---
name: reading-companion
description: |
  Guide for supporting children's reading development including book selection by age, interest, and reading level, understanding Lexile levels, discussion question frameworks, comprehension strategies, techniques for reluctant readers, reading log templates, book series recommendations by age, and tips for effective read-alouds. Use when the user asks about reading companion or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "teaching parenting guide"
  category: "education"
  subcategory: "teaching"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "beginner"
---

# Reading Companion

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to reading companion.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on reading companion
- User asks about reading companion best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to reading companion

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of reading companion

## Questions to Ask First

1. How old is the reader?
2. What is their current reading level (if known -- grade level, Lexile, DRA)?
3. Do they enjoy reading, or is it a struggle or a chore?
4. What are their interests outside of reading (sports, animals, science, fantasy, humor)?
5. Do they prefer fiction or nonfiction (or do they not know yet)?
6. What books have they loved in the past?
7. What books have they disliked or abandoned, and why?
8. How much time is currently spent reading (at school and at home)?
9. Are there any reading difficulties or diagnoses (dyslexia, ADHD, vision issues)?
10. Is the goal to improve reading skills, build a love of reading, or both?

---

## Phase 1: Understanding Reading Levels

### Lexile Levels Explained

Lexile measures text complexity on a numeric scale. Both readers and books receive Lexile scores, and the system helps match readers to appropriately challenging texts.

| Grade Level | Typical Lexile Range | Example Books |
|-------------|---------------------|---------------|
| K-1 | BR (Beginning Reader) to 300L | Bob Books, Biscuit series |
| 1-2 | 190L-530L | Frog and Toad, Magic Tree House |
| 2-3 | 420L-650L | Junie B. Jones, Ivy + Bean |
| 3-4 | 520L-820L | Charlotte's Web, The One and Only Ivan |
| 4-5 | 740L-940L | Holes, Percy Jackson, Hatchet |
| 5-6 | 830L-1010L | Harry Potter, The Giver, Wonder |
| 6-8 | 925L-1185L | The Outsiders, To Kill a Mockingbird |
| 9-12 | 1050L-1335L | 1984, Brave New World, The Great Gatsby |

### Important Caveats About Lexile
- Lexile measures text complexity, NOT content appropriateness
- A book rated 800L might have content suitable for teens but a 4th grader's reading level
- Interest level matters more than Lexile for motivation
- Reading "above level" and "below level" books are both fine and healthy
- Use Lexile as a guide, not a rule

### Other Reading Level Systems

| System | Scale | Used By |
|--------|-------|---------|
| Lexile | BR-2000L+ | Most schools, libraries |
| DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) | 1-80 | Elementary schools |
| Guided Reading Level (Fountas & Pinnell) | A-Z | Elementary schools |
| AR (Accelerated Reader) | 0.1-13+ | Schools with AR programs |
| Grade Level Equivalent | K-12+ | General reference |

### Finding a Book's Level
- Lexile.com (search by title)
- AR BookFinder (arbookfind.com)
- Scholastic Book Wizard
- Your library's catalog (often includes levels)
- Ask your school librarian

---

## Phase 2: Book Selection

### The Five-Finger Rule (Quick Level Check)
Have the child open to any page and read aloud. Count words they cannot read or understand:
- **0-1 unknown words:** Too easy (fine for pleasure reading)
- **2-3 unknown words:** Just right (ideal for growth)
- **4-5 unknown words:** Challenging (good with support)
- **5+ unknown words:** Too difficult (may cause frustration)

### Matching Books to Interests

**For animal lovers:** Hatchet, Shiloh, The One and Only Ivan, Warriors series, A Dog's Purpose
**For adventure seekers:** Percy Jackson, The 39 Clues, Treasure Island, Hatchet, My Side of the Mountain
**For humor fans:** Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Captain Underpants, Big Nate, The Terrible Two, Wayside School
**For fantasy fans:** Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Redwall, Wings of Fire, The Girl Who Drank the Moon
**For mystery lovers:** Cam Jansen, Nate the Great, Encyclopedia Brown, The Westing Game, Enola Holmes
**For science enthusiasts:** Magic School Bus, Who Was series, National Geographic readers, The Wild Robot
**For sports fans:** Matt Christopher books, Ghost by Jason Reynolds, The Crossover, Booked
**For graphic novel readers:** Dog Man, Amulet, Bone, Smile by Raina Telgemeier, Wings of Fire (graphic novels)

### Book Series Recommendations by Age

**Ages 5-7 (Early Readers):**
- Elephant and Piggie (Mo Willems)
- Mercy Watson (Kate DiCamillo)
- Owl Diaries
- Princess in Black
- Dog Man (graphic novel)
- Bad Guys
- Fly Guy

**Ages 7-9 (Transitional Readers):**
- Magic Tree House
- Ivy + Bean
- Junie B. Jones
- Dogman (graphic novel)
- Wings of Fire
- My Weird School
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Who Was/What Was series (nonfiction)

**Ages 9-11 (Independent Readers):**
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians
- Harry Potter
- The Chronicles of Narnia
- Keeper of the Lost Cities
- Wings of Fire
- Amulet (graphic novel)
- Spirit Animals
- The Land of Stories

**Ages 11-13 (Middle Grade):**
- The Hunger Games
- Divergent
- Maze Runner
- A Wrinkle in Time
- The Giver
- Wonder
- Ghost by Jason Reynolds
- Restart by Gordon Korman

**Ages 13+ (Young Adult):**
- The Book Thief
- Six of Crows
- The Hate U Give
- Children of Blood and Bone
- Red Queen
- An Ember in the Ashes
- I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

---

## Phase 3: Comprehension Strategies

### Before, During, and After Reading

**Before Reading:**
- Preview the cover, title, and back cover blurb
- Look at the table of contents and chapter titles
- Make predictions ("What do you think this book is about?")
- Activate prior knowledge ("What do you already know about this topic?")
- Set a purpose ("What do you want to find out?")

**During Reading:**
- Pause periodically to check understanding
- Visualize (create mental pictures of what is happening)
- Ask questions ("Why did the character do that?")
- Make connections (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to-world)
- Monitor comprehension ("Does this make sense?")
- Identify unfamiliar words and use context clues

**After Reading:**
- Summarize what happened (beginning, middle, end)
- Revisit predictions ("Were you right? What surprised you?")
- Discuss themes and messages
- Connect to personal experience
- Evaluate ("Did you like it? Why or why not?")
- Recommend to someone else (or explain why you would not)

### Comprehension Strategies by Level

**Emerging Readers (K-2):**
- Point to words while reading (one-to-one correspondence)
- Use picture clues
- Retell stories in order with support
- Identify characters, setting, and main events
- Make simple predictions

**Developing Readers (3-5):**
- Identify main idea and supporting details
- Summarize in their own words
- Make inferences ("What do you think the character is feeling and why?")
- Compare and contrast characters or events
- Distinguish fact from opinion

**Proficient Readers (6-8):**
- Analyze character development and motivation
- Identify themes and how they develop
- Evaluate author's purpose and craft
- Synthesize information from multiple sources
- Support opinions with text evidence

**Advanced Readers (9-12):**
- Critical analysis of themes, symbolism, and literary devices
- Evaluate argument strength and evidence
- Analyze how context (historical, cultural) influences the text
- Compare across genres and time periods
- Form and defend original interpretations

---

## Phase 4: Discussion Questions Framework

### Universal Discussion Questions (Any Book)

**Character Questions:**
- Who is your favorite character and why?
- How did [character] change from the beginning to the end?
- What would you do if you were in [character's] situation?
- What is [character's] biggest strength? Biggest weakness?
- Who do you relate to most in the story?

**Plot Questions:**
- What was the most exciting or surprising part?
- Was the ending satisfying? Would you change it?
- What was the biggest problem in the story, and how was it solved?
- What would have happened if [key event] had gone differently?
- What part confused you, and what do you think was going on?

**Theme Questions:**
- What lesson or message do you think the author wanted to share?
- How does this book connect to your own life?
- Have you read another book with a similar theme?
- Do you agree with the message of the book? Why or why not?

**Critical Thinking Questions:**
- Why do you think the author chose to tell the story this way?
- How might the story be different if told from another character's perspective?
- What was the author's purpose in writing this book?
- Is this book realistic? Does it need to be?

### Discussion Tips for Parents and Mentors
- Ask open-ended questions (no single right answer)
- Listen more than you talk
- Share your own reactions and opinions
- Do not turn discussion into a quiz or test
- Follow the child's interests and curiosity
- It is okay to disagree about a book
- Discuss while reading, not just after finishing

---

## Phase 5: Techniques for Reluctant Readers

### Understanding WHY They Are Reluctant

| Reason | Signs | Approach |
|--------|-------|----------|
| Reading is physically difficult | Squinting, losing place, headaches | Get eyes checked, try audiobooks, larger print |
| Reading feels too hard | Avoidance, frustration, giving up quickly | Go to a lower level without shame, build fluency |
| Haven't found the right book | "Books are boring" | Explore different genres, formats, topics |
| Negative school associations | "Reading is homework" | Make home reading 100% choice-based |
| Prefer other activities | Always choose screens over books | Limit competing options during reading time |
| Peer influence | "Reading is not cool" | Find books that connect to their interests, use audiobooks |
| Learning difference | Inconsistent progress, frustration | Professional evaluation, appropriate accommodations |

### Strategies That Work

**1. Let Them Choose**
The single most effective strategy for reluctant readers is complete choice over what they read. Any reading is better than no reading. Graphic novels, comics, magazines, joke books -- it all counts.

**2. Graphic Novels Are Real Books**
Graphic novels develop vocabulary, narrative comprehension, visual literacy, and inference skills. They are not "less than" text-only books. Great starting points: Dog Man, Amulet, Smile, Bone, Wings of Fire graphic novels.

**3. Audiobooks Count**
Listening to audiobooks builds vocabulary, comprehension, and story knowledge. They are especially valuable for:
- Struggling decoders who comprehend well
- Long car rides
- Bedtime routines
- Building interest in a series they can then read independently
- Paired with physical book (read along while listening)

**4. Short Is Fine**
- Short chapters (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate)
- Short books (Hilo, Bad Guys, Flat Stanley)
- Short reading sessions (10 minutes is a great start)
- Poetry and short stories
- Magazine articles

**5. Connect to Their World**
- Books about their favorite sport, game, or hobby
- Books tied to movies or shows they love
- Nonfiction about topics they are passionate about
- Books recommended by friends, not adults

**6. Remove Pressure**
- No book reports at home
- No forced discussion after every chapter
- No "you should be reading at this level"
- No comparisons to siblings or peers
- Make reading a pleasant, relaxed activity

### Reading Incentive Ideas (Use Sparingly)

| Incentive | Age Group | Notes |
|-----------|-----------|-------|
| Sticker chart for reading minutes | K-3 | Keep expectations realistic (10-15 min/day) |
| Library visits (child picks anything) | All ages | Make it an outing, not an errand |
| Reading before screen time | All ages | Natural, consistent structure |
| Bookstore gift card | 8+ | Let them choose anything |
| Reading together time | All ages | Parent reads WITH child, shared experience |
| Summer reading program (library) | All ages | Built-in incentives and community |

---

## Phase 6: Reading Log

### Reading Log Template

```
MY READING LOG
===============
Name: _______________ Month: _______________

Date    | Title                | Pages Read | Minutes | Rating
--------+----------------------+------------+---------+--------
_______ | ____________________ | __________ | _______ | /5
_______ | ____________________ | __________ | _______ | /5
_______ | ____________________ | __________ | _______ | /5
_______ | ____________________ | __________ | _______ | /5
_______ | ____________________ | __________ | _______ | /5
_______ | ____________________ | __________ | _______ | /5
_______ | ____________________ | __________ | _______ | /5

BOOKS FINISHED THIS MONTH:
1. _________________________________
2. _________________________________
3. _________________________________

TOTAL PAGES: _________ TOTAL MINUTES: _________

FAVORITE BOOK THIS MONTH: _________________________________
NEXT BOOK I WANT TO READ: _________________________________
```

### For Younger Readers (K-2) -- Simplified

```
MY READING LOG
===============
Name: _______________

I read: _________________________ Date: _________
My favorite part was: _________________________________
I give it: [star] [star] [star] [star] [star] (color in)

I read: _________________________ Date: _________
My favorite part was: _________________________________
I give it: [star] [star] [star] [star] [star] (color in)
```

---

## Phase 7: Read-Aloud Tips

### Why Read-Alouds Matter (At Every Age)

Reading aloud to children:
- Builds vocabulary (they hear words above their reading level)
- Models fluent reading (expression, pacing, pronunciation)
- Develops listening comprehension
- Creates positive associations with reading
- Provides shared experiences for discussion
- Introduces genres and authors they might not choose independently
- Is beneficial even for teenagers (many families read aloud through high school)

### Read-Aloud Best Practices

**Before Reading:**
- Preview the book (know what is coming)
- Show the cover and discuss predictions
- Find a comfortable, distraction-free spot
- Make it a consistent routine (bedtime is classic, but any time works)

**During Reading:**
- Use different voices for characters
- Vary your pace (slow for suspense, fast for action)
- Pause at exciting moments ("What do you think happens next?")
- Point out illustrations in picture books
- Define unfamiliar words briefly without losing story momentum
- Let the child see the pages if they want to
- Stop at cliffhangers to build anticipation

**Making It Interactive:**
- Invite predictions
- Ask "how would you feel if..." questions
- Let the child turn pages
- Encourage them to join in on repetitive phrases
- Pause and let them fill in rhyming words
- Discuss illustrations and what they add to the story

### Read-Aloud Books to Try

**Ages 3-5:** Where the Wild Things Are, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Knuffle Bunny, Press Here, Dragons Love Tacos

**Ages 5-7:** Mercy Watson series, The Bad Guys, Dog Man, Elephant and Piggie

**Ages 7-9:** Charlotte's Web, The Wild Robot, The One and Only Ivan, Flora & Ulysses

**Ages 9-11:** Wonder, Hatchet, The Phantom Tollbooth, Tuck Everlasting, Because of Winn-Dixie

**Ages 11+:** The Giver, Holes, The House of the Scorpion, The War That Saved My Life

---

## Building a Reading-Friendly Home

### Environment
- Books visible and accessible throughout the home
- A comfortable reading spot (beanbag, reading nook, cozy chair)
- Good reading light
- Minimal competition (not next to the TV)
- Regular library visits as a family activity
- Books as gifts for birthdays and holidays

### Modeling Reading Behavior
- Let children see YOU reading for pleasure
- Talk about what you are reading
- Visit bookstores and libraries as family outings
- Discuss articles, stories, and books at dinner
- Keep books, magazines, and newspapers around the house
- Share recommendations with each other

### Resources for Finding Books
- School and public librarians (the best resource available)
- Goodreads lists and recommendations
- BookBub and similar recommendation services
- American Library Association award lists (Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King)
- "If you liked _____, try _____" recommendation engines
- Book-focused social media accounts and podcasts

The single most important thing you can do for a child's reading development is to help them discover the right book at the right time. When a child finds a book they love, everything else follows.


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Reading Companion deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with reading companion for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete reading companion framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
