Finding Books for Kids and Teens
Thanks for choosing the Boise Public Library! We want to make sure every reader finds materials that are right for them. One way we assist parents and caregivers to select books, movies, and video games for their children is by organizing materials based on reading or age levels. Finding the right group for you is a great start to getting your child’s or teen’s next great read!
Books to Read Together
Board Books
These books have sturdy pages and are intended to help infants learn what a book is and how one is used. Most board books have minimal words on the page and lots of interaction between readers and listeners. They are aimed at helping babies connect word sounds with complete words and objects and often feature repetition or rhyming.
Picture Books
Picture books combine beautiful art with complex plots to create stories that are best enjoyed when adults read to children. Listening to picture books over and over again helps children learn new words. Picture books can also help adults discuss important topics with younger children, like feelings or world events, by using stories.
Books to Read Independently
EZ Readers
EZ readers help kids learn to read by linking the words they say with what they see written on a page. There are few words on each page, and words are repeated often so kids can practice. EZ readers generally come in four levels so that new readers can read harder books as they get ready to move into chapter books. (Keep in mind, these four levels can be a bit different depending on the publisher.) Try this trick to find the best EZ reader book for your kid’s reading level: if they struggle to read more than three words on a page, the book is probably too hard for them.
Chapter Books
Chapter books are a great way for kids to keep reading on their own. Chapter books start small (under 50 pages) and get bigger as reading improves. Chapter books help kids practice telling a story from start to finish, in a clear order.
Graphic Novels
Graphic novels are another way for kids to practice storytelling skills. Graphic novels tell complex stories from start to finish, like a chapter book, but use artwork as part of the story. Graphic novels are sometimes confused with comic books, which also use artwork to tell a story. Comic books, however, tell many short stories that are less than a page long, rather than one long story.
The Difference Between Children’s Books and Teen Books
Children’s Books
Books in the children’s section have content for everyone from babies to tween readers. Books with fewer pages are generally limited to what babies and younger children might experience. As the books get longer, the topics generally become more difficult or mature for older kids.
Teen Books
Books in the teen section of the library have content that is best for middle and high school readers. Some books, aimed at older teens, may have violence, swearing, and sexual content. Topics are generally limited to what a middle or high school reader might experience.
Printable version of this information available here.