Frequently Asked Questions: Youth Readers Advisory

While sitting at the children’s reference desk, I can’t say I’ve ever been asked for “the book with the blue cover,” even though it is a common librarian trope. There are a few questions I do receive on the regular which I thought I’d highlight here (oftentimes when the actual reader in question is not present). I’d love to hear your common RA questions in the comments too.

My child is just learning to read. Do you have any good beginning level books?

The BOB books are an easy phonics go to, but my favorite is the Flip-A-Word series by Harriet Ziefert with their bright, high-contrast pages. I also like recommending the National Geographic pre-reader books, because the real pictures can help with context clues. This is also an ideal time to showcase if your Easy Reader section is levelled.

I’m going to be a mystery reader in a second grade class… what should I read?

Whenever I get a mystery reader request, I really try to capitalize on new and diverse titles, because this is a prime time to introduce caregivers to what’s out there. Some of my favorites include:

• The Questioneers series by Andrea Beaty
• Magic Ramen by Andrea Wang (nonfiction readalouds can be good for the older crowd)
• Friday Night Wrestlefest by J.F. Fox (funny books are always crowdpleasers)

I’m a teacher and I need a chapter book readaloud. What works well?

This is another time I try to stick modern because I figure the teacher knows the classic readalouds (Regarding the Fountain, Wayside School, Charlotte’s Web etc. etc.).

• Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
• Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel Jose Older
• The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

I’ve read all the Wimpy Kid titles 12 times each. What else is out there?

Betsy Bird’s Funny Girl book was made for this purpose (and to highlight funny women). Dog Man is an obvious go-to and also to make sure they’ve read Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid. Wonkenstein (The Creature from my Closet series) and 13-Story-Treehouse are two more of my go-tos.

My child (student, neighbor) is a reluctant reader and says no to everything. Any ideas?

For these, I try to encourage plenty of options and not necessarily needing to finish a book. I like to point reluctant readers toward the non-fiction section and encouraging reading our magazine collection (because we all know that needs more circulation anyways).

What are your go-to answers for the above categories? And what are some Frequently Asked Questions’s you receive? Let me know in the comments!