Hi-lo books for kids 9–14: easy to read, hard to put down
The best hi-lo books for kids right now include I Survived (series), New Kid and Smile. Hi-lo means high interest, low reading level: stories that feel right for a 9 to 14-year-old, told in shorter chapters and plainer sentences, or with pictures doing part of the work.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content.
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
Ages 9–11
I Survived (series)
by Lauren Tarshis
This popular series follows fictional young characters as they live through some of the most terrifying events in world history, from natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes to historical battles and shipwrecks. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
- 2
Ages 12–14
New Kid
by Jerry Craft
Seventh-grader Jordan Banks loves drawing cartoons and dreams of art school, but his parents enroll him in an elite, academically rigorous private academy where he is one of the few kids of colour. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 3
Ages 9–14
Smile
by Raina Telgemeier
In sixth grade, Raina trips and severely injures her two front teeth, kicking off an arduous multi-year saga of braces, surgery, and headgear. Alongside her dental troubles, she has to navigate middle school social drama, shifting friendships, and her first crushes. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 4
Ages 12–14
Ghost
by Jason Reynolds
Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw has been running for the wrong reasons ever since a terrifying night with his father. When an Olympic medallist track coach spots his raw natural speed, Ghost earns a place on an elite youth running team. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 5
Ages 12–14
The Crossover
by Kwame Alexander
Twin brothers Josh and Jordan are stars on the basketball court, pushed and coached by their father, a former professional player. But as junior high progresses, their unbreakable bond starts to fray when Jordan gets a girlfriend and their father's health begins to decline. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
- 6
Ages 9–14
Who Was...? (series)
by Who HQ (various authors)
This popular biography series introduces young readers to notable figures from history, science, the arts, and popular culture. Each book traces a subject's life from childhood through their major achievements and the challenges they faced along the way. A friendly starting point for exploring science through everyday questions.
- 7
Ages 6–11
Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey
When a police officer and his loyal police dog are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery creates Dog Man—part dog, part policeman, and wholly dedicated to justice. While struggling with doggy habits like chasing balls, he must protect the city from the scheming villain Petey the Cat. Its playful humor makes reading aloud and sharing a laugh enjoyable.
- 8
Ages 9–11
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley is starting middle school, where undersized weaklings like him share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. To survive, he records his daily misadventures, family annoyances, and flawed plans for popularity in an illustrated journal. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 9
Ages 6–11
Ultimate Football Heroes (series, 20+ players)
by Matt & Tom Oldfield
This popular series introduces young sports fans to the world's greatest footballers, including icons like Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappé. Each book traces a player's journey from their childhood kickabouts and early trials to stadium glory and international trophies. A lively choice for readers who enjoy movement, teamwork, and determination.
- 10
Ages 6–11
Captain Underpants
by Dav Pilkey
Fourth-grade pranksters George and Harold spend their days creating comic books and driving their mean principal, Mr. Krupp, completely crazy. When they accidentally hypnotize him with a 3D Hypno-Ring, he transforms into their greatest superhero creation: the enthusiastic, wedgie-powered Captain Underpants. Brings a little silliness to reading time and invites shared smiles.
- 11
Ages 6–14
Amar Chitra Katha (series)
by Various (founded by Anant Pai)
This classic comic book series brings Indian mythology, epics, folklore, and history to life through colorful graphic storytelling. From the adventures of deities and legendary heroes to the true lives of freedom fighters and scholars, each issue offers a fast-paced, episodic look at India's rich cultural heritage. Invites thoughtful questions about the past and the world today.
- 12
Ages 12–14
Among the Hidden
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
In a strict society where families are forbidden from having more than two children, twelve-year-old Luke lives as a shadow child, hidden in an attic room. His isolated world shifts when he glimpses another hidden child in a neighbouring house. Reaching out puts his life on the line, forcing him to choose between total safety and the freedom to truly live. Tense and fast-paced, this dystopian story hooks young readers with its gripping moral dilemmas and intense atmosphere of secrecy.
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