Identifying Books by Reading Level

The following is a list of resources to identify books by reading level. Leveled books have been given a grade for readability. Some books are assigned levels as part of a publisher’s book program, and leveling measurements include Lexile, Guided Reading, DRA, and Reading Recovery. Each system levels books differently, and a book leveling conversion chart is available in the web resources list below. Please note that some online resources are available only to University of Illinois affiliates.

Web Resources

Books In Print
This database is available through UIUC. Use the “Children’s Room” search in the top right corner to limit results by Lexile range and age. There is also a “Search my Library’s Catalog” link for each book.

Book Leveling Conversion Chart
This chart compares different book level measurements such as Guided Reading, Lexile, and DRA. This is from the Brenda Weaver book listed below in print resources.

Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database
This database is available through UIUC. Each entry includes an annotation, subjects, reviews, and a list of awards. You can search for books by reading metrics, including Lexile range, interest level, reading level, and point range, as well as subject, author, and so on. Interest level and the additional age search option help locate books that fit a specific reading level but are also age appropriate. The many search options make this a great resource.

The Lexile Framework for Reading
Search by Lexile measure or grade level.

NoveList
This database is available through UIUC. Book records in NoveList include reviews for young adult, children’s and early childhood fiction titles. Search limiters allow you to find titles and authors for particular reading levels and Lexile ratings.

Scholastic Book Wizard
Search by reading level, interest level, subject, and/or genre. Reading levels include Lexile, Grade Level Equivalent, Guided Reading and DRA. Each book has a summary and an option to find similar books.

Print Resources

Fountas, Irene C. and Gay Su Pinnell. Guided Reading: Good First Teaching for All Children. 1996.
Drawing on the authors’ nine years of research and development, explains how to create a balanced literacy program for K-3 based on guided reading and supported by reading aloud, shared reading, interactive writing, and other approaches. Includes both theoretical underpinnings and practical guidelines, along with a listing of 2,500 leveled books.
[Education 372.4 F825G]

Fountas, Irene C. and Gay Su Pinnell. Leveled Books for Readers, Grades 3-6. 2002.
This book lists 6,000 leveled fiction and nonfiction titles for grades 2-6, encompassing genres such as realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, traditional literature, biography, and information books. Books are organized by title, level of difficulty, and genre. Also included is a detailed description of the leveling process.
[Education 372.6 P656l]

Fountas, Irene C. and Gay Su Pinnell. Matching Books to Readers: Using Leveled Books in Guided Reading, K-3. 1999.
Created with the input of hundreds of early literacy teachers, this book compiles more than seven thousand caption books, natural language texts, series books, and children’s literature for kindergarten through grade three.
[Education 372.41 F825m]

Weaver, Brenda M. Leveling Books K-6: Matching Readers to Text. 2000.
This how-to book can help you make informed choices about which leveling system is best for your classroom, which books can be used in instruction, and how to implement the challenging task of leveling.
[Oak St. Facility 372.4 W379l]