BLOGS > JULY 20, 2023
BY ACADEMIC CONSULTANT TEAM AT FOLLETT
By now we are probably all familiar with the 2022 NAEP scores1 and the fact that across the country reading scores went down an average of 3 points in both Grade 4 and Grade 8 between 2019 and 2022. Among fourth graders, 37% are reading below basic and 29% are at basic, which translates to 66% of the fourth graders who took the NAEP test falling into the category of a “striving reader.” A striving reader is a student in Grade 3 or above who is reading below grade level.
Even more alarming than these facts may be that any gains we might have made in reading in the past 30 years were washed away with the pandemic. Students’ scores are back to where they were in 1992. In reality, if you look at the scores over time you will see that the average scores never grew more than 6 points in Grade 4 and 8 points in Grade 8 and have never hit the proficient mark in either grade.
With such large numbers of students reading below proficient in Grades 4 and 8, we can see why there is such a demand for books that are accessible for all students, not just those who enjoy reading and are reading on grade level. Teachers across the country are looking for books that match both the interest and reading level of their students, books that pull students in and excite them enough that they want to read more, and books that they can use to help differentiate in their classrooms so that all students can enjoy whole class novels, independent reading time, and small group work.
Students who are striving to read on grade level or even those who are reluctant readers need books that are engaging and accessible at their reading level. They want books that they can read without a struggle, covers and story lines that are appropriate for their grade level, and characters they can relate to. They also need content-based books that match their interests. If students have a strong interest in a topic, they most likely already possess some background knowledge on that topic. This background knowledge will make books on these high-interest topics easier for them to read and help them stay engaged with the reading process.
On Titlewave®, the Follett eCommerce site, teachers can find a whole page devoted to Striving Readers. There are lists of books that that our library and classroom specialists have curated with striving readers and their teachers in mind. These collections are organized by type of books, Hi-Lo, Graphic Novel, etc., and then further divided by grade band. They are curated from offerings from more than 6,000 publisher partners. Also on Titlewave are our Follett Tags. Follett Tags are tags that our mastered-leveled librarians and teacher specialists put on books so they can be more easily found by our customers. There are tags for Hi-Lo and Graphic Novels to name a few. Plus, if there is a specific topic you might be seeking for those high-interest books, you can probably find a tag for that as well. Follett also offers custom curation services for unique school and district needs. Those same library and teacher specialists who assign our tags, also create customer lists of books for schools and districts across the country.
An Author Interview with Don Everts
December 17, 2025
What peculiar thread connects secret superpowers, chicken farming, Victorian architecture, and the impossible awkwardness of being 14? Debut middle grade author Don Everts weaves it together for us in this conversation about his new book, Oscar and the Mystery of...
Read more
An Author Interview with Sara Amini and Illustrator Shadia Amin
December 17, 2025
Author Sara Amini and artist Shadia Amin team up for this charming, semi-autobiographical middle grade graphic memoir that explores evolving friendships, puberty mishaps, and finding a place to belong. Navigating life as a multiracial girl has never been more hilarious...
Read more
An Author Interview with Katherine Applegate
December 17, 2025
Go behind the scenes with Newbery Medal-winning author and literary superstar Katherine Applegate as she discusses her returns with two exciting new titles releasing in spring! First up is The Littlest Elephant, a picture book adaptation of the best-selling middle grade...
Read more
An Author Interview with Amy Timberlake and Illustrator Jon Klassen
December 17, 2025
Award-winning author Amy Timberlake and illustrator Jon Klassen team up to bring you the latest in the Skunk and Badger trilogy. Rock Paper Incisors follows odd-couple roommates Skunk and Badger as they explore the complexity of friendship and the meaning...
Read more
What We're Reading: Best of 2025
November 17, 2025
As the year wraps up, we’re highlighting the top books that sparked curiosity, inspired learning, and kept students turning pages in 2025. These eight standout titles – from award-winning historical fiction to imaginative adventures and engaging picture books – are...
Read more
Get Ahead of the 2026 ALA YMAs with These 5 Must-Read Contender Titles
November 1, 2025
This month, we’re diving into the most buzzworthy books of the year – handpicked by our Curation Team from our ALA Youth Media Award Contenders book list. These standout titles are generating serious award chatter, and we’re reading them now to...
Read more