Free Printable Reading Log for Kids
Help your child develop a love of reading with this free printable reading log. Kids can track the date, book title, author, pages read, and give each book a star rating from 1 to 5. There is space for 15 books plus a monthly reading goal at the top. Print a fresh copy each month to build a record of your child's reading journey throughout the year.
| Date | Book Title | Author | Pages | My Rating |
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| Date | Book Title | Author | Pages | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☆☆☆☆☆ | ||||
| ☆☆☆☆☆ | ||||
| ☆☆☆☆☆ | ||||
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| ☆☆☆☆☆ | ||||
| ☆☆☆☆☆ | ||||
| ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Why Reading Logs Help Kids Read More
A reading log does something deceptively simple: it makes reading visible. When children can physically see a growing list of books they have read, it creates a powerful sense of accomplishment that motivates them to keep going. A study from the National Reading Panel found that children who tracked their reading consistently read an average of 40% more books over a school year compared to children who did not track.
The star rating column adds an element of critical thinking that goes beyond simple tracking. When a child decides whether a book deserves three stars or five, they are evaluating what they read, forming opinions, and developing the analytical skills that support stronger reading comprehension later on. Over time, patterns emerge — your child might discover they consistently rate adventure books highly, which helps guide future book choices.
How to Use This Reading Log Effectively
Start by filling in the name field and setting a monthly reading goal together with your child. For early readers (ages 5-7), a goal of 4-8 books per month is realistic. For chapter book readers (ages 7-10), 2-4 books per month is a solid target. The goal should be challenging but achievable — hitting the goal builds confidence, while setting it too high creates frustration.
Make filling out the log part of your daily routine. Right after finishing a book (or a reading session, for longer books), have your child write the details and color in the star rating. Keeping the log next to their bed or reading spot serves as a visual reminder. At the end of each month, review the completed log together and celebrate the accomplishment before starting a fresh printout for the next month.
Building a Year-Long Reading Portfolio
Save completed monthly reading logs in a folder or binder to create a year-long reading portfolio. By December, your child will have a tangible record of every book they read throughout the year. This portfolio serves multiple purposes: it shows growth over time, provides a handy reference for book recommendations to friends, and gives children a concrete sense of achievement when they see the stack of completed logs. Many parents share these portfolios at parent-teacher conferences as evidence of their child's reading habits at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my child to use a reading log?
Make the reading log a positive part of your daily routine rather than a chore. Let your child fill it out themselves — writing the title and coloring in stars feels rewarding, not like homework. Set a realistic monthly goal together and celebrate when they hit it with a small reward like choosing the next family movie or picking a new book at the library. Keep the log in a visible spot like on the refrigerator or next to their bed. The key is to frame the log as a fun way to remember and celebrate all the amazing books they have read, not as an obligation.
What age is a reading log appropriate for?
Reading logs work well for children ages 5 through 12. Younger children (ages 5-7) can log books that are read aloud to them, with a parent helping to fill in the author and page count. Independent readers ages 7 and up can fill out the log entirely on their own. For very young children who are just beginning to recognize letters, you can simplify the log by just having them draw a picture of their favorite part of each book alongside the title. Older students in middle school often transition to digital reading logs or journal-style entries.
How many books should a child read per month?
Reading goals depend on age, reading level, and the type of books being read. For early readers (ages 5-7) reading picture books, 4-8 books per month is a reasonable target. For developing readers (ages 7-9) working through early chapter books, aim for 2-4 books per month. For fluent readers (ages 9-12) reading full-length novels, 1-3 books per month keeps them progressing steadily. The most important thing is consistency. Reading 15-20 minutes every single day is more valuable than marathon reading sessions once a week. Let your child help set their own goal to build a sense of ownership and internal motivation.