We’ve been pioneering super-readable, dyslexia-friendly books for over 25 years, with each title expertly designed and edited to counter difficulties including dyslexia and visual stress. Our books are needed more than ever now due to a growing attainment gap and larger numbers of young people experiencing reading difficulties. We remain committed to reaching them with shorter, accessible stories that are gripping, exciting, heartfelt and moving.
Each of our high-interest, low-ability books are given a reading age to help you match the right book to each student.
For 11+ readers
The Interest Age refers to the actual age of the reader.
Award-winning authors ensure well-written texts
READING AGE 6
Age-appropriate stories matched to the age of the reader not their reading level
Short providechapters plenty of rest breaks
Off-white, heavier paper helps reduce visual stress
The Reading Age refers to the text’s level of difficulty, based on our specialist language edit. Visit our website to see sample spreads from each level.
Shorter length allows readers to build stamina and confidence
Accessible layouts and spacing
Illustrations comprehensionaidand break up the text
Expert editing ensures a smoother read that still challenges the reader
Unique dyslexiafriendly font makes reading easier
Great design and enticing covers make the books instantly appealing
For 11+ readers
Engaging, age-appropriate, super-short stories designed to support seriously struggling readers.
Key features
• Approx. 400–700 words; 32 pages
• Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font
• Darkest paper tint to support readability and reduce visual stress
• Highly illustrated in black and white to aid comprehension
• Engaging titles with accessible plot and language
Sample spread from Ghost in the House
Highly illustrated
Darkest paper tint
For 11+ readers
Well-paced, high-quality stories crafted to engage and encourage the reader, with supportive design and plenty of illustration.
Key features
• Approx. 2,500–5,000 words; 64 pages
• Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font
• Darkest paper tint to support readability and reduce visual stress
• Highly illustrated in black and white
Sample spread from Red Card
For 11+ readers
Short, manageable chapters hook readers from the first page, while the longer word count allows them to get into their stride and build confidence and stamina.
Key features
• Approx. 3,000–5,000 words; 64–80 pages
• Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font
• Medium paper tint to support readability and reduce visual stress
• Black-and-white Illustrations provide rest breaks and aid comprehension
• Popular, award-winning authors, including Tanya Landman, Sally Nicholls, Karen McCombie, Jonathan Stroud and Alan Gibbons
Sample spread from Trapped
For transition readers
These illustrated novellas by the very best writers offer a rewarding challenge for readers.
Key features
• Approx. 7,500–15,000 words; 64–152 pages
• Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font
• Varying levels of black-andwhite illustration
• Medium paper tint to support readability and reduce visual stress
• Popular, award-winning writers, including Lisa Thompson, Lucy Strange, Katya Balen, Dan Smith and Catherine Johnson
Sample spread from The Creatures of Killburn Mine
Varying illustration
Medium paper tint
For 11+ readers
Gripping, thought-provoking, award-winning novels perfect for building confidence and developing reading identity.
Key features
• Approx. 15,000–20,00 words; 72–144 pages
• Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font
• Light paper tint aids readability and reduces visual stress
• Critically acclaimed writers, including Phil Earle, Melinda Salisbury, Bali Rai, Alex Wheatle and Sally Nicholls
Hard-hitting, award-winning stories offering a rewarding reading experience.
Key features
• Approx. 20,000 words; 120–152 pages
• Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font
• Light paper tint aids readability and reduces visual stress
• From multi-award-winning author Anthony McGowan
Sample spread from Lark
For 11+ readers
Faithful retellings of timeless classics from award-winning, contemporary authors, designed to be accessible to more readers.
Key features
• Approx. 20,000 words; 104–136 pages
• Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font
• Light paper tint aids readability and reduces visual stress
• Perfect entry point to the classics for struggling teen readers
• Key themes and scenes accentuated but in a more concise format
• Free downloadable discussion guides
For 11+ readers Class sets
Our hand-picked selection of novels come from award-winning writers and are accessible to more readers, making them the perfect choice for whole-class reading.
Key features
Explore the full range
Resources
• Short novels that everyone in the class can access, discuss and enjoy
• Expertly written, thought-provoking reads carefully selected for classroom use
• Authors include Catherine Johnson, Lucy Strange, Steve Cole, Tom Palmer and Anthony McGowan
• Support your classroom study with our FREE downloadable discussion guides
• Discussion questions designed to tie in with curriculum themes, prompt in-text analysis and assist in developing reading strategies
• Suggestions for further research to help promote cross-curricular study
• Topical creative activities help to engage students in the story and its themes
• Attractive, super-readable design perfect for print-outs
School Spelling Dictionary
This internationally bestselling dictionary allows the student to search for words the way they sound and empowers them to write what they want to write.
Key features
• An alphabet across the top of the page to aid searching
• Additional hints to help find words
• Short descriptors for homophones and other easily confused words
Teacher toolkit
We offer FREE toolkits for teachers and librarians containing display materials, year-group based recommendations, themed lists and much more.
To claim yours, get in touch at: barringtonstokeschools@harpercollins.co.uk
Get in touch
We’re always happy to help and can provide tailored recommendations and advice according to your needs. Contact us in the following ways: Or, contact your local Collins rep
