Hi-Lo means high-interest content written with more accessible language and layout. A good Hi-Lo book respects the reader’s age while reducing the reading load.

Protect age and dignity

Choose material with:

• themes and design suited to the young person’s age;

• shorter sentences or chapters where helpful;

• a manageable amount of text on each page;

• fiction, graphic novels or non-fiction linked to their interests; and

• enough challenge to remain worthwhile.

Let them choose. Read a sample together and check whether the young person can follow it with occasional rather than constant help.

Hi-Lo reading can build confidence and reading volume while other support continues. It is not a reason to avoid ambitious ideas or age-appropriate discussion.

Where to look

Barrington Stoke (paid) publishes UK Hi-Lo books for children and teenagers. Its catalogues show both the interest age and the reading age. Libraries may stock these books, so check there before buying. School and local librarians can also suggest graphic novels and short non-fiction that suit the young person’s interests.

The right book is one the young person wants to read and can manage without feeling talked down to.

Talamo has no commercial relationship with any of the organisations named here. We suggest them only because we think they could be useful to families.