Finding Age-Appropriate Words When Writing for Children

Updated February 22, 2026

Writing in general can be a tough business; writing for children is even tougher, with its own unique rules and processes. One of those rules is to use age-appropriate words.

How this differs from writing in general is that the children’s writing arena is divided into specific age groups.

There are board books, picture books, and rebus stories for the very young child. The storyline and text are simple; they need to tell a story with basic conflict and action. At the same time, they need to be written with a young child’s comprehension in mind.

Next comes early readers. Again, the words used and plot are relatively simple to help the child learn to read.

The next category is chapter books. Here, the plot and words grow just like the child has. The story can be more involved, holding the child’s attention with mild mystery, suspense, and fantasy.

Then it’s on to middle grade. At this point, the child has grown and has greater comprehension and vocabulary, so should the stories should be adapted for them. The plot and conflict can be more complex than those in the earlier chapter books.

Finally, it’s on to young adult. This category’s stories can be sophisticated and involved enough to attract adult readership. But it should still be written, avoiding hardcore subject matter. While it can deal with just about any topic, it should, as mentioned, avoid explicit adult content.  Writing for adults is simpler; the writer usually writes with the vocabulary she is used to.

The question is: How does a writer know which words are specific to a particular age group?

Unless you are an experienced writer and have become very familiar with the vocabulary of different age groups, you will need help in this area.

Three Sources/Tools for Finding Age-Appropriate Words

1. A source that I’ve found very useful is Children’s Writers Word Book, 2nd Edition, by Alijandra Mogilner and Tayopa Mogilner. It lists specific words that are introduced at seven key reading levels (kindergarten through sixth grade). It provides a thesaurus of those words with synonyms, annotated with reading levels. In addition, it offers detailed guidelines on sentence length, word choice, and themes for each reading level. I find it a valuable tool in my writing toolbelt.

2. Another great source ishttp://www.readabilityformulas.com/free-dale-chall-test.php, which utilizes Spache and Dale formulas. This is an amazing site that lets you enter 200 words, choose a readability formula (the grade level you are writing for), and click to get the results. The program OKAPI (an internet application for creating curriculum-based assessment reading probes) will return a readability analysis of your text, indicating the grade level for which the content is appropriate.

3. Next is http://bogglesworldesl.com/dolch/lists.htm. This site provides Dolch Sight Words Printable Lists for each grade level. The lists are limited, but they do give a good indication of appropriate words for the particular age group you are writing for.

All three of these resources are useful in finding just the right words for the children’s writer. There are also other books and sites available to help you find age-appropriate words for your children’s book; just do a search.

MORE ON WRITING FOR CHILDREN

10 Rules for Writing Children’s Stories
Is Your Manuscript Ready for Submission?
Submitting Manuscript Queries – Be Specific and Professional

I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter/editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into story you’ll be proud to be the author of.

OTHER HELP I OFFER:

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A 200+ book that will help you write your own children’s book.

FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4, 8, or 12 Weeks / 9 Sections / Instructor Guided Self-Study Program

WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors (picture books and chapter books)

You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.