Reading Resources

Book Lists for Kids of All Ages and Tastes

Photo of kid and adult reading in kids' world

Our Kids' World librarians have created many book lists for young readers. A sample of our lists is shown below. Our Youth Book Lists page will help you find just the right book for your child to read next.

 

Read stories about women who made history. For kids in Kindergarten-3rd grade.
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Recent winners of the Caldecott Medal, awarded annually to the most distinguished American picture book for children.
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Graphic of books increasing in size

Learn To Read

To support children learning to read for the first time, our "I Can Read" books use a color-coded system to organize early reader books from most basic (pink) to most complex (orange).

Many publishers use leveled reading to match books to a child's reading abilities. These include systems like Accelerated Reader, Guided Reading (F&P), and Lexile. Read more about different Leveled Reading Systems.

photo of spine labels of E J Y kids books

What Do Those Letters Mean?

Spine labels can help you figure out which items are right for your child.

  • - infants–grade 2
  • - grades 3–5
  • - grades 6–8
Image of a white heart over a blue background.

Year-round reading programs!

Reading programs are not just for the summer when you read with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library! Participate anytime, anywhere using Beanstack.

Log on to ahml.beanstack.org, or download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Your age will determine what program you participate in. No library card required!

Read more.

Logo of 1000 books before kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Shared reading is the best way to help babies, toddlers and preschoolers develop the important early literacy skills they need to learn how to read independently later on. The more books children ages 0-5 hear, the more prepared they will be to learn how to read.

Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is for children from birth up to the start of kindergarten. It’s never too early to join!

Get started today by registering ahml.beanstack.org or at the Kids' World Desk.

Read 500

Read 500

Read 500 is our year-round reading program for grades K-3.

From September to May, we challenge you to read 500 minutes a month. As you track your reading, you'll receive stickers, be entered for monthly giveaways, and earn free books!

For more details, log in or register online at ahml.beanstack.org.