Reading Resources: Self-Selected Reading

Whatever subjects interest your students, you can find some information on the Internet. Check out web sites that cater to kid interest areas and written in kid-friendly reading levels. Or, visit electronic bibliography sites where students use search tools to find a book for independent reading.

Author Lists

McBookwords: Authors and Illustrators on the Web

A directory of authors' websites.

Reading Rockets: Children's Books & Authors Exclusive Interviews

Interviews with popular children's authors include video clips and transcripts.

Authors and Illustrators on the Web

Weblinks to author websites.

75 Author/Illustrators Everyone Should Know

List compiled by reading expert Bernice E. Cullinan to introduce kids in grades K-8 to the newer titles in children's literature.

Award Winning Books

Children's Book Council

Lists of books recommended yearly for children, by children.

Caldecott Award Books

Picture books honored for outstanding illustrations.

Newbery Award Books

Yearly award honors outstanding novels.

Rebecca Caudill Books

Books honored with the Rebecca Caudill award are voted on by the children of Illinois.

Margaret A. Edwards Award Books

Awards given to authors popular with teenagers.

Book Searches

Book Adventure

Kids search for book titles based on grade level and topics.

Reading is Fundamental

In the Book Zone, search for books to read by age level and interest.

Book Hive

Click on "Find a Book" to search for books by topic or grade level.

Scholastic Book Search

Search books by grade level, guided reading level, favorite series, genre, or topics.

Lexile Book Search

Find books based on a Lexile.

Electronic Reading Log

Use an AppleWorks database to keep a class reading log. (PDF)

Websites Kids Can Read

MysteryNet's Kid Mysteries

Quick mysteries kids read and then solve online.

National Geographic Kids Articles

Articles on a variety of science topics.

Time for Kids

Current event articles written for kids from Time Magazine.

Sports Illustrated for Kids

Articles on sports from Sports Illustrated.

Science News for Kids

A great variety of science articles for kids to read.

Scholastic News for Kids

Current event articles from Scholastic.

Internet Public Library Reading Zone

You can read a variety of online stories, some with audio players.

CNN Student News

A source of news for kids.

Kids' Castle

The kid-version of Smithsonian Magazine, students can read articles on the following topics: science, animals, personalities, sports, arts, worldwide, history, and air & space.

The New York Times Learning Network

News and features for students in grades 3-12.

Kid's Post

News for kids from the Washington Post.

Story Place Pre-School Library

This site is filled with resources for pre-school students: online stories, activities, and a parent's connection.

Enchanted Learning

Primary grades kids should visit this web site for information on popular topics of interest.