Lexile™ measures

The Lexile system is the most widely-used measure of readability around the world. Uniquely, the Lexile system measures both a reader’s ability and the readability of a book or other text, so that readers can easily find books they enjoy at a level they can achieve.

Lexile measures in the UK

From January 2009, up to 2 million children in the UK will have their Lexile level assessed as part of the Progress in English test, used by many schools. They will receive the results as a measure, [number]L, which can be used to find books that they will enjoy at an appropriate level of difficulty, supporting reluctant readers and stretching more confident ones. For instance, a child with Lexile level 500L will find books at level 450L relatively easy to read, and books at level 550L challenging but still accessible.

Usborne and Lexile Measures

Usborne Publishing is the first UK publisher to sign up to the Lexile system. We have already assessed over 200 titles in the Usborne Reading Programme, along with all the Beginners, True Stories, Classics Retold and Fiction titles. We will continue to assess more series and titles and publish the Lexile measures on our websites.

We believe that the system has huge potential for all readers, parents and schools. It is particularly valuable for maintaining interest in reading over the school holidays, when children typically "drift" – Lexile measures help teachers and parents to select books at the right level and in line with children's own interests.

Choosing books for your child

Once your child has been tested at school and you know his or her Lexile level, you can find books at that level or slightly above in the Usborne online catalogue. For best reading progress, books at up to 50 points above your child's level are recommended.

• Search for books by Lexile measure in the Usborne online catalogue
• View a complete list of Usborne titles with lexile measures
  

Illustration from Help your child to read and write.

Services for teachers and schools.

Internet-linked books.

Choose an Usborne book for World Book Day.

The Usborne Reading Programme - over 250 books graded in seven levels.