Here are some tips and tricks for determining if a book is at your reading level, too easy, or too hard. Keep these in mind when choosing your independent reading book.
1. Look at the cover
2. Read the title and author
3. Read the "blurb" on the back or inside cover of the book- does it interest you?
4. Read the first page
5. Use the five finger rule
FIVE FINGER RULE
While reading the first page of a book keep track on one hand how many difficult words you come across. Or, read the page aloud to a parent and have them keep track for you.
0-1 fingers: too easy
2-3 fingers: just right!
4-5 fingers: might be too hard
Parent Link- Five finger rule