Lexile™ measures and Usborne books

What is the Lexile system?

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.

We have assessed over 1200 Usborne books which can be independently read by readers at all levels. We will continue to assess more and publish the Lexile measures here on our website.

Lexile measures around the world

The Lexile system of assessing reader and book levels has been used for over 35 years, initially in the US and increasingly around the world wherever children are reading in English. Children are most often assessed at school, receiving their results as a measure (a number followed by the letter 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 400L relatively easy to read, and books at level 550L a little more challenging but still accessible.

Choosing books for your child

For the best reading progress, books from 100 points below to 50 points above your child's level are recommended.

If your child’s school does not assess for Lexile levels, try finding the Lexile measures for one or two books that your child has read recently, and has enjoyed but not found too easy or too challenging. You can download lists of all Usborne Lexiled books using the links on this page, or find other measures using the Quick Book Search on the Lexile Framework website.