Books for a high interest age, low reading ability (high low), for 10+

A refreshingly honest and very funny account of how one girl goes into battle with puberty but works out that a peace treaty is often the best way to resolve conflict. A super-readable format makes the story accessible to a wide range of reading abilities.

The story of teenage boys navigating friendship and family in summer holidays. 

Welton Blake’s life goes from brilliant (Carmella’s agreed to go out with him – YES!) to dreadful (broken phone, school bullies, and a really embarrassing dad) in the blink of an eye. How much humiliation can one kid take?

When he falls out with his best friend and then his little brother is rushed into hospital, Nate’s world is turned upside-down. This incredibly powerful novel, written entirely in free verse and accompanied by thoughtful illustrations, is an emotional read.

When something sinister escapes from Hilltop House scientific research centre, best friends Pete, Krish and Nancy must stop it before it reaches the village and destroys everything in its path.

A short, engrossing, historical mystery tinged with fantasy elements that has a surprising amount of tense action and emotional heft. Presented in a super-readable format. 

A ghost story that creeps up on you slowly and says a lot about humanity and kindness. Especially suitable for reluctant readers.

A tense, accessible ghost story that also exposes harsh truths about social injustice.

Dynamically-illustrated graphic novel version of a bestselling, award-winning story of twin basketball players and their coming-of-age. 

It’s 1988 and Charlie Bell is 12 and going through the hardest time in his life. But while staying with his grandparents, he is introduced to basketball and jazz – and everything changes. Rebound is funny, moving and almost impossible not to read in one sitting.

Set during World War I, this book tells the compelling true story of the professional footballers who signed up to fight. It’s sure to enthral readers and pique their interest in the period.

At just 13, Marjorie has to run the family launderette. When a plan emerges to turn it into a posh yoga retreat, unexpected help comes from some sheet-wearing ghosts. A beautiful, modern, clever and funny graphic novel about bereavement and family.

This punchy and exciting thriller explores status, friendship and potentially deadly rivalry – and shows how saving face at all costs isn’t necessarily the best strategy. 

How come, if there’s any kind of ​‘incident’ at school, at home, at the shopping centre, it’s always the Black kid in care who gets the blame?

Lola and Grace try to unravel the mystery of romance by learning from couples at school – and by Lola getting her first boyfriend! A sweet graphic novel that gently points out the pitfalls of forgetting your friends to focus on love, and of focusing on appearances. 

A sad ghost wants to go to a party, but his social anxiety keeps holding him back. When he meets another anxious ghost, he realises he’s not alone. A charming graphic novel for older readers about depression, friendship, and finding a kindred spirit.

Lottie Brooks is just starting secondary school and she’s just about ready to die of embarrassment – she hasn’t got a bra, her hair is totally wrong, and the whole class has started calling her Cucumber Girl. Just how cringe can one year be? A hilarious tween diary from Katie Kirby.

This is a book that goes straight into your heart and once it is there, won’t leave. One is a brilliant, beautiful, and heart-wrenching novel that is not to be missed.

A story of friendship and romance told in a funny and inclusive graphic novel that celebrates the joy and diversity of Halloween traditions in the USA. 

Sam’s dad is in hospital and now Sam is in a new city, new school and a new foster home. A short, dyslexia-friendly story for teenagers with hard-hitting themes, dealt with in a sensitive way.