So what is a Reading Level anyway?
A reading level is essentially the level of "difficulty" assigned to a book. The easiest books are labeled "AA"-- you are most likely to find these books in pre-K and K classrooms. Books are assigned to levels AA. A, B, C, D (and so on) as they become increasingly complex. You are most likely to find "Z" books in a 7th or 8th grade classroom. "Post-Z" books we simply think of as Adult Literature. By high school, we hope that our students are prepared to read at Level Z and beyond.
Teachers assess students to determine independent reading levels, which is helpful is matching readers with texts appropriate to their reading development. Teachers often encourage students to choosebooks within a range (sometimes called a "band") of levels. One such band, for example, is K-L-M. Another is X-Y-Z.
In the documents below, you will find samples of books at all levels from AA-Z. Additionally, you will find a guide which spells out the most salient features of each level, as well as ways you can help your child progress through this reading continuum.