Find level of books

Tools to Help You Level Your Classroom Library

A few weeks ago, I shared tips for organizing your classroom library. The response to that blog post has been overwhelming! In the post, I explained that I sort the books in my own classroom library by reading level, as well as theme.

Sorting by theme is the easy part. We all know the importance of providing developmentally appropriate texts to students, but leveling an entire library can be a daunting task … until today!

I have researched a few of the top tools (both free and paid) for aiding teachers as they level their classroom libraries. Today I bring you pricing information, photos of the tools in action, and my HONEST opinion of each resource so you can make an informed decision about what will work best for you as you level your own classroom library.

I was pleased to discover that several companies provide iPhone and Android apps that allow you to scan the barcode and receive leveling results within seconds! Free or paid, iPhone (and Android) apps are my favorite type of resource because they are the fastest and most efficient way to level your books.

I’ll start by walking you through a few of the apps I recently installed on my iPhone. It is important to note that whether it was free or paid; no single app was able to identify and provide leveling information for EVERY book in my library. As you might expect, the paid apps sometimes provided data which was lacking in the free apps. In other cases, the FREE Scholastic Book Wizard app provided information about books that the paid apps did not! I would not expect a single resource to single-handedly level your entire classroom library, but each of the apps I successfully tested were able to level an impressive amount of books from my own library.

Scholastic Book Wizard App

Looking for a great FREE resource to help you get started? Start with the Book Wizard app from Scholastic! The app allows you to manually search (by typing the name of a tittle, author, or keyword). Most importantly, the app has a scanner that allows you to simply scan the bar code to quickly search the database for book information. I was pleased to discover that information for MANY of my classroom books was available in the app. A brief synopsis of the book is included on the “Book Info” screen as well as title, author, and book level information. The one (minor) downside was that the level information was presented in a rather tiny text. As a result, the book level didn’t jump out at me, I had to really look at the screen to see it.

Bonus Feature: The Scholastic Book Wizard app also allows users to create an inventory of all titles in  classroom library. You can also designate how many copies of the book you own and additional notes (such as where the book is filed in your library). I did not see any means to check books in or out. The list would mostly be a helpful tool for helping teachers quickly find a book or keep track of books they already own.

Level It App

My favorite of the paid apps was the Level It app. Just like Book Wizard, this app allows users to manually search for a book, or use your phone’s camera to scan a book’s bar code. This app also provides a description of the book with title, author, and level information. I loved how the levels are easier to discern with a quick glance at the screen. When I had a big stack of books that needed to be leveled, I appreciated being able to quickly and easily find this information so I could move on to the next book in the pile. This app is available for iPhone and Android users.

Bonus Feature: The Level It app includes a feature to inventory your classroom library, along with a class roster. This allows the teacher to create individual student profiles and the ability to check in/out books to specific students. This is not a feature that I can see myself implementing in my kindergarten classroom, but I know it is a tool that will prove to be useful for MANY classroom teachers.

Literacy Leveler App

The Literacy Leveler App by FikesFarm, LLC is similar to the Level It app, but a bit more basic. Priced at $3. 99, this app is currently only available for iPhone users. It allows users to manually search by title, author or ISBN; as well as scan each book’s bar code. Although the format of the app is simplistic compared to Level It (the other leading paid app for iPhone users) and did not include a book synopsis, I did appreciate the fact that book level information was boldly formatted and easy for users to see.

Bonus Feature: The Literacy Level app allows teachers to create an inventory of all titles included in their classroom library. It does indicate how many copies of a title a teacher possesses; nor does it allow teachers to make notes about each book. Despite its limitations, the library tool allows teachers to easily see a list of all books in their classroom library books at a given reading level with a quick touch of the screen.

Classroom Organizer App

Another free app for iPhone and Android users is the Classroom Organizer app from Booksource. The app allows teachers to determine reading levels, organize, and track books in their classroom library. The description of this app sounds amazing (especially for a free product). Unfortunately, the great features offered by this app are overshadowed by it’s shortfalls for usability. I followed the instructions and got started by creating an online account with Booksource, but after nearly a dozen attempts, have not been able to successfully log in to the app. Some things should simply not be this much of a challenge. I’m sure it’s a wonderful app, but I have yet to see it in action.


If you don’t have a smart phone or you prefer to look things up on your computer (the new old-fashioned way), there are a few websites that can be equally helpful as you level the books for your classroom library.

A to Z Teacher Stuff Leveled Books Database

The Leveled Books Database at A to Z Teacher Stuff allows users to search by title or author to determine the reading level for student books. Teachers have the option of searching to find Guided Reading Level or Reading Recovery Level.

Although the database is not comprehensive (MANY popular titles from my classroom library are missing from the online resource,)  it is free and helpful for some books. If you are just getting started, this is a resource that should not be overlooked.

Scholastic Book Wizard

If you love the Book Wizard app, you should know that this was the website that started it all. The Scholastic Book Wizard is a free website that allows educators to search by title, author, or keyword. Users can view a book’s Grade Level Equivalent, Guided Reading Level, or Lexile Measure. The extensive database was my first step when I began to level my own classroom library a few years ago.

Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Book Website

For educators seeking a more official means of leveling their classroom books, the Leveled Book Website from Fountas & Pinnell is available as a subscription service. With a base price of $25 for an annual membership, group discounts are also available.

I Leveled My Books… Now What?

Once your classroom books have been leveled, you will want to make them easily accessible to your students. My own classroom library consists of two categories: books sorted by level and books sorted by theme.  The box containing each type of book is clearly labeled, and each book contained within the box is given a small coordinating label. This way, students have a clear visual cue to help them return books to their proper location.

My Kindergarten Classroom Library

Find out more about my classroom library in this blog post. Learn how it’s organized, where to shop for my favorite book bins and see the little touches I added to make it extra special for my students.

Classroom Library Labels

Organize your library in style with my classroom library labels. Available in {Black Series} and {White Series}, this downloadable product includes labels for a variety of levels and themes to suit your classroom needs. Classroom Library Labels can be purchased in my TpT store.

Do you have plans to level your classroom library this summer?
What is your favorite book leveling resource?

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Interest Level: AllPre-KK123456789101112Adult to AllPre-KK123456789101112Adult

Guided Reading: AllABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZZ+ to AllABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZZ+

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Lexile Code: AllAD: Adult DirectedBR: Beginning ReaderGN: Graphic NovelHL: High-LowIG: Illustrated GuideNC: Non-ConformingNP: Non-ProseIcon

Accelerated Reader: All0. 10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.91.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.81.92.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.72.82.93.03.13.23.33.43.53.63.73.83.94.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.74.84.95.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.75.85.96.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.76.86.97.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.87.98.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.78.88.99.09.19.29.39.49.59.69.79.89.910.010.110.210.310.410.510.610.710.810.911.011.111.211.311.411.511.611.711.811.912.012.112.212.312.412.512.612.712.812.913.013.113.213.313.413.5 to All0.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.91.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.81.92.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.72.82.93.03.13.23.33.43.53.63.73.83.94.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.74.84.95.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.75.85.96.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.76.86.97.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.87.98.08.18.28.38.48.58.68.78.88.99.09.19.29.39.49.59.69.79.89.910.010.110.210.310.410.510.610.710.810.911.011.111.211.311.411.511.611.711.811.912.012.112.212.312.412.512.612.712.812.913.013.113.213.313.413.5

Reading Recovery: All1234567891011121314151617181920 to All1234567891011121314151617181920

Grade Level Equivalent: AllPre-KK123456789101112 to AllPre-KK123456789101112

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TOP books in English adapted by knowledge level

Why read in the original

The more that you read, the more that you’ll know.
The more that you know, the more places you'll go.

Dr. Seuss

Any English-speaking child will confirm that Dr. Seuss does not give bad advice. If you love to read, but are afraid to start with a voluminous and full-bodied English novel, don't worry. Especially for educational purposes, publishing houses produce adapted books in English: for beginners, for the intermediate level, and so on. Yes, you will get a complete picture of the work of art a little later, but you can congratulate yourself on the first English book you read already starting from the Elementary level!

You can apply for training here

1. Reading in English increases vocabulary

Reading in a foreign language enriches vocabulary, even if we ourselves do not realize it. Of course, in order to learn new vocabulary more effectively, it is better to read a book, writing out unfamiliar words and memorizing their translation. When choosing books to read, be guided by your learning goals: if you need colloquial speech, pay attention to modern “light” prose, but if you want to master special vocabulary, the most obvious advice is to read literature from the area of ​​​​your professional interests.

2. Reading improves spelling

English spelling is full of mysteries and surprises. The spelling of many words defies logic: you just have to memorize. And the best way to do this is to read more English-language literature so that the images of words are stored in memory.

3. Reading broadens one's horizons

E-books and blogs, news sites and social networking feeds: reading has reached a new level in the twenty-first century. A single information space makes it possible to learn about what is happening in the most remote corners of the world, to join the world's cultural and scientific heritage.

4. Reading in the original language boosts self-esteem

Listen to how you feel when you finish the last page of your first English novel: a wonderful feeling. “She reads Orwell in the original” sounds proud! Any psychologist will tell you that motivation is important when performing any task. So do not miss the opportunity to once again praise yourself, this one is not at all superfluous! :)

Reading English books in the original is not only useful, but also pleasant

Demo lesson for free and without registration!

Take a lesson, find out about the school and get a promo code for English classes

How to choose a book to read

• Choose adapted books in English for your level (see the list of recommended books for levels A2-C1 later in the article).
• Choose works according to your ability: start with short stories, gradually moving to larger literary forms.
• The more exciting the learning, the more effective it is: try to find books that are interesting for you. Detectives, thrillers, mysticism - or any other topic that awakens your imagination and makes you read the book to the end will do.

Children's books in English

If you know only a few hundred words in English, pay attention to children's literature: many children's books are also interesting for adults. In addition, children's literature, as a rule, is generously provided with illustrations, which helps to understand the plot.

Fun fact: the acclaimed children's writer Dr. Seuss, discussed earlier in our article, wrote his best book, The Cat in the Hat , using just 220 words. This list of the first children's words was compiled by the publisher, obliging the author to use them in his work: everything to earn the love of the target audience!

Free English-language children's books can be found on the Internet. For example, on the KidsWorldFun resource.

English comics

Like children's literature, comics are a great way to start reading in a new language. There are a great many genres of comics: there are comics for children, for adults, entertaining and educational.

• Free Online Comics Library
• Marvel Comics
• English grammar comics

Film scripts in English

One of the proven and effective methods of learning a new language, recommended by many polyglots, is to read books in the target language that are already familiar in translation. The same applies to film adaptations: it is useful to read the scripts of the films you have watched. Advantages: the context is known, the plot is clear, you can guess the meaning of new words in the course of the story.

• Movie Scripts and Screenplays
• 101 Greatest Screenplays
• Awesome Film

Books in English about personal development and professional literature

Reading them kills two birds with one stone: you learn English vocabulary that is relevant to you and learn new things about a topic that is important to you. If you are keenly interested in something, why not read about it in English? Another advantage of such literature is that it is easier to read than fiction novels. The style is simpler, the vocabulary is limited to the topic under consideration.

Reading in English improves vocabulary

3 "life hacks" for beginning readers of English literature

It is not necessary to understand every word

Сontext is king (context is king)! If you have grasped the main idea of ​​the story, that is enough. Moreover, if you understand everything you read, most likely you have taken a book of too low a level for yourself. Try to find such books where about 70% of the vocabulary will be familiar (the rest will have to be written out and learned).

Read aloud in English

It may seem strange, but reading has proven to be excellent for improving pronunciation and listening - if it is reading aloud. By reading aloud, you tune in to the sound range of the language being studied. However, it is important to work on pronunciation and in addition to reading, otherwise the incorrectly “guessed” pronunciation of a particular word may annoy you for years afterwards.

When reading in English, listen to audio books

When learning English, in which the same combination of letters can be pronounced in a dozen different ways, it is very important to pay attention to the correct pronunciation of new words. We have already written about the book + audiobook format: when reading an English-language book, you listen to its audio version, voiced by native English speakers. Very handy for learning pronunciation!

English books: read and listen

Books adapted for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of English (A2-C1)

A2 level - elementary level

Books in English help develop vocabulary

Level B1 - threshold or intermediate (threshold or intermediate)

Read English books in the original

Intermediate English (intermediate, B1-B2)

Learning English by reading books in the original is interesting and exciting

B2 - intermediate-advanced level (vantage or upper intermediate)

Airport Arthur Hailey Level: upper-intermediate Genre: thriller Volume: approx. 180000 characters English version: British/Canadian Disaster novel based on real events is fascinating even after half a century. Book: Airport Screen adaptation: Airport (1970)

The Talented Mr. Ripley Ripley Patricia Highsmith Level: upper-intermediate Genre: detective, drama Volume: approx. 130000 characters English version: American Tom Ripley is a 25-year-old young man who grew up without parents in an atmosphere of hatred and fear. Is it any wonder that his attitude to the world and people is not distinguished by special tenderness? .. Screen adaptation: The Talented Mr Ripley (1999) Audiobook download: mp3 (5 files, 182 minutes, 208 Mb)

Tomes are a girl's best friend!

С1 - advanced level of English (advanced)

Check if you know the top 100 English words

Useful:

10 "star" TV shows that make learning English easy and fun

6 levels of English proficiency: steps to perfect English reading

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9sites for book lovers and readers

There are many resources on the Internet that help you read more books systematically. We have collected the most useful of them in this material: to keep reading lists, write reviews, find like-minded people and receive literary recommendations.

Goodreads

The world's largest book social network, where there is also a Russian-speaking community. Mark the books you have read, swap books, rate them and write reviews.

Goodreads also helps you keep detailed statistics and plan the number of books you want to read

How to motivate yourself to read

Polka

A project about the 108 most important works of Russian literature - from The Tale of Igor's Campaign to Chapaev and Void.

Collected reviews, articles and podcasts about authors and works. There are no books themselves, but most can be easily found on the Internet

More educational podcasts

LiveLib

A recommendation service that selects books based on user preferences. Reviews from both readers and book clubs will help evaluate recommendations.

Each book has a Buy button next to it. When clicked, a list of stores will open where you can purchase the publication

Book Guide

Another personal recommendation service. You can publish reviews, and compose collections of books, share your favorite passages, and keep a reading diary.

There are four levels of readers on the site: "Guest", "Beginner", "Expert" and "Master". The higher the level, the more features are available

Books on how to improve brain function

Book Shazam

A separate Book Guide project is a service that helps you find a forgotten book by character name, quote or even a single phrase.

For example, by the phrase "The ice has broken" the system finds the novel "12 chairs", and by the query "Oleg Kostoglotov" - "The Cancer Ward"

Reading

Magazine for thoughtful readers with reviews and articles about news from the world of literature. At various times, writers Vyacheslav Kuritsyn, Vadim Leventhal, Andrey Stepanov collaborated with the project.

One of the directions of the site is to search for unknown but talented authors and publish their works in the "Experiences" section

How to become a writer

Also on the site you can find interviews with writers, critics and historians. But the most valuable thing is regular reviews of new books

Journal Hall

Gorky's independent project, which preserves the tradition of thick literary magazines.

Here you can find recent and archived issues of Russian and foreign Russian-language publications such as Znamya, Novy Mir, UFO, Friendship of Peoples and others Marina Aromshtam.

Papmambook gives advice on how to teach a child to read and teach him good literature, lists of books for different occasions, and selections of literature for children from 2 to 14 years old

How to choose a book for a child

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