Developed as part of the America Reads Challenge, this booklet helps family and community members to identify "checkpoints"--what most children can do in reading and writing by developmental periods and what most children can read, by grade level. The checkpoints are grouped largely by three-year developmental periods because children of the same age and grade often grow and learn at different rates. Examples of reading levels by grade and suggestions on how families and communities can help read and write are provided within each developmental period. Sections of the booklet present checkpoints for children from birth to 36 months; children three and four years of age; kindergarten students; third-grade students; sixth-grade students; ninth-grade students; and twelfth-grade students. A list of books to read at various developmental levels and text passages children at various ages should be able to read and understand are included. Contains a list of seven America Reads Challenge materials and addresses of 18 public and private organizations that are sources of literacy information. (RS)