If you are looking for great books for the reluctant reader in your life, hi-lo books are a great place to turn. Hi-lo books are books written with reluctant readers in mind -- they are super high-interest, age relevant, and accessible even for struggling readers. I love hi-lo books because they tend to be slim books and the pages are designed with lots of white space -- that low page count is great for increasing confidence, especially for readers who are used to feeling slow.
Here are my pick for five fave hi/lo books for tweens!
By Emma Carlson Berne
North Mankato, MN: Stone Arch Books, 2019. Fiction.
Everyone is excited for three new dolphins to arrive at the Seaside Sanctuary Marine Wildlife Refuge. The dolphins are going to live in the new wild pen -- which is supposed to be healthier for marine animals. But when the dolphins start getting sick and no one can explain why, it is up to Elsa Roth to put follow the clues and save the dolphins before it is too late! This compelling title is part of a series of courageous kids helping to save wild animals at the sanctuary. Kids who dream of becoming marine biologists will love these easy-to-read books.
By Carl Bowen
North Mankato, MN: Stone Arch Books, 2013. Fiction.
This high-octane adventure follows Lieutenant Commander Ryan Cross and his special ops force called the Shadow Squadron in their first mission. The squadron, who have roots in every branch of the military, have just finished their training when they learn they are being sent to rescue civilians who have been kidnapped at sea by pirates. Readers who are interested in military operations will love this book and how it closely follows the actions. This is a great read for older tweens who are looking for an action series to hold their interest.
By Melanie McFarlane
Victoria, BC: Orca Currents, 2021. Fiction.
12-year-old Macy loves hunting for treasure along the shores of the lake near her home. After her park ranger mother announces that the family will be relocating to a big city where she can be a police office, Macy decides that she needs to discover a treasure big enough to keep her family in Buffalo Pound. Macy never expects to find a real-life mermaid being held captive in the remote lake by a creature called "The Beast." Macy's mission changes direction when she decides the most important thing is helping the mermaid. I probably don't need to explain the appeal of a book about discovering a mermaid in an unexpected place, and this fantasy adventure sings its own praises.
By Marty Chan
Victoria, BC: Orca Currents, 2022. Fiction.
Jennifer Mah was born with telekinetic abilities and has spent most of her life running from evil scientists who promised her a cure but are more interested in experimenting on her. When one of those scientists catches up to Jennifer and takes her father, it falls on Jennifer and her best friend Noah to save his life -- which means Jennifer needs to use her powers she has tried to keep buried. Though the main characters in this book are a little older, the book is definitely written for middle-grade readers with a soft spot for science fiction.
By Michael Dahl
North Mankato, MN: Stone Arch Books, 2013. Fiction.
Andy is the new kid in school and he has a big secret -- one that has to do with the tattoos on his arms. Even for a new kid, he's pretty strange. And why does he have a tattoo of a girl that looks exactly like the most popular girl in school? Later, when Andy comes across a group of boys beating up a fellow student he shifts into his dragon form to protect the student, but later finds out that there is more going on than he assumed. A short and very readable story about a kid with a mysterious secret -- fantasy fans will like this one.
Comments