Unusual Topics Help Engage Struggling Readers

What is it you reach for on the shelves? If you’re an ardent fan of memoirs or mysteries, you’ll likely pass on the latest horror or historical fiction titles. Children select books in much the same manner, especially as they transition from having books read to them and they become independent readers. On a journey of self-discovery, they gravitate to subjects that interest them as their world expands. Doing so, their enthusiasm fuels confidence as they seek more of the same topics.

Hi-Lo Titles Address Specific Needs of Struggling Readers

More than half of American students aren’t reading at grade level which begs the question, “how are their needs being met?” Cherry Lake Publishing Group collaborated with Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan, an award-winning author, educator, curriculum designer, and the Director of Liberal Studies at San Diego State University, to develop the 45th Parallel Press imprint, Hi-Lo titles that provide the high-interest content these readers want at low reading levels.

You can inspire struggling readers by highlighting books that interest students and feature elements Dr. Loh-Hagan has found to be most effective:

Explicit text and controlled vocabulary; potentially challenging words are identified and defined in context

• Short sentences to hold readers’ attention; brief chapters and books

• Engaging photos and illustrations

• Respect for students’ maturity with subjects that interest them while written at a lower reading level to encourage comprehension
   

Weird, wild, wonderful—Intriguing Series Await

45th Parallel Press understands that the first challenge with struggling readers can be the very act of opening a book. These series dive into subjects readers find particularly interesting, building confidence and setting the stage to become lifelong readers. Deadly warrior skirmishes, survivalist hacks, amazing women in history, Egyptian mythology, and more weird, wild, and wonderful content supports students in grades 4-8 while meeting their reading levels at grades 2-3.

Learn more about 45th Parallel Press titles for struggling readers.

“Understanding Hi-Lo books can be a challenge. Some aspects require an insider perspective; unless you’ve worked with or been a struggling reader, it can be difficult to review this type of text which is meant to inspire struggling readers to read.” Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan

 

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