What is a “Just Right” Book?
A “just right” book is a book that
your child can read independently; books should be neither too difficult nor
too easy in order for your child to grow as a reader.
The “five finger” rule is one way for
your child to choose a just right book. Once your child has chosen a book, ask
him or her to read the first page aloud. As your child reads, he/she should
count on one hand any unknown words. If there are five or more unknown words on
a full page of text, this book may be too difficult. If your child knows all
the words, it may be too easy.
When reading a “just right” book:
·
·
Your child should be able to tell you about what he/she has read.
·
Your child should be interested in the topic.
Children enjoy and benefit from rereading
familiar text, but in order to grow as a reader, your child needs to read books
that are “just right”. If your child chooses a book that is too difficult, this
would be a great choice for reading together.
Be sure to visit our web
site
for more ideas.
Be sure to investigate other
sections of the library as well; non-fiction books come in all levels,
and can stir a child’s curiosity. We like: Jean Fritz, Gail Gibbons, Seymour
Simon and the Magic School Bus. Fairy tales and poetry can also be great for
beginning independent readers. Discover
the poetry of Shel Silverstein, Todd Arnold, Judith Viorst, Jack Prelutsky and
Douglas Florian.
Joke and riddle books are a great deal of fun. They
are good motivators and can be helpful for teaching comprehension skills and
inferencing skills.
Magazines are fun; explore
many and consider a subscription for home delivery. Start with Your Big
Backyard, Lady Bug or Ranger Rick, Cricket, Click, Dig,
Kids Discover and Junior Scholastic.
Remember:
Kindergarten and First Grade
Mom and Dad, please READ!
READ! READ! to your children and enjoy the adventures and fun times together.
A few favorite authors are: Eric Carle, Maurice Sendak,
Audrey Wood, Margaret Wise Brown, Dr. Seuss, Jan Brett, Tomi De DePaola, Mem
Fox and Leo Lionni, Laura Numeroff, H.A Rey, Kevin Henkes, and Lois Ehlert
Second Grade
Here
are some of our favorite authors and series:
Suzy Kline, Horrible
Harry books
Arnold Lobel, Frog and Toad books
Marc Brown, Arthur
chapter books
Cynthia Rylant, Henry
and Mudge books
Cynthia Rylant, High Rise Private Eyes
Denis Cazet Minnie and Moo books
Marjorie Sharmat, Nate
the Great books
Norman Bridwell, Clifford
books
James Howe, Pinky and Rex books
Peggy Parish, Amelia
Bedelia books
Bill Cosby, Little Bill
books
Stan and Jan Berenstain, I can Read Berenstain Bears
James Marshall, Fox Books
Any of the I Can Read Book series
Third and Fourth Grade
Here are some favorite series:
Magic Tree House series
Marvin Redpost
Jigsaw Jones
Amber Brown
Dear
Here are some favorite
authors:
Louis Sachar
Matt Christopher
Jean Craighead George
Patricia Reilly Giff
Johanna Hurwitz
Donald Sobol
James Howe
Fourth and Fifth Grade
Here are some favorite
authors:
Louis Sachar
Wendelin Van Draanen
Andrew Clements
Christopher Paul Curtis
Roald Dahl
Judy Blume
Lois Lowry
Henry Winkler
Katherine Paterson
Betsy Byars
Jack Gantos
Bill Wallace
Jerry Spinelli
Peg Kehret
Kate DiCamillo
Bruce Hale, Chet Gecko Mystery
Seriously Silly Stories
Gooney Bird Greene
Junie B. Jones
A to Z Mysteries
Geronimo Stilton
Chet Gecko Mysteries
Emily Rodda, Deltora Quest
Tony Di Terlizzi, Spiderwick
Orange County Library
Southeast Branch
Visit the web site at http://www.ocls.lib.fl.us
