Families often ask me for book recommendations and I love that part of my job. There is so much amazing literature continually being published for children! I use several criteria that might be helpful:

• Consider the age of the protagonist: if the main character is years older than your child, the content may be too mature.

• Consider the reading level: it if is trickier that what your child can read, it may be frustrating. The book might be better suited as a read aloud.

• We use the metaphor of "windows and mirrors" at school. Is the book about a character/setting/topic like or similar to your child's or disparate? Good readers read both.

• I also use "If the child liked ___ try ____" in GoodReads.

• Of course you can always reach out to me! I am happy to explain my positions and can offer book choices.

• Additionally, you should know that I never say "no" to a child's book choices but rather offer guidance and suggestions for appropriate choices. Ultimately, you will decide what your own child reads and if you may need to set boundaries (e.g., "I only want you to bring home 5 books" or "please bring home books you can read yourself" or "please bring home a chapter book I can read with you.").