How to Choose a Good Book for Yourself

Too Easy

An EASY book is a book for fun reading. We all enjoy some easy reading. If you answer "yes" to most of these questions, the book probably is EASY for you.

· Is this book one of your favorites?

· Can you read and understand almost every word?

· Do you know almost every word by heart?

· Can you read it all very smoothly?

Just Right

A JUST RIGHT book is one that is comfortable to read but is a little challenging for you. You can become a better reader by reading these books. If you answer "yes" to most of these questions, the book is probably JUST RIGHT for you.

· Is this book new to you?

· Do you understand a lot of the book?

· Are there less than five words on a page you don’t know?

· Is the reading smooth?

· Are there a few places where you need to slow down and figure out some words?

· Do you need a little help from your teacher or a friend?

Too Hard

A TOO HARD book is one that is too challenging for you right now. Later on, it may be a good book for you. If you answer "yes" to most of these questions, the book probably is TOO HARD.

· Are there more than 5 words on a page you don’t know?

· Are you puzzled about what is happening in most of this book?

· When you read, does it sound pretty choppy?

· Are you losing interest because you are having a difficult time reading it?

You can use the word FIT to help you remember how to choose a book.

F is for finding a book that looks interesting.

I is for investigating to see whether the book is too hard or too easy

T is for trying the book or trading it in for another.

Students are expected to do out of class reading on an ongoing basis during eighth grade. They are expected to read in each of the four main genre: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry and Drama (plays, not dramatic fiction). All other genre are subcategories of those mentioned. Parents will be asked to verify student reading by initialing the Reading Tally upon completion of each book as well as signing the Reading Tally before the submission date.

The submission date for the first Reading Tally will be ______________.

The submission date for the first Reading Tally will be ______________.