It is a challenge to persuade some teens to read, and infinitely more difficult if reading is a struggle for them. This season’s hi-lo titles appeal to a wide range of interests and are accessible to various reading levels. Common themes include streaming success and finding friends with the same hobbies. Some stories add a fantasy/sci-fi element or put their characters into nail-biting, life-threatening situations to keep readers turning the pages. The best of these titles hit on the perfect mix of layered characterization, compelling plots, and sharp writing that will appeal to readers of any skill level.

Upper Middle School to High School

Bakolias, Katerina. Luscious Love. ISBN 9781459418059.
Mielke, Kristopher. Losing Hit Points. ISBN 9781459418080.
ea vol: 184p. (Real Love). Lorimer. Aug. 2024. Tr $14.99.
Gr 10 Up–The latest two additions to this collection will appeal to readers of queer romance and anyone interested in smart, realistic romantic fiction. One book is about Dungeons and Dragons players from across the gender spectrum. Another is about a young lesbian struggling with her weight while she works in a lingerie store. Her challenges at the mall will feel all too real to anyone who has worked retail. Writing quality for both books is phenomenal; relatable references and nuanced characters populate the layered text. Themes include anxiety management, finding community, the freedom of vulnerability within the safe confines of role-play. Both books have a happily-ever-after ending for their queer protagonists. Losing Hit Points has back matter about Dungeons and Dragons. Occasional details, like a visit to Tim Horton’s, obliquely remind readers of the series Canadian origins. VERDICT These books will find interested readers even beyond those looking for hi-lo titles.
 

Barnett, Maija. Reaching for Venus. Oct. 2024. ISBN 9781978597327.
Grant, Katy. Blood Gone Cold. Dec. 2024. ISBN 9781978597389.
Gritz, Ona. Take a Sad Song. Oct. 2024. ISBN 9781978597419.
Laurel III, Gume. The Brujos of Borderland High. Aug. 2024. ISBN 9781978597358.
Van, Sandi. The Key to Surviving Summer. Aug. 2024. ISBN 9781978597297.
Wolf, Ryan. Songs for the Offseason. Dec. 2024. ISBN 9781978597440.
ea vol: 200p. (YA Verse). Enslow/West 44. Tr $25.80.
Gr 8 Up–There is something for everyone across these six novels in verse. Songs for the Offseason is about a young man coping with a summer of unbearable loss. Take a Sad Song (yes, that’s a Beatles reference) is an inspired-by-a-true-story tale of a young girl sentenced to boarding school. The other books feature young people atoning for the mistakes of their ancestors, fighting demons, surviving a home break-in, and navigating a hostile space colony. The structure lends itself well to the rapid pace of the stories, although, some of the books feel more like prose novels with creative line breaks than stories told in verse. The titles that grapple with complex emotions like loss, identity, and shame are the strongest. The fantasy, sci-fi, and suspense are weaker, but welcome additions to the stories in this format. VERDICT Songs for the Offseason and Take a Sad Song are highlights in this series, but all are worth a try.
 

Brouwer, Sigmund. Shock Wave. 144p. (Orca Soundings). Orca. Aug. 2024. pap. $10.95. ISBN 9781459839625.
Gr 8 Up–The newest addition to this well-established hi-lo series is about a young man in over his head. The plot reads like an 1980s action movie: Boy meets girl, girl suggests a scheme. Boy helps girl with scheme, girl makes off with the money. The book is chock full of characters (some of them with colorful names, like Blaine Nepto) and the narrative is packed with plot, though little in the way of thematic depth or introspection. The narrative moves along at a good clip, but the characters never feel as if they’re in any real danger. The ending makes a career in the Canadian Navy seem like a lot of fun. VERDICT Worth a look for reluctant readers who like action movies.
 

McIsaac, M.J. Cheat Code. 112p. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9781459839694.
Narsimhan, Mahtab. Ghost Queen. 80p. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9781459841659.
Prendergast, Gabrielle. Flash Flood. 96p. Aug. 2024. ISBN 9781459838215.
Thompson, Julie. Just Kickin’ It. 88p. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9781459841017.
ea vol: (Orca Anchor). Orca. pap. $10.95.
Gr 6 Up–A haunted house streamer encounters a real ghost. A high school boy angers a super-sentient AI. Another young man falls in with a bad crowd. Two neurodivergent brothers must survive in a terrible storm. All these stories are modern and relevant, with some, obviously, being more realistic than others, but an important kernel of truth lies at the heart of all these stories, even the sci-fi and fantasy ones. The writing is high-quality across the board: believable dialogue, layered characters, and fast-moving plots. However, made-up video games and social media sites like “Outlaw Auto” and “VidVibe” feel corny and misplaced. Some of the books tackle heavy themes like racial profiling, gang violence, economic struggles, foster care, mental health. Some of the stories even have abrupt or depressing endings, no tidy resolutions, just like real life. VERDICT Just Kickin’ It, despite having the worst title of the bunch, is the standout story. All have appeal.
 

Robinson, Stacey. Dancehall Rebel. 152p. Lorimer. Jul. 2024. pap. $16.99. ISBN 9781459418141.
Gr 10 Up–Denise is a young woman who has family in Canada and Jamaica. The novel starts out by offering insights into her life, including her rising fame as a streaming music influencer. Numerous issues are tackled, including discovering one’s sexuality, the misogyny of reggae music, thinking about college, and trying to fit into her different cultures, both societal and familial. After her dad dies, Denise struggles to honor both his legacy as a DJ and her own modern ideas. A major plot point involves deconstructing the homophobic reggae hit “Chi-Chi Man,” although the offensive lyrics are not printed in the book. Long stretches of dialogue are untagged and can be hard to follow and the narrative leaves some plot points unresolved. References are included to hate crimes, rape, murder, and a “spliff.” Mentions of real singers, video games, and other pop culture make the story feel even more relevant, and the author is skilled at creating realistic and complex characters of all ages. VERDICT The narrative meanders but should hold the interest of more mature readers.
 

Sedgwick, Marcus. Ravencave. 120p. (Everyone Can Be a Reader). Union Square & Co. Jan. 2025. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9781454958574.
Gr 8 Up–James and his mom both see dead people and this book features a Sixth Sense-style twist. After James’s dad loses his job and his grandmother dies, the struggling family goes on a trip to scatter Granny’s ashes. On the trip, James sees the ghost of a young girl and must work with her to bring closure to his family. A crumbling manor with the silly name of “Crackpot Hall” is a focal point, although it relates to the book’s title as we’re told it comes from the Norse words meaning “raven” and “cave.” Sedgwick deftly navigates time shifts as James accompanies his family in the present but also learns about his ancestors. Other themes include the plight of coal miners and the generational struggles of impoverished families. VERDICT Sharp writing and deep themes make this a worthy addition to any YA collection.
 

Sedgwick, Marcus. Wrath. 136p. (Everyone Can Be a Reader). Union Square & Co. Jan. 2025. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9781454958628.
Gr 8 Up–James’s friend and bandmate Cassie has gone missing. Her parents are on the verge of divorce, and her dad is an extreme pessimist who believes the world is doomed with no hope due to climate change. As if that wasn’t bad enough, James reveals a secret about her to the rest of the school and she gets teased for it. A few days after Cassie runs away, James receives a clue to her location. Some books would have their main character rush to save her alone, but James tells his dad. After notifying the police and her parents, they set out to find Cassie together. Sharp writing about playing electric rock music peppers the narrative. Cassie’s confession involves a real-world phenomenon known as the Schumann resonance, which makes for a fun research project after reading the book. VERDICT Tight writing and smart themes make this a solid addition.