Barrington Stoke Secondary KS3 Reading Age Brochure
SUPPORTING STRUGGLING READERS
DYSLEXIA FRIENDLY
IN SECONDARY SCHOOL 2025/26
EVERYONE CAN BE A READER WITH BARRINGTON STOKE
Create a vibrant, inclusive reading culture in your school
For over 25 years Barrington Stoke has been pioneering super-readable accessible books, each expertly designed and edited to counter difficulties like dyslexia and visual stress and to support those falling behind. Our wide range of thought-provoking shorter texts by award-winning writers engages and entertains, broadens vocabulary, develops fluency and boosts confidence, supporting them to become life-long readers.
Award-winning authors ensure well-written texts
Short providechapters plenty of rest breaks
Age-appropriate stories matched to the age of the reader not their reading level
Shorter length allows readers to build stamina and confidence
Expert editing ensures a smoother read that still challenges the reader
Off-white, heavier paper helps reduce visual stress
Accessible layouts and spacing
Illustrations comprehensionaidand break up the text
Unique dyslexiafriendly font makes reading easier
Great design and enticing covers make the books instantly appealing
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
READING AGE 6
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.
The Interest Age refers to the actual age of the reader.
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 The Day Death Died
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; 64–96 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, Sophie McKenzie, Karen McCombie, Bali Rai and Simon James Green
Sample spread from My Perfect Cousin
For transition readers
These illustrated novellas by the very best writers offer a diverse range of characters, topics and genres to captivate and entertain even the most reluctant readers.
Key features
• Approx. 7,500–15,000 words; 64–152 pages
• Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font
• Varying levels of black-and-white illustration
• Medium paper tint to support readability and reduce visual stress
• Popular, award-winning writers, including Lisa Thompson, Lucy Strange, Katya Balen, Tom Palmer and Catherine Johnson
Sample spread from The Last Day of October
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
Sample spread from The List
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.
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
Key features
• Approx. 20,000 words; 104–136 pages
Classic retellings
• 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
A-LEVEL ENGLISH TEACHER & SENIOR EXAMINER
Explore the full range
Sample spread from Dracula
Lighter paper tint
For 11+ readers
Whole-class reads
Diverse, empathy-rich storytelling, expert editing and accessible design make our inclusive books an ideal read for all students. Perfect for Tutor Time reading, these thought-provoking short novels from popular authors help encourage book talk both in and out of the classroom.
Key features
Explore the full range
Resources
• Gripping short novels that everyone in the class can access, discuss and enjoy
• Choose from a range of sensitively explored themes including mental health, families, identity and environment
• Authors include Tom Palmer, Bali Rai, Anthony McGowan, Lucy Strange and Catherine Johnson
• 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
The internationally bestselling tool to support writing and spelling, allowing students to search for words by the way they sound.
Key features
• Accessible, dyslexia-friendly layouts
• Additional hints to help find words
• Short descriptors for homophones and other easily confused words
Super-accessible and easy to use ... allows kids to work independently or with a TA supporting them to find 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
www.youngeditors.barringtonstoke.co.uk
• 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 A
SECONDARY SENCO & TEACHER
Barrington Stoke novels have formed such an important part of my mission to develop our school’s culture of reading for pleasure
SECONDARY TEACHER
Get in touch
We’re always happy to help and can provide tailored recommendations and advice according to your needs. We can also offer school discounts when purchasing in bulk. Contact us in the following ways: Or, contact your local Collins rep
Call or email Barrington Stoke: barringtonstokeschools@harpercollins.co.uk 0131 392 9400
