[LM_NET] High School Reading Levels

[Sharon Slaney <sslaney@LAKELAND272.ORG>]

Thanks to all who responded to my query about the Young Adult label on
books for grades 9 through 12.  All respondents, except one, so far,
agree that the label is confusing and is used on books that are more
appropriate for middle school.    The one librarian who disagreed and
said she found the exact opposite to be true, and suggested I look at
the following authors. But the authors she suggested, prove my point:
they are advertised as Young Adult - but look at their reading and
interest levels, according to the Accelerated Reading Program:

Alex Flinn's books:  Reading Level = 3.5 - Interest level 5 to 7 grade

Paul Volponi's books: Reading Level 4.9 to 5.1 - Interest level 6 grade

Pete Hautman's books: Reading Level 4.1 to 5 - Interest Level 6 grade

Brent Hartinger's books: Reading Level 4.3 to 4.5 - Interest Level 6
grade

 

Granted, other reading programs may list these with different titles
however; I am familiar with these authors and would agree with the
Interest level.  Our teachers would not approve any of these books for
reading credit.

 

This issue was also related to non-fiction books, with the comment that
Reference and non-fiction also seem to be geared toward middle school -
while being labeled Young Adult.   I have found this trend to be true
also.  

 

I may begin doing as one librarian suggested: buy popular adult fiction
from local bookstores and do my own cataloging.  

 

 

 

Sharon Slaney, Librarian

Timberlake H.S. Library

5973 W. Hwy 54 P.O. Box 909

Spirit Lake, Idaho 83869

(208) 623-6303

 


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