Students in Grades 3 and up often struggle to read because they frequently encounter difficult words that they cannot decode. Code Reader uses an innovative system that makes text more accessible for struggling readers by providing decodable “phonetic keys” for challenging words throughout each book. The result is easier, more fluent reading, with increased comprehension.
Code Reader was developed with the help of specialists in phonics and reading instruction. They recognized that struggling readers in grades 3 to 7 would greatly benefit from books with decodable text that are also compelling to read. Code Reader offers high-interest subjects and rich, authentic text supported by a unique system of phonetic coding that makes the books much easier to decode and read than traditional chapter books. There are two series of Code Readers: Green Level for grades 3 to 6, and Blue Level for grades 4 to 7.
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Code Reader supports struggling readers by making text easier to decode and read.
It uses a research-based scope and sequence for decoding skills in order to identify
challenging words in a text and provide phonetic keys following the words.
Here are some examples, showing how phonetic keys are incorporated:
Code Reader Paperback Set Prices:
(Titles for this series can also be ordered individually.)
Complete Set of Code Reader books | (1 each of 24 titles): | $188.76 | (Set #: CX-24) | |
6-Pack Set of Code Reader books | (6 each of 24 titles): | $1,132.56 | (Set #: CX-144) | |
Sets by Level and Nonfiction/Fiction: | ||||
Green Level Nonfiction Code Reader for Gr. 3-6 | (1 each of 6 titles): | $47.94 | (Set #: CX-GR-NF-6) | |
Green Level Fiction Code Reader for Gr. 3-6 | (1 each of 6 titles): | $45.94 | (Set #: CX-GR-F-6) | |
Blue Level Nonfiction Code Reader for Gr. 4-7 | (1 each of 6 titles): | $47.94 | (Set #: CX-BL-NF-6) | |
Blue Level Fiction Code Reader for Gr. 4-7 | (1 each of 6 titles): | $46.94 | (Set #: CX-BL-F-6) |
Book Specifications: Trim Size: 6” x 8.5”; most books full color; page counts from 48 pages to 152 pages
If a title in a set is out of stock, we may send available titles at a proportionally reduced cost.
Order Code Reader before it sells out. It will ship to you starting March, 2025.
The research-based Code Reader system of phonetic coding not only increases fluency and ease in reading, it also increases vocabulary and comprehension. By providing phonetic support, Code Reader allows students to read many words that are in their speaking vocabulary but that they cannot normally read. This increases their reading vocabulary and makes it more likely they will be able to read the word in other contexts.
Since the Code Reader system allows students to read more of the words in the book, they will better understand the text, which will increase their comprehension! All nonfiction Code Reader books also include glossaries and definitions in context to help support vocabulary development and comprehension.
The Code Reader books are also great for family engagement. Parents can support students to use the phonetic keys to read difficult words out loud, and then help to connect the pronunciations with the written words. To download parent/teacher handouts on Using Code Reader Books with Your Students, go to: CodeReader.org/handout
To see samples of the books, go to CodeReader.org/sample
To view a scope and sequence for each level, including phonics skills and high-frequency words, as well as a full list of phonetic keys used in the books, go to CodeReader.org/scope