Appearance – Horror

When Maya downloads a mysterious new app called Reflect, her selfies become flawless—smooth skin, brighter eyes, a perfect smile. Overnight she becomes internet famous. But every perfect photo takes something from the real her. As her online self grows more beautiful, Maya’s real reflection begins to fade. And by the time she understands the price of perfection, it may already be too late to stop the girl in the mirror from replacing her.

What You Get:

• Complete 2,000-word story broken into chapters with engaging headings
• 600-700 Lexile level (accessible but not babyish)
• Engaging cover art
• 4 multiple-choice comprehension questions (Quick Check)
• 2 scaffolded reflection prompts (Think About It)
• Full answer key with sample student responses
• Aligned with National Australian English Curriculum
• Zero prep required – print and go

Why This Works: Students who “don’t like reading” will finish this story. The hook is fast, the stakes are real, and the ending pays off. They’ll ask for the next one.

Perfect For:

• Reluctant or struggling readers (Years 7-9)
• Literacy intervention programs
• Casual teacher emergency lessons
• Reading for pleasure initiatives
• Students who need high-interest, age-appropriate content

No more students claiming reading isn’t for them. Don’t bore them. Give them a good story and they’ll like reading.