- Key Stage: 3, 4
- Accelerated Reader Interest Level: MY+, UY
- Accelerated Reader Book Level: 2.8–4.8
Diversity & Inclusion Quick Reads for Accelerated Reader™
Finding books for teenagers that feature a diverse & inclusive range of experiences can sometimes be a challenge, and harder still to source for students that are reluctant or struggling readers. This collection has been specifically curated to include characters from varied backgrounds to ensure readers will be able to see themselves reflected within the pages.
These fast-paced, short reads contain ethnically diverse and LGBTQ characters as well as examining topics such as mental health, homelessness and life as a young carer. Not only do they challenge stereotypes and prejudices but they are also genuinely enjoyable and exciting stories that will appeal to those 14+ year olds who aren’t usually keen on picking up a book.
This collection includes 28 books, for more details about each title see the description below.
All titles have been quizzed for Accelerated Reader, with levels between 2.8–4.8
Finding books for teenagers that feature a diverse range of experiences can sometimes be a challenge, and harder still to source for students that are reluctant or struggling readers. This collection has been specifically curated to include characters from varied backgrounds to ensure readers will be able to see themselves reflected within the pages.
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Being Dan by Donna David Lucy is leaving for university tomorrow and she and Dan aren’t talking. Dan wants to sort it out. Lucy used to be the best big sister. But if she can’t support him in the biggest decision of his life, he doesn’t know how they can ever make up. Lucy needs to face up to her own prejudices and fears. Can she do it for the sake of her brother or is it too late?
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Break by Jennifer Lane When Vinny smells burning in his mates car, he doesnt know that it will change his life forever. Can he get to the bottom of who tried to kill them, even if it means bringing down one of his closest friends?
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Breathe by Karen Moncrieffe Nicole has a secret she is hiding from everyone; even her boyfriend, Alex. She suffers from anxiety. Sometimes her worries threaten to overwhelm her. To Alex she appears calm and confident. He has no idea how scared she often feels inside. But Nicole begins to find it impossible to keep her feelings hidden. She is faced with a choice. Reveal her secret — or lose Alex. What will she decide?
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Bruised by Donna David Finn has been acting weird. He’s moved to his gran’s house in the posh end of town and now it’s as if he thinks he’s too good for his old friends. He’s getting into trouble too. All-night gaming and near-misses with the police. Can Dean get to the bottom of what’s going on with his best mate? Or is it too late for their friendship?
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By My Side by Ann Evans Zoe's life can't get any worse. Bad enough that she suffers from seizures, but it's everyone's pity she hates. It's really embarrassing, and it's affecting her relationships. She's never felt more alone. Now she's to have a Seizure Alert Dog. So she'll stand out even more than she already does. And she's terrified of dogs.
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Change by Chitra Soundar Anu has to deal with Hannah’s insults every day at school. When Hannah insults her grandad in his shop, will Anu let it go? Or will she stand up to her bully for a change? Hannah seems to enjoy taunting Anu. But when Hannah slips and falls right outside the shop, she is faced with unexpected kindness. Will that change her mind about Anu?
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Delete by Tim Collins Ryan is approached by someone claiming to be his ex-boyfriend. But Ryan has never had a boyfriend. He hasn't even told anyone outside his family that he's gay. Ryan soon discovers that the boy might not be as crazy as he seems. In a strange white building on the edge of town, he finds out a shocking secret about his past.
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The First Martian by Iain McLaughlin Lucas is an alien. He was the first human to be born on Mars. He has been brought home to Earth, but school feels more alien to him than Mars did. Lucas stands out. He has to wear a special suit in order to get around under Earth's gravity. His two best friends are the only people who don't treat him like an outsider. Until one day...
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Girl Next Door by Karen Moncrieffe Imani moves to a new house in an area where she doesn’t always feel welcome. She begins chatting to Kelsey, the girl who lives next door. Kelsey seems nice, but her family and friends dislike anyone they consider to be different. Will Kelsey find the courage to stand up to her family, or will hate drive the girls apart?
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Home by Karen Moncrieffe Aliyah and her family have been made homeless. She is finding it hard not having a proper place to live. Trinity lives on a lovely street in a huge house. Her life appears to be perfect, but all is not as it seems. Aliyah and Trinity lead very different lives, but both have something in common. What they want most is to live in a place that feels like a home.
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Last Year by Iain McLaughlin Claire Mason got a diary for Christmas. It should be filled with entries about her life at college as she prepares to sit exams. Instead, Claire's diary tells of a family illness, and the difficult decisions it forces her to make. Last Year is the story of Claire's hardest year.
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Living the Lie by Ann Evans Everyone thinks Ella has the perfect life. A big house, the perfect mother. But it's all just one big lie. If anyone knew the life she lived, it would mean disaster for Ella and her mum. So the lies go on. But her mum is getting sicker. Ella is torn. She can't tell anyone the truth. But she can't cope either.
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Looking After Mum by Roy Apps Dani is looking forward to Matt’s birthday meal with their friends at the local pizza place. But Matt doesn’t show up. Then, when Matt doesn’t reply to her texts, Dani is upset. She can’t believe Matt is the kind of guy who’d behave like that. But Matt has problems of his own at home. Problems that he can’t bear to share with anyone, least of all his friends. Will Dani discover the truth?
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Message Alert by Ann Evans Ellie does her best to look after her mum who has ME. She tries to stay cheerful. But sometimes she needs a friend to pour out her troubles to. She turns to Janine, an online friend who understands what Ellie is going through. They’ve never met, so when Ellie gets the chance to visit Janine, she can’t wait. But Janine has a secret — a very dark secret.
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Offside by Iain McLaughlin Fifteen-year-old Cal Deane has a chance to make it as a professional footballer. To get there, he’ll have to cope with the loss of his mum and a group of racists. For Cal, the battles off the pitch are far more challenging than any game of football.
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Out! by Iain McLaughlin This diary belongs to (nobody calls me Jacqueline and lives) P.S. If you are reading this and you are not me, you’re in trouble. I know who you are and I know where you live…
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Refugee Kid by Catherine Bruton “Tell us again exactly how old you are.” Samir promised to look after his little brother Moosa on the dangerous journey from Syria — across the Mediterranean, through refugee camps and then in an airless container to England. But what has the journey cost him? Will he be able to keep his promise? And will they ever find a way home?
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Remember Rosie by Beverly Sanford Making friends in a new school is tough, but Lauren is determined it'll work out. Maybe she'll even be happy again, after everything her family has been through. Just as long as nobody finds out about Harry...
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Runaway by Ann Evans Running away from a brutal home is Gary's only option. He plans his escape well. He saves enough money to rent a room until he can find a job. He’s going to make a good life for himself. But when Gary’s plans go horribly wrong, he ends up homeless, broke and sleeping on the streets. Could life get any worse?
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S/He by Catherine Bruton The new kid at school is not like anyone Kat has met before. Raven is 'gender-fluid'. Not a boy. Or a girl. But kind of both-sometimes…sort of… At first the class are fascinated, intrigued. But people like labels. They like to put things in boxes. Boy? Girl? Blue? Pink? Do you need to make a choice? Does anyone have a right to know? You decide.
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Sam by Emma Norry Sam’s friends haven’t been round for months. He spends most of his time online. His schoolwork is suffering. His mum is worried, but Sam reckons she doesn’t understand him, not like his online friends. Plus she’s really busy working two jobs. Sam can’t talk to his dad either because he’s gone and got himself a new family. Will Sam tell anyone his secret, before it tears him apart?
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Sitting Target by John Townsend Lee and his mum have plenty of problems of their own- but then a desperate stranger breaks in. Now Lee has to think fast and do the right thing. He suddenly finds himself with a vital job to do . In a frantic race against time. At only fourteen, Lee is sure of only one thing: he can't be sitting target. Not now they are after him.
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Stop by Jenni Spangler Ryan has always wanted to be a police officer. When he’s picked to go on a real undercover operation, it’s his chance to prove he’s got what it takes. But on the way home, something happens and his life is changed forever.
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Sucker Punch by Emma Norry Who do you fight when your worst enemy is yourself? Bo’s kept a tight lid on her emotions ever since her dad died. When she takes up boxing, she discovers it’s a good outlet for her feelings. But when someone she trusts takes advantage, Bo finds her emotions getting out of control. Can she tell anyone why she lashes out, or will her temper mean she misses her big fight?
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Torn by Jenni Spangler Sara has to move to a refuge after her dad hits her mum. She can’t bear to talk about it, not even to her best friend, Hafsa. Hafsa wants to know why Sara is cancelling plans and ignoring messages. It’s not like her to be so cold. Will Sara share her worries with Hafsa, or will the secrecy tear their friendship apart?
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United by Emma Norry Zane breathes, eats and sleeps football. As the school’s best striker, he’s an important part of the team. But lately, Zane’s had a lot on his mind. His best mate Ola is worried about him, especially when Zane suddenly quits the team. Is Zane jealous of Ola’s new girlfriend, or is something else going on?
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Vanishing Point by Cheryl Lanyon Ella is a good student, but she doesn't stand out at all. That’s about to change. Ella gets ill and has to have several weeks off school. When she returns she's lost weight and cut her hair. People notice and say she's looking good — and she loves it. But life at home is stressful. Her dad's left and she's got a lot of work to catch up on. On top of that she’s terrified of putting the weight back on. It’s becoming an obsession, and it’s leading her down a very dangerous path. She needs help, but will she accept it?
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You Don't Care by Luisa Plaja Jordan likes Hannah even though his friend says she’s bad news. Jordan is sure it’s just gossip... until Hannah starts cancelling their plans for no reason. Hannah likes Jordan, but she has to look after her dad and sister. She can’t always find time to go out and have fun. Does Jordan care more about what his friend says than he does about Hannah?
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| Key Stage | 3, 4 |
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| Accelerated Reader Interest Level | MY+, UY |
| Accelerated Reader Book Level | 2.8–4.8 |