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

Children can have a different reading ability to their interest age for a variety of reasons, such as dyslexia or having English as an additional language (EAL). Here is a selection of fiction that will grip the reader, and that has simpler syntax and/​or an accessible layout.

Included in this list are books specifically for dyslexic readers, verse novels, and graphic novels.

  • Say No to the Dress

    by Keren David 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Coming-of-age

    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 Den

    by Keith Gray 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Coming-of-age
    • Dyslexia

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

  • The Humiliations of Welton Blake

    by Alex Wheatle 

    2020 9 to 12+ years 

    • Funny
    • Love and romance
    • Dyslexia

    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?

  • The Final Year

    by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    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.

  • The Terror of Hilltop House

    by Dan Smith, illustrated by Chris King 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Horror
    • Science fiction

    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.

  • The Mermaid in the Millpond

    by Lucy Strange, illustrated by Pam Smy 

    2022 9 to 12+ years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Historical

    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. 

  • Jodie

    by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Keith Robinson 

    2023 9 to 12+ years 

    • Ghost story
    • Behavioural/​emotional/​social
    • Dyslexia

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

  • Ravencave

    by Marcus Sedgwick 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Ghost story

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

  • The Crossover: Graphic Novel

    by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile 

    2020 9 to 12+ years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

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

  • Rebound

    by Kwame Alexander 

    2018 9 to 12+ years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Poetry and rhyme

    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.

  • Over the Line

    by Tom Palmer 

    2016 9 to 12+ years 

    • Around the world
    • Dyslexia

    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.

  • Sheets

    by Brenna Thummler 

    2018 9 to 12+ years 

    • Ghost story
    • Graphic novels

    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.

  • The Climbers

    by Keith Gray 

    2021 12+ years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Thriller

    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. 

  • Needle

    by Patrice Lawrence 

    2022 12+ years 

    • Coming-of-age

    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?

  • The Love Report

    illustrated by Maya 

    2023 9 to 12+ years 

    • Graphic novels
    • Love and romance

    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. 

  • The Sad Ghost Club

    by Lize Meddings 

    2021 12+ years 

    • Ghost story
    • Graphic novels

    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.

  • The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks

    by Katie Kirby 

    2021 12+ years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Diaries and journals
    • Funny

    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.

  • One

    by Sarah Crossan 

    2016 12+ years 

    • Poetry and rhyme

    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.

  • Pumpkin Heads

    by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks, illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks 

    2019 12+ years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels
    • Love and romance

    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. 

  • Just Breathe

    by Katharine Quarmby 

    2024 12+ years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Dyslexia

    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.