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Reading Levels
What’s a Reading Level?
JLG reading levels are based on school grade levels. There are now twenty-eight groups from which to choose, covering preschool through high school. (Twenty-four are listed below and our newest levels can be seen by clicking on the star above). Levels K through B Plus are suitable for the elementary and middle-school grades. Levels B and B Plus are suitable for middle-school grades. Levels C through YM are suitable for junior and senior high school (see chart below).
PS Level—Español (Grades K–3): This group offers bilingual fiction and nonfiction, Spanish-language translations of classic English books, and original Spanish titles.
K Level—Kindergarten (Grades PreK–K): Concept books and simple stories. The illustrations are an integral part of the selection of each book to help children enjoy “reading” by themselves.
P & PPlus Levels—Primary Level (Grades K–1): Stories and nonfiction especially meant to be read aloud. These books are perfect for story time.
E & EPlus Levels—Easy Reading (Grades 1–3): A combination of challenging picture books and stories in a beginning-reader format.
I & IPlus Levels—Independent Readers (Grades 2–4): These books are intended for children who can read on their own. Selections range from picture books to early chapter books. The books—fiction and nonfiction—generally have large print and interior artwork.
A & APlus Levels—Intermediate (Grades 3–5): Younger middle-grade novels and accessible nonfiction. The novels may contain some illustrations, but the focus is primarily on the text.
ME Level—Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2–6): Fiction and nonfiction tales of suspense and adventure for elementary readers.
NE Level—Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2–6): This group is exclusively nonfiction and is appropriate for the elementary level.
SE Level—Sports Elementary (Grades 2–6): Sports-themed fiction and nonfiction for the elementary level.
B & BPlus Levels—Upper Elementary and Junior High (Grades 5–7): More complex and challenging than books in the A Level, but with subject matter still appropriate for middle school readers.
C & CPlus Levels—Advanced Readers (Grades 6–9): Thought-provoking books for teenagers.
GM Level—Graphic Novels Middle & High School (Grades 7–11): Fiction and nonfiction in graphic novel format for the middle- and high-school levels.
Note: We cannot guarantee hardcover offerings in this level.
MM Level—Mystery/Adventure Middle & High School (Grades 7–11): Fiction and nonfiction tales of suspense and adventure for the middle- and high-school levels.
NM Level—Nonfiction Middle & High School (Grades 7–11): This group is exclusively nonfiction and is appropriate for middle-school readers.
SM Level—Sports Middle & High School (Grades 7–11): Sports-themed fiction and nonfiction for the middle- and high-school levels.
Y & YPlus Levels—Young Adults (Grades 9 & up): For older teens. These books explore complex issues.
YM Levels—Young Adult, Mature (Grades 11 & up): These books are intended to bridge the gap between the Y Level and adult reading. The books may contain situations and language that could be considered controversial.
