Whether your children are naturally precocious readers or just happened to pick out a more difficult book, they’ll need some guidance to improve their understanding of the material and avoid age-inappropriate content. Here are some ideas:

• Get an assessment. Many schools offer assessments to determine students’ reading level, which a teacher or librarian can then use to help pick out books that will challenge, but not frustrate them.
• Use supporting materials. If your kid has chosen a complex book, supplement it with some lower-level reading to help him build his comprehension of the subject matter.
• Write down unknown words. Ask your child to keep a list of all the new words she encounters so she can look them up later.
• Use reading comprehension apps, games, and websites. Check out this list of great digital products that can help kids better learn to read, understand, and apply information.

If your child is looking for a new book, try suggesting one off this list of 50 wonderful must-reads that have the power to hook both boys and girls. Some are classics, like Charlotte’s Web, others open kids’ minds to cultures beyond their own, such as Esperanza Rising, but all are sure to fuel your child’s love for reading.