Close reading texts for 14-yr old?

[stuartnz]

I am currently working with a 14-yr old Punjabi boy who moved here with his family around six months ago. His English comprehension is quite serviceable, but his school reports indicate a problem with production of English and with close reading. We are currently working on his paragraph writing, which is pretty straightforward, but I'm wondering if anybody could give recommendations of texts suitable for helping him practice close reading. I don't think he's at the "read Ulysses and write 80 pages on Joyce's use of 'yes'" stage, so any suggestions for passages appropriate to his age and language level that could help him practice this skill will be received with simpering gratitude.

[Anglika]

Would Margaret Mahy's teenage books work? They are concerned with his age group, and she writes well, and is a New Zealander so the context is relevant.

[stuartnz]

Would Margaret Mahy's teenage books work? They are concerned with his age group, and she writes well, and is a New Zealander so the context is relevant.

D'Oh! That WAS embarrassing. Thanks for the reminder, shame I needed it.