High/Low Books for Middle School and High School Kids

Hi-lo (high-interest, low readability) books are designed to engage struggling readers by exploring complex, age-appropriate themes at a lower reading level. They typically feature simple sentences, controlled vocabulary, lower page counts, and short chapters.

Updated November 6, 2024
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All that's left to say /
Lord, Emery.
Paper Book
A poignant and powerful story of a grieving girl willing to risk everything, perfect for fans of Robin Benway and Jandy Nelson. On prom night, Hannah MacLaren sits in the headmaster's office in her fanciest dress, soaked to the bone. She is in huge trouble after pulling the...
Everything, everything
Yoon, Nicola
Paper Book
Risk everything for love with this #1 New York Times bestseller from Nicola Yoon * "Gorgeous and lyrical"--The New York Times Book Review What if you couldn't touch anything in the outside world? Never breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun warm your face . . . or...
Eyes open /
Miller-Lachmann, Lyn,
Paper Book
Portugal, 1967. Sónia thinks she knows what her future holds. She'll become a poet, and together she and her artist boyfriend, Zé Miguel, will rise above the government restrictions that shape their lives. The restrictions on what Sónia can do and where she can go without a man's permission. The...
Lux : the new girl
Woodfolk, Ashley
Paper Book
Meet the Flyy Girls. The group of girls who seem like they can get away with anything. Veteran author Ashley Woodfolk pens a gorgeous and dynamic series of four Harlem highschoolers, each facing a crossroads of friendship, family, and love. Lux Lawson is on a spree. Ever since...
Superman smashes the Klan
Yang, Gene Luen.
Paper Book
Harvey Award winner for Best Children or Young Adult Book! The year is 1946. Teenagers Roberta and Tommy Lee just moved with their parents from Chinatown to the center of Metropolis, home to the famous hero, Superman. Tommy makes friends quickly, while Roberta pines for home....

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