By Kitty Felde
It’s early in the school year, but maybe you’ve already heard the complaint: “But I don’t like reading.”
The real complaint is that your child doesn’t like reading that particular book and can’t find the one he or she will in love with. If only there was some kind of electronic matchmaker for books.
There is!
It’s called NoveList, an online database available at most public libraries – including DCPL, Arlington, and Fairfax County. All you need is a library card.
John Graham is with the Kenton Public Library in Northern Kentucky. He says NoveList is a great place for readers of all ages to find their next great read. There’s a section for kids books, grades K through 8 that allows you to search for specific interest categories. “So if your kid likes to read things about dragons or vampires or race car drivers,” says Graham, “you can find books in that category.”
There are lots of ways to search. For example, you can look for fiction that’s fast-paced, or set in the south of France, or featuring zombies, or based on a video game. You can search for books that are part of a series. You can also search for books by reading level, or Lexiles as the professionals call it. You can even read book reviews on the site.
It’s like having your own book concierge.
If you need help getting started, there are YouTube tutorials to help navigate the site. And of course, your local librarian will be happy to walk you through the process. So no excuses about hating to read. There’s a book out there waiting for your child (or you) to discover. Let NoveList help you find it.
Kitty Felde is executive producer and host of the Book Club for Kids podcast. The show is currently booking tapings for new episodes at schools and libraries. If you have a young reader in grades 5-7, contact the show at bookclubforkidspodcast@gmail.com.