Using Hi-Lo Books With Struggling Readers and ESL Students

A hi-lo book is a title that offers highly interesting subject matter at a relatively low reading level. Publishers take different approaches to producing and defining these books in their product line. Some produce books which have a large gap between the age of the intended reader and the reading level; others are one or two grade levels below the expected reading level. The concept behind a hi-lo book is to encourage struggling readers or readers who are learning English as a Second Language (ESL). Readers are more likely to try a book which is about a topic of great interest to them especially if it has features designed to make it easier to read.

The high interest is generated by subject matter that appeals to readers in a particular age range. The content is what readers would read on their own without any input from adults. Readers aged 10 to 13 are often interested in sports, adventure, animals, humor, mystery, magical or fairy tales, and natural disasters. Teen readers are often interested in tough, realistic circumstances like bullying, suicide, teen pregnancy, sexuality, and drug use. They also enjoy science fiction, fantasy, adventure, graphic novels, comics, and Manga, the Japanese version of comics. Hi-lo books are like any good book with a compelling story line and fascinating facts.

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