The need for High-Interest Low-Readability books (Hi-Lo) has been acknowledged by reading specialists and teachers alike since the 1900s, yet there is a research gap regarding teacher knowledge of and access to these books. This study sought to understand teacher awareness of Hi-Lo books, access to them, and usage within classrooms in the United…

Many adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) experience difficulties reading. To improve reading outcomes for these students, research has demonstrated the importance of providing students with appropriate texts. Appropriate texts are those that match both the reading and interest levels of students and are often credited with reducing…

The most powerful determinants of children's reading seem to be 1) accessibility, 2) readability, and 3) interest. (Author/PF)

Argues that the nature and the readability of instructional materials may be an unsuspected barrier to progress for adult illiterates who receive instruction from volunteer literacy organizations. Considers the reading series of several national organizations. (CH)

Discusses the history of high interest-low vocabulary books, from their appearance in 1925 to implications for their future use. (MKM)

Assesses the qualities and drawbacks of high-interest easy reading books and lists the best of these books that are currently available. (SRT)

This study analyzed the word-, sentence-, and passage-level demands of high-interest, low-level books in a manner consistent with an interactive model of reading comprehension. Cases consisted of three randomly selected passages from sixty different books. Cases were analyzed across five variables: high-frequency words, decodable words, sentences,…

"Postcards from America" is the publisher's name for a set of five high-interest low-level novellas written on a second-grade reading level and featuring a multicultural mix of adolescent characters (African-American, Mexican-American, Asian-American, and Caucasian). For recreational reading, the novellas in this set offer a mix of…

Designed to provide high interest reading materials for late-adolescent- and adult-elementary-level readers, this kit provides seven play reading exercises suitable for all readability levels from fourth grade and below to eighth grade and above. The kit includes seven reading exercises which may be used in any order. Instructions and suggestions…

Reports that high school remedial readers perceived good stories to be good stories despite adaptations in readability and length, and poor stories were not helped by improving readability or decreasing length. (FL)

Discusses the results of an analysis of the appropriateness of eighth-grade basal reading materials for remedial instruction of ninth- and tenth-grade students who read two to three years below grade level. Readability, interest appeal, and representation of content areas are considered. Three data tables and a 14-item reference list are included.…

The revised Spache Readability Formula and the Fry Readability Formula were applied to 20 selected reading materials designed for adolescents reading at second grade level. Three samples from each text were examined. The results using the Spache formula corresponded to the publisher's stated readability levels, with no significant variability…

Analyzes 25 high-interest low-vocabulary fiction books and compares them to representative young adult literature in terms of 10 characteristics: youthful protagonist; adolescent's interpretation; direct exposition, dialogue, and confrontation; structural conventions; independent protagonist; consequential events; authoritative portrayals;…

Discusses why social studies is suitable for multilevel textbook programs, and important features of viable multilevel textbook programs are examined. A sample unit of study for a high school U.S. history course using multilevel texts is provided. A list of easy-reading secondary grade social studies materials is also included. (RM)