[Vonna Posts: 1,766 Status: Offline WWW]

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?

[koozoo Posts: 84 Status: Offline Writing=Breathing! WWW]

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.

[Vonna Posts: 1,766 Status: Offline WWW]

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.

[koozoo Posts: 84 Status: Offline Writing=Breathing! WWW]

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! 

Now I understand why the request was for all genres. I'll try to post when I think of appropriate titles.

[Vonna Posts: 1,766 Status: Offline WWW]

Thanks, koozoo! BTW, I am not in charge of this; I am inquiring on the behalf of the teachers at this school.

[dinalapomy101 Posts: 1,822 Status: Offline Happy writing to all! WWW]

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.

[Vonna Posts: 1,766 Status: Offline WWW]

Thank you for starting the list!

[mghiggins Posts: 258 Status: Offline WWW]

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.

[koozoo Posts: 84 Status: Offline Writing=Breathing! WWW]

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.

[Vonna Posts: 1,766 Status: Offline WWW]

Thanks, mghiggins and koozoo! I will check those out.

[Natalie Posts: 749 Status: Offline Flying the Dragon, Charlesbridge 2012 WWW]

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/

 

[Vonna Posts: 1,766 Status: Offline WWW]

Thanks, Natalie! The Dragonblood series might be a good fit.

[Natalie Posts: 749 Status: Offline Flying the Dragon, Charlesbridge 2012 WWW]

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. ;-)

[angela Posts: 491 Status: Offline WWW]

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. 

[jancoates Posts: 128 Status: Offline Obsession? What obsession? WWW]

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.

[Sue Irwin Posts: 63 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

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).
 

[Vonna Posts: 1,766 Status: Offline WWW]

Thanks, Sue!

[jlstovall Posts: 79 Status: Offline 100% Action Packed Middle Grade WWW]

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.   

[jancoates Posts: 128 Status: Offline Obsession? What obsession? WWW]

http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2015-quick-picks-reluctant-young-adult-readers

This YALSA list is a great resource for reluctant readers.

[kwlarson Posts: 175 Status: Offline Books for curious kids WWW]

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

[Sue Irwin Posts: 63 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

I'm happy to help, Vonna!

It looks like you're getting lots of great suggestions!!