These high interest/low reading level titles are engaging for modern intermediate to secondary aged readers. There are issues featured to which they will relate in one title or another. Some issues are peer pressure and relating to friends and parents (The Accident), pressures of performing--think: “American Idol” and allegiance to friends (The Right Note), and athletic performance along with interaction with friends again (Off Road).

Each of the titles has its own focus, but the cross-cutting themes should make the titles appealing even if that specific topic isn't the most favorite of the particular reader.

As someone who works in education, and particularly education for those who struggle with reading, I really like the concept of High-Low books and have read a few recently. To have novels that are less daunting and more readable for teenagers who have struggled in this area more accessible is an amazing feat. I know these kids. They've had a difficult time with reading their entire lives and therefore, resultingly, believe that they do not enjoy reading. And it is one of the most amazing things to be able to see these kids develop reading skills that allow them to actually begin to enjoy reading. It warms my heart so much and that can often begin with books like these, the ones that have their interests throughout but they are still able to read without confusion.

To foster independence and, most importantly, success with reading within teenagers who have struggled in the past is one of the most important things in the world and I can't imagine spending my life doing anything different. So, these books are pretty close to my heart in that respect. While I don't imagine myself ever reading them purely for my own enjoyment as I need a little bit more of a challenge than High-Low books provide for me, it is the sort of thing that I would look into for some of the kids that I teach. And I would hope, ardently, that these books reach a great number of teenagers who need them.