Hi-Lo Books for Grades 3-5 | PreK-12 Books & Hands-on Learning | Free Resources & PDF Tool

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Hi-Lo Books for Grades 3-5

Also known as “high interest, low readability,” hi-lo books are designed for readers who may experience difficulties with reading but still want engaging, age-appropriate content.  This format is ideal for struggling readers, reluctant readers, English Learners, and for use in a wide variety of literacy programs.  

Bridge the Reading Gap: Hi-Lo books allow students to engage with age-appropriate topics and themes, such as adventure, sports, and relatable social issues, without the frustration of encountering texts that are too challenging.? 

Build Confidence: Struggling readers often face feelings of frustration when reading. Hi-Lo books provide them with the opportunity to successfully make their way through books without sacrificing their enjoyment or sense of accomplishment. 

Encourage a Love for Reading: By offering content that’s engaging and relevant to their age group, Hi-Lo books can help students develop a genuine interest in reading. Accessible hi-lo books can provide a great foundation for a lifelong love of books. 

Facilitate Classroom Inclusion: Hi-Lo books help teachers to create a more inclusive and equitable classroom environment. The sense of inclusion these books provide can help struggling and reluctant readers feel more connected and engaged in the classroom.

Real Friends (Friends Trilogy (First Second), Book 1)

By Hale, Shannon
Nonfiction
Middle School
9 Professional reviews

Wild Weather (Red Rhino Books Nonfiction)

By Perritano, John
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
1 Professional review

Extra Senses (Engineering the Human Body-Navigator Level)

By Gagne, Tammy
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
2 Professional reviews
Resources Available

Exoskeletons (Engineering the Human Body-Navigator Level)

By Gagne, Tammy
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
2 Professional reviews
Resources Available

The Cardboard Kingdom (Cardboard Kingdom, Book 1)

By Sell, Chad
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
6 Professional reviews
Resources Available

Sunny Side Up (Sunny (Graphix), Book 1)

By Holm, Jennifer L
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
8 Professional reviews
Resources Available

The Code (Red Rhino Books Fiction)

By Gottesfeld, Jeff
Fiction
Upper Elementary

Big Nate : From the Top (Big Nate Graphic Novels)

By Peirce, Lincoln
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
Resources Available

Slick (Orca Currents)

By Cassidy, Sara
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
Resources Available

Planet Takeover (Gamer)

By Pryor, Shawn
Fiction
Upper Elementary

Action Games (Video Games)

By Helt, Julianna
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
1 Professional review

Area 51 (Red Rhino Books Nonfiction)

By Haney, Jill L
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
1 Professional review

Monsters of the Deep (Red Rhino Books Nonfiction)

By Perritano, John
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
1 Professional review

The Soldier (Red Rhino Books Fiction)

By Higgins, M. G
Fiction
Upper Elementary
2 Professional reviews

The Powwow Dog (Powwow Mystery, Book 2)

By Bruchac, Joseph
Fiction
Upper Elementary
2 Professional reviews

Guts

By Telgemeier, Raina
Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
7 Professional reviews
Resources Available

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titles displayed from the Hi-Lo Books for Grades 3-5 list available on Titlewave.

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This list has not been tailored based on budget, curriculum, or other specifications. We encourage you to review this list closely to ensure that it meets the needs of your school community before placing your order.