I recently began a new job teaching English/Reading to classes of both teenagers with learning disabilities and emotional support needs. I started the job in the middle of the year so I didn’t have a chance to order materials. My question is this - Where do I find high-interest materials that are also accessible to readers who read between 2nd - 6th grade levels? My students are mostly inner city, African American…We’re reading “Durango Street” right now which has their interest but the vocabulary is sometimes difficult…Note: I love the titles in the bibliotherapy, but I don’t want all the materials we read to be about having a learning disability…Any suggestions?…I’m relatively new at this, as this is only my second year teaching.
Re: Books for teens
Sharon Draper (a National Teacher of the Year) has written books that are accessible to the kids you describe, with some support such as choral reading, books on tape, read alouds.
Tears of a Tiger
Forged by Fire
Darkness Before Dawn
These are a kind of trilogy about teens in an urban school–meaty issues–read them first!
Also Romiette and Julio–gangs; internet chats
Jerry Spinelli writes wonderful books that should appeal to this age–Stargirl, Maniac Magee, Loser, The Wringer
Nikki Grimes has a a good new one whose name I can’t remember!! About teens and writing poetry, told in the voices of several different teens. Really short chapters, poetry etc.
Try High Noon Publications—part of Academic Therapy Publications. I believe it is www.highnoon.com but might be .net
Lots of books/magazines for older audiences with lower skills.