BURLINGTON INTERNATIONAL READERS

ROBIN HOOD

Eleanor sutherland

Legend

Cross-curricular focus: Folklore

Meet one of the great figures of English literature in these classic stories. Robin Hood and his friends live in Sherwood Forest, where they have a series of exciting adventures. The wicked Sheriff of Nottingham is determined to capture Robin, but somehow, Robin always escapes.

TREASURE ISLAND

Robert louis stevenson

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Geography

One day, 15-year-old Jim Hawkins finds an old map belonging to a mysterious sea captain. It is the start of a great adventure, in which Jim comes up against the notorious Long John Silver and his gang of pirates. This popular adventure story is packed with thrills and excitement.

VIKINGS: CHILDREN OF THE NORTH

Dominic butler

Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Culture

Set against a background of Viking aggression and conquest, Vikings introduces us to “the wolf pack” – four teenagers called Arne, Gunnar and twins Kåre and Revna, who overcome initial hostility and become firm friends. Sailing with Viking warriors to conquer England, and later to Greenland and Iceland, all four are tested in new and unexpected ways. Will they survive – and what does fate have in store for them?

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

William shakespeare

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature

A specially dramatised version of the Shakespeare classic. Strange things happen one midsummer night, deep in an enchanted wood. Lovers Hermia and Lysander plan to meet and marry there. Their friend, Helena, is also there, searching for Demetrius, who she loves – but he loves Hermia. Fairies are watching and play a trick on the love-sick humans. They put love-potion on the eyelids of the lovers and suddenly, everybody loves the wrong person! It’s a confusing, but comical situation. How will it end? This reader is suitable for use as a class presentation.

FAKES AND FRAUDS

Dominic butler

Biography

Cross-curricular focus: Media

There have always been fakes and frauds throughout history – people who trick us into believing them. But these four confidence tricksters were exceptional. Gregor MacGregor tricked hundreds of people into buying land and sailing to Poyais, his invented ‘paradise island’. Frank Abagnale Jr made over $2,5 million pretending to be a pilot, doctor, lawyer and professor. Anna Sorokin funded a lavish lifestyle using borrowed money and fake documents. Elizabeth Holmes became rich by claiming to have created a unique medical device. After reading these stories – be careful who you trust!

SIX BOYS FROM TONGA - A TRUE SURVIVAL STORY

Dominic butler

Non-Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature and Social Studies

This is the fascinating true story of six boys who set out from Tonga on a stolen boat, in search of adventure. Reality hits them when a storm at sea destroys much of their boat. The boys face hunger, thirst and endless sun for several days before seeing land in the distance. They arrive on an island and start the difficult tasks of finding food and building shelter. The boys were there for 16 long months, facing life-threatening difficulties. How did they manage to survive against all odds?

BREWSTER'S MILLIONS

George barr mccutcheon

Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Social Studies

When 25-year-old Monty Brewster’s rich grandfather dies, leaving him a million dollars, Monty is very excited. But then, something unexpected happens – an unknown uncle also dies, leaving Monty seven times as much as his grandfather, but on one condition: he must spend every cent of his grandfather’s fortune by his 26th birthday – in one year’s time – and have no money at all, in order to receive his uncle’s seven million dollars! It’s a very tempting offer, but will Monty be able to do it?

LITTLE WOMEN

Louisa may alcott

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature

Set during the American Civil War, this classic novel by Louisa May Alcott tells the story of four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March. With their father away at the war, life is not easy for the March family. There are fights and jealousy, love and anger between the sisters. But then, Mr March is injured and Mrs March must go to his side. In the meantime, Beth becomes very ill with scarlet fever and the girls must manage alone. Will they be able to nurse Beth to health again? And how long until their mother comes home?

AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS

Jules verne

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History

In this classic story by Jules Verne, Phileas Fogg accepts a strange bet – that he can travel around the world in eighty days! Together with his faithful servant, Passepartout, Fogg starts the journey to win his bet and has many crazy adventures along the way. He misses a boat, is put in prison, escapes on an elephant and travels on a speeding sledge across freezing snow. And there’s even some time for romance, too … but can he win his impossible bet?

WORLD FOLK TALES

Samuel sheehy

Legend

Cross-curricular focus: Literature

Magic harps, fantastical parties and evil serpents can be found in this collection of folk tales from Ireland, India and China. Can Dagda’s magic harp help him win against aggressive enemy warriors? Can Kalavati bring her human husband into a party of the gods, without being caught? And can brave Li Chi take revenge for her brother’s death and fight the evil serpent that is terrorising her village? Read on for the answers.

SAVING MYTHTOPIA

Bill bowler

Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature

Twins Sophie and Tom buy a computer game called Saving Mythtopia to help them with their school project, but when they install it on their computer, strange things happen. The characters on the screen are disappearing! Next, the twins get smaller and smaller and are pulled through a portal into the world of Mythtopia, where everything is in chaos. The Titan King Cronus has escaped from prison and is changing the plots of some classic Greek myths. The twins must check the original stories on their phones and correct the errors Cronus has created. It is their job to save Mythtopia, but can they do it?

UNCLE TOM'S CABIN

Harriet beecher stowe

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Political Ideology

This classic novel by Charles Dickens begins in 1775, and takes place in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. It's a dangerous, violent time. Revolutionary peasants capture French aristocrat Charles Darnay and sentence him to death. Only his look-alike, English lawyer Sydney Carton, can save him. But both men love the same woman. How will it end?

MORE SHERLOCK HOLMES

Sir arthur conan doyle

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Criminology

Jabez Wilson, a man with bright red hair, is asked to join a Red Headed League and accept a very strange job offer. James McCarthy is accused of murdering his father, but Alice Turner, the girl James loves, believes he is innocent. A man finds a hat and a dead goose in the street after witnessing a fight. He cuts the goose open, and finds a blue diamond inside it. These three strange stories arouse the curiosity of the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes. What will he make of them all?

CLASSIC SHORT STORIES

Retold by julie hart

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Sociology

A superb collection of five classic stories written by famous classic writers. Prepare to be fascinated, scared and saddened. The stories are about ordinary people and the choices they make in life – some good, some bad and some with disastrous consequences. All five stories carry a strong message, and have a surprising twist at the end!

TUNNEL TO THE UNKNOWN

Louanne piccolo

Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Science

A deadly virus has arrived in England from France. The King of Flagg, a city at the top of a hill, locks the gates and nobody can enter or leave. Inside Flagg are the old people and children under ten. The rest of the population is abandoned outside. Ten years later, there isn’t enough food inside Flagg and the people are hungry. Some teens want to get out of Flagg to find food. But the ‘outside’ is unknown. What dangers will they find there? And will they survive on the outside?

THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN

Mark twain

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature

Huckleberry Finn is one of the best-loved characters in literature. Follow him as he runs away from his drunken father and meets Jim, a runaway slave. They decide to sail down the Mississippi River and have many hilarious adventures on the way. Things become serious when Jim is captured. Together with his friend Tom Sawyer, Huck must devise a plan and save Jim. Can they do it?

THE BALLAD OF RON WALLIS

Samuel sheehy

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History and Science

Ron Wallis is a black ex-slave – a decent, kind and honest man. One day, the deputy sheriff finds him crying and holding the dead body of a 12-year-old white boy – the son of the richest, most influential man in town. Wallis is arrested for the crime, and the townspeople think he’s guilty, despite his continued protests of innocence. Only the deputy sheriff believes Wallis might be innocent and tries to help him receive justice, against all odds.

MACBETH

William shakespeare

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature and History

Three crazy witches make a prophecy that Macbeth, a brave soldier loyal to King Duncan, will become king. Overcome by greed and ambition and encouraged by his scheming wife, Macbeth kills Duncan and does, indeed, become king. But then, guilt, fear and paranoia take over Macbeth’s mind, as he imagines rivals and enemies in every place. How many more people will Macbeth murder to secure his hold on the crown?

BRITISH MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Julie hart

Legend

Cross-curricular focus: Folklore

Tales of leprechauns, magic dragons and heroic knights are found in this entertaining collection of British myths and legends. Read how a leprechaun tricks lazy Shaun O’Brian, how Bella becomes rich and how George saves the princess from the terrible dragon. Discover how good triumphs over evil, and how kindness succeeds more than selfishness and greed.

KING ARTHUR

Retold by jill alexander

Legend

Cross-curricular focus: Folklore and History

Knights, battles and magic are just some of the ingredients in the legendary adventures of King Arthur. In this exciting story, we meet King Arthur’s famous knights and Merlin, the powerful magician. We discover the secret of the magic sword Excalibur and the power of the famous Lady of the Lake.

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST

Oscar wilde

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature and Folklore

The Otises are a practical American family. They don’t believe in ghosts … until they move to Canterville Chase, an old English country estate inhabited by the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville. The family is amused by Sir Simon’s failed attempts to try and frighten them away. Only young Virginia feels sorry for the ghost and agrees to help him find peace – but at what price?

THE SECRET GARDEN

Frances hodgson burnett

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History

Young Mary Lennox's parents die of cholera and she is sent to her uncle’s gloomy mansion in the English countryside. Mary is bored and lonely. One day, she discovers a hidden door to a secret garden, but is afraid to go inside. Then Mary meets a strange boy, Colin, who’s got a mysterious illness. Together, they visit the secret garden and this fascinating place gives Colin the desire to get better.

THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

Sir arthur conan doyle

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Political Ideology

This is the fascinating true story of six boys who set out from Tonga on a stolen boat, in search of adventure. Reality hits them when a storm at sea destroys much of their boat. The boys face hunger, thirst and endless sun for several days before seeing land in the distance. They arrive on an island and start the difficult tasks of finding food and building shelter. The boys were there for 16 long months, facing life-threatening difficulties. How did they manage to survive against all odds?

TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES

Thomas hardy

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Social History and Literature

When disaster hits the Durbeyfield family, the daughter, Tess, must find a solution. She goes to work for Mrs D'Urberville, a wealthy relative, and meets her handsome but wicked son, Alec. The meeting affects the rest of Tess' life and leads to tragedy, not just for her, but for others in her life. This story ranks as one of Thomas Hardy's most moving and tragic novels.

TALES OF THE MACABRE

Dominic butler

Modern fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature

A school trip to a remote town in Romania turns into a terrifying ordeal for three schoolchildren as they explore an abandoned old house at the top of a hill. A sister and brother make a bad decision when they choose to take a short way home through the woods. Why do they ignore the rumours of a strange woman who lives there? And what secret lies behind the silent stares of the obedient boys in the Kilcairn School for Boys? A new teacher will soon find out ... and so will you ... in this scary reader!

MEN OF THEIR TIME

Eleanor sutherland

Biography

Cross-curricular focus: Culture

Here are the stories of three remarkable men who were extraordinary in their own times and who are still admired today. Read about Mozart, a child prodigy who started composing at the age of five. Find out how Winston Churchill rallied Britain to continue the fight against the Nazi regime. Discover the story behind engineer and scientist Leonardo da Vinci, the artist who painted one of the most recognised images of all time, the Mona Lisa.

THE HAUNTED HOTEL: A MYSTERY OF MODERN VENICE

Wilkie collins

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History and Literature

In this ghostly detective story, Lord Montbarry is engaged to marry his cousin, Agnes Lockwood, when he meets and falls in love with the beautiful Countess Narona. Against the advice of his family, Montbarry breaks his engagement to Agnes and proposes to the countess. After checking that Montbarry's life is heavily insured, the countess agrees to marry him, but insists her 'brother', Baron Rivar, must come and live with them in their crumbling palace in Venice. Dark events follow involving murders, mysteries and missing people. Eventually the palace is turned into a hotel, but then strange things begin to happen.

THE SCARLET LETTER

Nathaniel hawthorne

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History

In 17th-century Boston, a beautiful woman called Hester Prynne stands on a scaffold holding her three-month-old baby girl. She must face the scorn and insults of the angry crowd, who are there to humiliate her. Hester has a scarlet letter embroidered on her dress. It is the letter 'A' - for adulteress. At that time, it was a terrible crime for unmarried women to have children. Hester is a married woman although her husband had not been around for years. The crowd demand to know one thing - who is the father of Hester's baby? But that is Hester's secret.

A REFUGEE STORY

Sameul sheehy

Modern fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Social Science

Tariq and Salah Ahmadi are twins. Tariq loves football and Salah likes to write in his journal. They live a happy life with loving parents. But then a revolution comes to their country. There are enemy tanks in the street, rebel soldiers firing guns, and bombs - one of which falls on their home. Suddenly, the twins' lives are turned upside down, as everything is in chaos. Tariq and his father are separated from Salah and his mother. They must escape immediately. But leaving one's country and becoming a refugee in another is not easy, as the twins soon discover. This is their fascinating, emotional story.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Jill alexander

Biography

Cross-curricular focus: Literature

In this ghostly detective story, Lord Montbarry is engaged to marry his cousin, Agnes Lockwood, when he meets and falls in love with the beautiful Countess Narona. Against the advice of his family, Montbarry breaks his engagement to Agnes and proposes to the countess. After checking that Montbarry's life is heavily insured, the countess agrees to marry him, but insists her 'brother', Baron Rivar, must come and live with them in their crumbling palace in Venice. Dark events follow involving murders, mysteries and missing people. Eventually the palace is turned into a hotel, but then strange things begin to happen.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Charles dickens

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History

This classic novel by Charles Dickens begins in 1775, and takes place in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. It's a dangerous, violent time. Revolutionary peasants capture French aristocrat Charles Darnay and sentence him to death. Only his look-alike, English lawyer Sydney Carton, can save him. But both men love the same woman. How will it end?

TSUNAMI!

Samuel sheehy

Modern fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Ecology

Earthquakes deep below the ocean can cause tsunamis to strike along any coast at any time. But how do they affect the people living in those areas? What do people do when an enormous wall of water destroys everything around them? Read the very human stories in this book and find out how ordinary people cope in extraordinary circumstances.

THE MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE AND OTHER STORIES

Edgar allan poe

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Criminology

Two women are found murdered with their bodies horribly mutilated. When the police don’t have any clues or any suspects, it is up to master detective Auguste Dupin to solve the case. This story and two other grotesque tales of horror can be found in this thrilling book.

MUSIC MAKERS

David jennings

Biography

Cross-curricular focus: Music

How can a teenage singer earn $18 million in one year? Ask Taylor Swift - she did it! How did shy Farrokh Bulsara from Zanzibar become the flamboyant Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen? How did four working-class boys from Liverpool learn their unique music style and, as The Beatles, change popular music forever? Read Music Makers and learn about the lives of these amazing musicians.

ROMEO AND JULIET

William shakespeare

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History

This adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays tells the story of Romeo and Juliet, two of literature’s most famous lovers. Romeo and Juliet fall in love, but their future together is impossible because of the enmity between their two families. Their attempts to overcome their families’ hatred lead to a tragic fate for the young couple.

THE LIVING WORLD

Ruth ellen

Non-Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Science

There are animals in the land, sea and air. This book reveals many interesting facts about some of them. For example, how big is a baby kangaroo when it is born? Where does a cuckoo lay its eggs? What is the largest animal on Earth and where does it live? Find out the answers to these and many other questions about the fascinating living world around us!

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

Oscar wilde

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature and Art

In the summer of 1870, an artist, Basil Hallward, is finishing the portrait of his friend, Dorian Gray. Dorian is young, handsome and innocent, and he is delighted with his beautiful portrait. But when Dorian meets cynical Lord Henry Wotton, things start to go wrong for him. Under Lord Henry’s influence, Dorian’s life becomes wild and wicked and the portrait starts to reflect these changes taking place in his personality. This story is one of Oscar Wilde’s best-known works.

ROBINSON CRUSOE

Daniel defoe

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History

Imagine being ship-wrecked on a deserted island, without a soul to talk to, for years and years. That is the fate of Robinson Crusoe in the fascinating story by Daniel Defoe. Befriended by his dog, Samson, and a colourful talking parrot called Pol, Robinson must survive the loneliness and hardships of island life. He must find food and fresh water, build a warm and secure house and protect himself from wild animals. Then, one day he discovers footprints in the sand, and human bones by a dying fire ... are there cannibals on the island?

THE LOST WORLD

Sir arthur conan doyle

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature and Science

Edward Malone wants to prove to his beloved Gladys that he's a man of adventure. Accompanied by Professor Challenger, Professor Summerlee and Lord John Roxton, Edward embarks on an expedition like no other. Deep into the Amazon the four men go, in search of a lost world where dinosaurs rule. The way is filled with danger, but Edward is on a mission, and nothing will stop him.

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Emily brontë

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History and Geography

Mr Lockwood comes to live on the bleak Yorkshire moors and soon afterwards meets his landlord Heathcliff, a cold, violent man with a strange past. Slowly, Mr Lockwood learns the story of Heathcliff’s relationship with the tempestuous Catherine Earnshaw – a powerful story of love, hate, jealousy and revenge.

FRANKENSTEIN

Mary shelley

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Literature and History

Victor Frankenstein discovers the secret of life. But when he uses his secret, he releases a dreadful monster into the world. This terrifying horror story has been immensely popular for 150 years and has been the inspiration behind several film versions.

THE ELEPHANT MAN

Arthur taylor

Biography

Cross-curricular focus: Science and Medicine

This true story follows the strange and tragic life of John Joseph Merrick, also known as the Elephant Man. Deformed and abused, Merrick joined the freak show to survive. But when "human curiosities" became illegal, he had no way of supporting himself. Merrick found his way to the London Hospital, where a courageous doctor helped him, treated him with kindness and respect and transformed him into a gentleman.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Jane austen

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: History and Culture

Most middle-class young women living in 19th-century England shared the same ambition: to find and marry a rich husband. But rich husbands expected rich wives. Sisters Jane and Elizabeth Bennet come from a poor home. Is their beauty and intelligence enough to win them the husbands they desire? Will charming bachelors Charles Bingley and handsome, arrogant Mr Darcy be prejudiced by their social status or will love triumph in the end?

VILLAINS!

Eleanor sutherland

Biography

Cross-curricular focus: Social and Political History

In 19th-century Russia, Rasputin influences the Russian court after he uses his strange powers to heal the ill son of the Tsar. In 16th-century France, Queen Catherine de Medici poisons her enemies and is called "Madame Serpent". Sweeney Todd, and 18th-century English barber, runs a sinister business. His customers are disappearing and his neighbour is famous for her delicious meat pies. But what's the secret ingredient in them?

OLIVER TWIST

Charles dickens

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Social History

Oliver is a charming innocent boy in a dishonest world. Orphaned at birth, he lives in a workhouse in terrible conditions. Always hungry, Oliver dares to ask for more food. This leads to his expulsion from the workhouse and his escape to the crime-filled streets of London. Dickens' classic novel has been an Oscar-winning musical and a film favourite for generations.

MADAME DOUBTFIRE

Anne fine

Modern fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Technology and Culture

Daniel Hilliard is the fun-loving, divorced father of three children who live with their responsible mother, Miranda. Daniel will do anything to see his children more often - even disguise himself as a woman! When Miranda advertises for a home help, Daniel offers his services as "Madame Doubtfire" and becomes the children's new nanny. This marks the beginning of a series of comical situations with a dramatic outcome.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Charles dickens

Classic Fiction

Cross-curricular focus: Social History

Pip, a poor uneducated boy, works as an apprentice blacksmith for his sister’s husband. Pip has got a serious dilemma. He’s in love with the beautiful, arrogant Estella, and will do anything to win her heart, but how? Then, one day, opportunity knocks on his door, when a secret benefactor offers him ‘great expectations’ – an education and the life of a gentleman. Who is Pip’s generous benefactor, and will Pip's great expectations help him win Estella's heart?