Anyone who has worked a service desk in a public library that has a children's section has heard this question at some point: "my child reads at an eleventy millionth grade level, but she is eight! (pause for enthusiasm that I can no longer muster). What should she read?"
I never, ever get to answer this question in the way that I want to. Thank heavens I have a blog! So here goes:
The benefits children get from reading are myriad. Generally, when someone says, "___th grade level," they are referring to a child's speed and ability to read big words. These are some benefits, yes, but a small piece of the pie. Reading opens your imagination. It helps you learn about human nature, and how to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. It allows you to learn about different cultures, different places, and different moments in time.
While I understand every parent's need to maximize their child's learning, let's all step back and relax for a moment. Just because little Jenny can read big words doesn't mean she's ready for All Quiet on the Western Front. Eight year olds generally don't care if Elizabeth Bennet gets Mr. Darcy. Why murder a child's love of good books because the ones in the juvenile section are, apparently, not advanced enough for them?
Authors and publishers are very aware that kids who love to read are precocious. There are books that may say they are on a fifth grade level, but contain content that will make a well-read adult think. There are children's books that push 1,000 pages and have multiple plot lines. There is plenty in the elementary-middle reading section that will entice and delight your little reader.
So...what should your budding book lover read? Whatever she wants to. Back up, please, and let me talk to her for a minute.
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