The Ela Children’s Department houses many different types of books for children.  There’s something for everyone!  Below is a quick overview, written from a parents’ perspective:

Board Books--Very young children can hold these extra sturdy books themselves and practice turning pages while an adult reads the story.

Picture Books--These read-aloud stories rely heavily on illustrations.  The stories are usually appropriate for children aged 3-7, but many older children and adults enjoy them as well.

Emergent Readers—These packages of small books are created for the newest readers, generally from kindergarten age through first grade.  Just check out the entire package and watch you child learn to read!

Easy Readers—These books are primarily for students in grades K-2.  Most easy readers have a reading level or age range listed on the cover. 

Early Chapter Books—After your children master the Easy Reader section, it’s time to move on to the Early Chapter Books.  These books are “transitional” books for students in grades 2-3 (approximately).  Depending on level of development, interest, and skill, your child may pass through this section quite easily, or he or she may linger here for several years. 

Junior Series Books—In this popular section, kids can find books featuring their favorite characters.  Books in this section range in reading level.  Kids in grades 2-7 will all find books they enjoy.

Junior Illustrated Fiction—These picture books cover topics of interest to older elementary school students in grades 3 and up. 

Junior Fiction—Also known as “chapter books,” Junior Fiction features of books for different age levels and for different reading interests.  Children in grades 3-8 will find books in genres ranging from mysteries to science fiction to fantasy to historical fiction.

Junior Comics—Publishers are putting out hundreds of graphic novels and comics for young readers.  Kids who enjoy this format will find books on a variety of fiction and nonfiction topics in this fun new section.

Quick Reads—These paperback books are for older, struggling readers.  The text is written at a 2^nd-3^rd grade reading level, but the interest level is for those in 4^th-6^th grades.

Junior Audiobooks—In this section, you will find books on CD and cassette—perfect for road trips in the car.  These kits are also helpful for students who struggle with reading at grade level and want to stay current with the titles their classmates are reading. 

Junior Nonfiction—In addition to having resources necessary for completing homework assignments, the nonfiction section is also appealing to kids who love dinosaurs, animals, crafts, airplanes, or any other factual topic.  Poetry (800s) and folklore/fairy tales (398s) are also included in the nonfiction collection.