Orca Currents are short, high-interest novels with relatable themes written specifically for middle-school students reading below grade level. Reading levels from grade 2.0 to 5.0.

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

Wildfire

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle readers, Dylan tries to find the source of a series of mysterious fires.

Oh Brother

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle readers, Lauren is worried about what will happen when her new friends realize her brother is disabled.

The Ride Home

In this high-interest, accessible novel for middle readers, thirteen-year-old Mark adjusts to long rides on the school bus after moving to a small town to live with his grandmother.

The Overwood

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, 14-year-old Blue Jasper has to face an old foe from Faerieland who has made her way into his world.

Willpower

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, a young teen with extraordinary mental abilities tries to save her father.

Lost

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, teen sleuths Sam and Annabel solve a mystery in the Arctic that has ties to the Franklin Expedition.

Maxed Out

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle readers, after his dad dies, twelve-year-old Max struggles to balance playing hockey with supporting his grieving mother and a brother who is autistic.

On Cue

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, fourteen-year-old Randi has to balance theater studies with caring for her brother, who is autistic.

Winter Road

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle readers, Kat stows away in her mother's semitruck on a dangerous trek across a frozen lake.

Alien Road

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle readers, thirteen-year-old Ridge goes on a boat trip through the legendary Bermuda Triangle.

The Wherewood

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, 14-year-old Blue Jasper goes on another Faerie Woods adventure, to the Wherewood, the forest of lost things.

Agent Angus

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle readers, Angus and his best friend, Shahid, try to track down a thief.

Cheat

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle readers, Laurel investigates a cheating scam at her high school.

The Crosswood

In this high-interest, accessible novel for middle-grade readers, 14-year-old Blue Jasper must enter the enchanted Crosswood when his twin siblings are kidnapped by a Faerie king.

Embrace the Chicken

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle readers, Shivani is horrified when her mother volunteers to cook traditional Indian food for her school's annual fundraiser.