Hi-Low

COMING CLEAN by Jeff Ross. Orca, 2012.

RAT by Lesley Choyce. Orca, 2012.

SHALLOW GRAVE by Alex Van Tol. Orca, 2012.

For those of you who are not familiar with the series from Orca, Orca Soundings, all of the preceding books are written at about the 2nd to 3rd grade level. The short chapters and non-stop action keep the plot moving forward at breakneck speed. The books deal with ghosts (Shallow Grave) seeking revenge, drug runners brought to justice (Coming Clean) and dealing with bullies (Rat). Also try the Bluford series if you are searching for some more hi-lo books. Bear in mind, though, that there are many accessible YA novels, not part of series, that might be tied to these books. For kids who liked SHALLOW GRAVE, recommend CONNECTION by Charlie Price. A good tie in to COMING CLEAN might be GO ASK ALICE by Anonymous (Beatrice Sparks) or CRANK by Ellen Hopkins. RAT could be tied to the novel by the same title by Jan Cheripko.