Curriculum Content

Titles for Reluctant and Struggling Readers

How do you encourage your reluctant or struggling readers to read more and improve their reading skills? Give them books that:


YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers: Fiction

Order#:
1037404
Titles:
45

Created by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), this grouping of fiction titles represents some of the best new books for reluctant and struggling readers.

YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers: Nonfiction

Order#:
1031142
Titles:
28

Created by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), this grouping of nonfiction titles represents some of the best new books for reluctant and struggling readers.

Bluford Series

Order#:
1011898
Publisher:
Scholastic
Titles:
15

Set in contemporary, urban America, this highly relevant fiction series deals with real issues faced by students in today's world, and African-American characters that handle challenges in a positive way. Action-packed and true-to-life, these books are sure to engage readers time and time again!

Orca Soundings

Order#:
1037665
Publisher:
Orca
Titles:
71

With contemporary themes and exciting stories, the Orca Soundings for reluctant teen readers are books that teens want to read.

RPM

Order#:
1026542
Publisher:
Capstone
Titles:
4

Car fanatics get revved up with these turbo-charged books. Each comprehensive guide to popular vehicles is loaded with details, amazing photos, and the latest stats. From dragsters to monster trucks, there is something for every automotive enthusiast!

Complicated Life of Claudia Cristina Cortez

Order#:
1029216
Publisher:
Stone Arch Books
Titles:
18

Just like every other thirteen-year-old girl, Claudia Cristina Cortez has a complicated life. These honest, humorous, and hopeful stories, told by Claudia herself, give readers a glimpse into the life of a regular 21st-century girl. Whether she's studying for the big Quiz Show, babysitting her little neighbor, Nick, avoiding mean Jenny Pinsky, planning the seventh-grade dance, or trying desperately to pass the swimming test at camp, Claudia goes through her complicated life with confidence, cleverness, and a serious dash of cool.

David Mortimore Baxter

Order#:
1014991
Publisher:
Stone Arch Books
Titles:
14

David is a great kid, but he has one big problem—he can't stop talking. These wildly humorous stories, told by David himself, will show readers just how much trouble a boy and his mouth can get into. David is amiable, engaging, cool, and smart enough to realize that growing up is the biggest adventure of all.

Inspiring Lives

Order#:
1029913
Publisher:
Gareth Stevens
Titles:
12

Famous people are often thought to be fortunate. However, we usually see only their success and not the path they took to achieve it. The people featured in this invaluable series have overcome obstacles and hardships to fulfill their dreams. All have shown great determination in cultivating their talents and skills. The accessible text and vibrant photographs offer a glimpse into the lives of these truly talented and inspirational celebrities, both in and out of the spotlight. Each book features a timeline to highlight important moments in each star's life.

Superstars of NASCAR

Order#:
1031567
Publisher:
Gareth Stevens
Titles:
8

This thrilling series gives readers a glimpse into the exciting lives of today's hottest race car drivers. These high-interest biographies introduce readers to some of NASCAR's most famous drivers, like Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, and Juan Pablo Montoya. Fans of NASCAR will learn how these superstars of the racetrack began their careers and read about their impressive accomplishments behind the wheel. Vivid photographs bring racing fans right up close to the exhilarating tracks of NASCAR.

Choices

Order#:
1001516
Publisher:
Saddleback
Titles:
5

These high-interest novels feature characters in situations encountered by real-life teens every day. The student body of Dawson High study hard, date, root for the home team, hold down part-time jobs, succeed and fail, just like most American teenagers. Characters are faced with tough choices—and must decide and react based on their principles. However, choices are complicated and learning to do the right thing is almost never easy.

DC Super Heroes: Batman

Order#:
1032104
Publisher:
Stone Arch Books
Titles:
20

It's the newest, coolest offering from Stone Arch Books—DC Super Hero chapter books, featuring the world's greatest superheroes. Batman, the Dark Knight, prowls the shadowy streets of Gotham City with his partner, Robin the Boy Wonder, putting fear into the hearts of the bad guys. These new stories, with original art by DC illustrators, will captivate young readers and give them glowing examples of bravery, loyalty, and true heroism.

DC Super Heroes: Superman

Order#:
1032102
Publisher:
Stone Arch Books
Titles:
20

It's the newest, coolest offering from Stone Arch Books—DC Super Hero chapter books, featuring the world's greatest superheroes. Superman, the Man of Steel, defeats aliens and super villains, and rescues Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. These new stories, with original art by DC illustrators, will captivate young readers and give them glowing examples of bravery, loyalty, and true heroism.

DC Super Heroes: Wonder Woman

Order#:
1032103
Publisher:
Stone Arch Books
Titles:
36

It's the newest, coolest offering from Stone Arch Books—DC Super Hero chapter books, featuring the world's greatest superheroes. Wonder Woman, the Amazon Princess, battles for peace and justice around the globe. With her amazing strength and intelligence, and armed with the Lasso of Truth and bulletproof silver bracelets, this fearless champion is the world's greatest female super hero. These new stories, with original art by DC illustrators, will captivate young readers and give them glowing examples of bravery, loyalty, and true heroism.

Graphic Forensic Science

Order#:
1002585
Publisher:
Rosen
Titles:
6

From early forensic mystery programs like Quincy, M.E. to today's incredibly popular CSI franchise, we're fascinated by the science of investigating and solving crime. This engrossing series captures the thrills and intrigue of forensic science through the popular and accessible graphic novel format. Each of these exciting books presents three real-life cases that highlight a given specialty. Readers will walk in the shoes of some crime-solving professionals including pathologists, forensic anthropologists, and profilers. Additional content includes historical and scientific background on the featured discipline, as well as gripping photographs and detailed annotated diagrams.

Graphic Shakespeare

Order#:
1032087
Publisher:
Magic Wagon
Titles:
8

The works of William Shakespeare come alive in these stunning graphic novels. These adaptations with the original Shakespearean dialog will capture the attention of reluctant readers, make great supplements to traditional sources, and help readers imagine the action like never before. Includes Shakespeare biography and brief history of the play.

Illustrated Classics

Order#:
1028023
Publisher:
Saddleback
Titles:
33

This series features classic tales retold with attractive color illustrations. Introduce well-known literature to reluctant readers and motivate struggling readers with these books!

Rock Band

Order#:
1026612
Publisher:
ABDO
Titles:
8

The guitar. The drums. The roaring rock power chords. Who hasn't dreamed of someday starting their own rock band? This series of books, written by frontman Scott Witmer of the indie group Light Sweet Crude, gives readers all the tools they need to start a successful band. From choosing the right instruments and recording equipment, to songwriting and marketing, these books are a treasure-trove of insider knowledge. Also covered are proven strategies for finding gigs to play, getting along with bandmates, and how to put on a show audiences will never forget.

SideStreets

Order#:
1037664
Publisher:
Orca Books
Titles:
19

SideStreets are exciting, high-interest novels with topics teens want to read about, written expressly for teens reading below grade level.

Solve it with Science

Order#:
1026258
Publisher:
Black Rabbit Books
Titles:
6

Taking a scientific approach to true crime, this series examines how forensic evidence clinched real cases. Readers learn how advances in science, technology, and investigations are changing the routines of police and detective work. From career advice to how science solves real cases, these books offer a compelling high-interest opportunity for real science learning.

Think Green

Order#:
1002026
Publisher:
Saddleback
Titles:
5

We know it can be overwhelming to go green. This series is designed to inform and help readers make better decisions. Each title methodically explains the tough problems faced on our small planet and offers simple solutions that can make a tremendous impact. Often-confusing and technical vocabulary is clearly defined. Colorful photographs and interesting sidebars create multiple access points for struggling readers.