The Fry Readability Graph was used to determine the validity of the publisher's recommended grade usage for four reading series at the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade levels. Three samples were analyzed from each text, and these results were compared with the publisher's stated grade levels. The majority of the basals investigated had an average readability level commensurate with the publisher's recommended grade level; but there were widespread variabilities in reading levels within each basal text. The research indicated the need for increasing teacher awareness of the variabilities found in basal readers. (A review of related research is included.) (Author/RL)