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 July 11, 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 you were throwing the biggest birthday party ever, and everything had to be just right? The Pigeon has his hat and a giant hot dog cake, but can he stay calm when the surprise gets bigger than he expected? The excitement is building
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.
The crackle of lightning fills the air, and the scent of rain drips from ancient stone columns. Suddenly, mythological monsters burst into the real world, chasing Percy through shadowy forests and bustling cities. Can he stop a war among go
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 your best friend transformed overnight into the most popular kid at school? Imagine Dani coming back to Minnesota, ready to reunite with her childhood crush, only to find her once-nerdy buddy has become a hockey star. But can a pret
Liz Buxbaum is not your average girl—she’s clever, funny, and ready to take on anything, even her nemesis-next-door. When Michael, the boy she secretly loves, comes back to town, Liz teams up with Wes in a wild plan to win his attention and
Autumn and Finn were once best friends, but now they barely speak. What if one moment could change everything between them? When they cross paths, it feels like a second chance—but will it come in time?
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 178,951 books rated on both axes — or tell us about your reader and we'll make the first picks for you.