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Tea Leaf Books"The books are topical and entertaining, but the vocabularies used aren't daunting for kids who struggle with the printed word. Unlike other books for slower or 'reluctant' readers, however, they aren't obvious about their mission. They are sized like standard paperback novels, the type is no larger and there are no giveaway promotional notes on the cover. And with catchy titles such as How To Be a Frog Millionaire and After Dinner Barf, they're likely to pique the interest of both boys and girls."—The St. Catharines Standard "Among the group's strategies for attracting reluctant readers are lower-level vocabulary, simple sentence structure, and, in the Bayview High series, a focus on social issues. There are smaller touches, too: author names will include only first initials, so that the books remain as gender-neutral as possible." —Quill & Quire, Inside Report "...attractive yet economical package...With photos or illustrations of senior kids on the covers, slick titles and medium-sized print inside, they will appeal to older students who don't want to be seen carrying around books that look less than age appropriate." —The Star Phoenix back to top Bayview High Series"The Bayview High series will be of great interest to those looking for books accessible to teenagers reading below grade level.Teacher-Librarians will want to book-talk these novels and recommend them as independent reading choices. Teachers of English, ESL, and Resource (Special Education) classes will want to consider one or more of these titles for class use in a novel studies unit. Public librarians and persons responsible for the collections of literacy/tutoring organizations will want to add these titles to their collections." —Brenda Dillon, Resource Links Magazine "Thank you so much for publishing the Bayview High novels. I purchased 5 of each novel to use with some of the readers in my grade 8 classroom. When the others saw the titles, they all wanted to read them.... So, we're all reading the Bayview High books, even if many of us read well beyond grade 5 level, and it is the goal of the class to have everyone read all of the novels. I believe it is better to have my students read something a little too easy, than to not read at all. Keep up the good work!" —K. MacGregor, Grade 8 teacher, Prince Charles School, Napanee, ON The Big Split"The novel [The Big Split] focuses on the brief two-week period immediately preceding and following the breakup. In real life, a family disaster of this nature could never be resolved in such a short time, and to her credit, Levigne doesn't pretend to solve the situation. What she does do is dump all the jagged emotional pieces into readers' laps, daring them to look closely—to touch and be touched.The marital split is seen primarily through Zack's eyes. Nevertheless, readers are privy to the thoughts and feelings of the other family members too, as well as to the reactions of Zack's friends and schoolmates. This is what gives the novel its strength. No two characters react in exactly the same way, yet their thoughts and actions are completely credible. Zack's father is the heavy in the story, and no attempt is made to soft peddle his infidelity, but at one point Zack finds himself tarred by a similar brush, and marveling at how he managed to get so entangled, he recognizes that his father may not be a complete cad after all. It doesn't exonerate him from his deeds, but it throws some tolerance and understanding into the mix—kind of like real life. And that's the bottom line. Levigne has written about a real subject in a real way. The book should resonate with readers—especially teens who have had similar family experiences." —Kristin Butcher, CM Magazine "The characters are interesting and well developed and the story moves along quickly, which will keep readers' interested. Short chapters will also appeal to lower level readers who might have difficulty reading a full length novel. The Big Split looks appealing with a photograph of a young man on its bright green cover. There is plenty of white space on each page which will also make it easier to read for teenaged reluctant readers. High interest/low vocabulary novels for junior and senior high school students are also difficult to find. The Bayview High Series is a welcome addition to this type of book for school and public libraries." —Joanne de Groot, Resource Links Magazine Dear Liz"Dear Liz is part of the "Bayview High" series which follows the ups and downs of life as a female high school student: dating, being invited to parties, looking and acting like one of the crowd. Teens today face many challenges and pressures, and these are illustrated through the characters and situations of this fast-paced, interesting novel. Many of the topics and themes would form excellent springboards for class discussions of a variety of relevant topics.This book is comprised of simple sentences and a low vocabulary level, making it ideal for reluctant readers or readers whose first language isn't English. At the end, a glossary is included of words related to newspapers and journalism. Unlike earlier high-interest/low vocab books, this series is normal paperback size and uses a normal font size. No stigma attached! The cover is attractive but subdued. With just over 100 pages and short chapters, it is ideal for students who have difficulties with reading. Although the plot isn't new or different, the characters are believable and present an honest look at the high school world of today. ...Dear Liz is well worth the very reasonable cost and would be a good addition both to elementary and high school libraries or classrooms." —Ann Ketcheson, CM Magazine The Edge"Grades 7 to 9 will easily relate to the contents of this novel—peer pressure, drugs, and crushes. It is written by H.G. Sotzek in a very easy to read style.... Taken as a light adventure through the halls of high school, young teens will find this book easy to enter—it's fast-paced plot enveloping. Therefore, The Edge will make a fine addition to any senior elementary or junior high library."—Jennifer Hanke, Resource Links Magazine Hidden Talent"The 'Bayview High' series deals with real issues and pressures faced by teens in today's high schools. H. J. Lewis's character, Vish, faces pressure from family and friends but also from himself. His lack of confidence in his abilities makes progress slow and painful, but he is determined to do his best. Author H.J. Lewis tells it like it is. And from a teacher's point of view, I know only too well what young teens face in their daily lives. Young readers will relate to the characters and issues in this book. It is written with students of all reading abilities in mind and includes a very helpful glossary on the final pages. Highly Recommended."—Elaine Fuhr, CM Magazine "Good, even great at times, generally useful! ...Hidden Talent touches on many important teen issues: relationships, family expectations, bullying, and self-discovery. The characterization is solid and believable and the life-lessons are evident but not glaring or preachy. The ending leaves the reader with the feeling that Vish will be successful. This book would be an excellent addition to high-interest/low vocabulary collections." —Angela Thompson, Resource Links Magazine High Stakes"High Stakes is the first novel that I have read in the Bayview High Series and I found it very similar to Orca Soundings novels. Like Orca Soundings novels, High Stakes is short, fast-paced and easy to read with lots of action and conflict that is resolved quite quickly....This novel is realistic and even gritty at times and I feel it is good "recommended reading" for reluctant teen readers, especially boys. The online interactions are presented in a realistic and credible way, which I think would ring true with tech savvy teen readers." —Emily Springer, Resource Links Magazine Muscle Bound"As the parent of a 12-year-old very reluctant reader, I was thrilled and amazed when my son read not only one of the Bayview High series of books, but asked for more of them after he finished reading Muscle Bound. Ms. Levigne is a truly gifted author who captures the interest of the preteen and presents ideas in a way they can relate to and learn something about themselves through the lives of her characters."—Penny K. "Muscle Bound, a novel in the "Bayview High" series, introduces readers to the world of boys, sports, and gym workouts, and it is narrated from a male point of view. It is informative as well as entertaining... The characters, both male and female, are well-drawn and interesting. Although the plot is somewhat predictable, the book moves along quickly and has enough action and tension to keep readers' interest. The "Bayview High" series is designed for reluctant readers or readers whose first language isn't English. The issues dealt with are topical and reveal the challenges and pressures many teens face in their day-to-day high school lives. If the novel were used with a class, the themes would lead easily to a lively group discussion. This novel is good; the price is right. Muscle Bound would be a worthwhile purchase for elementary or secondary school libraries or classrooms." —Ann Ketcheson, CM Magazine The Paper"Good, even great at times, generally useful!...Part of the Bayview High Series, this novel deals with the complex issues of counterfeiting, selling stolen goods to high school students, and doing what is right despite danger. Ivan is a Grade 10 student who learns a lot about responsibility, honesty and justice when he is placed in a co-op placement after repeatedly skipping classes. This novel will appeal to teenagers who enjoy fast-paced stories about high school life. The accessible vocabulary, glossary of terms and short chapters will make this novel a good choice for struggling readers as well." —Myra Junyk, Resource Links Magazine Taking the Lead"A.D. Fast has written an insightful novel about one of the many serious pressures faced by youth today. Bullying is indeed a very serious issue and one that needs to be dealt with on the student level. The cover photograph leads the reader inside the pages of a novel written for teenagers, but less complex text allows students with lower reading levels the chance to explore this topic and enjoy the story. The glossary on the final two pages, gives a description of more difficult vocabulary. This book, part of the 'Bayview High' series, is an excellent addition to any junior high or middle school library. Highly Recommended. "—Elaine Fuhr, CM Magazine "Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it! ...This is the fifteenth title in the series ensuring that hooked readers will get their fix! The plot follows the series style in that it highlights the complex choices that today's teens are faced with. The common denominator in the series is the High School itself. Autumn, in Taking the Lead, does not get the lead role in Bayview's musical. The sound system goes missing. Someone is picking on shy Emma. Rumours and insults appear on online. How does today's teen deal with all the mayhem? Satisfying and exciting read." —Eva Wilson, Resource Links Magazine back to top Deer Lake Series"...the Deer Lake series presents some interesting and believable characters. The books are loosely tied together by these characters but each is a stand-alone adventure/mystery which can be enjoyed by itself. The Deer Lake series makes great, inexpensive reading for the pre-teen and early-teen crowd."—Gail Lennon, Resource Links Magazine "In Grade 3 our daughter was a classic reluctant reader. She was not incapable by any means, but asking her to read was always met with resistance. For some reason she saw reading as a chore. As parents we were caught in the difficult position of knowing we had to keep her reading, but not knowing how to do so without turning her off. The Deer Lake series completely changed that. Whether it was the level, the content, the glossaries at the back, or some combination, she quite quickly began to enjoy reading. She is now in Grade 6, and some of her most common expressions are 'I just finished another book' or 'Guess what page I'm on.' Her teachers have commented on how she enjoys talking about the books she is reading, and we have found the same thing at home. She is branching out, too. What began with H.J. Lewis, soon spread to K. Calder, and now she enjoys a wide variety of authors. As parents we could not be happier." —Geoff and Stephanie Park, St. Catharines The Accidental Camper"...as books for reluctant readers go, [The Accidental Camper] is better than many, and will be useful in many elementary and even junior high libraries."—Margaret Mackey, Resource Links Magazine "The greatest strength of these pleasant and simply written stories [The Accidental Camper and Summer of Change] is their authentic depiction of cottage life....Recommended." —Carol-Ann Hoyte, Canadian Book Review Annual 2005 Distant Cousin"I think that [Distant Cousin] was VERY well written and that it was a pleasure to read. I didn't want to put it down! I read it in two days!I like the new character Kasha and her English accent and that she LOVES to read (just like me). I think her character is very real because she is scared of spiders and she is forced to play the violin (just like I have to play the piano)." —Olivia, age 11 The Secret of the Bailey Bay Inn"The story [in The Secret of the Bailey Bay Inn] clips along at such a breathtaking pace that even the slowest reader is rewarded with a steady stream of plot developments...The short, simply constructed sentences don't limit Calder's ability to create vivid images. In fact, reading this book felt a little like watching television, as sights and sounds and sensations were evoked with detail and description. My favourite sentence was 'The ground was damp and smelled like worms.'The character development, too, is simple but deftly done, revealed by actions not exposition. By the end of the first four-page chapter, the reader has seen (not been told) that Kyle is brash and impulsive, Will more cautious. The interactions and activities of the four teenagers are realistic. If the reader is hooked by this story, there are five previous novels in the Deer Lake series (and, no doubt, more to come). Two are written by Calder's writing partner, H.J. Lewis, featuring Mel and the girl's point of view—an interesting touch in the series... For today's struggling readers, bring on more stories of Deer Lake! —Florence Barnsley, CM Magazine The Stalker"[I work with] a group of students who are struggling with reading and writing and are withdrawn from their regular class for a period of time each day for extra assistance. Their difficulties range from ESL to learning disabilities. It is difficult to motivate them and all are reluctant readers.For this school term, the classroom teachers asked us...to do a novel study with these students to assist in obtaining a better mark for their report cards.... I have to tell you that I have not seen a group who enjoyed a story more than these kids have enjoyed The Stalker. They couldn't wait to proceed to the next chapter and were lively in discussing the events and completing the activities. There was not a single complaint from them. They absolutely loved it. They want to do another of your novels right away. I loved it also and I couldn't wait to find the outcome of all Will's investigations. You did a great job." —Nora Reynolds and Myra McCafferty, Metropolitan Andrei Catholic School, Mississauga, Ontario Summer of Change"The greatest strength of these pleasant and simply written stories [The Accidental Camper and Summer of Change] is their authentic depiction of cottage life....Recommended."—Carol-Ann Hoyte, Canadian Book Review Annual 2005 back to top Hawk Medicine"Through [her] characters, Lewis shows the importance of family clearly, while simultaneously empathizing with a teenager's struggle to find his own place in the world. The nightmares add a surreal quality to Connor's plight, but are effective in establishing a link between him and his grandfather. Recommended."—Christina Pike, Canadian Book Review Annual 2005 back to top Nate's Journal Series"Our 8-year-old son was a reluctant reader. He would spend time with the odd non-fiction reference book about planes or birds, but mostly to look at the pictures. Then we brought home The Prank by K.E. Calder. He read it in two sittings. The story appealed to him, the vocabulary was not intimidating, and the page count was just right. Subsequently he devoured Why Me? and Class Trip. Now he's a 10-year-old book worm, regularly reading 500- and 600-page young fiction books in two- or three-day sittings...and asking us when the next Calder book comes out. We're thrilled we came across the Calder books and wholeheartedly recommend them to parents and young readers."—Doug Bennet and Nancy Clark, Toronto The Prank"As a teacher of children the same age as our characters, I found there to be many realistic truths throughout the story. I have loaned my copy of the book to a couple of my 'reluctant' male students, and they haven't wanted to put it down. Another group of children who would benefit from this book are our 'English as a Second Language' students who come into our schools and need to better understand 'typical' North American teenage culture. Boys at the grade six to nine level will be willing to read this book due to its size and 'cool' presentation. This book obviously sets up a series of Nate's Journals. It covers only the first two months of school, and I'm sure that the remainder of the year with Nate will be just as interesting to read."—Gillian Bernard, CM Magazine "Calder keeps readers in suspense throughout the novel. What will the prank be? Will all the boys' carefully laid plans really work? This is a fun and interesting read for any students and a book to which junior boys can relate." —Ann Ketcheson, Resource Links Magazine "Written in the form of a journal and featuring pen-and-ink illustrations, The Prank is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It has mystery, school, family problems, and boy-girl relationships....Highly recommended." —Elizabeth Levin, Canadian Book Review Annual 2005 Why Me?"The author of [Why Me?] has done a great job of transferring the thoughts of a 13-year-old into the pages of a journal. The layout of the chapters is easy to read and follow along. The book has fine dialogue from the main character, Nate, and the humor is evident from the very first entry. The insight Nate has into his everyday surroundings is both witty and understandable for the reader. I am MANY years older that Nate, but I can relate to many of his pre-teen experiences he has at home and school. I would highly recommend this book both for young boys and girls."—Shelly Tyler, CM Magazine "[Why Me?] will appeal to the reluctant reader with its use of short journal entries. The sketches that are intermingled reflecting real life adolescent doodling help clarify and extend the abstract parts of the text." —Anne Hatcher, Resource Links Magazine back to top The Mystery of the Medieval Coin"The Medieval Coin will work very well as a "read aloud" for any teacher doing a unit on knights, castles or medieval times. It has a mixed gender group of grade five children as the main characters. They are pre-teens who obviously are looking for, and find, adventure. The description of life in a castle is super. There are descriptions of clothing, social hierarchies, jousting, and squires' duties. The ancient times are set in France, and this does tie-in a multi-lingual aspect.There is some "clean" toilet humour in this novel which will always keep the intended age group laughing...The "mystery" is not solved in this novel, but it definitely leaves one wanting to know, "What happens next?" —Gillian Bernard, CM Magazine "We read the book [The Mystery of the] Medieval Coin and the kids loved it...and every time we read it, they'd beg me for more." —Susan Plat-Lindsay, Grade 2/3 teacher, Gracefield School, St. Catharines, ON back to top To Save a King"This exciting time travel book is the sequel to The Mystery of the Medieval Coin. Although it is not necessary to read the first book to enjoy the second, if readers enjoy one, they will enjoy the other....The story is a fast paced adventure with lots of interaction between the children of the twenty-first century and the children of the fifteenth century. Descriptions of the way of life are seamlessly integrated into the story. The time travelers work alongside the peasants in the field, visit the town market, befriend a squire, and observe the social hierarchy and its implications to the standards of life." To Save a King is recommended for public libraries and highly recommended for school libraries. Teachers could use this story as a read aloud for entertainment or for a curriculum unit on medieval history. Historical facts are presented in an exciting fashion. The tale is a good balance of adventure and history. —Laura Reilly, Resource Links Magazine back to top |
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