What are some indicators of a Level W text?

• Themes explore the human condition

• Fiction and nonfiction present characters who suffer hardship and learn from it

• Writing is sophisticated, with complex sentences, literary language and symbolism

• Texts have print in a small font

• Readers must have an awareness of social and political issues to comprehend texts

• Fantasy and science fiction introduce heroic characters, moral questions and contests between good and evil

• Informational texts may present complex graphic information and require a whole range of content knowledge

• Readers must understand all the basic nonfiction organizational structures

• Narrative biographies include many details and prompt readers to make inferences about what motivated the subject's achievements

How do I know if my child is a Level W reader?

• Read and understand characteristics of most genres, including biographies on new topics, fantasies, chapter books, shorter informational texts, mysteries, series, books with sequels, short stories, diaries & logs, and myths & legends

• Read and understand mature themes that expand knowledge of social issues

• Use tools such as glossaries, as well as what they already know to understand difficult words

• Look for information in pictures, photographs, maps, charts, etc.

• Read texts that require knowing about history

• Read silently for the most part

• Search for and use information in a text

Check out River Vale Library's
"Level W" Books