Sunlight Tales is a series of seven young adult phonics books written for upper elementary to high school interest levels with stories revolving around school, sports, travel, romance & even a lighthouse ghost!
Reading Level: 1.1 to 6.1
Phonics Concepts: One Syllable, Two Syllable, and Multi Syllable Words; Open/Closed Syllables, Consonant Digraphs, Blends, Vowel Tag, Vowel Change, Silent E, R-Controlled Vowels, Diphthongs, Vowel Teams, Complex Vowel Teams, Advanced Vowel Teams, Final Syllables
Length: 20 – 40 pages
Genre: Young Adult/Sports/Travel/Romance
Intended Audience: Upper Elementary/Middle School Students
Sock Hop
Pam prepares for the school sock hop, battling a zit and navigating her excitement about being on TV. At the dance, a mishap turns into an opportunity when her friends Ken and Jan earn a spot on a popular show after an unexpected collision.
Grade Level: 1.1 to 1.8
Concept: One Syllable Words, Blends (fast, slip), Suffixes (yelled, slipping)
Excerpt: “When classes ended, the girls went to the soda shop that was next to the school. This was a hot spot that all the kids hit after class.”
Raft Trip
A senior trip turns harrowing as Sandy leads her group through dangerous rapids after a van accident.
Grade Level: 2.9 to 4.3
Concept: Two Syllable Words, Blends (raft, trip), Vowel Tag (up/set, con/flict)
Excerpt: “The raft hit several rocks and spots where the river dropped six to ten feet. Bill had passed out and was still on the bottom of the raft. They covered him with a blanket.”
Tripped Up
Susan’s athletic skills shine during soccer games against boys.
Grade Level: 2.5 to 4.7
Concept: Multi Syllable Words, Silent E (athlete, fame), Vowel Tag (Mon/day, dis/cuss), Vowel Change (re/mind, pro/tect)
Excerpt: “Susan moved back to defense, but she played closer to the goal. That way, she could defend the left side of the field and protect the net, too.”
Beach Resort
Barb’s family vacation transforms into a thrilling adventure with Pete. Their shared love for ocean activities leads to a harrowing shark attack and heroic moments.
Grade Level: 3.0 to 4.4
Concept: Multi Syllable Words, Vowel Tag (at/tack), Vowel Change (e/mer/gen/cy), Long E (reflect, beach), R-Controlled Vowels (reporters, minor)
Excerpt: “They sailed for a couple of hours, then Pete dropped the anchor about a mile from shore. The water was still only about twenty feet deep. They decided to do some snorkeling.”
The Way Out
Slim navigates the pressure of joining a gang while staying true to his values. With help from a mentor, he finds a positive path through education and work, inspiring his block’s transformation.
Grade Level: 2.4 to 4.2
Concept: Multi Syllable Words, Vowel Tag (un/til, cam/pus), Vowel Change (be/long), Long E (wheel, leave), R-Controlled Vowels (started, dorm, cover)
Excerpt: “Slim lived on the block in Brooklyn called the Inferno. It was called this because so many problems had heated up in there.”
Voyage
A school trip to Egypt takes a suspenseful turn when students explore pyramids and get lost in a maze.
Grade Level: 4.5 to 6.1
Concept: Multi Syllable Words, Vowel Tag (un/rav/el), Vowel Change (E/gypt), R-Controlled Vowels (burger, tarp), Diphthongs (loud, spook, noise)
Excerpt: “The next day everyone got up early, swam and had breakfast. Then they hopped in a van and took off for the pyramids. There was a small line at the entrance to the pyramids.”
Lighthouse Ghost
Following ship crashes, Moira and Jesse attempt to unravel the mystery of the Lighthouse Ghost.
Grade Level: 5.0 to 6.1
Concept: Multi Syllable Words, Diphthongs (noise, spook), Complex Vowel Teams (lighthouse, break), Endings (curious, destruction)
Excerpt: “Moira was in a panic. She had seen Jesse run to the lighthouse to touch the ghost, and then he seemed to disappear in thin air. She scanned the hills and saw a light.”
