Know
before
they read.
Every other service rates books on one axis — age. We rate on two: reading level and content intensity. So a 7-year-old reading at a 5th-grade level doesn't have to read 5th-grade themes.
Age is one number.
Kids are not one number.
A fifth-grade reader with a second-grader's heart. A kindergartener reading chapter books. Every family already knows: one axis isn't enough. We built the one that is.
A single rating
can't capture a book.
Two books rated "Grade 5 · Mild" are not the same book. One might have rich vocabulary and a gentle pace. The other: simple words, relentless tension. Book DNA shows you both.
What kids are reading
right now.
Every Wednesday, the New York Times publishes its children's bestseller lists. We layer our two-axis ratings on top — so you can see, at a glance, which titles match your reader before you spend.
Week of May 23, 2026
Thadeus Badger and Oliver Possum stare at the towering salad bowl on the table, daring each other to take a bite. Suddenly, the broccoli wiggles—no, it bites! What happens next could change how they see veggies forever.
Rumi, Mira, and Zoey leap into battle, their voices blasting powerful notes that shake the ground. Suddenly, the Saja Boys appear—charming, mischievous, and hiding a dark secret. Can the HUNTR/X hold their ground, or is this the start of a
This tortoise is the best at saying goodbye—he turns every farewell into a silly, rhyming adventure! But why does he keep stopping to say goodbye to every single animal friend? Maybe he's not quite ready to start his big trip yet!
What if one special person could change everything you believe about yourself? Imagine a teacher who sees the hero inside you, even when you don’t see it yet. How far could you go with someone cheering you on?
Greg Heffley throws a birthday party like no other—full of wild surprises and hilarious chaos. His plans might be epic, but will the party go off without a hitch? Sometimes, even the best-laid plans turn into unforgettable adventures.
I’m going to tell you a secret: someone was murdered in an escape room game show. New players step in to solve tricky puzzles, but one of them has a hidden mission — to find the real killer. And that’s just the start of an intense mystery w
What if you had the power to shut down your own mind just to survive? Imagine sneaking back into a dangerous place to save someone you love, while everyone around you thinks you’re the enemy. But when feelings start to break through your de
The sharp click of a keyboard echoes in the quiet night, followed by a chilling accusation that turns Iris Henley's world upside down. Suddenly, whispers and stares follow her every step as she races against time to prove she’s not the vill
What if being famous online turned into the scariest thing ever? Imagine your life is broadcast for everyone to see, but then strangers who look just like you start disappearing. Who is watching—and what do they want next?
Start with a grade.
Refine by intensity.
For when you don't
know where to begin.
1001 Children's Books
Classics, picture books, and YA from the bestselling guide.
0 titlesThe Gifted Sweet Spot
Advanced reading level, gentle content. For readers ahead of their age.
0 titlesGentle Books, All Ages
No conflict beyond everyday life. Safe for the most sensitive readers.
0 titlesBest Nonfiction for Kids
Top nonfiction across grades. Science, history, biography, more.
0 titlesAfter they read,
let them listen.
HootPODS turns any topic, article, or interest into a personalized audio story — narrated in engaging voices, screen-free, made just for your kid.
The right book.
The right time.
Search 127,206 books rated on both axes — or tell us about your reader and we'll make the first picks for you.