SCBWI's Blueboard - A Message & Chat Board
Writing, Illustrating & Publishing => Book Talk => Topic started by: Vonna on December 30, 2014, 03:37 PM
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I'm looking for recommendations of recent titles for 9th-12th grade students. More than half of these kids are boys, and most read on a 3rd-7th grade level. All genres are welcome. Suggestions?
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Even though I can't suggest a specific title of a recent book, I feel the need to inquire......
What do the students "want" to read about?
One of my mantras (must be from my educator side) is that interest nearly always precedes and takes priority over need.
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All genres of fiction are welcome (nonfiction was covered by another grant). This library serves about 1500 teens. Their interests are greatly varied; everything from gritty graphic novels to paranormal romance.
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Thanks for clarifying, Vonna!
From what you now say, it sounds like you are using a grant to help populate a library with new books. What a wonderful gift for the kids! :stars3
Now I understand why the request was for all genres. I'll try to post when I think of appropriate titles.
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Thanks, koozoo! BTW, I am not in charge of this; I am inquiring on the behalf of the teachers at this school.
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I love all of Gene Leun Yang's graphic novels, like BOXERS & SAINTS and THE SHADOW HERO.
Also books in verse by Ellen Hopkins and Ron Koertge.
And David Lubar's short story collection EXTREMITIES.
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Thank you for starting the list!
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You can check out Saddleback's Gravel Road series. Most are written at a 3.0 ATOS:
http://www.sdlback.com/gravel-road/gravel-road
Orca Publishing also specializes in hi-lo for this age group.
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School Library Journal published an article a couple of years ago discussing hi-lo books and giving a listing of publishers of these books.
http://www.slj.com/2012/02/literacy/never-a-dull-moment-the-action-packed-world-of-hilo-books/#_
Tons of choices in all genres.
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Thanks, mghiggins and koozoo! I will check those out.
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Stone Arch books is a division of Capstone, which publishes hi-lo books for kids in grades K-9, so some of those titles might appeal to the younger end of your high school range. Here's a link to their titles: http://www.capstonepub.com/library/publisher/stone-arch-books/#/library/publisher/stone-arch-books/idev/ft_hardcover/
To narrow it down to readings levels of 3rd grade and higher, go to the Guided Reading search filter and choose levels N (3rd grade) and up.
For kids who read below a 3rd grade level, the Library of Doom series is also a popular one http://www.capstonepub.com/library/products/return-to-the-library-of-doom-complete-set-1/
...and so is the Dragonblood series: http://www.capstonepub.com/library/products/dragonblood-complete-set/
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Thanks, Natalie! The Dragonblood series might be a good fit.
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I'm glad, Vonna. In my K-6 school library, I make a big deal of telling my struggling 6th grade readers that these books are for kids in grades 5-9, and I would never recommend them to young children since they're too creepy for the younger set. This tends to add some swagger to their step when they walk over to the circulation desk to check them out. ;-)
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I really like the series by Roland Smith - Zach's Lie, Jack's Run etc... about a boy in witness protection. Very exciting. Written for MG but still interesting for HS students.
Candy Gourlay's Tall Story is about a family reconnecting after (visa immigration issues) and has a sports story line, natural disaster and magical realism. The reading level is MG and the plot is very exciting and fast paced.
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http://www.orcabook.com/client/client_pages/Orca_Soundings_Info.cfm
Orca has a series (dozens of titles) specifically for reluctant teen readers - they're short and speak to common teen issues/relationships, etc.
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Lorimer Kids publishes both fiction and nonfiction books for reluctant readers. They also have free on-line teacher guides to accompany their books. Their American distributor is Orca (already mentioned by mghiggins and jancoates).
:sled
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Thanks, Sue!
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I don't know about Hi Lo books - But for boys I'll suggest -
Percy Jackson (all 10 books)
Kane Chronicles
Ranger's Apprentice
Brotherland Chronicles
H.I.V.E. (Higher Institute of Villainous Education)
Cherub
Redwall
Wings of Fire
I Am Number Four
Maximum Ride
Artimis Foul
Beyonders
The Last Apprentice (Spook Series)
Far World
Adventurers Wanted
Books of Umber
Five Kingdoms
Seven Wonders
Boys generally like action and lots of it. Have fun picking books. :goldstar :yeah
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http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2015-quick-picks-reluctant-young-adult-readers
This YALSA list is a great resource for reluctant readers.
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One of my publishers, Amicus, does lots of high/lo nonfiction. Linda Bozzo did a great series on the military last year (Green Berets, etc.). I have a FREAKY NATURE series coming out this fall that includes animal zombies, vampires and the like. They are pretty low -- 3.0.
Good luck!
Kirsten
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I'm happy to help, Vonna!
It looks like you're getting lots of great suggestions!! :bookclub