Orca Soundings are short, high-interest novels written specifically for teens. These edgy stories with compelling characters and gripping storylines are ones they will want to read. Reading levels from grade 2.0 to 4.5; Interest level ages 12+.

Need help choosing your next Orca Soundings hi-lo read? Check out our Orca Anchor and Soundings Poster.

Overdrive

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, Jake is involved in a street-racing accident and struggles to do the right thing.

Truth

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, teen reporter Jen investigates the murder of a local resident.

The Rules Have Changed

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, sixteen-year-old Blake Pendleton is surprised to learn, after three years abroad, that things are very different at his school now.

Mr. Universe

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, Michael accidentally finds himself in an alternate universe being chased by scary lizard men in gray suits.

Tornado

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, sixteen-year-old Cam must find his way home to save his little brother when a tornado hits.

Pickpocket

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, 17-year-old Jean-Luc is sent away to live with his uncle in a small town on the coast of France.

Sticks and Stones

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, Jujube takes on her tormentors and helps a group of girls win back their self-esteem.

Dreaming in Color

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, a young teen is thrilled when she gets into art school but shocked to learn that some students feel she doesn’t belong there.

Hey Jude

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, a teen tries to balance the last year of high school, a new romance and looking after her sister with mental health issues.

Double or Nothing

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, a teenage genius descends deeper into a gambling addiction and her twin sister becomes embroiled in her dangerous game.

Stranded

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, after a string of bad luck, a teenage boy takes a woman up on her generous offer of free room and board. But he soon learns that things are not as they seem.

Viral

When a compromising video of Lindsay at a party goes viral, Mike must find a way to protect her, even though they aren't friends anymore.

Easy Street

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Rob has mixed feelings about his brother, Adam, being released from prison.

The Ledge

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, sixteen-year-old Nick tries to adjust to his new reality after a surfing accident leaves him partially paralyzed.

Watch Out

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, fifteen-year-old Charlie investigates a series of break-ins in his neighborhood.

Cub

In this high-interest novel for teen readers, Theo enters a cooking contest and catches the eye of a celebrity restaurant owner.

Thicker Than Water

In this high-interest novel for teens, Zack has to decide between betraying a family member or losing a friend when an eighteen-year-old girl goes missing.