Zone - Jennifer Phillips

Zane has a goal and a problem as he ends the eighth grade. He’s been picked for a youth conservation program that will let him enjoy the outdoors for the summer and start saving for a car. But his inability to control his anger has everyone on edge, especially after he has a big outburst as school lets out. Zane’s parents want him to pause his summer plan, but he promises to double down on his therapy strategies using the zones of emotional regulation.

Soon, Zane is trying to fit in and keep his cool as part of a crew with four other teens, a twenty-year-old crew leader, and a gruff ex-military program director. But getting along is the least of Zane’s worries when he learns that the school district wants him to transfer to a behavior support program in the fall. Furthermore, the national forest where he’s working faces a severe drought and increased wildfire risk. Under these conditions, staying calm won’t just affect Zane’s future school placement—it might also save his life.

Characterized by exciting, fast-paced plots and age-appropriate themes, Harbor’s Hi-Lo books are both engaging and easy to read. Short chapters, simple sentence structures, and an accessible format make these books perfect for tween reluctant readers. Harbor books are written at a 2nd- to 3rd-grade reading level with an interest level of ages 10 and up.