Bibliography of high interest, low vocabulary titles for teens

High Interest/Low Reading Level Teen Fiction and Street Lit Resources
Compiled by Mary Driscoll, Dane County Library Service

Townsend Press publishes the highly popular Bluford series.  The  Bluford series offers 15 books written at a 5th to 6th grade reading level. The books, which have less than 200 pages, focus on the problems of high school students.  Townsend offers some books and materials free of charge.  http://www.townsendpress.com/free.aspx

Townsend also offers "easy" versions of classic novels for $1.00 a title
http://www.townsendpress.com/books.aspx

Readalikes: If You Like The "Bluford" Series from SLJ:
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6619738.html?q=bluford&q=bluford

Orca Book Publishers also offers a wide range of high interest/low level books. The Orca "Soundings" Collection features titles with reading levels from grade 2.0 to grade 4.5. http://us.orcabook.com/showproducts.cfm?FullCat=147

http://www.teenurbanfiction.com/  is an excellent resource,  "...dedicated to reviewing urban fiction, also known as street fiction, street lit, or gangsta fiction, that appeals to teen readers."



Urban Lit
Compiled by Kayleigh Miller, BUMP &BPL Intern 2008

Series Books

Bluford High (series).  This series follows the conflicts of black high schoolers living in California dealing with traditional conflicts: popularity, romance, violence, and family. (Titles: Lost and Found, A Matter of Trust, Secrets in the Shadows, Someone to Love Me, The Bully, Payback, Until We Meet Again, Blood Is Thicker, Brothers in Arms, Summer of Secrets,  The Fallen, Shattered, Search for Safety)

Chase, Paula.  Del Rio Bay Clique. (series)  Mina plans to climb to the top in popularity, but doesn't predict the consequences or the unexpected friendships that result.  Combined with her friends' amorous escapades and a diverse school, the results are dramatic. (Titles: So Not the Drama, That's What's Up, Don't Get it Twisted, Who Are You Wit'?)

Divine, L. Drama High.(series) After Jayd James is bussed to a wealthy, mostly white neighborhood, a series of big changes emerge in her life.  Her boyfriend dumps her, she falls for a white Jewish boy, and the other girls at the school give her a hard time. (Titles: Lady J, Frenemies, The Fight, Second Chance, Jayd's Legacy, Courtin' Jayd)

Kimani Tru (series).  A cast of mostly female characters deals with teen issue, bringing a new addition to teen chick-lit. (Titles: Indigo Summer, The Edification of Sonya Crane, Can't Stop the Shine, Keysha's Drama, Spin it Like That, Fast Life, First Semester, Hallway Diaries, Pushing Pause, Gettin' Hooked,  If I Were Your Boyfriend, The Pact, the Pledge, 16 Isn't Always Sweet, Dirty Jersey, Shrink to Fit, A Matter of Attitude, She Said She Said, Trouble Follows, How to Salsa in A Sari)

Precious and KaShamba Williams. Platinum Teen.(series) High schoolers Dymond, Abdul, and their friends navigate high school, love, drugs, and learn about the consequences of their actions. (Titles: Runaway, The Absolute Truth, Dymond in the Rough)

Booth, Coe. Tyrell. 15-year-old Tyrell is homeless, after his mother's refusal to work and their failed welfare time.  Their stay in the shelter is problematic, as Tyrell resists the love he feels for another resident, tries to ignore the easy money in drug-dealing, and cares for his younger brother..

Davidson, Dana.  Played. Much like "She's All That," popular Ian Striver is dared to seduce Kyle Winship, a less than popular girl.  However, his deception is revealed, and he must come to terms with his choices.


Draper, Sharon L. Tears of the Tiger. A high school basketball player deals with remorse and guilt about his drunk driving accident that killed his best friend.

E-Fierce.  The Sista-Hood: On the Mic. Mariposa, or MC Patria, falls in love with a close friend, and tries to impress him with her all-girl hip-hop group, "The Sista Hood."


Flake, Sharon G. Who Am I Without Him? This collection of short stories addresses unusual situations ethically and socially, and is written from both the male and female perspective.

Johnson, Angela.  The First Part Last.  Bobby is a 16 year old dad in charge of his infant son, struggling to deal with his parents, girlfriend's illness, and other challenges.

King, Katina.  Ride Wit' Me. Mercedes lives a life of privilege and luxury, attending an elite boarding school on the east coast, and returning to Chicago in the summers.  However, an unlikely romance with 17-year-old Dalvin reveals her father's source of income, and the new source of her troubles.

Miller, Mitzi and Denene Millner. Hotlanta. Twins Sydney and Lauren Duke live in a posh neighborhood in Atlanta, go to an exclusive private school, and lead a life of luxury.  But behind the glittering façade is a series of dark secrets that threaten their lifestyle and their relationship with each other.

Sitmore, Alan Lawrence.  Hoopster. Andre Anderson is a teenager who plays basketball and works for a magazine.  He is invited to write a piece about racism, and the consequences are unforeseen and dramatic.

Van Diepen, Alison. Street Pharm. Ty Johnson is a 17-year-old drug dealer taking over his father's business.  However, out-of-town competition and new friendships threaten his future.