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.
You might also want to check out our list for dyslexic readers here.
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The Final Year
Author: Matt Goodfellow Illustrator: Joe Todd-Stanton
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
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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: 9-14
Reading age: 8+
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Jodie
Author: Hilary McKay Illustrator: Keith Robinson
Interest level: 9-14
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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The Terror of Hilltop House
Author: Dan Smith Illustrator: Chris King
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 8+
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The Terror of Hilltop House
Author: Dan Smith Illustrator: Chris King
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 8+
When something sinister escapes from Hilltop House scientific research centre, best friends Pete, Krish and Nancy must stop it bef…
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Over the Line
Author: Tom Palmer
Interest level: 10+
Reading age: 8+
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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+
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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 Mermaid in the Millpond
Author: Lucy Strange Illustrator: Pam Smy
Interest level: 9-12
Reading age: 8+
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The Mermaid in the Millpond
Author: Lucy Strange Illustrator: Pam Smy
Interest level: 9-12
Reading age: 8+
A short, engrossing, historical mystery tinged with fantasy elements that has a surprising amount of tense action and emotional he…
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The Humiliations of Welton Blake
Author: Alex Wheatle
Interest level: 9-12
Reading age: 9+
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The Humiliations of Welton Blake
Author: Alex Wheatle
Interest level: 9-12
Reading age: 9+
Welton Blake's life goes from brilliant (Carmella's agreed to go out with him - YES!) to dreadful (broken phone, school bullies, a…
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The Crossover: Graphic Novel
Author: Kwame Alexander Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
Interest level: 10-14
Reading age: 9+
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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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The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks
Author: Katie Kirby
Interest level: 12-14
Reading age: 11+
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The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks
Author: Katie Kirby
Interest level: 12-14
Reading age: 11+
Lottie Brooks is just starting secondary school and she's just about ready to die of embarrassment - she hasn't got a bra, her hai…
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The Sad Ghost Club
Author: Lize Meddings
Interest level: 12-16
Reading age: 12+
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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+
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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+
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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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The Love Report
Author: BeKa Illustrator: Maya
Interest level: 12-14
Reading age: 9+
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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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Just Breathe
Author: Katharine Quarmby
Interest level: 13-14
Reading age: 9+
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Just Breathe
Author: Katharine Quarmby
Interest level: 13-14
Reading age: 9+
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 teen…
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