Level J
Stories are longer and more complex.
Deal with subjects of interest of young children.
Illustrations still appear on every page.
Variety of texts: non-fiction, folktales, realistic stories
Beginning chapter books (some) contain many pages with short sentences and words
Reading behaviors: sustaining interest and fluency through a longer text, less need for self-correction, reading silently
Examples: I Can Read books, Henry & Mudge, Froggy series, Danny and the Dinosaur, Green Eggs and Ham, Little Bear, Poppleton
Level K
Illustrations still appear on almost every page.
Amount of text on each page varies, some contain both text and picture, some only text.
Stories have multiple episodes related to a single plot.
Picture book have 10-15 lines of print with large illustrations.
Reading is silent.
Reading behaviors: reading in a phrased, fluent way over longer stretches of text, able to interpret story from different perspectives, able to sustain characters and plot over several days.
Examples: Nate the Great, Arthur, Franklin, Clifford, Frog and Toad, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Jamaica series
Level L
Level marks a big shift in material.
Chapter books are much longer with few illustrations.
More characters involved in plots.
Sophisticated language and humor.
Text size is smaller and word spacing is narrower.
Reading a book might be sustained over several days (except picture books)
Reading behaviors: ability to read a greater amount of genre, able to sustain characters and plot over several days.
Examples: Horrible Harry, Amelia Bedelia, Black Lagoon series, Cam Jansen, Happy Birthday Moon, Make Way for Ducklings, Pee Wee Scouts, Pinky and Rex, Stone Soup
Level M
Longer books, more text, smaller print, narrower word spacing, fewer picture in chapter books.
Wide variety of books, but they all have complex language structures and sophisticated vocabulary.
Highly detailed with abstract concepts and themes.
Require more background knowledge.
Character development is a prominent feature.
Reading behaviors: can read critically, uses texts as references, understand subtleties of plot and humor
Examples: Magic Tree House, Junie B. Junes, Arthur chapter books, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, The Littles, Berenstain Bears