by Lisa Taylor<\/p>\n
I just completed another great ALSC online class, Reading Instruction and Children’s Books, taught by Kate Todd.<\/p>\n
While I learned a lot about reading and “leveling” methods, I also learned that librarians across the country are frustrated with the publishers of “easy reader” books. Not only do they use widely different methods of classifying the “level” of each book, they neglect to tell us which method they use (Lexile, Flesch-Kincaid, whim?)!<\/p>\n
Why is one publisher’s Level 1 book so different from another’s? I vented my frustration in this open rap to the publishers of easy readers. One of my clever classmates, Leslie Bolinger, suggested a title \u2014 \u201cO Publisher, O Publisher, How Do You Rate?\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Librarians \u2014<\/p>\n
we\u2019re a scientific bunch.<\/p>\n
We need more to go on<\/p>\n
than just a hunch.<\/p>\n
We help children find books.<\/p>\n
Some use the 5-finger rule.<\/p>\n
We help teachers and parents<\/p>\n
and we work with school.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Level 2 is too easy?<\/p>\n
Well, this one\u2019s just right!<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s another Level 2 –<\/p>\n
Too hard! Not quite.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Is it Lexile? Is it ATOS?<\/p>\n
Is it Flesch-Kincaid?<\/p>\n
Please don\u2019t keep us guessing,<\/p>\n
\u2018cause we need your aid!<\/p>\n
Tell us how the books are leveled<\/p>\n
all across these lands,<\/p>\n
and we\u2019ll make sure they end up
\nin just the right hands!<\/p>\n