The five finger test

This little test will show you whether a book is a good one for your project!

1. Read one page anywhere in the book (or on a website). If you find a word you don't recognize, hold up one thumb.

THUMBS UP! If you still have only one thumb raised at the end of the page, this book will probably be easy for you to understand.

2. If you find a second word that you don't understand, hold up your thumb and first finger.

Two fingers make an "L" to signify learning. You might have to stretch your mind a bit, but the book is probably a good resource.

3. If you find a third word you don't understand, hold up the next finger, too.

This book might be hard to read, or you'llhave to ask for help. You might want to find a reading partner.

4. If you find a fourth word, hold up the next finger in line, as shown.

Warning! This book will probably be too much of a struggle to help you in your current project.

5. If there's a fifth word, open your hand fully. This is a warning for you to stop for now. The book isn't appropriate.

You can always read the book later after you've learned a little more about your subject.