Tracking Reading for Kids!

For some kids, tracking what they read might feel like extra homework. For others it may be a fun way to remember their favorite books they read through the year, and share their reading with friends and family. Since Goodreads and Storygraph (the two most common websites for tracking reading) are geared towards teens and adults, I wanted to explore options that are more kid friendly!

1. www.Friscolibrary.com or the Frisco Library app: perhaps you’ve used our website to browse the catalog and place holds, but have you ever tried using it to track your reading? Here’s some of the benefits!    
   • While browsing the catalog, you can add things to your "For Later" shelf. This is great for things that you're interested in but not ready to place a hold on or check-out. 
   • From your library dashboard you can see anything on your "For Later" shelf that is available in the library.
   • You can make lists of your favorite books or use the list feature to keep track of everything you read that month.
   • Enabling the borrowing history feature will keep track of all the books you've checked-out and returned to the library. This makes it easy to rate and review an item after you've returned. 
2. Bookroo: Bookroo is an online bookseller and book tracker. It is designed for kids and parents!  There are books for sale and book club subscription options, but you can make a free account. Here are the highlights.
   • You can link a parent and kid's account. There is also an option to make kid accounts invisible to others.
   • As you track your reading, you gain points to spend on digital prizes like coloring sheets and adorable avatars.
   • The interface is kid friendly and easy to navigate.
   • My favorite is the preview library, where you can view the first chapter of a book from early reader to young adult.
3. Paper logs and journals: Most reading logs for elementary aged kids look like spreadsheets. This may be the most practical way to keep track of reading, but why not mix it up with a coloring sheet reading log or a book journal!
   • Check out this adorable paper log from Every Day Reading.  Write the name of each book you read on the empty spines and color in the book.
   • There are tons of great reading journals designed for kids available online.  However, with a little time and effort any old journal could become a reading journal. Check out this tutorial from The 52 Book Club on how to create your own book journal!

In conclusion, there is no wrong or right way to track reading, and it may not be for everyone. However, for kiddos that are interested in tracking their reading, there are plenty of fun options outside of the standard methods.