Josh undertakes some unusual training methods to improve his technique in this fun football story, edited to a reading age of 6.5.
Josh is football mad – and so is his granddad, who used to be a league player. Josh is disappointed when he doesn’t do so well in matches at school, so his granddad comes up with some rather unorthodox training methods to help him. Will Josh make it all the way?
A boastful teen faces the consequences of showing off in this funny short school story, specially designed for seriously struggling and reluctant teen readers.
Troy loves to show off. He loves to boast about his money and his dad’s new car. Will Troy ever learn his lesson?
A day at the beach turns deadly in this gripping story, specially designed to engage seriously struggling and reluctant teen readers.
It was supposed to be a great day at the beach. Carla said she’d help Ben in the water. But now Carla has swum away – and Ben can’t swim!
Needle by Patrice Lawrence is a gripping and thoughtful novel best suited to more mature readers in KS3. The story follows Charlie as she searches for her missing friend, weaving together mystery with themes of friendship, trust, family and resilience.
For teachers, this book offers good opportunities for discussion in PSHE, including relationships, choices and consequences. Although it touches on some sensitive issues, these are handled carefully. The story includes themes of domestic abuse and controlling behaviour within a family, which are portrayed realistically through the main character’s home life. There is also a strong focus on a missing child, creating tension and emotional intensity that may be unsettling for some readers while appealing to others.
Other sensitive elements include peer pressure and risky behaviour, as well as crime and exploitation, which are central to the unfolding mystery. The language is accessible but emotionally rich, making it suitable for guided class discussion.
Dracula: A Retelling by Tanya Landman is an engaging and accessible reimagining of the classic Gothic tale, well-suited to Upper Key Stage 2 and KS3 readers. This version retells the story of Dracula in a clear, fast-paced way that keeps the suspense while making it approachable for younger audiences. It is printed in an accessible, dyslexia-friendly font. I particularly enjoyed the vivid atmosphere and the way tension is built without becoming overwhelming, making it a great introduction to classic horror.
Teachers will find plenty of opportunities for links to English learning, especially when exploring classic texts, storytelling and genre. Extracts would be incredible to use in writing lessons as modelled pieces and to unpick and discuss vocabulary and authorial intent.
The text could also support discussions about bravery, good versus evil and how traditional stories are adapted for modern readers.Overall, this is a compelling and manageable retelling that would appeal to pupils who enjoy mystery and a hint of spookiness. It would be a valuable addition to an Upper Key Stage Two primary classroom or library.
Aimed at a teen market, Echostar is a short pacey novel which could appeal to more reluctant readers or be easily digested in one sitting by more prolific ones.
A useful conversation starter regarding internet safety, use of social media and apps, Melinda Salisbury covers themes of cybercrime, assault, bullying and grooming through the use of characters who seem unlikely to be caught up in such difficulties – widening the accessibility of the story.
An absorbing ready, this is highly relevant to the teen generation who often seem keen to identify shortcut to success. Echostar might serve as a timely reminder that if something appears to be too good to be true, it often is.
A really good way of making a classic story more accessible to young or dyslexic readers.
The story is dark and quite creepy in places but keeps you interested throughout. I particularly liked the Barrington Stoke format as it makes what could be quite a difficult text much accessible to tackle. A great introduction to a classic.
From sacred cats to the invention of toothpaste, Blue Peter Award winning author David Long takes readers on an intriguing investigation into the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
The incredible civilisation of ancient Egypt lasted for 3,000 years. Ruled over by pharaohs, the Egyptians developed agricultural skills and trading partnerships that enabled them to build a rich and powerful nation centred on the Nile.
Far more advanced than any European coutnries at the time, the Egyptians achieved incredible feats of building, created a new way of writing, and revolutionised farming.
Find out what life as an ancient Egyptian was actually like, both for pharaohs and ordinary people, in this fascinating new exploration by award-winning author David Long.
A moving tale of friendship and foxes from award-winning author Berlie Doherty, perfect for budding countryside explorers.
Bella has a secret – one that she is very good at keeping. That secret is a den hidden on a little muddy hill, wild amid the trees and nestled beside some foxes with a den of their own. But soon the secret is betrayed, and the foxes’ lives are put in danger…
Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 7.
Support severely struggling readers with this spooky hi-lo thriller with a reading age of 6.
A ghostly voice promises to help Karam, a new immigrant to the UK, deal with the bully at school. But there is a price to pay in this chilling thriller that’s not for the faint-hearted.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
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Any other comments