Fun, education, and valuable information—this fall’s hi-lo series have it all. High-interest titles about hobbies and celebrities are the bread and butter of the hi-lo world, and those titles are well-represented here. In addition, there are titles that encourage emerging readers to develop life skills, like how to help a friend having a mental health crisis, or strategies while considering a career path. There are also a handful of titles that can be used in support of instruction while still fitting into the mold of high interest and lower reading level.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Albro, Jennifer. At Dusk.

––––. Big Bad Trucks!
––––. Catch the Crest.
––––. Clash!
––––. Cliffs and Summits.
––––. Dogs: Bring It On!
––––. Kicking!
––––. On the Hunt.
––––. Paddle!
––––. The Thrill!
––––. Toss the Disc.
––––. Trek!
ea vol: 16p. (Phonic Books). DK. Sept. 2025. full set: ISBN 9780593970126. pap. $79.
Gr 3-7–These short, realistic stories are designed to help older kids learn to read. Each title starts with a guide for instructors outlining how to use the book with readers, and a vocabulary list for students to review before reading. These informative books have very simple language for students learning to read but content meant for older kids. Photos are used instead of illustrations, the stories are realistic rather than fantastical, and some topics, like surfing, are designed to appeal to preteens. British spellings of some words are used, such as tyre and metre. Written for students reading at a kindergarten to first grade level, these books should appeal to students grades three to seven. VERDICT A preteen-friendly phonics series.

Beattie, Charlie. Alabama Crimson Tide. ISBN 9798892507103.
Hanlon, Luke. Georgia Bulldogs. ISBN 9798892507110.
––––. Oklahoma Sooners. ISBN 9798892507158.
Moon, Derek. Michigan Wolverines. ISBN 9798892507127.
––––. Notre Dame Fighting Irish. ISBN 9798892507134.
––––. Ohio State Buckeyes. ISBN 9798892507141.
––––. Texas Longhorns. ISBN 9798892507165.
––––. USC Trojans. ISBN 9798892507172.
ea vol: 64p. (College Football Teams). North Star/Apex. Aug. 2025. Tr $35.64.
Gr 3 Up– These titles on college teams are a great choice to round out football collections. The series covers teams from all across America. Each title begins by encouraging readers to imagine they are at a game, then moves to the history of the team, some going back to the 1800s. Legendary players, as well as more recent coaches and star players, are profiled. Statistics and a timeline page help students practice, using the graphics to better understand text. The back matter includes two pages of comprehension questions, some factual recall and some encouraging students to think critically. These titles are written at a third or fourth grade level with an intended audience of readers in grades three to nine. VERDICT A good purchase for football fans.

Becker, Trudy. Ancient Footprints. ISBN 9798892505291.
––––. Bog Bodies. ISBN 9798892505307.
––––. King Tut’s Tomb. ISBN 9798892505321.
––––. Lucy Skeleton. ISBN 9798892505338.
––––. Ötzi the Iceman. ISBN 9798892505345.
––––. Rosetta Stone. ISBN 9798892505352.
Doty, Abby. Dinosaurs. ISBN 9798892505314.
––––. Terra-Cotta Army. ISBN 9798892505369.
ea vol: 32p. (Digging Up the Past). North Star/Apex. Aug. 2025. Tr $31.35.
Gr 3-7–This series covers famous archeological topics for emerging readers. Some on a specific archeological find, such as Lucy Skeleton, and some on more general topics like Footprints or Bog Bodies. The text in these titles is supported by associated images of the finds, illustrations, and other related pictures, rather than stock photography. Vocabulary including erosion, bacteria, and DNA are highlighted and covered in the glossary, and each title includes comprehension questions with an answer key. Written at a second to third grade level, this series is recommended for readers in grades three to seven. VERDICT Solid explanations of archeological finds that students may learn about in history class.

Becker, Trudy. Blizzards. ISBN 9798892506595.
––––. Floods. ISBN 9798892506601.
––––. Tsunamis. ISBN 9798892506649.
Rains, Dalton. Avalanches. ISBN 9798892506588.
––––. Heat Waves. ISBN 9798892506618.
––––. Tornadoes. ISBN 9798892506632.
––––. Wildfires. ISBN 9798892506656.
Rossiter, Brienna. Hurricanes. ISBN 9798892506625.
ea vol: 64p. (Forecasting Disasters). North Star/Apex. Aug. 2025. Tr $35.64.
Gr 3 Up–Aspiring meteorologists will love this series on how extreme weather events are forecast. Covering major weather-related events that cause loss of life and general destruction, this series is not about survival tips or safety instruction, but takes a more scientific route. The books start with facts and definitions of the factors that cause these disasters. Important historical events and pre-tech warning signs and tests are included before new technological solutions and emerging technology, like drones and AI weather analysis, are discussed. Notable in the book on wildfires is the inclusion of pre-colonial controlled burning practices and how “wildfire prevention” caused larger and more dangerous wildfires because of the buildup of debris. Written at a third to fourth grade reading level, these books are recommended for readers in grades three to nine. VERDICT An excellent teaching tool on how extreme weather can be forecast.

Dittmer, Lori. Real-Time Strategy Games. ISBN 9781644667767.
––––. Sports Video Games. ISBN 9781644667774.
Glaser, Alex. Online Card Games. ISBN 9781644667743.
Storm, Marysa. Battle Royale Games. ISBN 9781644667729.
––––. Fighting Games. ISBN 9781644667736.
Terp, Gail. Online RPGs. ISBN 9781644667750.
ea vol: 32p. (Esport Revolution). Black Rabbit/Bolt. Jul. 2025. Tr $25.95.
Gr 4-6–These simple guides cover different esports topics, from fighting games to online RPGs. Gamer-related vocabulary, such as loot or eliminate, is highlighted. Many readers interested in gaming may already be familiar with the information covered, but these titles might be helpful tools for gamers who are English language learners or those building reading fluency. Heavy with stock photography, this series also uses AI generated covers. Short biographies of professional esport players are included, as well as information on how to get started in competitions. Written at a third grade reading level, these titles have an intended audience in grades four to six. VERDICT An additional purchase where emerging readers and gamers collide.

Griffin, Mary. Freedom of Religion. ISBN 9781482470260.
––––. Freedom of Speech. ISBN 9781482470291.
––––. Freedom of the Press. ISBN 9781482470321.
––––. Freedom to Assemble. ISBN 9781482470352.
––––. The Right to Due Process. ISBN 9781482470383.
––––. The Right to Privacy. ISBN 9781482470413.
ea vol: 32p. (A Look at the Bill of Rights). Gareth Stevens. Jul. 2025. Tr $28.27.
Gr 5-8–These short guides to topics addressed in the Bill of Rights dedicate four titles to four different parts of the first amendment: freedom of religion, speech, the press, and to assemble. The title on the right to privacy discusses how some rights are implied by the Constitution, but not stated outright. Each book starts with an explanation of what the Constitution is and why the Bill of Rights was added. Some titles cover specific court cases heard by the Supreme Court relating to the topics, while others do not go into detail, but talk more generally about the court’s role in interpreting the Bill of Rights. Written at a second-grade level, this series is recommended to students in grades five to eight and may be a good option for students preparing for an exam on the Constitution. VERDICT Simple guides that may support emerging readers in their academic requirements.

Loh-Hagan, Virginia. Cool Clothes. ISBN 9781668963791.
––––. Hat Hype. ISBN 9781668963807.
––––. Hot Hair. ISBN 9781668963814.
––––. Jewelry Joy. ISBN 9781668963821.
––––. Makeup Magic. ISBN 9781668963838.
––––. Shoe Savvy. ISBN 9781668963845.
ea vol: 32p. (Style It: Trends and Fads). Cherry Lake/45th Parallel. Aug. 2025. Tr $33.50.
Gr 5-8–In quick overviews for emerging readers, this series talks about historical and contemporary fashions that have gone in and out of style. Topics like the puff sleeve or the top hat are discussed alongside modern microtrends like “dopamine dressing.” The dangers of historical beauty trends like poisonous face powder and hazardous hobble skirts are also covered. Readers may feel like they are missing out as some fashion trends, like picture hats or Gaucho pants, are described with no images provided. Fashion designers from different walks of life are spotlighted. Readers are encouraged to partake in fashion activism in numerous ways, although the encouragement to have an all-vegan wardrobe and makeup routine that avoids shell jewelry might not be an accessible choice for young people. Written at a third or fourth grade level, these books have an interest level of grades six to nine. VERDICT An additional purchase for fashionistas.

Myvett, Kirstie. What You Never Knew About Rihanna. ISBN 9798875210600.
––––. What You Never Knew About SZA. ISBN 9798875210686.
Schuh, Mari. What You Never Knew About Addison Rae. ISBN 9798875210440.
––––. What You Never Knew About Niall Horan. ISBN 9798875210525.
ea vol: 32p. (Behind the Scenes Biographies). Capstone. Aug. 2025. Tr $23.49.
Gr 3-8–Tweens can learn fun facts about their favorite stars in these lively, Teen Beat-style profiles about the lives of celebrities. Discussing their subjects’ personal lives more than their careers, these biographies are perfect for readers who want to know more about the car Addison Rae drives, or learn vocabulary for the sport of hurling, a favorite of Niall Horan. Readers may be inspired by stories of what life was like growing up for the stars, and by their charity work. Recommendations in the back matter help students learn more about career paths, like becoming a social media influencer. Written at a second or third grade level, these books could support readers in grades three to eight with biography projects, but are also great for pleasure reading. VERDICT Fresh new biographies of popular stars for emerging readers.

Rains, Dalton. BMW. ISBN 9798892505185.
––––. Bugatti. ISBN 9798892505192.
––––. Ferrari. ISBN 9798892505208.
––––. Jaguar. ISBN 9798892505215.
––––. Lamborghini. ISBN 9798892505222.
––––. Maserati. ISBN 9798892505239.
––––. McLaren. ISBN 9798892505246.
––––. Mercedes. ISBN 9798892505253.
––––. Porsche. ISBN 9798892505260.
––––. Tesla. ISBN 9798892505277.
ea vol: 32p. (Cool Cars). North Star/Apex. Aug. 2025. Tr $31.35.
Gr 3-7–These flashy titles cover the luxury cars of students’ dreams. More image-heavy than text-filled, they do include highlighted vocabulary words like aerodynamics. The history of the brands and companies are discussed, but any controversies or topics that might make the company look bad are left out. For example, “BMW stopped making cars during World War II,” is all that is said of the company’s activities during that time. Rare models of the car are shown, as well as their firsts, like hybrid or electric cars, and any speed records they’ve set. These titles include comprehension questions for readers in the back matter. Written at a second to third grade reading level, these books are recommended to readers in grades three to seven. VERDICT An inoffensive update to car collections.

Storm, Marysa. Chinchillas. ISBN 9781644667781.
––––. Hissing Cockroaches. ISBN 9781644667798.
––––. Mini Pigs. ISBN 9781644667804.
––––. Pygmy Goats. ISBN 9781644667811.
––––. Sugar Gliders. ISBN 9781644667828.
––––. Tarantulas. ISBN 9781644667835.
ea vol: 32p. (Unusual Pets). Black Rabbit/Bolt. Jul. 2025. Tr $25.95.
Gr 3-7–Pygmy goats, hissing cockroaches, and tarantulas are just some of the strange animals that people keep as pets. Each book in this series starts with a description of what the animal’s behavior is like on a day-to-day basis. Information about different breeds or types of the animals along with their physical characteristics are included. These titles also take time to correct misconceptions. For example, mini pigs don’t stay that little: they can weigh up to 150 lbs! How to care for the pet, what foods they prefer, and what foods are dangerous for them are all described. Readers who are interested in animals in general or in one of these pets in particular will seek this series out. Written at a third-grade level, this series could draw the interest up to around seventh grade. VERDICT A solid series to fill out pets sections with something different.

Upper Middle School to High School

Saddleback Educational Publishing. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. 88p. ISBN 9781638894407.
––––. Art and Design. 84p. ISBN 9781638894469.
––––. Auto and Equipment Mechanics. 84p. ISBN 9781638894346.
––––. Beauty and Cosmetology. 88p. ISBN 9781638894438.
––––. Building, Construction, and Engineering. 84p. ISBN 9781638894322.
––––. Business Administration. 80p. ISBN 9781638894476.
––––. Education and Training. 80p. ISBN 9781638894339.
––––. Government and Military. 84p. ISBN 9781638894360.
––––. Healthcare. 88p. ISBN 9781638894414.
––––. Hospitality and Tourism. 88p. ISBN 9781638894377.
––––. Information Technology. 84p. ISBN 9781638894384.
––––. Manufacturing. 84p. ISBN 9781638894391.
––––. Marketing and Sales. 84p. ISBN 9781638894445.
––––. Media and Entertainment. 84p. ISBN 9781638894452.
––––. Public Safety, Security, and Law. 88p. ISBN 9781638894421.
––––. Transportation and Logistics. 84p. ISBN 9781638894353.
ea vol: (CTE Journeys Handbooks). Saddleback. Jul. 2025. pap. $20.95.
Gr 6 Up–These in-depth and well-rounded books are required reading for students making decisions about their future. Each title is centered around a work area, like public safety or art and design, and they discuss the myriad ways that a person could be involved in that career. For example, Public Safety doesn’t just discuss police officers and firefighters, but also fish and wildlife workers and 911 operators. The lifestyle and working environment for different jobs is discussed in detail, covering how social and physically demanding they are. Helpful charts are included with what degrees, certifications, apprenticeships, or portfolios are required for each career. Written at a fifth-grade level, these titles could be handed to readers from grades six to twelve. VERDICT Highly recommended for emerging readers looking for their future careers.

Bates, Mary. Teen Guide: Depression. ISBN 9781678211424.
Cornell, Kari A. Teen Guide: ADHD. ISBN 9781678211400.
Gerard, Mary. Teen Guide: Social Anxiety. ISBN 9781678211486.
Murrell, Diana. Teen Guide: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. ISBN 9781678211462.
Wolny, Philip. Teen Guide: Helping Someone in Crisis. ISBN 9781678211448.
ea vol: 64p. (Teen Guide to Mental Health). ReferencePoint/BrightPoint. Sept. 2025. Tr $45.26.
Gr 7 Up–These realistic guides discuss mental health challenges that teens or someone they know may experience. Written in non-stigmatizing language, each book starts with a short story about someone experiencing the mental health challenge. Symptoms and underlying causes are explained, as well as support the person may seek out. The inclusion of a book on ADHD was interesting, as many think of ADHD as a disability without considering the effect of the disorder on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Helping Someone in Crisis may be a title that is especially valuable for teens, as it has realistic and helpful advice. For example, encouraging teens in crisis to get help from a trusted adult, even if that adult may not be a family member. Written at around a fifth-grade reading level, these guides would be helpful to teens of all ages. VERDICT A must-buy for mental health collections.

Gale, Ryan. Indigenous Americans of the Northeastern Woodlands. ISBN 9781678211325.
Luza, Johannah. Indigenous Americans of the Great Basin. ISBN 9781678211288.
McKinney, Donna B. Indigenous Americans of the Pacific Coast. ISBN 9781678211387.
––––. Indigenous Americans of the Southeast. ISBN 9781678211349.
Murrell, Diana. Indigenous Americans of the Southwest. ISBN 9781678211363.
Sonneborn, Liz. Indigenous Americans of the Great Plains. ISBN 9781678211301.
ea vol: 64p. (Exploring Indigenous American Indians). ReferencePoint/BrightPoint. Aug. 2025. Tr $45.26.
Gr 7 Up–Organized by region, this series covers the continental United States and Alaska. Each book is introduced with a short true story of an indigenous person honoring their culture in some way. Different nations that currently or have historically lived in each region are discussed as separate entities with their own belief systems and cultures. Maps of where various nations have lived are included. The history of boarding schools and other attempts at forced assimilation are not shied away from in this series, but they are not the only topic discussed. Source notes and a recommended resources page are included. These titles are well-researched, but none of the author bios suggest that the authors are part of any nations discussed. Written at a fifth-grade level these books are recommended for grades seven to twelve. VERDICT Well-researched overviews of Indigenous persons in different parts of the United States.

Henzel, Cynthia Kennedy. Be a Veterinary Technician. ISBN 9781678211264.
Herman, Miles. Be a Solar Photovoltaic Installer. ISBN 9781678211240.
––––. Be an Information Security Analyst. ISBN 9781678211189.
Rea, Amy C. Be a Physician Assistant. ISBN 9781678211226.
Ventura, Marne. Be a Nurse Practitioner. ISBN 9781678211202.
ea vol: 64p. (In-Demand Careers). ReferencePoint/BrightPoint. Aug 2025. Tr $45.26.
Gr 7 Up–This series covers growing career paths that readers may not have considered or even heard of. For example, students unfamiliar with solar energy will learn about the work of a solar photovoltaic installer. Each book begins with an at-a-glance section that summarizes what each job entails. This will enable students to skim through the series before choosing to read more deeply. Short vignettes about what daily life in each career is like, and what their job duties would be, are included. Education requirements, specializations, exams, and certifications are all covered. Extensive information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics describes the outlook and pay range for each field. Written at a fifth-grade level, this series is for students in grades seven to twelve. VERDICT Solid overviews of growing career fields.

“CTE Journey’s Handbooks” (Saddleback) demonstrate a well-rounded view of different careers. “Forecasting Disasters” (Apex) combines fun and instruction about meteorology. “The Teen Guide to Mental Health” (ReferencePoint/Brightpoint) has information that might help students in a difficult information. The “Phonic Books” (DK) series is a fresh, tween-friendly, supplement for reading instruction.

FALL 2025 SERIES MADE SIMPLE REVIEWS