Demystifying the Library Catalog

Published on February 18, 2025

Choosing the Right Books For Your Child

By Beth B.

Finding the right books for kids can be tricky. I know it’s true at my house, and I’m sure I’m not alone. My 12-year-old daughter is all about realistic fiction, but only if there’s no relationship drama (she’s picky). And my 15-year-old son’s reading preferences change like the weather—one day it’s fantasy, the next it’s graphic novels, and the day after that, he’s on to nonfiction. It’s enough to puzzle any parent!

If you’re in the same boat, here’s my advice: head to your nearest library and chat with a librarian. They’re experts at matching kids with books and can make the process a whole lot easier. But I know it’s not always that simple—between work, dinner, and soccer practice, who has the time to also stop by the library?

Lucky for you, I am a librarian, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I’ve put together a go-to list of tools that can help you find the perfect book for your preteen or teen—even on those hard-hustling weeks when all you can manage is placing a few holds online.

1. Let their interest guide you – Let's be real—when you ask your kid, "What do you want to read?" you're usually met with a blank stare or shrug. Try getting more specific. Ask things like, "What was the last book you read?", "What did you like (or not like) about it?", and "Do you want to read something similar?" It's an easier way to kick off the search and gives you a starting point.

2. Let the library catalog do the work – Once you find a book title you’re interested in, click on it and scroll down the page. You’ll find suggestions for similar books based on things like themes, authors, and age range. Plus, if you hover over the cover art, you’ll get a little pop-up summary of the book. Click on other book covers to explore more titles and use the back button to return to your original search. It’s like a rabbit hole of book recommendations—minus the guessing game!

3. Browse by reading level - If your teen needs a book for school, you probably have a reading level range to work with. Luckily, the library catalog has that covered! When you click on a book, scroll down, and you’ll see the reading level info. Click on the system your school uses to adjust the reading and interest levels. You can also filter by subject area, making it even easier to dial in the perfect book. Pro tip: only click on availability if you’re really interested in a title. It can be tough to get back to your original search.

4. Check the reviews - When you’ve found a book that looks promising, take a minute to check out the reviews. The library catalog usually has both professional and reader reviews, which can give you a lot of insight into whether the book will be a good fit for your family. It’s a great way to avoid surprises—and trust me, you’ll appreciate having a little more information before making your pick.

5. Look to other websites – Still not sure? If you want more details about content, here are a few websites that may be useful:

a. Common Sense Media – a nonprofit organization that provides information and offers advice on the suitability of media for children. This is my go-to place to discover more about content, and my favorite is the “Talk to your kids about” suggestions. If there are tough topics in the book, these are great tools to open a conversation and help kids process those situations in a safe way.

b. Bookopolis – this is like GoodReads, but for younger readers. Find out what kids are saying about the books they are reading.

c. Plugged In – a publication of Focus on the Family, this resource reviews popular media, including books, and provides information to help families make informed decisions with a Christian perspective.

d. NoveList – a database powered by EBSCO and accessible with your library card. NoveList book profiles include professional reviews, story elements, moods, themes, read-alike recommendations, and more. 

Librarians are pros when it comes to matching kids with the right books. They take individual preferences into account and love working with families. But I know life gets busy, and sometimes you can’t make it to the library. That’s where these tools come in—they’ll help you find just-right books, even when you’re short on time!