Why Shouldn't Every Kid Read Harry Potter?
Litstack.com
Tips for Matching Reading Level, Interest, and Maturity
by Ashley Day-Bohn, M.Ed.
A common dilemma occurs when the readability level of a book is not a good match for your child’s interest or maturity level. This is often the case when a child reads significantly ABOVE or BELOW their current grade level. As I discussed in my last post, "Your Child's Reading Level Explained," matching reading materials to your child's reading level is crucial to the learning process and their development as readers.
BELOW level books can have often have immature or simplistic content, causing the reader to lose interest. For example, a 9 year boy old who reads on first grade level may not want to read Clifford the Big Red Dog, even though it's wonderful book and a good match for his reading abilities. He may become discouraged from reading if he is not given choices that suit his preferences and maturity level.
On the other hand, ABOVE level text may have overly mature content. Many high level readers in elementary school are eager to delve into popular series such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, or Twilight. Just because a child can handle the text complexity, does not necessarily mean you want them to be exposed to mature, violent, or downright scary content. Although there are many redeeming qualities to the literature, there are reasons why some of the movies have been rated PG-13. Often books can be even more vivid than movies in their descriptions of violent or sexual scenes.
Do Your Homework
This is where you come in! As an informed parent, it is important to monitor the content of your children's reading materials. Make sure books are appropriate for your their ages and interests, just as you would with television or movies. You don't have to read the whole book first, since websites like Common Sense Media provide parent guides and ratings for most popular books, movies, and video games. They let you know how much violence, language, sex, or drug use is portrayed, with detailed descriptions of each. They also suggest discussion topics for you to help your child process mature themes. You know your child best, so you can decide whether they are ready for these conversations.
Did you know? Unlike most other children's book series, the Harry Potter series increases the reading level and maturity level with each book. The first book, "The Sorcerer's Stone," has a reading level of 5.5 (mid-fifth grade) and maturity level of 8 years old. The latest books are leveled around 7th grade reading level and maturity levels are about 12+ years old. Just because your child enjoyed the first book, does not necessarily mean they can or should read the entire series without proper guidance.
High Quality Above Level Books
If you'd like some alternatives for your advanced young readers (who may have already enjoyed Harry Potter), look for complex stories and challenging vocabulary, without excessive violence or adult themes. The authors, Lemony Snicket or Roald Dahl, are always great choices, especially for kids with a keen sense of humor and adventure. For girls, depending on their interests – Secret Garden, Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, or Anne of Green Gables. For boys – Treasure Island, Hatchet, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh, or The Magic Tollbooth.
High Interest Below Level Books
If you need to purchase low reading level books, look for books that have easier text, but appeal to your child's interests. I would recommend Step Into Reading books. These have a great selection of high interest and low readability books (leveled from Pre-K to 4th grade). They take popular stories with some of kids' favorite characters and present them in a simplified text format. DK Readers are especially great for boys, which feature interesting nonfiction, as well as the beloved Star Wars and Lego/Super Hero themed books.
For more information on identifying your child's reading level and judging if a book is a good match, read my other post: Your Child's Reading Level Explained
If you have younger children, check out my post "Not Too Spooky: Halloween Books for Young Children."