There's a lot of controversy about sharing a child's reading level. I like to think of it this way: you would never walk into an advanced tennis class before picking up a racket, right? You want to practice new skills on your skill level in a way that teaches the concepts you are working on while also challenging you to the extent that makes you feel engaged, confident and ready to try again.

Learning to read is similar. My short advice: let kids explore all books, while also reading a few books on their reading level to stretch and grow their skills. Present the leveled books as a gift and a special time together rather than a punishment. My hope is that these lists help parents provide the right books for their kids so that all kids become confident readers!

Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal