2026/2027
SUPPORTING STRUGGLING READERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOL DYSLEXIA FRIENDLY
HI-LO
EVERYONE CAN BE A READER WITH BARRINGTON STOKE
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 for and spacing wo 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 student.
For 11+ readers The Interest Age refers to the actual age of the reader.
2
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.
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 so good at engaging reluctant or struggling readers. The stories they produce are so engaging and often so thought provoking, memorable, well written and wellillustrated that they are worth their weight in gold in any library or classroom
Meaningful, well-written texts: • Build comprehension • Improve language skills and vocabulary
BOOKS FOR KEEPS
• Encourage better engagement with pupils • Allow conversation, book talk and connection • Empower students to build a positive reader identity • Sustain reading motivation • Support empathy building
H UM O U R ALASTAIR CHISHOLM
PATRICE LAWRENCE
ANTHONY McGOWAN
BALI R AI
HELEN RUTTER
All the best writers write for Barrington Stoke
PHIL EARLE
LUKE PALMER
(c) Nathan Eaton-Baudain
TANYA LANDMAN
STEVE COLE
LUCY ST R A N G E
CATHERINE JOHNSON
TOM PALMER
LISA T H OM P S O N
3
For 11+ readers
READING AGE
6
Engaging, age-appropriate, super-short stories designed to support seriously struggling readers Darkest paper tint
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
Highly illustrated
Sample spread
from The Day
Death Died, Ta
nya Landman (il
lus. Cinthya Al
varez)
• Award-winning authors including Carnegie Medal winner Tanya Landman
NEW
SCHOOL PACK AVAILABLE Details on p.14 4
Explore the full range
For 11+ readers
READING AGE
6.5
Well-paced, high-quality stories crafted to engage and encourage the reader, with supportive design and plenty of illustration Darkest paper tint
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 Highly illustrated Sample spread
from Red Card
, Alan Combe
s (illus. Aleksa
nder Sotirovsk
i)
SCHOOL PACK AVAILABLE (SUITABLE FOR KS3) Details on p.14 Barrington Stoke are making a difference in secondary schools SECONDARY TEACHER 5
For 11+ readers
READING AGE
7
Short, manageable chapters hook readers from the first page; slightly longer word counts build confidence and stamina Medium paper tint
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 Highly illustrated Sample spread
from My Perfe
ct Cousin, Kare n McCombie (illus. Sofia M iller Salazar)
• Popular, award-winning authors including Tanya Landman, Sophie McKenzie, Karen McCombie, Bali Rai and Simon James Green
SCHOOL PACK AVAILABLE (SUITABLE FOR KS3/4) Details on p.14
6
Explore the full range
FOR 13+ MATURE CONTENT
For transition readers
READING AGE
8
Shorter reads from the very best writers; a diverse range of characters, topics and genres to captivate and entertain even the most reluctant readers Medium paper tint
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
Varying illustration Sample spread
from The Boy
at the Window , Lucy Strange
(illus. Rohan Ea
son)
Explore the full range Get free, super-readable discussion guides, available on our website
7
For 11+ readers
READING AGE
8
Gripping, thought-provoking, award-winning novels perfect for building confidence and developing reading identity Lighter paper tint
Key features • Approx. 15,000–20,000 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 Patrice Lawrence, Melinda Salisbury, Bali Rai, Alex Wheatle and Sally Nicholls Varying illustration Sample spread
from Dangerou
s Influence, Sa
lly Nicholls
SCHOOL PACK AVAILABLE (SUITABLE FOR KS3/4) Details on p.14
8
Explore the full range
For 11+ readers
9
READING AGE
Hard-hitting, award-winning stories offering a rewarding reading experience
Light paper tint
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 Limited illustration Sample spread
Includes the Carnegie Medal winning Lark A standalone masterpiece CHAIR OF JUDGES, CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL
from Lark, An
thony McGow
Read the first chapter of Lark
an
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Explore the full range 9
For 11+ readers
9
READING AGE
Faithful retellings of timeless classics from award-winning contemporary authors, designed to be accessible to more readers
Classic retellings
Lighter paper tint
Key features • Approx. 12,000 to 20,000 words; 72–136 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 No illustration
• Free downloadable discussion guides Sample spread
from Dracula:
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
10
A Retelling, Ta
nya Landman
Explore the full range
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
Why choose a Barrington Stoke book? • 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, prejudice, politics, identity and environment • Award-winning authors include Tom Palmer, Bali Rai, Anthony McGowan, Lucy Strange and Catherine Johnson
The accessibility of these books comes, in large part, from their length, pace and careful presentation; it does not come from a reduction in the ambition of ideas, vocabulary or syntax. Barrington Stoke publishes books that are short enough to fit the realities of a modern school timetable, engaging enough to hold pupils’ attention, and ambitious enough to give them complex ideas to explore, questions to debate and perspectives to develop. As a teacher of English, I couldn’t ask for more ENGLISH SUBJECT LEAD
Get 30% off 30 copies of ANY of our books! Contact your local Collins rep to order* *30 copies of the same title only
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Reading for pleasure activities Help pupils to connect with the story and develop their creative skills and reading identity with our free activity sheets
Browse activities
• 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
Teaching resources • 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
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Browse teaching resources
School Spelling Dictionary The internationally bestselling tool to support writing and spelling, allowing students to search for words by the way they sound RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Key features • Accessible, dyslexia-friendly layouts • Additional hints to help find words and tips for successful spelling • Short descriptors for homophones and other easily confused words
Teacher toolkit
Super-accessible and easy to use ... allows kids to work independently or with a TA supporting them to find words SECONDARY SENCO & TEACHER
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
Young Editors Scheme www.youngeditors.barringtonstoke.co.uk
A brilliant scheme in which the reluctant readers themselves become editorial consultants BOOKTRUST
• 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
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Secondary School Packs 2026/2027 KS3/4 READING AGE 6
KS2/3 READING AGE 6.5
Designed to suit the interests of teens aged 11+ and graded to our lowest reading level to support seriously struggling readers.
Engaging stories specifically aimed at students in lower KS3 with a reading age of 6.5 who need support.
9780008815141
9780008715472
£47.53
8 BOOKS
1FF5R% RP O
KS3/4 READING AGE 7 Engaging short novels to boost reading confidence and stamina for reluctant teen readers.
9780008831226 £63.92
10 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
£63.92
9780008867430 £63.92
10 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
RELUCTANT READERS AGED 11–12
30 gripping, thought-provoking, award-winning novels perfect for building confidence and developing reading identity.
2FF5R% RP
9780008817725 £179.78
O
30 BOOKS
KS3/4 TASTER PACK A small, low-cost selection that showcases our range of secondary books. Ideal as a starting point for schools new to Barrington Stoke.
9780008762780 £76.70
12 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
RELUCTANT READERS AGED 12–13
Ideal for confident and reluctant readers alike, this pack offers 10 compelling short novels for ages 11–12 from award-winning authors.
10 specially curated super-readable books offering diverse topics and characters for ages 12–13.
9780008823146
9780008823160
£63.92
14
O
KS2 READING AGE 8 8 KS3/4 READING AGE
KS3/4 READING AGE 9 Longer and more challenging novels to develop skills and confidence whilst still showcasing our accessible features.
10 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP
10 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
£63.92
10 BOOKS
2FF0R% RP O
COVER IMAGES ARE PROVIDED FOR GUIDANCE ONLY. PACK CONTENTS AND PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
RELUCTANT READERS AGED 10–11
Support your struggling and reluctant readers with our specially curated and budget friendly school packs
HI-LO Contact your local rep for a list of upto-date pack contents
Call or email Barrington Stoke: barringtonstokeschools@harpercollins.co.uk 0131 392 9400
Packs for EAL learners EAL LEARNERS (CEFR A1)
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
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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 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