Pig Girl: an easy-to-read book for struggling, reluctant or infrequent teen readers
Patricia is a hybrid. She was created by evil scientist Leo, who plans on making more human-animal combinations.
When sweet, nerdy Chris becomes Patricia's friend, she seizes the opportunity to change her fate.
Will Patricia find a way to become fully human, or remain a pig girl forever?
Themes: coming of age
first love
girl power
being different
bullying
friendship
facing adversity
revenge
This easy-to-read book is ideal for middle-grade readers (9-12) and teens who are still developing their reading skills (12-16).
'You've got a face like a pig.'
'Yeah, I know.'
Kylie's hazel eyes widen in surprise. She wasn't expecting the new girl to be calm and easy-going when faced with her bullying.
'So, you're a hog, ' she says.
Patricia locks eyes with Kylie, holding her in a steady stare.
'No. You don't know anything, do you? If I were a pig, I'd be a female teenager, so that would make me a gilt.'
'You're female?'
Kylie and her friends begin to snigger.
Patricia shrugs her thickset shoulders. 'Ha, ha. You know, I'm used to people like you.'
She points at the girls gathered in the bathroom. They are all pressed together like a swarm of trout in a net.
'Don't you think I get told I look like a pig a lot?' she says, touching her nose.
'My nose kinda looks like a snout, doesn't it?'
One of the girls nods and Patricia lurches toward her with a snort.
The girl screams, nearly falling over her friend as she steps back in alarm.
Patricia laughs, showing her large, wide teeth.
'Who's next?'
Pig Girl has:
Simple vocabulary Achievable length Easy to read font Extra line spacing No long paragraphs Inclusive stories Appropriate content Relatable teen characters Relevant teen themes Unique, captivating story-line
Boost reading confidence, fluency and stamina
'On the Edge' books by Jay Bird are ideal for fostering successful individual reading experiences and are excellent for school-based instructive reading.
