Age Recommendations
I have issues with age recommendations for books. As a reader, some of favorite books are the ones I read as a kid, but if I went strictly by the age listed on the cover of the book, I could never reread something like Winnie-the-Pooh. Unfortunately, rereading a favorite book is one the benefits of a reading life. But there is often an assumption (reinforced by popular culture) that if we do read a children’s book (either as a teacher or especially as a parent), we’re not supposed to enjoy it.
Furthermore, as a child, I often read books that were far above my supposed “reading level.” On a good day, parents, teachers, and librarians would smile encouragingly and let me get about my business. On a bad day (and there were many of those), the book was yanked out of my hand, I was told that said book was too “advanced” for me (what does that mean to a nine-year-old?), and handed something I had either already read or had no interest in reading whatsoever.
So I’m reluctant in my book reviews, or as a teacher, to peg books according to age recommendations. When that information is available, I’ll mention it, and I’ll also point out anything in the book that may cause difficulties for children (or adults). Just don’t take these, or any, age recommendation too seriously.
I have added categories that cover, roughly, common age recommendations that publishers use. They are:
Early Readers: roughly equivalent to US preschool to early elementary, approximate ages 4-8. May include picture books and chapter books.
Intermediate Readers: roughly equlivalent to US upper elementary and middle school, approximate ages 9-12.
YA (Young Adult) Readers: roughly equivalent to US middle school and high school, approximate ages 13-18.
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