Looking to engage struggling and reluctant teen readers? Provide gripping, action-filled stories written at a lower reading level to support striving readers. Take a look at these new and exciting high/low books that readers will reach for again and again:
Sinkhole Series
Ever since the first sinkhole appeared in Foggy Creek, Texas, weird things have been happening. Unexplained phenomena—power surges, a purple mist, a glowing coin—seem to precipitate strange behaviors in this creepy, paranormal series, sure to hook reluctant and striving readers:
Cursed
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 12
- Reading Level: Grade 4
Eli Hancock is all about facts and scoffs at his friend Freddy’s superstitions. But after the pair find a gold coin in a sinkhole at Broken Brand Ranch and good things start happening to Eli, he thinks it might be lucky. He returns to the ranch and takes an old pocket watch. What’s a little more luck? Then, the coin begins to glow and his dreams turn haunted. Are the coin and pocket watch he found actually cursed?
Strange Visions
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 12
- Reading Level: Grade 4
Dale Porter is working hard to get into college, but her studies are interrupted when series of strange sinkholes open in Foggy Creek. Her dog and other local animals come down an illness that seems other-worldly. Soon the town is swarming with military forces and international experts investigating the holes and their affects. Meanwhile, Dale starts losing her grip on reality. Are there aliens behind all this? Can Dale save herself, her family, and maybe her entire town?
Trapped
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 12
- Reading Level: Grade 4
Mario is a star running back for Foggy Creek High. But when his classroom performance falls short, he risks missing the biggest game of the year. This problem is weighing on him when he runs headlong into a sinkhole, and he finds himself trapped. Chaos erupts in Foggy Creek as they search for the missing teen. Will Mario make his way out of the pit and back to the most important game of his high school career?
Infestation
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 12
- Reading Level: Grade 4
It was supposed to be a year to remember for seniors Sofia Schultz and Carmen Hernandez. But when weird things start happening around Foggy Creek, they quickly realize that it will be a memorable year—if they survive! Strange power surges, a missing cat, spooked horses, and mysterious tracks lead the friends to eerie sinkholes. There, they find giant tarantulas that will feed on everything they can get their hairy legs on. Can Sofia and Carmen stop the mutant creatures?
Innocent Blood
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 12
- Reading Level: Grade 4
Life has been tough since Rosa Vieja’s dad went missing. On top of the rumors that her dad walked out, the sophomore is haunted by a strange voice coming from the mist. The voice becomes more persistent after a classmate—the football team’s wide receiver and Rosa’s not-so-secret crush—disappears. She finds herself drawn toward the mysterious voice. Does the voice have anything to do with the nearby sinkholes? What does it mean when it says “innocent blood,” and what will make it stop?
Psychic Science
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 12
- Reading Level: Grade 4
Anna and Caleb have been friends since kindergarten, but their beliefs have pushed them apart. Anna is president of the science club and focused on getting into the best college. Caleb is fascinated by the supernatural and stretches the truth to get more views on social media. When a purple mist emerges near Foggy Creek’s sinkhole, people and animals start acting like zombies. Can Anna and Caleb put aside their differences to save Foggy Creek before it’s too late?
Dangerous Jobs (UpDog Books ™)
Go to work with people who risk their lives every day to do what they love in this engaging series.
Underwater Construction Workers
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 1
If you think construction workers have a tough job, try doing it underwater. These professionals stay underwater for hours to build bridges and buildings beneath the surface. Dive in to explore the history of underwater construction workers, the tools they use, and the dangers they face every day.
Stunt Performers
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 1
Stunt performers climb buildings, jump from airplanes, and take other thrilling risks to make movie magic. Readers will learn about the dangers stunt performers face, the training and gear that keeps them safe, as well as the history behind the profession.
Ice Road Truckers
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 1
Without ice road truckers, people in the coldest regions of the world wouldn’t be able to survive. These trucks bring the food, fuel, and other necessary supplies to very isolated communities. Learn about brave journeys across frozen roads, and see how truckers stay safe to deliver the goods.
Smoke Jumpers
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 1
Smoke jumpers jump out of aircraft to fight wildfires in remote locations. They work as a team to keep people safe. Learn about their gear, their techniques, and the dangers these firefighting heroes face.
Fighter Pilots
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 1
Take flight with the pilots who keep both the skies and land safe. Young readers will explore their careers, the thrilling technology they use, and the dangers fighter pilots face every day. Detailed diagrams and colorful photographs will engage readers with the text.
Race Car Drivers
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 1
Life in the fast lane is a typical day’s work for race car drivers. Discover the history of racing, the dangers drivers face, and the ways they stay safe on the track. Keep reading with fascinating diagrams and new vocabulary!
