ReadKiddoRead.

This is an absolutely amazing resource that I discovered via MotherTalk. When the call came that they were looking for people to help promote the site, it took me less than a second to hit the reply button to sign up.

I have three boys – 11, 8 and 5 – and all three of them are at different stages in their reading.

Maymo is learning to read. He loves stories at bedtime, he loves being read to, but he also loves to sound things out and read stories to the adults whenever he’s able. He’s enthusiastic about the library (both through school and our public library) and often holds onto specific details about stories long after we’ve returned the books. Books are “cool” to him.

Middle One was a reluctant reader for a long time. He struggled with his reading, desperately, and would throw complete fits when confronted with something in print format. He had no urge to attempt it or try it or be in the same room with it. With the help of the school and some encouragement from us, he’s now getting his feet underneath him. The key is finding books that hold his interest and can beat out his frustration. Something to keep him interested.

Oldest One is what I’d call an avid reader. He reads books repeatedly, loves to be read to at night, and will happily attempt to read anything you put in front of him. Our goal with him is to encourage a larger variety of reading – getting him to pick books that he might not otherwise grab.

When I visit the library, I recall many of my old favourites and have definitely taken the opportunity to share them with the kids. But there are SO many new books, new series, new authors and new plotlines that I haven’t read or even heard of.. how do I choose something?

Enter ReadKiddoRead.

The site breaks it all down by age (0-8, 6 and up, 8 and up, and 10 and up) and then by genre. Click a title and learn about the book – plot, basic concept, number of pages, etc. Then there’s a link to buy the book at various locations. AND there’s a section for “if you liked this book, try…”

I really, totally, truly love this site. And I recommend it to all parents – or anyone tasked with purchasing a book for a kid. It’s really quite fabulous.