Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Younger School-Age Literature
At the age of 6 to 9 years children begin to display the
quality of "seriousness." Their desire to learn and ability
to concentrate increase dramatically. They are learning new
words and new concepts daily, and books facilitate this
process.
Children in this stage are beginning to read for themselves.
They need books carefully gauged to their reading level
because overestimating a child's reading ability leads to
frustration and disappointment. Young readers require books
with simple words and strong, simple storylines. Sentences
should be short, and the print should be large.
As children grow a little older, they begin to enjoy reading
longer, more involved tales full of excitement and drama.
They also enjoy realistic stories about family, friends, and
school. Their interest is held by stories about children
from other lands, simple biographies, serialized fiction,
and collections of jokes, riddles, and tongue-twisters.
Younger school-age children, however, still love to listen
to stories told by others.
Books assist children in making sense of their world by
helping them gain a better understanding of themselves and
others around them. The early years of school bring new
challenges, and books and stories help children deal with
their day-to-day growing problems.
At this time, children are quite likely to gravitate toward
books in which the main character is of the same gender.
For more information see:
Importance of Books
Suggested Reading Activities
Using Books to Help Children Cope
Children's Books Listed by Subject
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