Ravens are quite competent readers. They have begun to build their reading skills, but may still need help with some word meanings and pronunciations. When you read with your Raven, reading time should still be shared. They will be able to navigate a lengthy novel on their own, but your involvement is still important for many reasons:

1. They will continue to recognize reading as important in your life (and thus theirs).

2. Books in this level will play an even larger role in shaping them as human beings. As a caring, responsible adult, you'll want to share in something this momentous.

3. You'll probably really enjoy the books in this section yourself.

You may not have the time to read all the novels your children will devour at this stage, but it isn't enough for them to say "I read this and liked it." Without having read at least part of the book yourself, you won't be able to engage in an intelligent conversation with them about the whats and the whys. Read a few pages with them each evening and ask them to catch you up on the in between. You'll be able to gain a feel and flavour for the language and pace of the book, and will gain much insight into their interpretations from what they tell you. You can always read the whole thing later if you think an important discussion will benefit from that.

The subject matter for this group is meatier, and its complexity is appreciated by the child who is emerging into maturity and a greater sense of self and responsibility. The themes of adventure and fantasy are permitted more depth in these books. Whole worlds can be created, rich in detail and history. These books have more room to dig for identity, more room to rest or turn inside a character's mind. So well defined are some of these worlds that they have become part of our human understanding: Narnia, Toad Hall, Zuckerman's Farm, Omri's Cupboard.

This is the age where your child will really be able to dig into the full-bodied, all encompassing pleasure of reading. These books are generally much longer than the thinner volumes of the Butterfly section, which means they can more fully appreciate the longer escape into somewhere else. And at this stage they will be ready for that.

As at every level, have fun with your young reader. They will have greater opinions about what they want to read, so invite them to read through the BOOK REVIEWS with you. There may be parts of their personal experiences that you won't know about, and you may miss something perfect for where s/he is at this particular time. Enjoy these books together.

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