Dyslexia-Friendly Books

A wickedly clever and hilarious canine tale from a superstar author-illustrator. Whenever there’s a pong, poo or puddle that can’t be explained, Norman and Ringo are the hounds that take the blame. Determined to exploit their status for profit, Blamehounds Inc. is soon in business and small dogs the world over are admitting responsibility for accidents, eruptions and even the...

Multi-award-winning author Tom Palmer returns with a thrilling naval adventure inspired by the incredible history of the Second World War Arctic convoys. Arctic Star is set in Winter 1943. Teenagers Frank, Joseph, and Stephen are Royal Navy recruits on their first mission at sea during the Second World War. Their ship is part of an Arctic Convoy sailing to Russia...

Orphans Bert and Frank are tragically torn apart when they are sent away to the British colonies. But when the War calls on soldiers to storm Gallipoli, will the battlefield also serve as a reunion for the two brothers? A stunning WW1 tale inspired by a true story. When Bert and Frank Barker are taken from the Children's Home in...

A thoughtful and playful story exploring empathy, kindness and mental health, from global bestselling author Eoin Colfer. Anna Liza and the Happy Practice is about Anna Liza, who likes to help cheer up her mother’s psychiatric patients with her 17 top knock-knock jokes and cheerful songs. However, when she meets Edward, she hits a brick wall. Edward’s dad is so...

Master storyteller Tom Palmer returns with a deeply moving and beautifully told novel of friendship and belonging, inspired by the incredible true story of the Windermere Boys. The best children’s fiction book I’ve yet read about the Holocaust – Tim Robertson, CEO Anne Frank Trust Summer 1945. The Second World War is finally over and Yossi, Leo, and Mordecai are...

The power of female friendship casts its spell in this touching story from one of the hottest properties in UKYA. Sophia, Mia and Alexis are clinging on to a spark of hope that maybe – just maybe – they're special. But could they really be witches with the power to cast life-changing spells? When the three friends gather to cheer...

An eerily superb story of murder and monstrosity on the streets of Victorian London that has remained in the public imagination for well over a century, spawning numerous adaptations. Now available in an accessible format for all readers. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is Stevenson’s classic story of split personalities lurking beneath the prim and proper...

At an Edinburgh school in the 1930s, glamorous, outspoken Miss Jean Brodie is quite certain of her role as teacher: to devote the wisdom of her prime years to six young girls, the crème de la crème, who will receive an education of the most unique kind. Known in school as the infamous Brodie set, the girls are soon entangled...

Elmo and his sister love playing in the jungle house next door, until mean old Mr Birdsnest moves in … A delightful and cleverly written story from former Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson. A tiger in the back garden! A bird-eating spider in the cupboard! Elmo and his sister love playing in the jungle house next door, that is, until mean...

Home Alone meets Adrian Mole in this hilarious madcap adventure from the bestselling author of I Swapped My Brother on the Internet. Bob Bunyon is fed up. In a family full of artists and performers, he’s the one with no talent, the one bypassed by the creativity gene – and his four siblings just won’t let him forget it. Finally...

The hilarious, rollicking adventures of mighty (but little) Norman the Norman, brought together for the first time in this bumper paperback edition. Norman the Norman from Normandy and his not-so-wild boar, Truffle, are off on a sword-swinging adventure! But little Norman has inherited his father's huge sword … and that can only spell trouble. Join the jaunty duo as they...

As World War II drags on, Susan sets out on a mission to cheer up her mum in this heartwarming wartime tale from award-winning historical fiction writer Tony Bradman. Susan is worried about her mum. She’s struggling with long hours at her job in the factory, and it’s been a long time since they’ve heard from Susan’s dad, who’s on...

The first in a delightful series following the mischievous canine antics of a classroom pet, from World of Norm author Jonathan Meres. Someone new is joining the class at Wigley Primary … He's got four legs, a big bark and shaggy golden curls!Nora, Lou, Marty, Josh and the other children love having Noodle the Doodle at school. He listens when...

With the spectre of a Nazi invasion looming over Britain, three children are forced into an unlikely allyship in this gripping wartime tale from multi-award-winning author Tom Palmer. June 1940 – after the devastating defeat of the British forces at Dunkirk, the terrifying prospect of a Nazi invasion of Britain seems ever more likely. In these dark days, three children,...

Try as he might, Arun simply cannot wriggle his way out of taking the maths test at school. Instead, he must learn to face his fears in this encouraging and relatable school story from the author of Anisha, Accidental Detective. Maths test? Nightmare! Arun is determined to get out of a maths test at school. But how? A schoolwide protest...

A tender, reassuring and vital tale of friendship exploring how we deal with and overcome worry, perfectly pitched for young readers. Amy May knows about webs of worries – so many people she meets are caught in them, from her own artist dad to newly arrived refugee Rima and her family. By being brave enough to open up her worry...

Nellie Choc-Ice and the Plastic Island features Nellie Choc-Ice, the greatest penguin explorer in the world, as she returns with author Jeremy Strong to tackle the scourge of plastic in this funny and thoughtful gem. Nellie Choc-Ice is finally on her way home to the North Pole! However, things don't go as planned when Captain Beardy-Beard's trusty submarine grinds to...

With an authentic Indian backdrop, this is a feel-good story of young kids chasing big dreams that shimmers with all of Alexander McCall Smith’s trademark optimism and joy. It is an outlook on life that makes him one of the world’s best-loved storytellers. Hari and His Electric Feet follows Hari, a dreamer with an unusual talent. He spends the few...

A cautionary tale of brats, cats and a little bit of magic from much loved and best-selling author Malorie Blackman. Ellie and the Cat introduces us to Ellie, the rudest, most spoilt child her grandma has ever met. It's time that she learnt a lesson! With a little bit of magic and some help from Jolly the cat, Grandma is...

Blue Peter Award winning author David Long takes readers on a captivating exploration into the culture and legacy of ancient Greek civilisation. Around 3,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks created one of the world’s most advanced civilisations. While most worked as farmers and fishermen to feed their families, others studied hard to become brilliant astronomers, navigators, philosophers, artists and athletes....

NEW FOR 2025 – Barrington Stoke’s long-awaited first dyslexia-friendly plays The complete and unabridged dyslexia-friendly edition of Macbeth, Shakespeare’s dark tragedy that blends the supernatural with prophecy, ambition, and murder.

Kian has to face his fears of footballing failure in order to support a friend in this action-packed sports story from bestselling and award-winning author Tom Palmer. Kian’s best mate Azeem is desperate for them both to join the local football team. He can’t understand why Kian’s reluctant as he’s one of the best players on their estate. But a...

The discovery of a dragon egg could mean a ticket to the skies for aspiring aeronauts Kitty and Harris in this page-turning adventure, inspired by a real historical event. Twins Kitty and Harris Hawk have grown up at the airfield where their father works as an engineer. Kitty in particular is obsessed with the idea of becoming an aeronaut but...

A poignant and uplifting story of family, connection and imagination, from the Blue Peter Book Award shortlisted author of Owen and the Soldier. Tabby's fed up. Fed up with losing her best friend and fed up that Grandad has come to stay. Grandad's always telling the same old silly, made-up stories, and now Tabby has to walk his smelly dog...

The complicated nuances of teenage friendship are captured perfectly in this story of summer adventure and exploration by award-winning author Keith Gray. Marshall feels the need to escape because things are so tough at home. Rory is just happy it’s the first day of the summer holidays. While out on their bikes, they stumble across a long-forgotten underground bunker at...

How will a group of teenagers react when they are offered £1,000 to give up their mobile phone? Acclaimed author Keren David spins a thought-provoking story of perspective and influence. Could you disconnect from your phone for six weeks? An eccentric entrepreneur has challenged Esther's year group to do just that, and the winners will walk away with £1,000. For...

An alien chicken bent on exterminating Earth is disarmed by the power of friendship in this hilarious and heartfelt tale from Lollie-award-winning author Jenny Pearson. Bertie and the Alien Chicken follows Bertie, who is not looking forward to spending the summer holidays on the stinky Long Bottom Farm. However, things take an interesting turn when he encounters Nugget, the alien...

The classic story of the Christmas transformation of Scrooge that has remained in the public imagination for well over a century, now available in an accessible format for all readers. "Why show me this, if I am past all hope!" It's Christmas Eve and the snowy streets are full of good cheer. But this magic is "Bah! Humbug!" to Ebenezer...

Tia and her mum start an adventurous new life on Gull Haven Island, finding lots of animals who need their help along the way. Tia’s mum has a new job as the vet on Gull Haven Island and there are a lot of animals who need her help. When she’s called away to help a sickly cow on a nearby...

A rescue dog with a difference must save the Peachey family in this charming story for the young and the young at heart, filled to the brim with Meg Rosoff's wry humour and beautiful prose. The first in a series. The Peachey family is in crisis. No one cooks dinner, no one picks up the dirty washing, and the kids...

Bestselling author Alex Bell serves up mystery and dark humour aplenty in this Willy Wonka-esque middle-grade tale of toys brought to life. Shadows of teddy bears flit across windows. Dolls whisper behind closed doors. Something has gone very wrong at Hoggle's Happy Toys. But five years after shutting its doors, the toy factory is opening again, and Tess Pipps has...

A touching, timely, and tender exploration of refuge and migration for the youngest readers, this picture book offers a moving insight into the real journeys being made by children today. A young boy discusses the journey he is about to make with his mother. They will leave their town, she explains, and it will be sad but also a little...

A liar, thief, bully and murderer. Or was he …? Join the bestselling author of Horrible Histories on a journey through the life of one fascinating historical figure and the legends surrounding him. 7th April, 1739. York. Today is the day Dick Turpin will die.A young boy waits in the crowd below the scaffold, awaiting a glimpse of the famous...

Kindness is key in this funny family drama from perennial bestseller and award-winning author Anne Fine. There are many reasons why Tansy dreads Aunt Emma coming to visit. She’s rude, she’s boring, and Tansy has to give up her room so Aunt Emma can sleep there. And every year Dad makes Tansy promise to be nice – even when Aunt...

When Jay discovers a talent for computing, will he pursue his newfound passion or follow the crowd? A heartwarming story from the multi-award-winning author of Anisha the Accidental Detective. Can you be true to yourself without losing your friends along the way? Jay is excited about a game-design project being worked on by the Computing Club at school. He wants...

A powerful, unsettling examination of fear and anxiety from the multi-award-winning Mal Peet, with stunning illustrations from Kate Greenaway-longlisted illustrator Emma Shoard. Sandie has been battling it since childhood: the hulking, snarling black dog of her nightmares. For years, her precious pet dog Rabbie has kept the monster at bay, but when he is no longer there to protect her,...

Tom Palmer’s bestselling WWI novel, based on the true story of war hero and footballing legend Jack Cock. Over the Line captures the proudest moment of Jack's life – his debut as a professional footballer. Now he has a chance to achieve his dream of playing for his country. But it's 1914 and the world is at war. Talk of...

Baljit dreams of football stardom, so when the chance of a lifetime comes along, he can't let it slip through his grasp – even if it means a chain of lies to his parents … A witty and warm spots drama from teen favourite Bali Rai. While Baljit shovels chips in his dad's chippy, he dreams of football stardom. Then...

Warm and charming Little Gem bestseller, now available with full colour illustrations. A perfectly pitched story for early readers from the former Children's Laureate and master of the market. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all. Polly has set up a pets' holiday home for the summer and with a...

The Carnegie-shortlisted author of Code Name Verity returns with another gripping historical adventure, taking readers on a daring flight across war-torn Europe. Summer 1939. With Europe on the brink of war, eighteen-year-old Kristina Tomiak has been called up to join the White Eagles, Poland's valiant air force. When the Nazis reach the town where she is based, Kristina makes a...

A stunning prose retelling of Beowulf from an author-illustrator dream-team, perfect for middle-grade readers. One dark night, the music and singing wake a monster from a swamp... Warrior after warrior comes to slay the monster, but no one can outwit Grendel. Only the great hero Beowulf stands a chance – but even he is not prepared for the horror that...

A thought-provoking and touching story of the bond between children and nature, from renowned storyteller and award-winning author Gill Lewis. Izzy and Asha need a space to call their own, away from difficult families, the Skull brothers, and the trouble they bring. But the derelict building site where they stake their claim already belongs to something else—a wilderness they never...

A thrilling and captivating retelling of one of history’s most famous space missions, from Blue Peter Book Award-winning author David Long. April 1970: Apollo 13 was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It should have been the third manned Apollo mission to land on the moon. But when an explosion on board damaged the spacecraft, it became a...

Poppy feels like her life is falling to pieces in this coming-of-age novella of blended families and online bullying from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth. Because of You tells the story of Poppy, who's having a nightmare at home. Her parents have split up, and her mum's new boyfriend is moving in. Dad is the one who's always been there for...

Jane has always been just a little bit different – she has springs in her knees! Support severely struggling readers with this hi-lo adventure with a spring in its step. Jane has always been just a little bit different – she has springs in her knees! She wins all the high jump competitions and can reach the top bookshelf, and...

Malorie Blackman spins a hilarious tale of shape-shifting and babysitting antics. Mike had no idea that his best friend Alex was a Gris-kwok – someone who can turn into any animal he chooses! But Mike’s naughty little sister Molly is a Gris-kwok too. Alex and Mike are about to take on the worst babysitting job in the world! Particularly suitable...

A warm, charming and ever-so-slightly batty celebration of family love, inspiring teachers, and the great characters who make all our lives more interesting. Shona likes most creatures in the world, but for some reason, she's terrified of bats. So, she's a bit concerned when her new teacher announces they're about to begin a bat project. But that's nothing compared to...

Music is king in this wonderfully charming story of bandmates and babies from legendary children's author Gillian Cross. Music is the most important thing in Mark's life and he never misses band practice... until new baby sister Amber turns life upside down. She screams all day and all night and nothing Mum, Dad, or anyone else does makes a difference!...

Seth learns some important life lessons when he's transported back to Ancient Egypt in this absorbing time-slip adventure. While awaiting punishment in his headmaster’s office for his latest piece of mischief, prankster Seth picks up an Egyptian amulet from the desk and is whisked back in time to Ancient Egypt. In a village by the Nile, Seth finds a place...

Heralding his outstanding return to young adult fiction, Keith Gray captures the subtle agonies of teen life in this compelling, bittersweet tale of rivalry and friendship. Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal The Climbers follows Sully, the best climber in the village. He can scale the Twisted Sister’s tangled branches and clamber up Double Trunker with ease. But when the new...

Only a sensible, level head can save the day when disaster strikes on a school trip in this hilariously slapstick introduction to Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Frank and his drama club are off on a dream school trip to perform The Tempest at a festival. But it turns into a nightmare when their ferry is hit by a terrible storm!Half of...

When their school bans football in the playground, a group of friends come up with a top secret solution in this uplifting tale from one of the UK's top writers of sports fiction for children. Secret FC follows the story of Lily, Zack and Khal, who can't believe their ears when the new headmaster at their school bans football in...

A pleasingly absurd caper where kids outwit crooks, ghost are let out of the bag, and grandparents refuse to behave! From beloved and best-selling author Malorie Blackman. Grandma Gertie is rather strange. With her big square glasses and a parrot on her hat, Anna and Kasper don't know what to make of her. But Grandma's got a secret… Grandpa Bert...

Stranger Things meets Invasion of the Body Snatchers in this thrilling sci-fi adventure with an ecological twist. Something sinister is happening in Crooked Oak …Ever since the fracking site closed, Nancy’s parents have been acting weird. Their eyes are blank, they won’t eat – it’s like they’re no longer themselves. And now the symptoms are affecting others as well …Nancy...

New girl Hattie hopes a scarecrow will protect her den at school, but she soon realises she can’t control him … A darkly comic tale from acclaimed author Nicola Skinner. When lonely Hattie feels out of place at her new school, she creates a scarecrow—Crow. Hattie wants him to guard the den she finds in the playground, the only place...

Wonderful, witty and wise, this classic Quentin Blake tale will warm hearts of the young and old alike in a gorgeous new full colour gift format. The heartbroken widow of a captain drowned at sea discovers a friendly amphibian at her lowest point. But he is no ordinary frog – he's a dancing frog set on saving her! Soon the duo...

A jewel of a book illustrated throughout in silhouette and colour by award-winning Ian Beck (Tom Trueheart). Pictures and words weave together to create a hymn to colour, light, and life. High-quality cream paper and a special easy-to-read font ensure a smooth read for all. Everything on the Island of Ashes is grey, from the weather to the castle, the...

Sidney and Carrie’s friendship is being put to the test. Can Lisa Thompson’s uplifting duo learn to compromise in time for their joint birthday party? Best friends Sidney and Carrie are really excited about having a joint birthday party! But excitement turns to disappointment when they can’t agree about the invitations, the entertainment or even the kind of cake they’d...

Written with great empathy and Raúf’s trademark humour, this moving story gives a child’s-eye view of the increasing problem of food poverty. On Thursdays, Nelson, Ashley and Mum head out to the bank. But not just any old bank – the food bank. With its shining tins and packets of food stacked from floor to ceiling, Nelson thinks it’s the...

Are Bobbie and her Gran risking too much to save the Eagles from poachers? Take flight with bestselling author Gill Lewis to the picturesque Scottish Highlands, for a stunning wildlife story with a conservation message at its heart. Eagle Warrior follows Bobbie, who is thrilled that a golden eagle has settled in the forest near her family's farm. She loves...

Laura has a mutiny on her hands when she tries to play by the rules in this non-stop wild-western comedy from award-winning author Guy Bass. Laura Norder, Sheriff of Butts Canyon lives her life by the Golden Rules and so should everybody else. But being Sheriff of Butts Canyon at the age of ten is a big job to handle,...

History and myth entwine in this atmospheric tale of freedom and friendship from bestselling author Lucy Strange and acclaimed illustrator Pam Smy. The Mermaid in the Millpond tells the story of Bess, who has left the London workhouse behind for a job at a rural cotton mill. But life at the mill is hard and cruel – a far cry...

A passionate campaign brings four best friends back together in a fight to save their school library in this heartfelt tale from bestselling author Anna James. The library is Hetty’s very favourite place in school, and since falling out with her best friends Ali, Mei and Rocket, she’s been spending even more time there. So she’s absolutely horrified when she...

When disaster strikes on the International Space Station, Stella needs a whole galaxy of luck to return safely to Earth. Bestselling author Chris Bradford crafts Gravity for younger readers in this gripping outer-space thriller. Stella and her brother Ryan are on holiday in a Space Hotel orbiting Earth when disaster strikes. During a trip to the International Space Station Museum,...

An unusual visitor brings light to the life of a lighthouse keeper’s daughter in this stunning mythical adventure, from the bestselling author of the Cogheart series. When the lighthouse no longer shines, what else has the power to guide you to shore? Deryn’s father is the lighthouse keeper on Featherstone Island, keeping the lantern lit to protect passing boats from...

Marcus Sedgwick crafts a characteristically unsettling mystery exploring teen relationships and our connection to the world around us in this suspenseful and eerie drama. Wrath: extreme anger or rage Cassie Cotton has always been unusual, a bit different – but this only makes her more intriguing to her classmate Fitz. Cassie can hear a noise that most people don’t notice...

Master storyteller Tom Palmer returns with a touching celebration of the heroic paratroopers of WWII and their parachuting canine companions. Jack can't wait for the school trip to the D-Day landing beaches. It's his chance to learn more about the war heroes he has always admired – brave men like his dad, who is a reserve soldier. But when his...

Carnegie Medal winning author Anthony McGowan weaves a bleakly poetic tale about one boy’s determination to save a badger cub from the destructive hands of a local gang. Life’s not easy for Nicky. His mum’s gone, his dad’s on bail and his brother Kenny needs looking after all the time. When Kenny drags Nicky out of bed one dark morning,...

The true cost of the tin that goes into our electronic devices is revealed in this striking story from the bestselling author of Young Bond. Mining for tin in deep, dangerous trenches is the only life that Tono has ever known. Worked to the brink of exhaustion each day, his only escape is in the precious moments when he reads...

Trapped and alone on the salt marshes, Jodie is troubled by a haunting presence in this eerily atmospheric ghost story from multi-award-winning author Hilary McKay. Jodie never wanted to come on the residential trip to the field centre. A loner at school, she’s forced into a dormitory with other girls from her class who don’t understand her and talk about...

Merlin has the power to shape the future – if the King doesn't kill him first … Follow the powerful magician's first steps towards his mastery of magic in this action-packed adventure. Merlin has always known he's different from the other boys. But he has no idea how different.Inside Merlin lies power. Magic. And that makes him a threat to...

Yellow Rabbit is lost, but she's having lots of fun without her owner, Ashley. Will she come home at all? Support severely struggling readers with this sweet hi-lo adventure. Oh no! Ashley has left her favourite toy in a hotel in Spain. She is sad, but Yellow Rabbit is having lots of fun …Will Yellow Rabbit ever come home?Particularly suitable...

The town is in chaos – Wolfman is on the loose! Support severely struggling readers with this funny hi-lo tale. Wolfman is on the loose and he is raging and rampaging through town like a terror! Lamp-posts have been ripped up, paving slabs chewed – even the Army has gone into hiding!Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading...

Embark on a captivating exploration into the rise and fall of the rich and colourful Maya civilisation with Blue Peter Award winning author David Long. Largely forgotten for centuries, the ancient Maya were incredible. Their cities across Central and South America featured astonishing pyramids and palaces, while they were also successful farmers and highly creative artists. The Maya were the...

A search for treasure reveals the toxic consequences of modern life in this thrilling adventure set against the backdrop of the world’s largest e-waste dump. Theo lives and works in Agbogbloshie in Ghana, a vast dumping ground for the world’s broken electronics. He spends his days scouring the trash for scraps of metal to sell for cash, while dreaming of...

Desperate to do better at school, Tim becomes entangled in a web of lies in this thought-provoking drama, edited to a reading age of 6.5. Tim is terrible at French, so when his football coach Max offers to help with his homework he's thrilled. He knows it's wrong, but his marks are so much better he pushes that out of...

The touching tale of Dilly ‘Wartman’ Watson and magic Mr Ben, from former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo. Dilly's life was great until he found the wart growing on his knee. When lying doesn't work out and George the wart is revealed to the world, poor Dilly becomes one easy target. Can a little bit of magic help Dilly get his...

An inspiring story of a young asylum seeker’s struggle to build a new life with his family in Britain, told with wit and heart by beloved author Catherine MacPhail. At last, Omar's family are safe and have somewhere to live. But life in a new country isn't easy and life on the estate is proving even harder thanks to Sam....

Michel hatches a plan to join the resistance in Nazi-occupied France in this thrilling WWll drama, edited to a reading age of 6.5. The Nazis have occupied France. Michel knows that there are Resistance fighters in his town and he's desperate to join them. Will his mother agree to it? After all with his father AWOL, she needs a man...

A competitive race through the hills leads to tragedy in this thoughtful and heart-stopping teen drama from acclaimed author Tanya Landman. Jake and Matt have trained hard for a weekend hiking with the school. They've got the gear, they've got fit – and they've got homework: something 'to keep their minds occupied' while walking. But Jake is more occupied with...