Barrington Stoke 2026 Complete Catalogue by Collins

Everyone can be a reader with Barrington Stoke

For over 25 years, we’ve been pioneering super-readable, dyslexia-friendly fiction to help every child become a reader.

Our shorter novels are ideal for:

• reluctant readers

• children with SpLD such as dyslexia, Irlen Syndrome and visual stress

• anyone wanting a quality quick read

• EAL learners

• children with low self-esteem

• children with short attention spans or hyperactivity

We hope you enjoy browsing our titles; please do contact us if we can help with any further information.

Age-appropriate stories matched to the age of the reader not their reading level

Award-winning authors ensure well-written texts

Short chapters provide plenty of rest breaks

Off-white, heavier paper helps reduce visual stress

I’ve always admired the team at Barrington Stoke, their passion for stories and for making stories accessible to children for whom reading is a challenge

SIR MICHAEL MORPURGO

Shorter length allows readers to build stamina and confidence

Accessible layouts and spacing

Illustrations aid comprehension and 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

Book Trade

How to order

T: 0141 306 3100

E: uk.orders@harpercollins.co.uk (if you already have an account with HarperCollins)

E: quotes@harpercollins.co.uk (if you would like to set up a new account)

Educators

How to order

Contact our customer services direct:

T: 01484 668 148

E: education@harpercollins.co.uk

For general queries about our range, contact your local Collins rep or speak to the Barrington Stoke team at:

T: 0131 392 9400

E: barringtonstokeschools@harpercollins.co.uk

Parents and carers

How to order

Order from us online at barringtonstoke.co.uk.

If you have any questions about our range or how to order, you can contact the Barrington Stoke team at:

T: 0131 392 9400

E: barringtonstoke@harpercollins.co.uk

What’s available

Contact barringtonstokemarketing@ harpercollins.co.uk to request a bespoke toolkit, event material and POS

Download bestseller, themed and yeargroup booklists on our website

What’s available

On our website, view teaching resources, year-group recommendations, themed booklists, sample chapters and more

Contact barringtonstokeschools@ harpercollins.co.uk to request print catalogues and educator toolkits

What’s available

Visit barringtonstoke.co.uk to:

Read sample chapters of each of our reading ages to ensure suitability

Access further information on dyslexia and reading reluctance

READING-AGE GUIDE PRIMARY

LITTLE GEMS

Approx. 2,500 words

Highly illustrated in full colour

For readers aged 5+

Lightest page tint

READING AGE 7

Approx. 3,000 to 7,000 words

Highly illustrated in black and white

For readers aged 7+ and 9+

Medium page tint

READING AGE 6

Approx. 400 words

Illustrated in full colour on every page

For readers aged 7+

Medium page tint

READING AGE 8

Approx. 7,500 to 15,000 words

Varying levels of illustration

For readers aged 9+

Medium page tint

READING AGE 6.5

Approx. 2,500 words

Highly illustrated in black and white

For readers aged 9+

Darkest page tint

NEXT-STEP FIcTION

Approx. 15,000 to 25,000 words

Varying levels of illustration

For readers aged 7+, 9+, 11+ and 13+

No page tint

Sample spread from The Guinea-Pig Party, p.13

Sample spread from Meg and Merlin, p.17

Sample spread from Molly Rogers, Pirate Girl, p.16

Sample spread from Picture Perfect, p.25

Sample spread from Thin Ice, p.19

READING AGE 6

Approx. 400 to 700 words

Highly illustrated in black and white

For readers aged 11+

Darkest page tint

READING AGE 8

Approx. 15,000 words

For readers aged 11+ and 13+

Light page tint

READING AGE 6.5

Approx. 2,500 to 5,000 words

Highly illustrated in black and white

For readers aged 11+

Darkest page tint

READING AGE 9

Approx. 20,000 words

For readers aged 11+ and 13+

Light page tint

READING AGE 7

Approx. 3,000 to 5,000 words

Highly illustrated in black and white

For readers aged 11+ and 13+

Medium page tint

Approx. 30,000 words

For readers aged 13+

Medium page tint

BARRINGTON STOKE TOP 24

The

Highly

Help

Our

Timeless

Unabridged dyslexia-friendly

Browse our curated selection of topics and genres, from nature to sports.

Discover our range of free activities and resources for all audiences.

Topical and timely, helping to encourage discussion and build empathy

Perfect for all primary year groups

Ideal for whole-school assemblies or individual class groups

Acclaimed and awardwinning creator

Free classroom resources available to aid discussion

IA:4+ PP:32 £7.99 9781781128817

FOOD BANK, FAMILY, HOPE

IA:4+ PP:32 £7.99 9781911370062

MIGRATION, IDENTITY, BELONGING

PRAISE FOR MY NAME IS NOT REFUGEE

Helps show readers that children forced from their homes are not just refugees but children just like them LILY CAPRANI, UNICEF UK

A much-needed, lovely book for small children which explains the refugee crisis in a simple, child-friendly way JACQUELINE WILSON

A poignant and pertinent exploration of life below the poverty line. Shortlisted for the 2021 Kate Greenaway Medal.

A touching, timely and tender exploration of refuge and migration, offering a moving insight into the real journeys being made by children today. Winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize 2018.

PRAISE FOR IT’S A NO-MONEY DAY

Shines with positivity and articulates with dignity an experience which many children have but which is rarely portrayed in books. Unmissable

JUST IMAGINE

The one to read … the illustrations ache with grace, melancholy and unexpected happiness

NEW STATESMAN

IA:9+ PP:272

£12.99 9780008743420

Super-accessible and easy to use ... allows kids to work independently or with a TA supporting them to find words

The internationally bestselling tool to support writing and spelling

accessible dyslexia-friendly layouts

an alphabet across the top of the page to aid searching

additional hints from the “Spelling Bee” to help find words

short descriptors for homophones and other easily confused words

support with verbal inflections and comparative and superlative adjectives

an introduction with helpful tips for successful spelling

SECONDARY SENCO AND TEACHER hover

hover [hovering hovered]

how *[how much] who *[?]

however

Verb endings are shown for different tenses

Black words show a correct spelling

Red words show an incorrect spelling

Related words are shown with their main form

howl [howling howled]

hownd hound

howse house

hoyst hoist

hu who *[?]

huch hutch

hud hood

huddle [huddling huddled]

huff

hug [hugging hugged]

hug *[clasp] huge *[large]

hugely hugeness

huj huge

huligan hooligan

hulk hulking

hull

hum [humming hummed]

human *[person]

humane *[caring] humanely

humanist humanism

humble humbly

humbug

humer humour

humeruss humorous

humid humidity

humiliate humiliation [humiliating humiliated] humility humorous *[funny] humerus *[arm bone] humour [humouring humoured] hump ~back hunch hunches [hunching hunched] hundred hundredth huney honey hung hunger

hungry hungrier hungriest hungrily hunk

hunny honey hunt [hunting hunted] hunter huntsman hurbivor herbivore

Check out her as well

hurd heard *[ear] herd *[animals]

hurdle [hurdling hurdled] huriball horrible hurikane hurricane

Compound words are shown using ~ to represent the prefix

Plural forms are shown where they have an irregular spelling pattern

Comparative and superlative adjectives are shown

Busy bees suggest other places to look

Information in italics helps with words that could be easily confused

START THEIR READING JOURNEY

Special Features:

• Child-friendly chunky format perfect for small hands

• Easy-read font to help reading flow

• Well-spaced, appealing layouts with lots of illustrations

• Gently tinted heavy paper that’s kinder to young eyes

• Activities and jokes to reinforce reading for pleasure

15-MINUTE READS

Support newly emergent readers with fully illustrated first chapter books for ages 5 to 8

• Establish a lifelong love of reading with high-quality texts from the UK’s top authors and illustrators

• Bridge the gap between phonics and longer reads with engaging texts that can be shared or read independently

• Boost reading attainment and core literacy skills, including comprehension, speed and stamina

• Perfect for shared reading in classrooms and at home

Spread from Lottie the Little Wonder

Spread from The Guinea-Pig Party

IA:5+

IA:5+ PP:104

4 SUPERHEROES, ADVENTURES, FAMILY

IA:5+ PP:96

9781781125755

IA:5+

9781781129074

IA:5+ PP:96

IA:5+

Soar through the moonlit sky and follow Hana and Ace the detective cat on their mystery-solving adventures!

IA:5+

Reimagine the childhoods of inspiring women

BOOK BANDS

Check the BB box under each Little Gems title to find its Book Band level.

Little Gems books have been perfect for our early readers. They are the ideal size for little hands to hold and there’s a fantastic selection of books to choose from.

ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER

How to browse our hi-lo range

Each of our hi-lo books are given both an Interest Age and a Reading Age, to help you match the right book to the right child.

INTEREST AGE 7+

Firstly look for the section with the most appropriate Interest Age. This refers to the actual age of the reader.

We submit all our books to be levelled for Accelerated Reader, with quizzes available. Look out for the AR symbol throughout our catalogue to quickly find the level for each book.

To see a full list of AR levels for our range, contact us or your local sales rep.

2.6

catalogue Key

The Reading Age refers to the text’s level of difficulty, based on our specialist language edit. Head to pp.4–5 to see sample spreads from each level.

Discover our digital range

Over 250 eBooks and 60 audiobooks now available to download from your favourite retailers.

For important information on each of our books, look for the following icons throughout our catalogue

Interest Age (the actual age of the reader)

Reading Age (the level of difficulty that the book has been edited to)

Number of pages

eBook available

Audiobook available Resources available

Book Band level AR level

Keywords, themes and content

PRIMARY HI-LO FICTION

9781781127254

RA:7

Meg

PRIMARY HI-LO FICTION

David Long excels at telling intriguing stories from the past … Will enthral young readers THE INDEPENDENT

Overflowing with astounding facts and fascinating illustrations and diagrams … Perfect for history fanatics and reluctant readers alike

LOVEREADING4KIDS

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

Gripping narrative non-fiction from Catherine Johnson, “the master of historical fiction for children” (GUARDIAN)

• From Blue Peter Book Award winner David Long

• Highly illustrated and packed with facts

• KS2/3 curriculum links

See p.23 for more information

WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE ...

RA:8 IA:9+ PP:96 £7.99 9780008745998

HISTORY, CIVILISATION, BENIN

RA:8

CIVILISATION, VIKINGS

• Accessible introductions to the daily life, culture and legacy of fascinating ancient civilisations

• Support key KS2/3 topics

• Highly illustrated and packed with facts

REBEL, PRINCESS, SUFFRAGETTE

Discover the incredible true story of the life of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a forgotten heroine of the early twentieth century.

See p.26 for more information

HISTORY, CIVILISATION, EGYPTIANS

HISTORY, CIVILISATION, GREEKS

A masterclass in bringing the past into the present and getting children buzzing about history

A WORD ABOUT BOOKS

Well written and informative

THE ENGLISH ASSOCIATION

STEP INTO THE VICTORIAN ERA

A vivid reimagining of the childhood of real-life heroine Grace Darling and the events that led to her incredible bravery at sea in 1838.

See p.24 for more information

NEXT-STEP FICTION

Help more confident readers take the next step with our range of longer, more challenging fiction

• Longer length texts of approx. 15,000 to 25,000 words improve stamina and confidence

• Higher level of difficulty of language and structure

• Printed on off-white paper with a smaller font size for a more mainstream feel

INTEREST AGE

IA:7+ PP:128

INTEREST

AGE 9+

IA:9+ PP:288

9781781128497

POWERS, SUSPENSE

IA:7+ PP:256

MYSTERY, SABOTAGE

TRAVEL, PEACE

9781781128534 FAIRYTALES, RETELLING, VILLAINS

IA:9+ PP:144

Looking to appeal to children moving from primary up to secondary?

Browse our hand-picked selection of engaging stories that are perfectly pitched for transition readers aged 10–12.

p.23

For more information, see p.23

For more information, see p.22

For more information, see p.20

For more information, see p.26

For more information, see p.21

For more information, see p.22

SECONDARY HI-LO FICTION

HIKING, TRAGEDY

9781781124321

SECONDARY HI-LO FICTION

RA:8 IA:13+ PP:128 £7.99 9781800901018

REMORSE, FOSTER CARE, JUSTICE

FAMILY, BULLIES

RA:8 IA:13+ PP:128 £7.99 9781800902282

THRILLER, MYSTERY, HORROR

RA:9 IA:13+

HEALTH, FAMILY, BREAKDOWN

RA:8 IA:13+ PP:120 £7.99 9781781128329

GOTHIC, GRIEF, HOODOO

Timeless classics retold by award-winning authors to make them available to more readers

• Key themes and scenes accentuated but in a more concise format

• Accessible dyslexia-friendly layouts

• Discussion guide available for each text

RA:9 IA:11+ PP:112 £7.99 9780008718343

RA:9 IA:11+ PP:104

£7.99 9781800901773 5.6

5.4

GOTHIC, HORROR, VAMPIRES

RA:9 IA:11+ PP:104

£7.99 9781781129371 4.8

LOVE, SUFFERING, SOCIAL CLASS

GOTHIC, EXPERIMENT, MONSTER

RA:9 IA:11+ PP:136 £7.99 9781800901797 5.3

SISTERS, WOMANHOOD, DUTY

A fantastic entry-point for learners who may initially struggle to access complex set texts. They are truly engaging and accessible, but most of all they are carefully crafted to include all the essential elements of plot, structure and characterisation required for further study

A-LEVEL ENGLISH TEACHER & SENIOR EXAMINER

RA:9 IA:11+ PP:120 £7.99 9781781129128

LOVE, FREEDOM, SOCIAL CLASS

RA:9 IA:11+ PP:136 £7.99 9781800901759

SOCIAL CLASS, REVENGE, LOVE

RA:9 IA:11+ PP:80 £7.99 9780008789107

GOTHIC, TRANSFORMATION, MURDER

RA:9 IA:11+ PP:136 £7.99 9781800900240

ROMANCE, REPUTATION, FAMILY

• Complete and unabridged editions of classic set texts

• Ideal as whole class texts or for groups of struggling readers

IA:

MACBETH I’ll go no more: I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on’t again I dare not.

LADY MACBETH Infirm of purpose! Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead Are but as pictures; ’tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed, I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal, For it must seem their guilt.

[Exit LADY MACBETH. Knocking within.]

LADY MACBETH

them, and smear The sleepy grooms with blood.

MACBETH

Whence is that knocking?

How is’t with me, when every noise appals me? What hands are here? Ha! They pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red.

George snapped, “You ain’t gonna put nothing over on me.”

Lennie pleaded, “Come on, George. Tell me. Please, George. Like you done before.” “You get a kick outta that, don’t you? Awright, I’ll tell you, and then we’ll eat our supper …”

George’s voice became deeper. He repeated his words rhythmically as though he had said them many times before. “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake and then they go inta town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they’re poundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to.”

Lennie was delighted. “That’s it – that’s it. Now tell how it is with us.” George went on. “With us it ain’t like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. We don’t have to sit in no bar room blowin’ in our jack jus’ because we got no place else to go. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us.” Lennie broke in. “But not us! An’ why? Because … because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.” He laughed delightedly. “Go on now, George!”

An essential step towards making great literature available to everyone … Facilitate an easier reading experience and great inclusion at a

Thick tinted paper

EMPATHY AND WELL-BEING

Reading for empathy

Help your young readers to develop crucial skills and understanding around empathy with our hand-picked selection of stories.

To convey empathy in so few words is something Barrington Stoke and its authors excel at

Engage your reluctant readers with this popular range that combines compelling fictional stories with fascinating tie-in fact files.

Gripping football drama interspersed with chapters exploring iconic real-life players, matches and more.

See p.20 9781800902022

See p.20 9781800903142

See p.23 9781781129630

See p.23 9781800900622

See p.23 9781781128565

Incredible stories inspired by real historical figures and events, with contextual notes included in each book.

See p.14

9781800903234

See p.21

9781800900806

See p.23

9780008724504

See p.31

9781800901063

See p.24

9780008700522

Timely tales about the consequences of the climate crisis, supported by real-world examples from across the globe.

See p.20 9781800901803

See p.22 9781800901230

See p.22

9781781128725

See p.22 9781781129821

See p.21 9781800902961

FUNNY FIcTION

ANIMAL STORIES

INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS

FREE RESOURCES

Reading for Pleasure activities

Help children to connect with the story and develop their creative skills with our free downloadable activity sheets

• Activities available for ages 7+, 9+ and 11+

• Creative prompts and activities encourage further engagement with the story and development of reading identity

• Designed to enhance reading for pleasure

classroom discussion guides

Support classroom study with our super-readable guides, designed to develop reading strategies

• Guides available for ages 9+, 11+ and 13+

• Super-readable and dyslexia-friendly design perfect for print-outs and classroom use Visit barringtonstoke.co.uk to browse our full range of discussion guides

• Written by experts and aligned to the curriculum

• In-depth questions encourage analysis of themes, characters and language in each text

• Suitable as individual workbooks or as a basis for lesson planning

• Support key study topics and themes

• Super-readable and dyslexia-friendly design perfect for print-outs and classroom use

For booksellers and public librarians

Showcase your dyslexia-friendly books with signage, POS, information leaflets and more, plus recommended titles by age range.

Request yours from:

For educators and school librarians

Learn more about how our books can support your students. Toolkit includes year-group-based recommendations, themed lists, display material and much more.

Young Editors Scheme

Inspire your student or child with the opportunity to read, edit and shape our upcoming books!

• Read unpublished manuscripts for free with the whole class or smaller groups

• Upload feedback and download certificates for everyone taking part

• Promotes reading confidence and engagement

Request yours at

Schools queries:

Contact the Barrington Stoke team:

E: barringtonstokeschools@harpercollins.co.uk

T: 0131 392 9400

How to order: Schools

Scan the QR code or follow the link below to contact the Collins representative from your area

For International schools

T: +44 141 306 3100

E: collins.international@harpercollins.co.uk

For East Scotland schools

Claire McAuley

T: 07557 188 154

E: claire.mcauley@harpercollins.co.uk

For West Scotland schools

Christine Stein

T: 07825 116 401

E: Christine.stein@harpercollins.co.uk

Contact customer services

T: 01484 668 148

E: education@harpercollins.co.uk

General queries:

Contact the Barrington Stoke team:

E: barringtonstoke@harpercollins.co.uk

How to order: Trade

HarperCollins Publishers 1 Robroyston Gate Robroyston Glasgow G33 1JN

T: 0141 306 3100

E: uk.orders@harpercollins.co.uk (if you already have an account with HarperCollins)

E: quotes@harpercollins.co.uk (if you would like to set up a new account)

T: 0131 392 9400 @BarringtonStoke

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