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Here is a selection of books to help and encourage reluctant and struggling readers.
Franklin Watts
Reader Development is one of Franklin Watts' specialisations; the list offers titles on a wide array of subjects for beginner readers
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Forsaken by Katherine Langrish
Interest age 8-14 years/ Reading age 8-9 years
This emotional story is based on Matthew Arnold's The Forsaken Merman. Mara's mother is missing, her little brother is sick and perhaps dying, her father is grieving. It all seems hopeless - until Mara sets out on a life or death journey to bring her mother home and to reunite a merfolk family.
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Warrior Number One by Andy Briggs
Carl is determined to become Warrior Number One in the online game 'Barbarianz'. He must face the Dark Lord and his five-headed dragon. But if you think that's the end of the story, then you're in for a big surprise...
'This title is published by Franklin Watts EDGE, which produces a range of books to get children reading with confidence. EDGE - for books children want to read, and books children can read.'
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Rising Stars
Educational publishing specialists, Rising Stars, produce several series, spanning KS1 to KS3, to help reluctant and struggling readers. Each series' content has been written with a particular age group in mind, with age-appropriate text for struggling readers and themes relating to that specific age group.
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All Star High: Fame by Helen Chapman
Interest age 9-14 years/ Reading age 7-8 years
This new series from Rising Stars is perfect to encourage young people and especially girls who have not expressed much interest in books, or who struggle with reading. All Star High is THE place for everyone who wants to be a star - musicians, dancers and actors. Zeke and Aaron are busy rehearsing for the TV talent show but things keep going wrong - why?
There is a Teacher's Book to accompany the series All Star High Teacher's Book
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All Star High: Fight by Helen Chapman
Interest age 9-14 years/ Reading age 7-8 years
Aaron loves martial arts and Claire loves Ballet. Read how a cool New York dance teacher gets them to perform together. Perfectly geared for their market, these books are excellent classroom resources, with their glossaries and particularly the quiz with answers which is a feature of each book. The quizzes ensure that readers have got the most out of the book, but in a fun way. These are attractive books which give no hint that they are for reluctant readers.
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All Star High: Rescue by Helen Chapman
Interest age 9-14 years/ Reading age 7-8 years
Is All Star High under threat with the opening of a new Talent Academy in town? Carmel finds a way to avoid this by making everyone aware of All Star High. The characters reappear through the stories and are introduced in profiles at the beginning, so they become well-known to the reader. Some more in the series, which is ideal for fans of Glee and The X Factor - All Star High Help!, All Star High Shout! and All Star High Thriller They can all be purchased from the Rising Stars site.
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Avalanche: Dangerous Games by Sue Graves
Interest age 10 to 14+ years, reading age 8 years
In Avalanche the team find themselves in trouble when the lack of a virus checker puts their lives at risk. Krakatoa finds them travelling back in time and in danger of being blown up. Tornado Terror finds the team terrorised by the danger of being caught up in a tornado. Bold use of colour in the comic-style illustrations give these books immediate appeal to the market and ensure that readers are happy to be seen reading the books. A glossary of terms and a quiz are useful aids to understanding. The topical nature of the stories capture the attention of readers.
Dangerous Games is an exciting range of adventure stories aimed at reluctant older readers. Set in a computer games company, the books follow designers Sima, Kojo and Tom as they test out the games for real, entering new virtual worlds and encountering exciting and sometimes deadly situations ... |
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The Legend in Our Team: Young Heroes by Janelle Lee and Anthony Woodward
Reading age 9-10 years; Interest age 10-14+ years
Is cricket just a game for boys? Katie really wants to try out for the school cricket team, even though her friends think the game, and the boys who play it, are stupid. A satisfying read, with plenty of appealing pictures and a storyline to appeal to young people.
Young Heroes is a series of action-packed chapter books to get boys reading! These books have been written to encourage those who struggle with reading to pick up a book and enjoy it. They have powerful plots with great boy-appeal; content relevant to the age group and Manga-style colour illustrations.
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Pepik: Young Heroes by Nicola Kovacs and Gary Lau
Reading age 9-10 years; Interest age 10-14+ years
Pepik lives in a country ruled by fear. Can he help his parents escape to freedom? Attractive books, with plenty of 'street cred', these are enjoyable and satisfying reads. The short chapters are manageable and the illustrations both break up and clarify the text. Young people who struggle with reading will find a great sense of achievement when they read these books, which are pitched at the right level to give the feel of a really satisfying read.
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Deadly Night: The Matt Merton Mysteries by Paul Blum
A gritty series of books for readers at all levels who like a bit of darkness in their stories and they will enjoy the tension that builds up. The atmospheric black and white illustrations are a perfect reflection of the feel of these books. In Deadly Night a schoolboy hacks into The Firm's computers with deadly consequences. Matt Merton has forgotten what happened to him on the night of The Crash but The Nightmare may have the answers he needs. Is the message from Jane a hoax that will lead Matt Merton into danger in The Trap?
These graphic novel-style stories centre around Matt Merton and his plight to save Earth from extinction in the aftermath of an alien invasion. Written for pupils aged 10-14, who have a reading age of 7-8, each book offers a satisfying and worthwhile read, with fast-moving narratives, specially-designed text and thought-provoking themes.
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Barrington Stoke
"Barrington Stoke believes in stories. When struggling readers are hooked on a story, their reading ability actually improves, building their confidence to tackle the next book, and the next. Struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers deserve the best books available. And that's why Barrington Stoke books really work. Special editing and design processes support those with reading difficulties, but it all starts with a great story. Comedy, ghost stories, real-life drama, fascinating facts or thrilling adventure: there's a Barrington Stoke book for every child - not only those with dyslexia."
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Pale by Chris Wooding
The Lazarus Serum can bring you back from the dead. Only thing is, it turns you into a Pale. Jed can't imagine anything worse, but then the choice is taken out of his hands...Dystopian sci-fi by the Storm Thief author, a popular author for young adults, this story is written in simple language which will make it appeal to the reluctant reader. Simple language does not mean dumbing down - the story is full of action, there is plenty going on and plenty to think about. It is thought-provoking and some challenging issues are raised.
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My Name is O by Sam Enthoven
O has two tasks to perform. The first is to break into the Bank of England. That seems hard enough but easy when compared to the second - to challenge the shadowy presences who rule the world. A challenging task and the reader will be intrigued enough by the apparent impossibility to start the book. A clever fantasy for teens, which draws them quickly into the story so there is no time to think 'this book is boring'.. An exciting story which will succeed in the author's stated aim of wanting to encourage young people to read.
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Crow Girl by Kate Cann
Reading Age: 8 Interest Age: 14+ years
An eye-catching cover guarantees that this book will get picked off the shelf - the silhouette against the metallic background is very striking. Lily is an outsider. Girls bully her, boys don't know she'd alive. She begins to hide from her troubles at the nearby Wakeless Woods. But she s not alone. The crows are there. Watching. The crows give Lily confidence and she can't wait to introduce her new self to her peers. An encouraging story for all those who have fallen victim to bullying.
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Crow Girl Rises by Kate Cann
Reading Age: 8 Interest Age: 14+ years
An excellent sequel to Crow Girl. Her success at the Halloween party has filled once shy Lily with confidence. With romance in the offing, Lily and best friend Marsha decide to take on the bullies so they know that Lily is not the push-over she once was. But they turn their attention to the younger girls instead, and Lily resolves to stop them. An engrossing story, published for dyslexic readers but meaty enough to provide a satifsying read for anyone.
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Scrum! by Tom Palmer
Reading Age: 8+ Interest Age: 9 - 12 years
Steve has a lot of hard choices to make - two dads, two homes, two codes of rugby. A talented Rugby League player, will he cope with a change to Rugby Union? He also faces family problems and split loyalties. A grippingly written story that draws the reader into the dilemmas facing Steve. Perfectly written for its target audience, who will gain genuine satisfaction from reading a 'real' story.
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Tudor Rose (A Timepiece Novel) by Anne Perry
Reading Age: 8+ Interest Age: 12+ years
An atmospheric time switch novel, which finds Rosie Sands travelling back in time to the days of the Spanish Armada. An unusual watch is the catalyst for events which lead an illliterate young girl to help Queen Elizabeth I - and to receive help in return. The historical background is accurate and brings the period to life. This is the first in a series which brings Rosie face to face with some of the most influential women in history. Written to appeal to girls, it's great to see a series written to help girls who find reading difficult - the good thing about a series is that it can draw in even the most reluctant reader.
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Rose of No Man's Land (A Timepiece Novel) by Anne Perry
Reading Age: 8+ Interest Age: 12+ years
The second in the Timepiece series, Rosie finds a watch which belonged to a nurse in World War I and she is transported into danger as she works alongside Nurse Edith Cavell. The characters and atmosphere of this dramatic period of history are well portrayed and there is enough 'meat' in this story to appeal to all readers and to give an excellent background to studies of the period.
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The Nightmare Card by Catherine Johnson
Reading Age: 8 Interest Age: 12+ years
Sara's come up with an idea to make her and Mina more popular at school - using tarot cards to foretell the future. But this is a dangerous thing to meddle with and the consequences are horrific as Sara gets involved with things way beyond her understanding. A compelling story with an unexpected end.
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Pirate Attack by Paul Dowswell
Reading Age: 8 Interest Age: 12+ years
What a wonderful opportunity when Joe is invited to join Dan and his family on a sailing holiday in the Seychelles - what could be more relaxing? But it all goes wrong when the boat is boarded by Somali pirates and Joe is the only one who can call for help. A gripping adventure.
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Wolf by Tommy Donvaband
Reading Age: 8 Interest Age: 12+ years
In a chilling story, Adam quickly turns into a werewolf - but why are Adam's parents not surprised? They try to explain and then Adam finds they have put a dog collar on to restrain him and he is fighting against them. Can Adam resist the animal instincts that have gripped him? What will the outcome be? Not a read for the faint-hearted!
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Bad Day by Graham Marks
Reading Age: 8 Interest Age: 12+ years
This, together with the three books immediately below, are in a range of thrillers from Barrington Stoke. The language used in the stories will instantly strike a chord with today's teens and they certainly will not feel they are being talked down to. It's Rob's big day - he's off to meet Tessa in real life, after chatting online. But then he started thinking - is this a good idea? A very important message is conveyed in the story - one which all of us need to heed. The story draws the reader in and you get involved in Rob's feelings.
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Bighead by Vince Cross
Reading Age: 6.5 Interest Age: 10-14 years
From the Press Release: 'Barrington Stoke is set to challenge perceptions that materials for seriously struggling readers can't offer the same scope and feel as mainstream fiction...' The Solo series does just that, with pacy, storylines that have all the good storytelling of any mainstream novel.
Being in a wheelchair doesn't stop Andy playing music with his friends - one teacher thinksthey're so good that they should form a band and enter a TV talent contest. But are they really that good? An enjoyable story, which also addresses disability stereotyping, with an ending that may not be what you expected.
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Bomb! by Jim Eldridge
Reading Age: 6.5 Interest Age: 10-14 years
Another title bound to appeal to boys, being full of action and tension. Rob is the army's best bomb disposal officer, and he is also the youngest. And he's also the best. He is called in to a school to defuse a terrorist bomb but it brings back memories of a time when things went wrong. Can he remember in time what he needs to do? A gripping story that packs a great deal into a relatively short text.
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The After School Club by Alison Davies
Reading Age: 6.5 Interest Age: 10-14 years
This story will appeal to those who like both the supernatural and thrillers, as it combines both.When Lisa invites Sam to enjoy her gang he is thrilled. But he finds out just how weird her gang are and that he will have to make big changes to join them. Is it worth it? Barrington Stoke have done a huge amount to produce enjoyable, fun and age-appropriate books for those who struggle with reading, and helped to ensure that they don't miss out.
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Take Two by Jo Cotterill
Reading Age: 6.5 Interest Age: 10-14 years
This is definitely one for the girls! Lily is excited - and so is Carla. They have both been invited to the Prom by a great guy - but wait a minute - the same guy has invited them both! What will they do? One thing I can guarantee from this fun story - Max will have an evening he will never forget.
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Into the Woods by Jane A C West and Roger Hurn
Reading age 7, interest age 9-12
Are they humans or are they animals? Tribe are both human and animals; they are shape-shifters who can change from human to animal and back again - a fascinating premise on which to base a series of stories. They have wonderful skills and use them to save the world. Fast-paced and punchy, these are perfectly geared for seriously struggling readers who will find plenty of meat in the story, yet with simple text. This story brings danger close to home - can Tribe save their forest home? I like the mix of story and facts; jokes, information about eagles and more.
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The Lost City by Jane A C West and Roger Hurn
Reading age 7, interest age 9-12
Young readers will identify with the six members of Tribe. There are six books in the series, so once the reluctant reader gets involved there is plenty to keep him going. Barrington Stoke are the expert in books for struggling and reluctant readers and believe that great stories are really important. Combined with clear layout, creamy paper and accessible font, these books are great. In this story, Tribe have to find the Lost City of Gold - but can they get there in time? Plenty of stunning illustrations help the understanding of the story. There are 4 more in the series.
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Sterling and the Canary by Andy Stanton
Reading age 8; Interest age 9-12 Publication date 25.06.11
It is great to see popular authors writing books for Barrington Stoke - Andy Stanton is a top-selling author. This is a very funny story about Sterling, who is trying to woo Lizzie Harris - and receives excellent advice from a canary, of all unlikely things! A funny and fast-moving story. The font is clear and accessible and the off-white background makes for easy reading. The books cleverly feature an easily removable sticker which says 'dyslexia friendly', making them identifiable for the purchaser, without any lasting stigma. Nothing external about these books marks them out in any way as being for reluctant, struggling or dyslexic children - it's only when you look inside that you appreciate the clear text, easy to read chapters and cream coloured pages. |
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Ninja: First Mission by Chris Bradford
Reading age 8; Interest age 9-12 Publication date 25.06.11
This is a gripping read, again by a very popular author - it's so good to see these authors writing for this market and introducing their books to a new range of readers. Toko is on a dangerous mission and must prove himself to be accepted as a Ninja. Short sentences and clearly laid out text mean this book will encourage the reluctant and struggling reader. There are Teacher's Notes available to accompany this book, extending its value in the classroom. Barrington Stoke believe passionately that young people who struggle with reading should still have access to books and authors to stimulate and excite them, without in any way talking down to them, and they succeed brilliantly, with an ever-widening range of books.
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The Fall by Anthony McGowan
Reading age 8; Interest age 14+ Publication date 21.05.11
Struggling and reluctant readers no longer have to miss out on the excitement of reading good books by well-known authors, so they can share with their peers in the enjoyment of reading books which appeal to their interests. This story is specially written for Barrington Stoke and is a gritty tale of life on a sink estate - and a failing school - in Liverpool. Two events change Mog's life forever in this powerful and pacy novel.
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The Dying Photo by Alan Gibbons
A photographer takes a picture of Jamie and his parents during a routine shopping trip. But after the camera flashes, Jamie’s parents and the photographer have vanished, and all that’s left is the negative showing Jamie’s parents screaming. Nobody believes Jamie so how will he solve the mystery? A gripping start to this book will mean reluctant readers are quickly drawn in. The story has a reading age of 8, with an interest age of 9-12. The atmospheric illustrations add to the mystery of the story. Like all Barrington Stoke books, this book is clearly laid out and on cream paper to help those who find reading a challenge.
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Black Bones by E E Richardson
Tony works in a magic shop - not one that sells tricks and jokes but the real thing - most of its customers only visit after dark. He must stop a cult summoning a demon before the blood moon rises. If only he knew when that was...Funny, scary urban fantasy. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers. This book has an interest age of 12+, with a reading age of 8.
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Hero? by Pete Johnson
This book, from the gr8reads series by Barrington Stoke has a reading age of 7, with an interest age of 12+. Another great title for teens who struggle to find books to read on their own, yet which appeal to their interests. Sophie, Luke's sister, is missing and Luke thinks he doesn't mind........ but then he realises that he does mind and when he finds out that Brad has dumped Lucy, he knows he has to do something about it. Is he hero material?
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Ransom Publishing
Ransom Publishing is an independent specialist publisher of high quality, inspirational books that will encourage and help both children and young adults to develop their reading skills. Many of Ransom’s books are specifically written and designed for struggling and reluctant readers, but they also recognise the growing need for books aimed at young emergent readers.
They are proud to be the first publisher to produce easily accessible, high-interest books which have a very low reading level and are genuinely suitable for older teenagers and adults. The first series of books in this range, Dark Man, won the Educational Resources Book Award in 2006.
Ransom Books say these are the features that make their books appeal to this market:
- Level-appropriate language and pacy content that will motivate struggling or reluctant readers
- Appealing font and text layout will engage and maintain reader interest
- Great attention-grabbing illustrations that have high-appeal
- Topics that interest older children and adults and put the fun back into reading
- Books which recognise that our readers are sophisticated, whatever their reading abilities
- Superb specialist authors who are bursting with creativity and talent and have vast experience of writing for these specific reader groups
- Great resources for both the library and classroom that have linked workbooks and digital software.
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Star Chasers
Interest Age 8 - 14 years | Reading Age 8 - 9 years
A series of fast-paced, high-action, no gimmicks space adventures featuring carefully controlled vocabulary and simple sentence structures.
The books feature superb illustrations that combine classic science fiction with a modern Manga twist. The exciting plots and entertaining characters ensure these are classic, simple and rewarding reads for reluctant and struggling readers.
Starchasers and the Galactic Shopping Mall Just imagine - a planet which is one huge shopping mall! The Starchasers have a job on - to find Ella. But they find, not one but two Ellas! Full of action and with plenty of illustrations to help understanding make this a good book for those who struggle with reading but need books at the right interest age.
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Siti's Sisters
Interest Age 10 - 14 years | Reading Age 7 - 8 years
For girls who want to read books by authors such as Jacqueline Wilson but find it a struggle, these are easy-to-read, light-hearted storylines that will resonate with today's emerging teenagers.
Illustrated with contemporary black and white illustrations throughout, each fast-moving story offers simple sentences, controlled vocabulary and low word counts.
Who's Who? The story revolves around teenagers running a creche in the shopping centre - just how hard can that be? Full of characters which will appeal to teenage girls whilst being an easy read which does not 'talk down', this is ideal for its target market.
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3 2 1 Go
Interest Age 8 - 14 years | Reading Age 6 - 7 years
A series of powerful and dramatic first person, second by second accounts of daring sports, stunts and missions.
321 Go! takes readers right to the heart of the action. With detailed yet simple descriptions and superb full colour photography, readers will discover what it’s really like to pull off a death-defying stunt, launch into space or hurtle along in a drag race.
Free Dive is an exciting look into the world of diving, bringing an exciting look into this dangerous world to those who may not otherwise be able to enjoy reading of this sort. Richly illustrated with full colour throughout, this is a really appealing book and a brilliant way of capturing the attention of reluctant or struggling readers.
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Dark Man
Interest Age Teenage to Young Adult | Reading Age 5 - 8 years
The Dark Man series has won great acclaim for its ability to engage older, very reluctant readers.
Starting at just 200 words a book and focusing on the key high frequency words, Dark Man offers older readers strong, atmospheric storylines combined with powerful black and white illustrations.
The Dark Side of Magic is one of the Dark Man series that really fills a gap in the market - with a high interest age but low reading age, it is a book nobody will be worried about being seen with. Minimal text with stunning drawings capture the attention.
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Boffin Boy
Interest Age 8 -14 years| Reading Age 6 - 7 years
The superb manga style illustrations, imaginative plots and wacky characters will appeal to children aged 8-14, yet the books are carefully written for a reading age of 6-7 years and feature simple speech bubble text with controlled vocaulary and low word counts.
Boffin Boy and the Forest of the Ninja is written very much with the target audience in mind and the comic book style guarantee this book will be enjoyed. WuPee seems to have joined a band of Ninja crooks - but has he really?
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Trail blazers
Interest Age 8 - 14 years | Reading Age 6 - 7 years
Get the facts and read a story all in one book! A fascinating fact-finding section is followed by a story which appears on two parallel ability levels - allowing access for the poorest of readers.
Featuring full-colour images, beautiful illustrations and lively, engaging layouts, the books cover high appeal topics that kids just love to read about.
UFOs This is one book in this excellent series which allows poorer readers to access information that might otherwise be inaccessible to them. A clever combination of fact and a story, plus a word list, make this a really good book on several levels and it is bound to appeal.
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Goal! Reading Series
A fantastic high interest age, low reading age football reading series featuring 48 decodable texts that follow the UK government's 'Letters & Sounds' programme.
Offering progression over five levels, the series includes fiction and non-fiction books covering a wide variety of football-related topics.
This series of glossy books will have immediate appeal and the different reading levels through the series will encourage youngsters to progress through the series, thus enhancing their reading skills. Some of the series feature cartoon style illustrations; the rest are illustrated by full colour photographs.
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