When students struggle with reading, they may feel discouraged and avoid it altogether. Sometimes all it takes to transform a struggling reader into an engaged, successful reader is introducing them to the right book or series!

Discover 14 illustrated titles and novels in verse that will keep the attention of even the most reluctant readers.

1. Lark Ba Detective Stories (Series) 
by Natasha Deen 

Interest level: 1-3
Students who like a light-hearted detective story will love following along with twins Lark and Conner Ba as they solve local mysteries, such as what happened to the town librarian’s missing key, who stole diamond earrings from the general store or who sabotaged a baking contest participant’s delicious dessert. This illustrated emergent reader mystery series has a diverse cast of characters and showcases the twins’ Korean heritage.

2. Everything Awesome About Space And Other Galactic Facts! 
by Mike Lowery 

Interest level: 2-5
Students will actually enjoy reading a nonfiction book about space when it offers humor and eye-catching artwork. This 128-page book has everything a curious kid could want to know about the universe, and is perfect for fans of Dog Man.

3. Invisible 
by Christina Diaz Gonzalez 

Interest level: 3-7
This Breakfast Club-inspired graphic novel with text in English and Spanish will appeal to fans of Twins and Allergic. 

Five very different Spanish-speaking middle schoolers are forced to complete community service together. Besides their shared language, the kids seem to have nothing in common. George is the smart one, Sara’s a loner, Dayara is the tough one, Nico’s the rich kid and Miguel is an athlete. When someone needs their help in a big way, can they choose to be vulnerable?

4. The Aquanaut 
by Dan Santat 

Interest level: 3-7
Even the most reluctant readers will be gripping the pages of this new whimsical graphic novel from Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat. 

Sophia’s moping around Aqualand, the marine theme park her father and uncle created. Her dad is lost at sea and Sophia feels lost without him. When an “aquanaut” breaks in, Sophia encounters four goofy sea creatures and discovers a dark secret about what the park has become.

5. The Cardboard Kingdom 
by Chad Sell

Interest level: 4-7
In The Cardboard Kingdom, you can be anything you can imagine. Sixteen adventurous kids transform ordinary boxes into colorful costumes, and their block becomes a cardboard kingdom. They encounter a host of characters including knights, robots and monsters – all before school resumes in the fall. This series is perfect for building reading confidence in the imaginative student or comic book lover. 

Check out more strange and mysterious stories on our Spooky, Scary and Silly Book List.

6.Ghost Writer 
by Edgar J. Hyde

Interest level: 5-8
Passionate teen writer Charlie notices words appearing in his notebook that aren’t his. Could his new home be haunted? And why is the headmaster of Charlie’s school so determined to take his notebook? This chilling book will keep readers guessing until the last page.

7. Redwood & Ponytail 
by K. A. Holt 

Interest level: 5-9
Redwood and Ponytail is narrated in verse by two voices telling the story of two very different girls who are drawn to each other. Kate is a stereotypical cheerleader with a sleek ponytail and a perfectly polished persona, while Tam is tall, athletic and frequently mistaken for a boy. Share this relatable story of changing relationships with students. 

This book is also part of our LGBTQ+ Pride Book List.

8. The Girl From The Sea 
by Molly Knox Ostertag 

Interest level: 7-10
Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a lot of secrets, including her feelings for other girls. Morgan is ready to get off her “perfect” island home and away from everyone who doesn’t understand her. When a mysterious girl named Keltie saves Morgan from drowning, a friendship blossoms, and then love. What will happen to the couple when all their secrets come out?

9. Long Way Down 
by Jason Reynolds 

Interest level: 7-12
So much can change on a 60-second elevator ride. 15-year-old Will contemplates revenge, secrets and pivotal choices as he rides the elevator down to murder the person who killed his brother. This powerful novel in verse from Jason Reynolds is an ALA/YALSA quick pick for reluctant readers.

10. Heartstopper Vol. 1 
by Alice Oseman 

Interest level: 7-12
Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. Heartstopper is a sweet and charming coming-of-age graphic novel that explores friendship, love and coming out. Share this tale about the ups and downs of high school and first love with teen readers and encourage them to check out the hit Netflix series, too!

11. Ain’t Burned All The Bright 
by Jason Reynolds 

Interest level: 7-12
Ain’t Burned All the Bright is a new poetry/art collaboration between Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin. With three sentences and amazing imagery, these two friends share their feelings about social issues, COVID and how hard it can be to just breathe.

12. Blackout 
by Dhonielle Clayton, et al.

Interest level: 8-12 
Six critically acclaimed, bestselling and award-winning authors share this interlinked novel about African American teen love. A New York City summer heatwave leaves everyone in darkness and confusion. With the lights out, a different kind of electricity sparks, and truths come to light. This contemporary and relatable book offers easily digestible short stories, perfect for reluctant teen readers. 

This book made our Best Books for 2021 list. Check out the rest of our top picks!

13. Pumpkinheads
by Rainbow Rowell

Interest level: 9-12 
Deja and Josiah are best friends. At least from September 1 to Halloween every year, when they work together at a pumpkin patch in Omaha. It’s their final Halloween before graduation, and Deja has a plan to make their last shift an adventure worth remembering. High school readers will connect with the bittersweet experience of moving out of high school and into young adulthood.

14. Sadie 
by Courtney Summers 

Interest level: 9-12 
True crime aficionados will love this gripping mystery about a missing girl on a revenge mission. Sadie has been providing for her sister Mattie ever since she was young. When Mattie is found dead, Sadie is determined to bring the killer to justice, no matter what.

Looking to provide age-appropriate, exciting stories to students reading below grade level? Consider adding high-low collections and series to classroom libraries to meet your students where they are.
 
What are your go-to books or series that successfully engage students who struggle with reading?