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Engaging reluctant readers since 2012!

Hi-Lo Books Intentionally Build Reading Fluency

It was a complete accident that I learned the one thing about reading that impacted me the most as a writer. Hi-Lo books intentionally build reading fluency! Although, at the time, I didn’t have a clue it was happening to me. I grew up learning to read and write in German, although we spoke English…
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L.B. Tillit Books: Educator Testimonials

As a former teacher, I know how important it is to hear from other educators. This is key, especially before investing time and money in new classroom material. The following are some testimonials from real educators who have already used my books to reach their students. I am thankful that they were willing to share…
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We Should Not “Dumb-down” Hi-Lo Books!

Reluctant readers are not stupid. In fact, they recognize “dumbed down” books. This is a highly offensive phrase used when discussing the structure of Hi-Lo books. It also shows a lack of understanding of the purpose and process of writing effective Hi-Lo books. Is it a surprise when reluctant readers don’t want to read those…
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How to Strengthen Reading Fluency

Reading fluency plays a key role in reading comprehension. So how do we strengthen reading fluency? As a teacher of struggling readers, I learned that this did not mean that only those who could read fast were good readers. Speed was not the most important factor. In fact, I discovered a key habit that was…
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Hi- Lo Books offer a Bridge to help Struggling Readers

Hi-Lo Books offer a needed bridge in the reading process. In fact, Hi-Lo books help struggling readers! Hi-Lo books are not novels that should be dismissed as inferior literature. In fact, I believe that these very books offer the bridge needed for many readers to have a chance at accessing the literature available to them…
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Reading Level Should NOT Be a Measure of Self-worth!

Does it upset some struggling readers when their book is written on a lower reading level? I get it, if it does.  But those thoughts only hold reluctant readers back. We must directly teach that reading levels are not a measure of self-worth or how smart someone is! Reading levels only inform readers were they…
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What are “Hi-Lo” Books?

I want to tell you a little bit about what reading Hi-Lo books means. Hi-Lo books, also known as High-Low books, can play a key role in developing reading fluency. Fluency means that you can read better and faster AND understand what you have read.  A Hi-Lo book is a book or a reading section…
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