Reading to children is foundational to their later reading success. Here is a handy list of the types of books to be offering your grandkids, by age:

Kindergarten and Early Elementary

Children learn to read beginning reader books with phonics, sight words, and predictable text then continue to grow as readers by reading engaging books at the each next just-right level for them.

Keep in mind that the goal is reading and improving reading skills, not reading fancy literature. This might look like reading books you don’t personally love. Let that go for now and remember that as a child grows, they won’t read those books forever.

I highly recommend giving children a choice of books—even if you offer choices for them to choose from. It’s highly motivating for kids to choose their own books. Also, try to find books about topics or in genres in which children are interested.

Encourage a mix of audiobooks, graphic novels, picture books, fiction, non-fiction and chapter books.

Continue reading aloud to your grandkids. It’s a wonderful, enriching way to bond and to grow children in their literacy skills.

Upper Elementary and Middle School (Ages 9-12)

Discover the best middle grade chapter books for children ages nine to 12.  Just like at earlier ages, try to find books that interest each child, boy or girl, by theme, topic, or genre. Once your readers love to read for pleasure, encourage them to broaden the books that they’re reading with new topics and genres.

There are a wide variety of recommended books with reviews including the newest, best chapter books on the market. Try different genres such as fantasy, mystery, science-fiction, historical fiction and graphic novels.

Books for Teens (Ages 13+)

By the time your grandchild reaches late middle school and high school, they have so much required reading, that it’s often very difficult to get them reading independently for enjoyment. To encourage that offer books such as fantasy, historical fiction, memoirs, biographies, nonfiction, and classics.  Make sure they have access to books and audiobooks, and help them find time to read. Even if it’s only on vacation days.