Hi-Lo

A teenage survival expert finds all of his skills tested as he's pursued through the Canadian wilderness by men determined to silence him. On his way to teach at Camp Seven Generations, a Native outdoor school, Nick witnesses a murder and then is thrown off a train. Remembering and using the teachings of his Abenaki elders will prove to be the difference between life and death for him. Although his pursuers have modern technology to help them, Nick has something even more useful. In addition to the skills he's learned, he has an ally in the natural world around him. Found, like the famous story "The Most Dangerous Game,"is a tale that focuses on being hunted until a way can be found to become the hunter.

Reviews
Review from ALA Booklist: "This high/low adventure is the epitome of an adrenaline rush. It is a terrific survival story packed with fascinating facts (how to cover tracks and hide all evidence of a campsite, what to do if you find yourself in a cave with a bear) and wonderful nods to the Abenaki language and Native American cultural tenants of thanking animals and leaving no trace." — Becca Worthington

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 12+

Fry Reading Level: 4

This book is part of the PathFinders series. The PathFinders series of Hi-Lo (high interest, low readability) novels offers the following features:

• Indigenous teen protagonists
• Age-appropriate plots
• 2.5 – 4.5 Reading Level
• Contemporary and historical fiction
• Indigenous authors

The PathFinders series is from an American publisher. Therefore, Indigenous terminology in the PathFinders books is not the same as Canadian Indigenous terminology. This prompts a useful teaching moment for educators in discussing appropriate terminology use in Canada.

Additional Information
96 pages | 4.50" x 7.00" | Paperback

A Duck in a Sock is the first book in a series designed for shared reading between a child learning to read and an experienced reader. The stories have special features to help a child with dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty find reading success.

Meg and Greg are hanging out for the summer doing what ten-year-olds do—helping an injured duckling, finding a lost pet fish, saving ranch animals from a wildfire and catching a wandering sloth! Jump inside to join Meg and Greg on their adventures.

Reviews
"My students love the engaging story lines of the Meg and Greg books. Although they are only meant to read the captions on the picture pages, they take great pride in trying (and succeeding!) to read the "teacher pages" as well" - Leslie O'Haga

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

This book includes features to accommodate struggling or dyslexic readers, such as comic-book-style illustrations, a dyslexia-friendly typeface with ample spacing and shaded paper to reduce contrast between text and paper—all of which make this series more accessible.

Targeted at struggling readers ages six to nine, A Duck in a Sock has a wide appeal to ELL readers, reluctant readers and at-level readers alike with its engaging and age-appropriate plots and low reading level that doesn’t demoralize or stigmatize struggling readers.

Co-author Elspeth Rae is a teacher certified in using the Orton-Gillingham Approach to teach children with dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties. She is currently a literacy specialist teaching reading, spelling and writing to children ages five to thirteen.

Co-author Elspeth Rae was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was eight years old.

This is the first book in the Meg and Greg series, a new Orca Two Read series for shared reading that introduces one new phonogram (a letter or combination of letters that represent a sound) in each story. These books are cumulative, so each story builds on the previous one, and each book will build on the previous book. The first book covers the ck, sh, ch and th phonograms.

On the left page is an adult or buddy reader's text.  On the right is the kid's text on grey paper, a feature that helps readers with dyslexia.  Key features include:

• Shaded paper that reduces contrast.
• Labels that allow very early readers to participate.
• Extra space between letters, words and lines of text.
• Kid's text that is controlled to remove spelling exceptions and advanced words.
• Words with target phonogram that appear in bold type.
• Easy to read font.

A downloadable resource pack is available: Resource Pack - Meg and Greg: A Duck in a Sock

Additional Information
168 pages | 5.87" x 8.25"

Frank and the Skunk is the second book in the Orca Two Read line designed for shared reading between a child learning to read or struggling to read and an experienced reader, following Duck in a Sock. The stories have special features to help a child with dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty find reading success.

Besties Meg and Greg are off to sleep-away camp for the summer! Along with your standard camp activities (swimming and making crafts) the duo have a run-in with a skunk, sing a silly song about a king, go on a canoe trip that has one glitch after another, and make a mess in the lodge with a fresh batch of fudge! So sit down and cozy up for another set of Meg and Greg adventures, this one focusing on the phonograms: nk, ng, tch and edge.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Meg and Greg Series, an Orca Two Read line designed for shared reading between a child learning to read or struggling to read and an experienced reader.

Themes: phonics, dyslexia, learning difference, animal adventures, buddy reading

A downloadable resource pack is available: Resource Pack - Meg and Greg: Frank and the Skunk

Additional Information
160 pages | 5.87" x 8.25" | b&w illustrations

When Jamie and Marie Longbow find out about the mysterious ghost dog that steals food from the Powwow and no one has been able to catch, they are determined to find out what's going on. When they finally get closer to it, it runs into the spooky abandoned house, with a buffalo burger dangling from its mouth, where Old Man Jimmerson used to live. Is it really a ghost dog? Should they go in? How are they going to solve this mystery when they are terrified of what might be on the other side of the door?

Reviews
"The second book in a mystery series features a dog who swipes buffalo burgers from the Seneca Chef’s stand at the powwow. Marie and Jamie, twin siblings, come to the event with their grandparents. They pass an old house on the edge of the reservation and the stage is set for the unfolding of the mystery. Bruchac, a storyteller and Abenaki author, tells a gentle story about the strong relationships between grandparents and children, the inviting atmosphere of the powwow grounds, and the mystery-solving ability of children. Deforest’s colorful illustrations convey the feelings the characters experience: joy, excitement, fear, sadness, and relief. Marie, Jamie, and their grandparents are Native, but their specific nation is not revealed. The book is divided into short chapters, creating a sort of picture book/graphic novel hybrid, which should appeal to emerging and/or reluctant readers. VERDICT An accessible and fun story that introduces young readers to Native culture, recommended for elementary and homeschool collections."—School Library Journal Reviewer

"Abenaki author Bruchac collaborates with illustrator Deforest, who uses his experiences growing up in Navajo country to create bold and colorful comic-book–style illustrations of this contemporary Native American family and a diverse, happy gathering of powwow attendees... Happily, there are more powwow adventures to come." - Kirkus Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grades 2 to 5.

This book is part of the Powwow Mystery series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.80" x 9.80"

Autumn Dawn is sick of being bullied at school. It's not her fault that she doesn't learn as fast as the other kids or that she speaks a little differently. Her home life isn't much better. Ever since Autumn's dad left, her mother can't cope, so Autumn has to care for her baby brother and do all the housework. Her mother hasn't even noticed the problems her daughter is dealing with.

When Autumn's Ojibwa aunt comes to visit, she recognizes Autumn's dyslexia and speech problems. Can Aunt Jessie build a bridge between mother and daughter and give Autumn the confidence she needs to move past her challenges?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended Ages: 12 to 16

Fry Reading Level: 4

This book is part of the PathFinders series. The PathFinders series of Hi-Lo (high interest, low readability) novels offers the following features:

• Indigenous teen protagonists
• Age-appropriate plots
• 2.5 – 4.5 Reading Level
• Contemporary and historical fiction
• Indigenous authors

The PathFinders series is from an American publisher. Therefore, Indigenous terminology in the PathFinders books is not the same as Canadian Indigenous terminology. This prompts a useful teaching moment for educators in discussing appropriate terminology use in Canada.

This book is part of the Autumn Dawn Series, a subseries of the PathFinders series.

Additional Information
120 pages | 4.50" x 7.00"

Alex Paterson is the number-one goalie on his high-school hockey team. And he's thrilled that his team has made the playoffs. But when graffiti that apparently can be traced back to Alex is found on the walls of the school, and a photo of Alex at a party with a beer in his hand starts making the rounds, he is suspended from the team, and his reputation as a good kid is put in doubt. Alex knows he's innocent. The problem is, he cannot figure out who would want to frame him. Or why. Is it the other goalie who wants all the glory for himself? Or someone from a rival team looking for an advantage? With everyone assuming the worst about him, it's up to Alex to find out who is behind it all, not only to clear his name, but to save the season.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Sports series. Orca Sports stories engage middle-schoolers and teens with fast-paced plots and easy-to-read language. Topics include a variety of team and individual sports. Reading levels from grade 2.0 to 4.5; Interest level ages 10+.

Themes / Keywords: competition, bullying, social media, peer pressure, teen romance.

RL: 3.4

Additional Information
160 pages | 4.25" x 7.00"

Like some other Native teens on Montana reservations, Rhonda Runningcrane attempted suicide. To her, life seemed bleak and pointless. But when she learns that donations are needed to support a large protest against an oil company running a pipeline through sacred Native land, something inside her clicks. Unlike her friends, Rhonda is inspired to join the fight, even though she knows it could be dangerous.

Using skills she learned from her uncle, Rhonda becomes part of the crew that keeps the protesters' camp running. With inspiration from a wise Native elder, the teen commits herself to an important cause, dedicating her life to protecting the sacred waters of Mother Earth.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 16.

Fry Reading Level: 6

This book is part of the PathFinders series. The PathFinders series of Hi-Lo (high interest, low readability) novels offers the following features:

• Indigenous teen protagonists
• Age-appropriate plots
• 2.5 – 4.5 Reading Level (With exception of this title, which has a Fry Reading Level of 6)
• Contemporary and historical fiction
• Indigenous authors

The PathFinders series is from an American publisher. Therefore, Indigenous terminology in the PathFinders books is not the same as Canadian Indigenous terminology. This prompts a useful teaching moment for educators in discussing appropriate terminology use in Canada.

Additional Information
120 pages | 4.50" x 7.00"

Twins Jamie and Marie Longbow are excited about summer with their grandparents, traveling from powwow to powwow selling goods they helped make. When their grandmother's most beautiful necklace goes missing, it's up to the twins to solve the mystery.

Reviews
"Marie Longbow and her twin brother Jamie accompany their grandparents to a powwow to sell jewelry and regalia. After the family returns from participating in the Friendship dance, they find that Grama’s best piece of jewelry is missing. Using both brains and brawn, the twins track down a surprising thief. The cartoonish drawings have a pop art feel with bright colors, and comic panels are incorporated into the single- and double-page illustrations. A variety of regalia is depicted on the dancers and drummers. Speech bubbles are used for some of the text to emphasis parts of the conversations. Native American terms are sprinkled into the narrative along with descriptions of powwow activities. The book is divided into short chapters, creating a sort of picture book/graphic novel hybrid, which should appeal to emerging and/or reluctant readers. VERDICT This beginning mystery with a Native American focus is a good general purchase, and creates a useful transition from picture books to chapter books or graphic novels for younger readers." —School Library Journal Reviewer

"This early chapter book with a picture book trim size, the first installment of the Powwow Mystery Series, features twins Jamie and Marie Longbow, who are traveling to powwows this summer with their grandparents to sell Grama’s wares. Jamie excels at tree climbing, while Marie loves to read and memorize facts about birds. When Grama’s best necklace is stolen at the Little Eagle powwow grounds, the first powwow they visit, it’s up to the twins and their respective talents to help solve the case. Bruchac (Brothers of the Buffalo), an enrolled member of the Nulhegan Bank of the Abenaki nation, offers a well-paced introduction of the characters and elements of the powwow over the four chapters. While the foreshadowing may be a bit transparent (“ ‘It’s okay,’ Grampa said as he danced past them. ‘Sleepy Mickey is watching the booth.’ ”), the identity of the thief and the resolution still prove satisfying. Deforest, who was raised on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico, contributes boldly outlined and brightly colored digital illustrations in an accessible comic-book style that will likely entice reluctant readers."—Publishers Weekly

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grades 2 to 5.

This book is part of the Powwow Mystery series.

Additional Information

After overcoming years of trouble with his alcoholic father and surviving a near-death car accident, Bobby Byington - for the first time in his life - has a strong family. His parents are reunited, his father has turned away from the bottle, and he is a starter on the basketball team at his high school.

But the door to trouble never stays closed. Bobby's girlfriend, next-door-neighbor Faye, suffers attacks from a bullying classmate, and some of Bobby's basketball teammates are dealing with family problems that are all too familiar to him. Maybe Bobby's old backyard hideout will need to be uncovered again and the door reopened.

Hoping to help his friends, Bobby shares the Choctaw legend of No Name that Coach Robison had told him back when Bobby needed to hide from his father. Who knew Coach's wisdom would become so meaningful to others?

As the playoffs near and the team plays to win, Coach delivers a message that extends well beyond the basketball court: "Your life is carved by the choices you make. You earn your name by your actions."

Educator & Series Information
Reading Level: 2.5

Recommended Ages: 12-16

This is the third book in the No Name series, which is part of the PathFinders series. The PathFinders series of Hi-Lo (high interest, low readability) novels offers the following features: 

• Indigenous teen protagonists
• Age appropriate plots
• 2.5 – 4.5 Reading Level
• Contemporary and historical fiction
• Indigenous authors

The PathFinders series is from an American publisher. Therefore, Indigenous terminology in the PathFinders books is not the same as Canadian Indigenous terminology. This prompts a useful teaching moment for educators in discussing appropriate terminology use in Canada.  The recommended ages for books in the PathFinders series are 12-16.

Additional Information
160 pages | 4.50" x 7.00"

Seventeen-year-old Lucy "Lucky" Graves is devoted to her championship rugby team, but her dreams of a scholarship are destroyed when she breaks her leg during an important game. If it doesn't heal properly, Lucy could be benched for the rest of the year. Goodbye pro career, goodbye college, goodbye future. Without rugby, who is she? Now her anxiety is getting worse, and a past trauma has resurfaced to haunt her. Lucy needs to get real about what happened when she was twelve, and about what it really means to be a team player.

Reviews
"A good book about women in sport and has enough romance and family drama to interest other readers. Highly Recommended." — CM Magazine, July 2018

"Clever, quippy dialogue and enjoyable first-person voice make the sassy, inner-monologuing Lucy a pleasure of a protagonist…Bonus points are given for winning subplot involving a goofball math teacher, and a sweet, sincere look at the complexities of female friendship between competitive athletes. This book tackles a lot and scores at every turn."— Booklist, August 2018

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Sports series. Orca Sports stories engage middle-schoolers and teens with fast-paced plots and easy-to-read language. Topics include a variety of team and individual sports. Reading levels from grade 2.0 to 4.5; Interest level ages 10+.

Additional Information
184 pages | 7.00" x 4.25"

In this collection of chapters, Joe Starr shares his history, the teachings of those who love and who have loved him dearly. Readers gain a better understanding of the histories and traditions of the Haisla people through these personal stories.

This collection of chapters is dedicated to the Haisla and Heiltsuk children.

This book is a Hi-Lo Reading Book recommended for ages 11-15.

Everyone expected Leon Kline, anchor for the 4x100 sprint relay, to secure Gilburn High's spot in the record books. But a freak accident on the final stretch changes everything. Suddenly his future is gone. No more running, no scholarship, no college. But then he meets sassy and straight-talking Casey De Vries, and life doesn't look quite so bleak. She even gets him running again. He can't sprint anymore, but he can handle longer distances. As he gets to know Casey better, he realizes that something is not quite right. How can he help her if she won't tell him what’s going on?

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Sports series. Orca Sports stories engage middle-schoolers and teens with fast-paced plots and easy-to-read language. Topics include a variety of team and individual sports. Reading levels from grade 2.0 to 4.5; Interest level ages 10+.

Additional Information
176 pages | 4.25" x 7.00"

Fourteen-year-old Logan Grant is the star center for the Westside Wolves bantam hockey team. He has all the skills and all the looks, but he has alienated many of his teammates with his me-first attitude. One night Logan's life is forever changed when a fire sweeps through his house. He survives, but his face and body are badly burned. Too embarrassed to show his deformed face on the ice, Logan believes he'll never play hockey again until he stumbles across an old goalie mask that gives him the courage to get back to the rink. Taunted by the other players, Logan is defended by an unlikely ally, a teammate he once bullied because of his own facial disfigurement.

Reviews
"Another excellent sports-themed book for young people…Howling paints a very true picture of relationships between teens, their peer group, and parents, especially in the sports world which puts a different twist on relationships…An excellent book for [hockey] players and nonplayers."— CM Magazine, September 2018

"Howling's character development of Logan is exceptional."— Resource Links, October 2018

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Sports series. Orca Sports stories engage middle-schoolers and teens with fast-paced plots and easy-to-read language. Topics include a variety of team and individual sports. Reading levels from grade 2.0 to 4.5; Interest level ages 10+.

Additional Information
160 pages | 7.00" x 4.25" 

After Bobby Byington's unforgettable winning high school season, Coach Robison recruits Choctaw players from several communities to play in a summer league. Coach selects the Panther as the team's mascot, saying, "To many Choctaws, young and old, the Panther is an elder watching over us, helping us when we are in need." As the team gels and they move to the national tournament, they find out they are up against more than other basketball teams. They must deal with racist taunts and unfair sportsmanship on the court. The situation comes to a head when, on the eve of a key game against a bullying opponent, two Choctaw players are arrested for robbery. Never doubting their innocence, Coach Robison asks, "Who can we trust, and how can we find the truth?"

Educator & Series Information 
Reading Level: 2.5 

Recommended Ages: 12-16 

This is the fourth book in the No Name series, which is part of the PathFinders series. The PathFinders series of Hi-Lo (high interest, low readability) novels offers the following features: 

• Indigenous teen protagonists
• Age appropriate plots
• 2.5 – 4.5 Reading Level
• Contemporary and historical fiction
• Indigenous authors

The PathFinders series is from an American publisher. Therefore, Indigenous terminology in the PathFinders books is not the same as Canadian Indigenous terminology. This prompts a useful teaching moment for educators in discussing appropriate terminology use in Canada.  The recommended ages for books in the PathFinders series are 12-16.

Additional Information
166 pages | 6.00" x 9.00"

In the 1860s the United States Army forced thousands of Navajos off their land and imprisoned them in unsafe conditions at Fort Sumner. Through the eyes of teenager Danny Blackgoat, readers experience how the Diné people struggled to survive.

In the concluding novel of the Danny Blackgoat trilogy, the major characters appear in a final scene of reckoning. Danny Blackgoat must face the charge of stealing a horse from Fort Davis––or reveal that his old friend, Jim Davis, stole the horse to help Danny escape. The penalty for horse theft in the 1860s? Death by hanging. Only the word of a Navajo woman can save both Danny and Jim Davis, but will she arrive at Fort Sumner before the bugles sound and the hanging begins?

Danny Blackgoat: Dangerous Passage is filled with history-based action, as the Diné people leave their imprisonment and return to Navajo country.

Educator & Series Information
This is the third book in the Danny Blackgoat series, which is part of the PathFinders series. The PathFinders series of Hi-Lo (high interest, low readability) novels offers the following features: 

• Indigenous teen protagonists
• Age appropriate plots
• 2.5 – 4.5 Reading Level
• Contemporary and historical fiction
• Indigenous authors

The PathFinders series is from an American publisher. Therefore, Indigenous terminology in the PathFinders books is not the same as Canadian Indigenous terminology. This prompts a useful teaching moment for educators in discussing appropriate terminology use in Canada.  The recommended ages for books in the PathFinders series are 12-16.

Additional Information
162 pages | 4.50" x 7.00"