A series of magnet trade books were analyzed against a validated list of magnet concepts (Barrow, 1990a) and their Flesch (1974) Readability was determined. These trade books were used to supplement a second grade unit on magnetism locally constructed from AIM's "Mostly Magnets" (1991). All trade books accurately described how like and unlike poles behave and operation of a compass. Considerable variation in readability was noted. Suggestions are provided on appropriate use of trade books of varying concepts and readability. (Contains 4 tables.)