After discovering books they enjoy first through read alouds, children are more receptive to reading more books from these genres. You don’t have to read the entire book to entice readers, either.

I think my first encounter with James and the Giant Peach was in 5th grade, when my teacher read it aloud to the class, ... Great beginning reader and as a bedtime read aloud book. Michael Venables.

RL5 means reading level 5, while 5.2 is a bit more specific, meaning a level equivalent to fifth grade, second month. Some publishers also use age guidelines, with 009-0011 meaning a book is ...

Organizers say it may seem like a lot to read, but the students really enjoy the competition. "The 5th graders are so jazzed," said Marni Zavel-Beachler with Pikes Peak Battle of the Books.