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

The Den

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.

You might also want to check out our list for dyslexic readers here.

  • Ravencave

    Author: Marcus Sedgwick

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

    Ravencave.jpg

  • Ravencave

    Author: Marcus Sedgwick

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

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

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  • The Final Year

    Author: Matt Goodfellow Illustrator: Joe Todd-Stanton

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 9+

    The Final Year

  • The Final Year

    Author: Matt Goodfellow Illustrator: Joe Todd-Stanton

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 9+

    When he falls out with his best friend and then his little brother is rushed into hospital, Nate’s world is turned upside-down. Th…

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  • Jodie

    Author: Hilary McKay Illustrator: Keith Robinson

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

    Jodie Hilary McKay

  • Jodie

    Author: Hilary McKay Illustrator: Keith Robinson

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

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

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  • Sheets

    Author: Brenna Thummler

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 10+

    Sheets

  • Sheets

    Author: Brenna Thummler

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 10+

    At just 13, Marjorie has to run the family launderette. When a plan emerges to turn it into a posh yoga retreat, unexpected h…

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  • The Den

    Author: Keith Gray

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

    The Den

  • The Den

    Author: Keith Gray

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

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

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  • Over the Line

    Author: Tom Palmer

    Interest level: 10+

    Reading age: 8+

    Over the Line

  • Over the Line

    Author: Tom Palmer

    Interest level: 10+

    Reading age: 8+

    Set during World War I, this book tells the compelling true story of the professional footballers who signed up to fight. It's sur…

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  • Say No to the Dress

    Author: Keren David

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

    Say No to the Dress cover

  • Say No to the Dress

    Author: Keren David

    Interest level: 9-11

    Reading age: 8+

    A refreshingly honest and very funny account of how one girl goes into battle with puberty but works out that a peace treaty is of…

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  • The Crossover: Graphic Novel

    Author: Kwame Alexander Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 9+

    The Crossover graphic novel book cover

  • The Crossover: Graphic Novel

    Author: Kwame Alexander Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 9+

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

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  • Rebound

    Author: Kwame Alexander

    Interest level: 10-12+

    Reading age: 10+

    Rebound

  • Rebound

    Author: Kwame Alexander

    Interest level: 10-12+

    Reading age: 10+

    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 in…

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  • One

    Author: Sarah Crossan

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 12+

    One

  • One

    Author: Sarah Crossan

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 12+

    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-wren…

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  • The Sad Ghost Club

    Author: Lize Meddings

    Interest level: 12-16

    Reading age: 12+

    The Sad Ghost Club

  • The Sad Ghost Club

    Author: Lize Meddings

    Interest level: 12-16

    Reading age: 12+

    A sad ghost wants to go to a party, but his social anxiety keeps holding him back. When he meets another anxious ghost, he realise…

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  • Pumpkin Heads

    Author: Rainbow Rowell Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks

    Interest level: 12-16

    Reading age: 10+

    Pumpkin Heads

  • Pumpkin Heads

    Author: Rainbow Rowell Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks

    Interest level: 12-16

    Reading age: 10+

    A story of friendship and romance told in a funny and inclusive graphic novel that celebrates the joy and diversity of Halloween t…

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  • The Climbers

    Author: Keith Gray

    Interest level: 12-15

    Reading age: 8+

    The Climbers

  • The Climbers

    Author: Keith Gray

    Interest level: 12-15

    Reading age: 8+

    This punchy and exciting thriller explores status, friendship and potentially deadly rivalry – and shows how saving face at a…

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  • Needle

    Author: Patrice Lawrence

    Interest level: 12-13

    Reading age: 8-9

    Needle cover

  • Needle

    Author: Patrice Lawrence

    Interest level: 12-13

    Reading age: 8-9

    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…

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  • The Love Report

    Author: BeKa Illustrator: Maya

    Interest level: 12-14

    Reading age: 9+

    The front cover of The Love Report

  • The Love Report

    Author: BeKa Illustrator: Maya

    Interest level: 12-14

    Reading age: 9+

    Lola and Grace try to unravel the mystery of romance by learning from couples at school – and by Lola getting her first boyfriend!…

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