2026/2027
SUPPORTING STRUGGLING READERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL DYSLEXIA FRIENDLY
HI-LO FOR 7–11s
E V E RYO N E C A N B E A R E A D E R W I T H B A R R I N G TO N STO K E
Create a vibrant, inclusive reading culture in your school For nearly 30 years, Barrington Stoke has been pioneering super-readable, accessible books, each expertly designed and edited to counter difficulties including dyslexia and visual stress, and to support those falling behind. Our wide range of high-quality shorter texts by bestselling and award-winning authors engages and entertains readers, broadens vocabulary, develops fluency and boosts confidence, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop a love of reading.
Award-winning authors ensure well-written texts
Age-appropriate stories are matched to the age of the reader not their reading level
Shorter length allows readers to build stamina and confidence
Unique dyslexiafriendly font makes reading easier
Short chapters provide plenty of rest breaks
Off-white, heavier paper helps reduce visual stress
Expert editing ensures a smoother read that still challenges the reader
ts Accessible layou rk and spacing wo for all readers
Illustrations aid comprehension and break up the text
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 the right pupil.
For 9+ readers READING AGE
The Interest Age refers to the actual age of the reader.
2
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.
Award-winning, bestselling authors We enable our readers to access the highest quality of writing from the same authors their peers are reading and talking about Barrington Stoke are, without a doubt, my favourite children’s publisher. They put the work of the very finest children’s authors into the hands of young readers in manageable, novella-length books, and their impact in the classroom is huge
Meaningful, well-written texts: • Build comprehension
PRIMARY TEACHER BOOKSHELF
• Improve language skills and vocabulary • Encourage better engagement with pupils • Allow conversation, book talk and connection • Empower students to build a positive reader identity • Sustain reading motivation
H UM O U R
• Support empathy building
ALASTAIR CHISHOLM
PATRICE LAWRENCE
GILL LEWIS
PHIL EARLE
(c) Tania Morris
All the best writers write for Barrington Stoke
SERENA PATEL
BALI R AI
MICHAEL MORPURGO
(c) Nathan Eaton-Baudain
CATHERINE JOHNSON
ANNE FINE
LUCY ST R A N G E
VASHTI HARDY
TOM PALMER
LISA T H OM P S O N
3
READING AGE
6
Engaging, highly illustrated super-short stories designed to support seriously struggling readers aged 7+ Medium paper tint
Key features • Approx. 400 words; 32 pages • Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font • Medium paper tint to support readability and reduce visual stress • Illustrated in full colour on every page • Engaging titles with accessible plot and language Highly illustrated Sample spread
from Boing Bo
ing, Alexande
r McCall Smith
(illus. Zoe Persi
co)
SCHOOL PACK AVAILABLE Details on p.14 4
• Popular authors including Michael Rosen, Cornelia Funke and Michael Morpurgo
Explore the full range
READING AGE
7
Short, manageable chapters capture interest from the first page; slightly longer word counts build confidence and stamina
Medium paper tint
Key features • Approx. 3,000 to 7,000 words; 64–96 pages • Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font • Medium paper tint to support readability and reduce visual stress • Highly illustrated in black and white
Highly illustrated Sample spread
from When I W as A Wolf, Liz
Flanagan (illus
. Nikola Aron
ova)
• Popular, big-name authors include Anne Fine, Malorie Blackman, Gill Lewis, Michael Morpurgo and Tanya Landman
SCHOOL PACK AVAILABLE Details on p.14
Explore the full range 5
READING AGE
8
Super-readable historical non-fiction, packed with facts and diagrams to support key topics and perfect for reluctant readers
Non-Fictio
Medium paper tint
n
Key features • Approx. 7,000 to 8,500 words; 88–104 pages • Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font • Highly illustrated in black and white • Medium paper tint to support readability and reduce visual stress • Blue Peter Book Award winning non-fiction author
Highly illustrated Sample spread
from What it wa s like to be an
Ancient Maya , David Long (illus. Stefano Tambellini)
Incre dible True Stori es
W h a t it wa s li ke to b e .. .
6
Explore the full range
READING AGE
8
Our core hi-lo range from the very best authors; offers a diverse mix of characters and genres to captivate and entertain even the most reluctant mid to upper primary readers Medium paper tint
Key features • Approx. 7,500 to 15,00 words; 64–152 pages • Super-readable features, spacious layout and special font • Medium paper tint to support readability and reduce visual stress • Varying levels of black-andwhite illustration Varying illustration Sample spread
from Reek, Alas
tair Chisholm
(illus. George Ca
ltsoudas)
• Critically acclaimed writers including Catherine Johnson, Lucy Strange, Chris Bradford, Bali Rai, Lisa Thompson, Patrice Lawrence and Serena Patel
SCHOOL PACK AVAILABLE Details on p.14
Explore the full range 7
READING AGE
8
Choose from popular themes, interests and curriculum links to find the right book for your pupils. You can browse our full range of themed collections on barringtonstoke.co.uk
ENVIRONMENT
H UM O U R
HISTORY
8
S P O RT
EMPATHY BUILDERS
DIVERSE CHARACTERS
9
Tom Palmer’s World War novels Discover Tom Palmer’s multi-awardwinning historical fiction, perfect for engaging reluctant readers. These longer and more challenging stories are written to spark curiosity and foster empathy
School Spelling Dictionary
Browse the Tom Palmer collection The best children’s book I’ve read yet about the Holocaust TIM ROBERTSON, CEO ANNE FRANK TRUST, ON AFTER THE WAR
NEW EDITION
The internationally bestselling tool to support writing and spelling, allowing pupils to search for words by the way they sound. Key features • Accessible dyslexia-friendly layouts • An alphabet across the top of the page to aid searching • Short descriptors for homophones and other easily confused words • Includes helpful tips for successful spelling
Super-accessible and easy to use … allows kids to work independently or with a TA supporting them to find words
10
SENCO & TEACHER
Whole class reads for the inclusive classroom Captivating short reads that everyone in the This bestselling dictionaryGet 30% off 30 copies class internationally can access, discuss and enjoy of ANY of our books!
allows the student your local to search for words the way they sound Contact Collins rep to order Why choose a Barrington Stoke book?
*
*30 copies of the same title only
• Expertly written with short, punchy chapters, making them easy to slot into the timetable • Wide range of themes and interests • FREE discussion guides and teaching notes available for many of our books, perfect for developing comprehension skills and encouraging book talk
Free reading for pleasure activities Help pupils to connect with the story and develop their creative skills and reading identity with our free activity sheets.
• Topical creative activities help to embed understanding of the story • Prompts encourage students to connect with characters and themes • Blend of flexible 5-minute activities or longer whole-class projects • Suggestions for further research to encourage engagement • Attractive, super-readable design perfect for print-outs
Browse resources 11
Short novels perfect for guided reading Our books support targeted reading development, providing enjoyable and accessible stories for pupils at every stage of their reading journey Key benefits • Confidence building: short chapters and word counts make finishing a book an achievable challenge • Inclusive: super-readable font and design helps ALL pupils to enjoy a smooth reading experience • Top quality: well-known authors help less confident readers to be part of the school’s reading community
Young Editors Scheme • 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 • Special discounts available for participants
12
Inspire your students with the opportunity to read, edit and shape our upcoming books!
A brilliant scheme in which the reluctant readers themselves become editorial consultants BOOKTRUST
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
Join the A new reading for pleasure initiative from HarperCollins to help primary schools cultivate a thriving reading culture. Access free materials, including: • Classroom activities • Online author events • Author videos • Author and title spotlights • Tailored booklists and recommendations • Expert insights and key research
Visit booksquad.co.uk to learnwww.youngeditors.barringtonstoke.co.uk more
13
2026/2027
Primary School Packs Support your struggling and reluctant readers with our popular school packs, specially curated for classroom needs, with highly discounted pricing
KS2 READING AGE 6
KS1LITTLE LITTLE GEMS KS1 GEMS Containing 30 delightful first chapter books from a range of bestselling authors, this pack is ideal for KS1 readers who are building their reading skills.
2FF5R% RP
9780008845278 £157.28
O
30 BOOKS
KS2/3 READING AGE 6.5
Engaging, highly illustrated super-short stories designed to support seriously struggling readers in KS2.
Engaging stories specifically aimed at students in Upper KS2 with a reading age of 6.5 who need support.
9780008774080
9780008715472
£47.53
8 BOOKS
1FF5R% RP O
KS2 READING AGE 7 Short, manageable, illustrated texts for children in KS2 with a reading age of 7, to build confidence and stamina.
9780008747602 £126.24
20 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
KS1/2 TASTER PACK A small, low-cost selection that showcases our range of books for primary. Ideal as a starting point for schools new to Barrington Stoke books.
9780008740320 £91.88
14
15 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
£63.92
10 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
KS2 READING READING AGE KS2 AGE8 8 Containing 50 carefully selected stories from legendary children’s authors, this high-value pack offers the very best of our ages 7–11 range.
9780008842956 £297.38
50 BOOKS
2FF5R% RP O
FAVOURITE AUTHORS COLLECTION Featuring accessible yet high-quality writing from our most popular authors. A perfect way to draw in reluctant readers or give existing bookworms more to read.
9780008737597 £121.44
20 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
COVER IMAGES ARE PROVIDED FOR GUIDANCE ONLY. PACK CONTENTS AND PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Contact your local rep for a list of up-to-date pack contents
PRIMARY FUNNY COLLECTION
Visit our website to read chapter samples from all our books PRIMARY EMPATHY COLLECTION
A popular pack offering the finest in rib-tickling reads for Primary KS1/2. A great way to encourage reading for pleasure.
Covering ages 5–11, this rich and varied pack is designed to aid readers in emotional development and help them build their empathy skills.
9780008815202
9780008778903
£73.50
12 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
£74.30
RELUCTANT READERS AGED 9–10
12 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
RELUCTANT READERS AGED 10–11
10 engaging short novels for Year 5/P6 from award-winning authors. Perfect for confident and reluctant readers alike.
10 specially selected short, superreadable books offering diverse topics, characters and voices to engage pupils in Year 6/P7.
9780008823115
9780008823122
£63.92
2FF0R% RP O
10 BOOKS
£63.92
EAL LEARNERS (CEFR A1)
10 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
EAL LEARNERS (CEFR A2)
Ensure students are reading at the right level with this CEFR-aligned progression pack, featuring 5 books from leading UK authors graded at level A1.
Ensure students are reading at the right level with this CEFR-aligned progression pack, featuring 5 books from leading UK authors graded at level A2.
9780008715557 9780008815202
9780008736378
£29.70 £73.50
512BOOKS BOOKS
1FF5R% RP O
£29.70
EAL LEARNERS (CEFR B1)
5 BOOKS
1FF5R% RP O
EAL LEARNERS (CEFR B2)
Ensure students are reading at the right level with this CEFR-aligned progression pack, featuring 5 books from leading UK authors graded at level B1.
Ensure students are reading at the right level with this CEFR-aligned progression pack, featuring 5 books from leading UK authors graded at level B2.
9780008753443
9780008715540
£33.10
5 BOOKS
1FF5R% RP O
£33.95 PACK PRICES ARE FOR SCHOOLS ONLY.
5 BOOKS
1FF5R% RP O
15
Barrington Stoke are A-MAZ-ING! They understand their readers and ensure stories, while short, are entertaining and high quality. They make reading accessible to all! PRIMARY SCHOOL LIBRARIAN
Get in touch We’re always happy to help and can provide tailored recommendations and advice according to your needs. We can also offer discounts to schools when purchasing in bulk. Contact us in the following ways:
Call or email Barrington Stoke: barringtonstokeschools@harpercollins.co.uk 0131 392 9400
@BarringtonStoke barringtonstoke.co.uk Subscribe to our newsletter: collins.co.uk/bsnewsletter
Or contact your local Collins rep
Browse the full catalogue