Add a book

If you’ve discovered a book that you think works for adult literacy learners and should be on First Choice Books - let us know about it!

What types of books are we looking for?
Mainstream books with a readability level between 9 – 14 (Entry Level 3 – Level 2), that are less than 200 pages.

What do we mean by mainstream books?
We mean fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novel or short story titles that:

  • Don’t have levels on them or comprehension exercises at the back
  • Have an attractive cover, are well laid out and have a clear, legible typeface
  • Whose content will engage and interest an adult literacy learner and hook them in from the start
  • Books that are: by popular high profile authors, link to popular culture; are TV/film tie-ins or linked to key events (in life, in calendar)

The titles on First Choice Books have been selected not only because the language and layout used makes them accessible for adult literacy learners but also because they are attractive and motivating. To do this we use criteria developed by The Vital Link.

To find out more about the Vital Link criteria and assessing a book click here.

What do I need to do to submit a book?

  1. Check on First Choice Books to make sure that your book hasn’t already been submitted.
  2. Read through how to assess a book here.
  3. Get together the following information: title, author, publisher, ISBN, what format it is (book, audio, large print) and a short description.
  4. Check that it has 200 or less pages. If it is a lot more than 200 pages then it won’t be suitable.
  5. Do a SMOG readability test on your book – this is essential as we’re looking for titles that are between 9 – 14 readability levels. If your book is higher (or lower) than this then it won’t be suitable for First Choice Books. 9 – 10 readability = Entry Level 3; 11 – 12 readability = Level 1; 13 – 14 readability = Level 2.

    To find out how to do SMOG click here.

  6. Complete the rest of the criteria.

We also ask for your name and email address so we can get in touch with you if we have any queries about the book you are submitting.

Once you’ve submitted your title The Vital Link team check to see if it is ok to go on to the First Choice Books database.

Add your book here.

If you have any queries contact us.