult transition to put down those picture books where such vibrant pictures were on every page and there were only a few words to a paragraph on a page. Chapter books can be intimidating when there are only words on pages, but many of them have still have pictures every few pages and they have far more engaging stories for our maturing students.

Selecting a chapter book can be difficult when there are so many to choose from and you hear so much about "reading levels". I will try to provide you with more information about that as the school year progresses. For now, here are some suggestions.

1. Check the cover. Does it catch your child's attention? Just don't judge the book only by its cover!
2. Read the summary on the inside flap or back of the book. Does it sound interesting to your child?
3. Read the first page. Does the author get your child's attention?
4. Have your child use the "five finger" test. (see below)
5. To find more books, look at the book displays, including the display of new books.
6. Ask the librarian. She/he is familiar with most of the books and would love to make suggestions.
7. Has your child read a book he or she enjoyed? Try reading another book by the same author.
8. Ask the librarian for a list of good authors or titles your child will enjoy.
9. Browse the non-ficiton collection. You'll find books on animals, science, hobbies, sports, crafts, and much more!
10. Use on of the library databases to help you find just the kind of book you or your child are looking for. The librarians will be glad to help.

How to Select a Book Using the 5 Finger Test

0 Fingers

This book is easy to read for your child.

1 Finger

This book is easy to read.  It offers little challenge.

2 Fingers

This book is easy to read but offers one or two new words per page that are easy to figure out.

3 Fingers

This book is perfect!  It offers just the right amount of challenge for your child.  

4 Fingers

Difficult to read.  An adult will need to read this book with your child.

5 Fingers

This book is probably too hard for your child to read.  It will need to be read with an adult.

It is wonderful to see your child reading every word of a book. However, you should still continue to challenge your child with books that they aren’'t able to ‘breeze’ through.

Generally, if your child struggles with 5 -6 words on one page, it is probably best to leave that book for a later date. If they are constantly getting ‘stuck’ on unfamiliar or difficult words, they may get discouraged and lose interest altogether.