Older struggling readers can be in a tough spot: They want to be stronger readers, and they want to read what their classmates are reading (after all, it's fun to be able to contribute to conversations about the latest book in a popular series!).
That's why it's imperative that your child has strong, rich reading material to help build their skills and give them the drive to want to read more. A sixth grader reading at a second-grade level will not want to be seen carrying around a "baby book," even if it's the only thing they can easily read.
Struggling older readers need high-interest texts. They need well-written, engaging books on topics that are cool, hip, and relevant, but also books that they can read with relative ease. These types of books are often referred to as "hi-lo" — or high-interest, low-level reads.
Here are great titles that fit the bill, and that your growing middle school reader will love.
Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland
Between its super-relatable dragonets to its core-shaking phrophecies and raging wars among dragon tribes, this series is on fire and a major trend in kids' literature right now. New books in the series include Wings of Fire #13: The Poison Jungle and the Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #3: The Hidden Kingdom.
I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis
This series follows fictional characters as they experience real disasters and historical events. The first book is about the sinking of the Titanic, and the newest one documents The Great Molasses Flood of 1919.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley shares his thoughts on middle school in his personal diary in this series. He is super funny, honest, and observant, and the handwritten font and doodles throughout will engage middle school readers from the beginning.
Judy Blume: The Complete Set of Fudge by Judy Blume
There's a good reason young readers have been falling for these books for generations — they're irresistible! In this special collection of five books by Judy Blume, kids will laugh at the incredible wit of Peter Hatcher, the antics of mischievous Fudge, and the unbreakable confidence of know-it-all Sheila Tubman.
To keep your middle schooler reading voraciously, check out these books every kid should read before age 13.
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