Burlington original readers

THE CHALLENGE

Anne stanmore

Fiction

Bobby, Helen and Lisa, all 16 years old and in Year 11 at school, want to do something exciting during the school year. When the headmaster announces a fund-raising competition to help remodel the local primary school, they rise to the challenge and start planning. But will they win the big prize? And what other lessons will they learn along the way?

JOANNA'S STORY AND OTHERS

Finola griffin and ramón ybarra rubio

Non-Fiction

A series of stories about three teenagers who have successfully overcome some of the problems and difficulties that may occur during adolescence. Joanna struggles against anorexia; Ricardo thinks that drinking will help him fit in; Anne is traumatised by her parents’ deteriorating marriage.

THE PHOENIX AND THE CARPET

E. nesbit

Fantasy

When four children accidentally stumble over a talking bird and a flying carpet, they begin to have some amazing adventures. They fly over the Taj Mahal, shop in an Indian bazaar, find treasure in an Egyptian pyramid and visit a faraway tropical island. But then the carpet begins to get old. Is this the end of their adventures?

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ

L. frank baum

Classic Fiction

A tornado lifts Dorothy's house from the ground and carries her away to the magical land of Oz. There, she meets three special friends, a scarecrow, a lion and a tin man, who join her in her quest to find the Wizard of Oz. But will they find him before the Wicked Witch defeats them?

JUST WILLIAM

Richmal crompton

Humour

Schoolboy William Brown's life is full of adventure, fun - and usually a lot of trouble! In this collection of four stories, William leaves home to be a pirate, pretends to be the owner of a sweet shop, manipulates his sister's love life and escapes his cousin's elaborate wedding, all with disastrous consequences!

THE MONKEY'S PAW AND OTHER HORROR STORIES

Retold by anthony teasdale

Horror / Suspense

Drawn from master storytellers W. W. Jacobs, Bram Stoker and Franz Kafka - all known for their vivid imaginations - these three stories take the reader through remarkable and mysterious journeys. The Monkey's Paw, The Judge's House and Metamorphosis will thrill and scare you. These tales of horror are not for the faint-hearted.

THE ELEPHANT MAN

Arthur taylor

Biography

This true story follows the strange, tragic and sad life of John Joseph Merrick, also known as the Elephant Man. So deformed that he looked like a monster, Merrick joined the freak show to survive. But when "human curiosities" became illegal, Merrick found his way to the London Hospital, where a courageous doctor transformed him into a gentleman.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Charles dickens

Classic Fiction

This classic novel by Charles Dickens begins in 1775, and is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution, 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 all end?

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Kenneth grahame

Classic Fiction

This is the classic story of four good friends - Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad. Together they have many adventures in the Wild Wood. But Toad's obsessive behaviour worries his friends and finally brings him to prison. Can his friends help him out of this chaos?

POCAHONTAS

Irene kay

Biography

Based on historical fact, this is the true story of Pocahontas, the daughter of an Algonquin chief. When the first English colonists arrive in Virginia in the 17th century, Pocahontas befriends them. But when the colonists start building on Algonquin land, the conflict begins. Pocahontas is taken prisoner by the colonists. Then, she meets and falls in love with John Rolfe, a white man. Can love survive between a native American girl and a white colonist, despite the differences between them?

CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS

Rudyard kipling

Classic Fiction

Harvey Cheyne is the arrogant son of a millionaire. His life changes forever when he's rescued at sea by a fisherman in a simple fishing boat. Harvey, who has never worked a day in his life, must then complete three months of hard labour on the boat. He learns some valuable lessons from his experiences and eventually begins to enjoy it. But will he ever return to the luxutry of his old life?

A FOREIGNER IN INDIA

Sue kendall

Fiction

Spanish teenager Edu Martínez visits India with his father. There he meets Chandra, an Indian teenager, and his attractive cousin, 16-year-old Jaya, and the three travel together. Edu learns about India's history, culture and customs. He sees a cricket match, visits the Taj Mahal and goes to Bollywood. Gradually, romance develops between Edu and Jaya, but can their long-distance relationship survive?

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

Victor hugo

Classic Fiction

In 15th-century Paris, an ugly, deformed baby is abandoned at the entrance to Notre Dame Cathedral. Adopted by a young priest, he becomes Quasimodo, the bellringer of the cathedral. Quasimodo falls in love with Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy dancer, but the priest is obsessed with her, too. This love triangle sets the scene for an intriguing story of love, hate, loyalty and betrayal.

THREE MEN IN A BOAT

Based on the novel by jerome k. jerome

Classic Fiction

Schoolboys Freddy, Guy and John take a boat trip on the River Thames. The trip is filled with amusing incidents as the boys try to impress three attractive girls in another boat. Most people on the river are friendly, except for a man they call "Grim Jim". Grim Jim plans to commit a burglary, but can the boys stop him?

A HALLOWEEN TALE

Julie hart

Fiction

It's Halloween. Ben Jackson and his parents are forced to spend the night in a village called Bayley. When they arrive at the village inn, the man at the reception desk warns them to leave before it's too late. Something strange is going on, but what? Terrible things happen in Bayley on Halloween and Ben is in for a big surprise.

THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON

J. d. wyss

Classic Fiction

This children's classic follows the adventures of the Robinson family, who are shipwrecked and make their home on a deserted island. Together they build a tree-house and learn the necessary skills for survival. The island is paradise and life is simple, until one of the Robinson boys finds a message in a bottle. Who send the message and what will it lead to?

KILMARNY ISLAND

Julie hart

Fiction

When Brian Parker's parents take him to stay with an eccentric aunt on Kilmarny Island, he isn't happy at all. There's no electricity in Aunt Sara's house and there are no roads, cars, sports clubs or cinemas on the island. But Brian slowly begins to enjoy his stay. He meets a real leprechaun and he discovers a secret passage in the house. Maybe life on Kilmarny Island isn't so boring after all!

THE CHRYSALIDS

John wyndham

Science Fiction

Set in a futuristic society, we are transported to Waknuk, a place with strict rules, where it's a crime to be "different". Mutant animals and humans are destroyed or banished to a terrible area called 'the Fringes'. David and his sister Petra are 'different' because they are telepathic. They must leave Waknuk before their secret is discovered. But the authorities are close on their tail. For how long can they run?

A FOREIGNER IN AUSTRALIA

Fiona smith

Modern fiction

Bondi Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and the sacred Ayers Rock are only a few of the wonders you will read about in A Foreigner in Australia, the third in our successful series of travel fiction. Here, we accompany Antonio's cousin Daniel, on his travels around Australia. Along the way, he falls in love with Emily, a pretty girl from Ireland. But distance will inevitably keep them apart. Can their relationship survive?

THE BIRDS AND OTHER STORIES

Daphne du maurier

Horror / Suspense

An unexpected murder, a love triangle between a man, his wife and his best friend, and a horrific battle between humans and birds, are only a few of the elements of suspense in this exciting collection by the famous British novelist, Daphne du Maurier. This reader is guaranteed to thrill, shock and terrify you.

THE BODY SNATCHERS

Ken harris

Adventure

One day, Tom and Dylan, 13, see two suspicious men putting a body into a van. Shocked, the boys follow the van to a dark building. They see the men put the body inside it. Then, the boys discover more bodies inside. Who are the men? What will happen to the bodies? The police don't believe them, so Tom and Dylan must solve the mystery alone, but how?

THE ABANDONED HOUSE

Ken harris

Adventure

Amy and her friends arrange to meet after school one day to explore an abandoned house. But things don't go quite according to plan. Amy doesn't arrive at the meeting place and an exciting adventure unfolds as her friends set out to find her. They discover that Amy has been kidnapped and that her kidnappers are hiding stolen computers in the abandoned house. But where are they hiding Amy? Will her friends ever find her?

THE GHOST OF THE GREEN LADY

Caroline stevens

Horror / Suspense

At Billy Harrison's new school, he hears the legend of the Ghost of the Green Lady. On the night of 1st February, a green light appears over the school lake and then the ghost appears. Billy wants to see this for himself. But somebody is stealing valuable objects from the school and everybody is under suspicion. What's going on?

A CLASSIC COLLECTION

Retold by julie hart

Classic Fiction

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!

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Jane austen

Classic Fiction

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?

MOTORCYCLE MYSTERY

Sandra sherwood

Fiction

When Janet Curtis moves with her family to Toronto, she has no idea what awaits her. Naive Janet learns a lesson or two from her rebellious cousin, Kevin. Slowly, they build a friendship. But then Kevin is suspected of being involved in a crime and Janet is caught in a web of lies and deception. It's up to her to help Kevin prove his innocence. This is the test. Is blood really thicker than water?

THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN CROSSBONES

Anne stanmore

Fiction

Captain Crossbones and his pirates have a lot of adventures on their ship. They attack and capture other ships and steal their treasure. One day, the pirates attack a Spanish ship and discover Luis, the young son of the captain. Captain Crossbones takes Luis to their ship but the boy wants to escape and find his father. Can he do this?

CATHY'S DREAMS

Julie hart

Fiction

Cathy Harris, 14, began her life in an orphanage in Sri Lanka. Now she lives in Cornwall, England. Cathy suddenly starts to have strange dreams of foreign people and places. She dreams of a tsunami on the day it happened in Asia. Is she telepathic? Cathy and her mum travel to Sri Lanka to find answers to their questions. Will they discover the truth about Cathy’s dreams?

PAPER MOON

Joe david brown

Modern fiction

In 1935, Addie Pray is a little American girl. Her mother is dead and her father, Long Boy, isn’t an honest man. He tricks people and makes money illegally. But Addie loves Long Boy and soon starts to help him in his 'business'. Together, they have many exciting adventures and lucky escapes from danger. But will they always be lucky?

OLYMPIC KATE

Sue kendall

Fiction

Kate Armstrong, a talented, dedicated gymnast, dreams of winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games. Little does she know that somebody is out to destroy her. When traces of drugs are found in Kate’s body, she realises that talent and dedication aren’t going to help her. It’s up to Ben, her faithful trainer, to try and prove her innocence.

CULTURE SHOCK

Janet chandler

Fiction

Spanish teenager, Paloma Santos, is unhappy. She and her family must move to England for three years, because of her father’s job. In England, Paloma must improve her English and make friends at a new school. She must also deal with problems in her family. Life is not easy for Paloma. Will she be able to adapt to her new life?

SEA BANDITS

Christine barclay

Adventure

Adventure and danger await Harry Johnson on board the Pacific Princess, where he meets Rachel Moore, a famous film star. Things turn sour when the ship is attacked by the notorious Black Jack and his band of pirates. Rachel is captured and Harry follows the bandits to their hideout on Matomachi Island, risking his life to rescue the enchanting Rachel.

HERCULES

Anne stanmore

Legend

Cross-curricular focus: History

Hercules is the favourite son of the god, Zeus. He’s very strong and intelligent. One day, because of a terrible magic trick, Hercules kills his family, thinking they’re his enemies. Later, Hercules is desperate and wants to atone for his action. He becomes the servant of the cruel King Eurytheus for 12 years. But Eurytheus detests Hercules and gives him impossible missions to do. Hercules must survive, but how?

THE ROMAN COINS

Caroline stevens

Fiction

Fourteen-year-old Steven Green finds an old, hand-drawn map in his grandparents’ attic. There is a mysterious heart shape on the map, but all Grandpa remembers is burying coins when he was a boy. Steven’s grandparents have got money problems, and Steven wants to help them. So, he and his friend, Ben, follow the map and try to find the coins. But someone else wants to find the coins, too, and an exciting adventure unfolds. Who will find the coins first?

VAMPIRE TALES

David grant

Horror / Suspense

This is a collection of three stories about vampires. Who is Lord Ruthven and why do terrible things happen to people after he helps them? Is there an invisible spirit living in Pierre’s house, watching him and dominating him? It’s Walpurgis Night, the night when the dead leave their graves and walk on the earth. Anything can happen on this terrible night in a dark German forest.

A SAFARI MYSTERY

Micky jenkins

Adventure

Julie O’Neil, 20, is on safari in Kenya, in the Masai Nature Reserve – “The Land of the Elephants”. But Julie is disappointed because she doesn’t see any elephants. Where are they? Julie senses that something strange is happening and she’s determined to solve the mystery. But someone else is equally determined to stop her. Soon, Julie is involved in a very dangerous adventure trying to protect the elephants.

MURDER ON THE BEACH

Philip drury

Fiction

One morning, Linda Stevenson, 16, finds a woman’s dead body on a Cornwall beach. She tells the police and they search the beach but don’t find anything. Nobody has gone missing and the police think Linda imagined it. Only Linda’s friend, Mark, believes her. Together they set out to solve the mystery, and romance develops as their adventure progresses.

PRISONERS OF THE AMAZON

Christine barclay

Adventure

A plane crashes over the Amazon rain forest, leaving newspaper reporter Jane Dixon, crew members Cathy and John, and engineer, Wilhelm Brunt, stranded. In their search for help, they meet an Indian tribe, who befriend them. Finally, they reach the Amazon River, where they encounter Hans van Lunsen, an animal trader. Their attempt to escape, following the discovery of van Lunsen’s secret, leads to some action-packed adventures and an unexpected ending.

FIVE CHILDREN AND IT

E. nesbit

Fantasy

Five children discover a monster in the sand. The monster has been buried for hundreds of years. Now, it must grant them one wish every day but the wishes only last until sunset. At first, the children are delighted with this arrangement. But they soon discover that the wishes bring them plenty of problems. Soon they wish they had never met the monster in the sand.

ULURU

Helen burton

Adventure

This exciting adventure takes place in Uluru, Australia, the site of the world’s largest rock. Tracy and Darel meet at the rock and become friends. While exploring the tunnels under the rock, the teenagers discover stolen Aboriginal paintings. They set out to find the thieves and return the paintings to their owners. However, the thieves have other plans for the paintings and the teenagers soon find themselves in serious trouble.

THE MAGIC PEN

Julie hart

Fantasy

The history of Durham, a city in the North of England, comes alive in this intriguing story. David discovers that history lessons aren’t always boring when an antique pen takes him back in time. The pen reveals the troubles, hopes and fears of a boy who studied at David’s school 100 years earlier. David discovers how different life was a century ago and begins to appreciate living in the 21st century.

BRITISH MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Julie hart

Legend

Tales of heroic knights, dragons, leprechauns and magic - all can be found in the myths and legends of the British isles. This entertaining collection of stories captures the imagination of the reader and provides endless opportunities for discussion and debate. Read how George saves the princess from the terrible dragon, how a leprechaun tricks lazy Shaun O'Brian and how Bella becomes rich. Discover how good triumphs over evil, and how you achieve more through kindness than through selfishness and greed.

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

Oscar wilde

Classic Fiction

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.

THE CASTLE OF DARKNESS

Elspeth rawstron

Fiction

This story about a young man called Cedric, is set in the time of wizards, druids and magic powers. One of Cedric’s grandfathers, a wise old druid with special powers, sends Cedric to the Castle of Darkness on an important but dangerous mission. His other grandfather, a wicked wizard, lives in the castle. The two grandfathers are enemies. Cedric has a harp, a sword and a cauldron to protect him on his dangerous journey, but will these be enough?

A SENSE OF DANGER

Tracy simmonds

Adventure

Sixteen-year-old Australian twins, Jody and Jonathan, are relocated with their family to Spain. Jonathan, who has strong telepathic instincts, has a bad feeling about the move. On the flight to Spain, the twins meet Spanish brother and sister, Rafa and Blanca, and become friends with them. Then they see armed men who they think are terrorists but turn out to be air marshals. In Spain, Rafa seems very interested in their father’s business and Jonathan’s instinct tells him that something suspicious is going on. But what?

UNDERWATER ADVENTURE

Willard price

Adventure

Brothers Dan and Roger Hunt are part of an expedition to study marine life in the South Seas. They dive under the sea, studying the amazing undersea life and finding treasure on old ships lying on the seabed. But a nasty character called Skink is also on the expedition, and he has no conscience. He wants to control the expedition at any cost. The boys soon understand that Skink is more dangerous than all the dangerous creatures under the sea.

THE IMPOSTOR

Sandra sherwood

Fiction

Seventeen-year-old Jay Hudson looks exactly like Karsten Peters, a famous model. Detectives trying to expose a band of jewellery thieves take advantage of Jay’s likeness to Karsten and send Jay to London to be trained as a model. Jay then embarks on a dangerous mission where he must take Karsten’s place in an exclusive fashion show in Paris. There is no room for mistakes in this exciting adventure story.

THE GHOSTLY VISITORS

Henry james

Classic Fiction

Catherine Blake comes to a mansion in the English countryside as governess to Miles, 10, and Flora, 7. The children seem to be angelic and innocent, but Catherine soon discovers that this is not the case. Then two ghostly visitors, start appearing. They are watching the children who seem to be aware of their presence. What's going on? Who are the ghostly visitors and what do they want from the children?

CERVANTES MEETS SHAKESPEARE

Ramón ybarra rubio

Fiction

Sara, a 17-year-old American girl, is having a difficult time adjusting to her new life in England. She hasn't got any friends at school and feels like an outsider. One day, she's assigned a special school project, researching the lives of the two great dramatists, Cervantes and Shakespeare. Strange things happen as Sara becomes involved in this project. She is visited by both Cervantes and Shakespeare, who give her a great deal of valuable advice. But is Sara simply imagining things?

SILAS MARNER

George eliot

Classic Fiction

Silas Marner is solitary and anti-social, made so by his bitter life. One evening, he finds a golden-haired little girl asleep in his living room and this awakens his feelings of tenderness. He decides to raise her and becomes a wonderful, caring father. Eppie grows up, a happy and dutiful daughter. But her parentage is eventually revealed and Eppie faces a tough decision. Should she leave the only father she has ever known?

A DANGEROUS RIVAL

Sandra sherwood

Fiction

Andrea is one of the brightest students in her school. She’s also the editor of the school newspaper and respected by the other students. Then a charismatic new student joins the school. Jamie is handsome, charming and very intelligent. He knows interesting things about the supernatural, and he seems to sense what everybody is thinking. The headmistress insists that Jamie work on the school newspaper. Jamie, popular, respected and intelligent, is a dangerous rival to Andrea and the battle is on!

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

E. nesbit

Classic Fiction

When their father goes away unexpectedly, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis are confused and sad. They and their mother have to leave their happy life in London and move to a small cottage in the country. The children discover the local railway station and it soon becomes their favourite place. But the mystery remains: where is their father, and will he ever return?

A SECRET FEAR

Celia starr

Fiction

Joey’s got a secret fear. He’s afraid of the dark. It’s not a childish fear of ghosts, but a real phobia about being alone in the dark. Joey thinks he’s too old to have this fear and he’s ashamed. Then Joey discovers that his friend has a phobia, too – a fear of heights. Slowly Joey begins to realise that many people have got phobias and that he isn’t alone. But how can he overcome his fear?

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

L. m. montgomery

Classic Fiction

Elderly Marilla Cuthbert and her brother, Matthew, decide to adopt an orphan boy to help them on their farm. Instead they get 11-year-old Anne Shirley, an orphan girl who can’t stop talking and who is delighted at the opportunity to be part of a real family. Matthew and Marilla haven’t the heart to tell Anne that there’s been a mistake, so she stays. Life for Matthew and Marilla will never be the same again!

THE SECRET GARDEN

Frances hodgson burnett

Classic Fiction

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.

JENNY ABEL AND THE SNISSTER MYSTERY

Laurence michaels

Adventure

Evil Dr Snisster wants to control the world, so he creates a magic computer program. Twelve-year-old Jenny Abel, a computer genius, gets it by mistake in an e-mail and is sucked into the Internet. Will she become Dr Snisster’s victim? Or will she be able to stop the magic program in time and put an end to his evil plan?

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

William shakespeare

Adventure

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? Suitable for use as a class presentation.

THE HACKER

Ken harris

Adventure

Tony Baker arrives at school one day, only to find that somebody has hacked into the school’s computer system, using his library code. Then Tony’s mother gets a letter from the Town Hall saying she must pay £10,000 for repair work to her bookshop. The letter is signed ‘Charles Smith’, but Tony discovers that Charles Smith does not exist. Who is the mysterious hacker and who sent the letter? Tony is determined to find out, but how?

THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL

Baroness orczy

Classic Adventure

A brave young Englishman, known only as the Scarlet Pimpernel, helps French aristocrats to escape from the French Revolution and reach safety in England. Chauvelin, the new French ambassador, comes to England and plots to kidnap the Scarlet Pimpernel. Will the Scarlet Pimpernel’s friends be able to save him, or will Chauvelin’s plotting succeed?

THE SKATING DETECTIVE

Ellen hopkins

Fiction

Sixteen-year-old Jonah loves roller-blading. He also wants to impress the new girl in his class, Valérie, who has just arrived from France. But when expensive computer equipment disappears from school and Jonah’s favourite teacher is accused of stealing it, Jonah is determined to find out who is behind the theft. Little does he know that his passion for roller-blading will help him solve the mystery.

DADDY-LONG-LEGS

Jean webster

Classic Fiction

When a mysterious trustee offers Jerusha Abbott, a young orphan, a scholarship to go to college, she’s very excited. She calls him Daddy-Long-Legs and over the next four years she writes him letters that are amusing, imaginative and full of wisdom. She’s happy to do as “Daddy” wishes until one day a young man appears in her life, and things become complicated. Jerusha can’t be sure how Daddy will react to this new situation.

THE QUEEN AND I: A ROYAL NIGHTMARE

Sue townsend

Humour

In this hilarious fantasy, the Republican Party wins the British elections and the monarchy is dismantled. The Queen and her family are sent to live on a council estate. They must learn to budget their limited finances and the Queen must even learn to cook! It’s hard to survive without servants and staff, but the Queen doesn’t let it get her down. She’s a survivor and still a queen at heart.

THE CLIENT

John grisham

Modern fiction

Eleven-year-old Mark Sway is in trouble. He and his brother, Ricky, have witnessed the suicide of a famous gangster’s lawyer. The lawyer told Mark some important information before he died and everybody, including the FBI, the Mafia and the press, want to know what it is. Reggie Love, Mark’s lawyer, must protect her young client, for she knows that Mark’s powerful enemies will stop at nothing to get to him.

THE GOLD BUG AND OTHER STORIES

Egdar allen poe

Classic Fiction

William Legrand lives on an island near Charleston, South Carolina, and is virtually a hermit. His only companion is Jupiter, a former slave. When Legrand finds a gold-coloured beetle and a piece of parchment, it is the beginning of a search which leads to the discovery of a fabulous treasure buried by the infamous pirate, Captain Kidd. This and two other tales of suspense can be found in this entertaining book.

BICENTENNIAL MAN

Isaac asimov

Science Fiction

Andrew is a robot, designed to serve humans. Talented and obedient, he lives with the Martin family. But he is not like other robots. He wants more from life. He starts to wear clothes over his metallic body and replaces his bionic parts with prosthetic parts. He wants a human brain so he can think and feel. But humans are mortal and die – only robots live forever. It’s a high price for Andrew to pay for his dream.

GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

Jonathan swift

Classic Fiction

Lemuel Gulliver sets out on a sea voyage but his ship is destroyed in a storm. Washed up on a strange island called Lilliput, Gulliver becomes the prisoner of its tiny inhabitants. After he escapes, Gulliver finds himself in a land of giants where he is now the tiny one. Can Gulliver survive? Will he be able to escape and get back home?

THE AMBASSADOR'S SON

Anne stanmore

Adventure

Alan Drury is the son of the Irish Ambassador. His family has been living in a dangerous country and Alan can’t go out by himself because his parents are afraid of kidnappers. Alan is very lonely. When his family moves to London, things improve for Alan. He feels safe and begins to lead a normal life. But Alan soon learns that there’s danger in London, too.

SANOUK AND THE ELEPHANT

Maureen reynolds

Adventure

In accordance with Thai custom, Sanouk receives a baby elephant when he is born. When Sanouk is twelve, he and the elephant, Koo, begin learning how to work together as a team. Sanouk and Koo become inseparable, but a frightening adventure threatens to separate them. Will Sanouk and Koo manage to get out of danger?

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Charles dickens

Classic Fiction

A specially dramatised version of one of Dickens’ most popular stories. It is Christmas Eve in London, and the bad-tempered miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, is about to live through a frightening experience – the visits of four ghosts: his former partner, Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Will Scrooge learn his lesson and become a more generous person? Suitable for use as a class presentation.

THE MYSTERIOUS CIRCLES

Nicholas neiger

Fiction

Nick and his brother, Danny, live in Cornridge, a quiet little village in England. Danny’s classmates think he’s crazy because he believes in aliens. This makes Danny very unhappy. Nick and his friend, Jo, decide to help Danny. One evening, they think of a clever plan to prove that aliens really do exist, but will their plan succeed?

A DREAM COME TRUE

Elspeth rawstron

Adventure

When Tanya and Dan audition for a band, little do they know what dangers lie in store for them. Why does the famous pop star, Lara Lane, have such a hold over her manager, Sam Sinclair? And why are two sinister-looking men so interested in Tanya’s earrings? Will Tanya and Dan solve the mysteries?

MORE SPORTS STARS

Ramón ybarra rubio

Biography

This book presents a second collection of three fascinating biographies. It follows the exciting sporting careers of David Beckham, the Williams sisters (Venus and Serena) and Pau Gasol from early childhood to their achievement of world fame and success. The biographies give a clear picture of the dedication and hard work that it takes to get to the top.

MORE STRANGE TALES

Martin sinclair

Non-Fiction

This book is a sequel to our popular ESO 3 reader, Strange Tales, and features more mysterious stories about the supernatural from Britain. All of them are based on true-life events and will delight even the most sceptical reader. Dreams that foretell the future, encounters with extraterrestrial life, apparitions from ancient Rome and mischievous ghosts are just some of the fascinating subjects explored.

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK

Alexandre dumas

Classic Fiction

This story takes place in France in 1661 and is the last adventure of the famous Three Musketeers and their friend D’Artagnan. Louis XIV is the King, but he is not a good king. He has a secret twin brother, Philippe, hidden away in the Bastille prison. Aramis, the Bishop of Vannes, knows about him and plans to switch the two brothers and make Philippe king. Will he succeed?

THE SECRETS OF SILVER LAKE

Michelle telford

Adventure

Eddie and Jon Marks are spending the summer holiday at Silver Lake in the USA, where their parents have bought a cabin next to a deserted old house. When Eddie befriends two other boys in the area, they tell him the amazing story of the old house, Jack ‘the Devil’ Devlin and bodies put in slabs of cement. When the boys set out to reveal the truth behind the story, they soon find themselves in the middle of a frightening adventure.

A MELODY OF TRUTH

Evelyn christie

Fiction

Nineteen-year-old Diana is a medical student whose real love is music. She lives with her brother, Mark, and another medical student, Roger. Diana starts teaching music to sick children in hospital, some of them terminally ill, and the conflict between medicine and music becomes stronger. When romance enters her life, Diana develops enough confidence to make some major changes, but what will her parents say?

VANITY FAIR

William makepeace thackery

Classic Fiction

Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley leave Miss Pinkerton’s Academy full of hope for their future in ‘Vanity Fair’ – the everyday world ruled by outward appearances and money. Manipulative and poor, Becky is determined to marry a rich man. Amelia, gentle and rich, longs only to marry the man she has loved for years. They soon discover that even as their hopes are fulfilled, life doesn’t progress quite as they had dreamed.

DEATH ON THE CIRCUIT

Christine barclay

Horror / Suspense

When mechanic Bob Marsh is found dead, an empty bottle of liquid heroin on the garage floor next to him, one thing is clear: he took an overdose – or did he? Set against a backdrop of motocross racing, Bob’s children, Jack and Susan, gather evidence to solve the mystery of their father’s death. Will they succeed in clearing his name?

ROGUE MALE: THE STORY OF A HUNTED MAN

Geoffrey household

Modern fiction

After attempting to assassinate the dictator of a European country, a well-known upper-class Englishman is forced to flee both the foreign agents and the British police who are searching for him. How he manages to evade them and to create a hide-out for himself deep in the English countryside combine to create a sensational tale of the hunter and the hunted. The story will keep you glued to your chair till the very last page.

A FOREIGNER IN NEW YORK

Ramón ybarra rubio

Fiction

In this sequel to our successful Bachillerato 1 reader, A Foreigner in Britain, we follow Antonio on his travels around New York. Antonio’s impressions of the city are conveyed through a series of visits to major landmarks and meetings with fascinating people. This entertaining reader will give your students a delightful introduction to this world-famous city, its history and way of life.

BRAVE NEW WORLD

Aldous huxley

Science Fiction

Today’s society is already dealing with cloned animals and venturing into the genetic engineering of human reproduction. Some of the most fascinating and frightening questions raised by these developments are brilliantly explored by Huxley in this visionary classic, originally published in 1932. Even more topical today, the book’s probing insights are matched by a gripping tale and by Huxley’s wonderful wit.

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW

Washington irving

Classic Fiction

Sleepy Hollow is a quiet, peaceful place near the Hudson River in the USA, but it is alive with stories about ghosts and witches. One night, the teacher in Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod Crane, has a terrifying adventure with Sleepy Hollow’s most famous ghost, the Headless Horseman, with unexpected results. Everyone will enjoy this exciting story.

SAVING COPPER

Marisa mcgreevy

Fiction

Molly dreams of having a horse, but she knows that it’s impossible. Then she meets a pony called Copper. Copper needs a friend, and Molly soon learns to look after him. When Molly takes Copper to a competition, she finds that he has special talents – and a secret enemy!

THE MYSTERY OF THE TOMB

Marisa mcgreevy

Horror / Suspense

Jack, Tom and Danny have to write a scary story for their teacher, but they don’t know what to write about. So one night, they decide to go looking for ghosts in the cemetery. They find their ‘ghost’ – but they also find much more than they expected!

THE FACE IN THE MIRROR

Julie hart

Horror / Suspense

The Williams family moves to a new house. When 13-year-old Margaret Williams looks in the mirror in her room, she sees the sad face of a young girl instead of her own. More strange events lead Margaret to believe that there is a ghost in the house. In her attempts to find out who the ghost is, she makes some surprising discoveries.

MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Jenny edwards

Legend

Why is the sea salty? How did four of China’s largest rivers get their names? This collection brings together myths and legends from all over the world and gives some entertaining explanations about why the world around us is the way it is.

THE CALL OF THE WILD

Jack london

Classic Adventure

The dog-hero, Buck, begins his life in a happy home in California, but is sold and made to work in a sled-team transporting supplies in Alaska during the Gold Strike of 1897. As well as describing Buck’s hard life, the story shows the loving relationship that can grow between dog and man, even under harsh conditions.

DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE

Robert louis stevenson

Classic Fiction

What can a person do when he is pulled between the good and the bad inside him? Dr Jekyll, a scientist, uses chemistry to divide himself into two different bodies – good Dr Jekyll and evil Mr Hyde. But this does not make his life any simpler. Instead the conflict between the two parts becomes more and more violent. Which part will win?

THE THIRTY-NINE STEPS

John buchan

Classic Adventure

Richard Hannay, a former intelligence officer, is bored with his life in Britain. One day, his neighbour tells him about a plot to assassinate a Greek political leader and drag Britain into a world war. Hannay later finds his neighbour murdered and he must hide from both the police and a dangerous group of enemy agents as he tries to prevent the assassination.

A CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT

Mark twain

Classic Fiction

Hank Morgan, a metal factory manager in 19th century Connecticut, finds himself transported to England in the time of King Arthur. Hank becomes prime minister and, horrified by the injustice and ignorance of the time, begins to make radical changes. But Hank must first outwit the cunning magician, Merlin, who greatly resents Hank’s presence. The story is a wonderful mixture of comedy and social commentary.

WASHINGTON SQUARE

Henry james

Classic Fiction

Young heiress Catherine Sloper, lives in New York in the 19th century. She falls in love with the charming Morris Townsend. Believing that the penniless young man is attracted only to Catherine’s money, her father does everything he can to prevent their marriage. Catherine is forced to choose between Morris and her desire to respect her father’s wishes.

THE MUMMY'S SECRET

Maureen reynolds

Adventure

Uncle Merton is very mysterious. He’s an Egyptologist, he’s only got one eye and he’s got a secret cupboard. One night, his niece, Katie enters the cupboard and finds herself back in time in ancient Egypt. This is the start of a great adventure in which Katie tries to uncover her uncle’s secret.

ESCAPE FROM THE GUILLOTINE

Elspeth rawstron

Adventure

On holiday with her parents in Paris, Sonia meets Philippe, whose parents own the hotel where she’s staying. One night, they go to a fancy-dress party to celebrate the 14th of July, the French national holiday. They go to see the firework display, and begin a fantastic adventure that takes them more than two centuries back in time.

DANGER AT SHARK ROCK

Pauline francis

Adventure

Jenny isn’t happy when she hears that she’s going to spend her summer holidays at her grandfather’s house on a little Scottish island. But one night, a ship gets into difficulties in a terrible storm and Jenny learns that life on a small island can be exciting after all!

THE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF AND OTHER STORIES

O. henry

Classic Fiction

Four short stories from one of America’s greatest storytellers, including the all-time favourite of a kidnapping which goes wrong. O. Henry’s sense of humour and his love for the twist at the end of the story are well demonstrated in this collection.

FLIGHT TO TERROR

Christine barclay

Horror / Suspense

Tony lives in Florida and his only wish in life is to be a commercial pilot. He’s thrilled when he finally gets a job flying to Colombia. Little does he realise that the job is going to involve him with the drug lord, José González, and the sinister world of drug smuggling. Will Tony manage to escape from this dangerous situation?

MANSFIELD PARK

Jane austen

Classic Fiction

Fanny Price leaves her poor family to live with her rich relatives, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram. They treat her kindly, but she's always aware that she is different. When her wealthy cousins bring trouble to the family, it's Fanny who comforts her aunt and uncle. They discover that her kindness and understanding are more important than wealth.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

Alexandre dumas

Classic Adventure

In the mid-17th century, D’Artagnan arrives in Paris with an old horse and very little money. His dream is to become a Musketeer, one of the King’s guards. He becomes friendly with three of the Musketeers – Porthos, Aramis and Athos – and together they have many adventures. This classic French novel is popular with young people all over the world.

THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER

Mark twain

Classic Fiction

On the same day, in the 16th century, two boys, Edward and Tom, are born in London. Edward is a prince, Tom is a pauper. Fifteen years later, they meet and an intriguing story of mistaken identity begins.

THE GHOST TEACHER

Julie hart

Horror / Suspense

Cross-curricular focus: History

West Hill School is just an ordinary school. But one day, a new teacher arrives and some very strange things start to happen. The teacher comes to work in a car that has no driver! He carries a newspaper dating from 1935! And he always seems to punish the same boy. What is going on?

LOST IN THE JUNGLE

Susan newman

Adventure

The Miller family is on holiday in Thailand. Linda and Sam decide to go walking in the jungle with their father. However, their day out does not go according to plan, and they quickly discover the dangers of the jungle. Can Linda and Sam save their father and find their way to safety?

MESSAGE IN THE SKY

Steve owen

Adventure

Sally is very interested in space and she’s very happy when she gets a new telescope from her parents as a birthday present. But Sally and her friend, James, have no idea that Sally’s interest in space is going to help them solve a mysterious crime.

ROBIN HOOD

Retold by kate o'brien

Legend

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.

THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER

Mark twain

Classic Adventure

One of Mark Twain’s most popular characters, Tom Sawyer, is a mischievous boy who grows up in the area of the Mississippi River in the USA. He is always in trouble and constantly trying to avoid work and school. With his friend, Huck Finn, Tom has all kinds of adventures and gets into all sorts of predicaments, but they usually find a way to solve their problems.

JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

Jules verne

Classic Adventure

One day Professor Lidenbrock and his nephew, Axel, decipher a mysterious message. It is the beginning of an action-packed adventure which takes them to the centre of the Earth. They go through many dangers, including volcanoes and sea monsters, on their way to their destination.

FOOTSTEPS

Simon betterton

Fiction

John is a school security guard. It’s a routine job, but one day, strange things start to happen. Mary, one of the teachers, disappears; then John loses his job unexpectedly. He decides to discover what’s happening. But can he find Mary? Who is the mysterious stranger? And what does the echo in the corridor mean?

THE EVIL PAINTING

Julie hart

Horror / Suspense

Claire and Philip’s mother comes home one day with a new painting. The painting seems to have an evil influence over their mother. The two teenagers don’t have a choice – they have to destroy the painting in order to save their mother. But it’s not such a simple task ... what is the secret of the painting?

THE SECRET OF WHITE MOUNTAIN

Jack livingstone

Adventure

Sandy and Ricky are on holiday, staying with their friends in the Rocky Mountains in the USA. They love going for walks in the mountains, but everyone tells them that there is a curse on White Mountain and warns them against walking on it. Sandy and Ricky decide to find out the secret of White Mountain, but their decision leads them into great danger.

KING ARTHUR

Retold by kate o'brien

Legend

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 and we discover the secret of the sword, Excalibur.

KING SOLOMON'S MINES

H. rider haggard

Classic Adventure

Allan Quatermain, Sir Henry Curtis and Captain Good set out to find Sir Henry’s brother, George Curtis. He has disappeared while looking for the legendary diamond mines of King Solomon in Africa. The group’s exciting adventures take them to Kukuanaland, where they try to solve the mystery of King Solomon’s treasure.

KIDNAPPED

Robert louis stevenson

Classic Adventure

Stevenson’s famous novel is set in the Highlands of Scotland in the middle of the 18th century and tells the story of young David Balfour. David, an orphan, has a series of adventures including an attempted murder by his uncle, a kidnapping and a shipwreck. Finally, with the help of his friend, Alan Stewart, David manages to right the wrongs which have been done to him.

ROMEO AND JULIET

William shakespeare

Classic Drama

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 made impossible by the enmity between their two families. Their attempts to overcome their families’ hatred of each other leads to a tragic fate for the young couple.

THE INNOCENT VICTIM

Simon betterton

Fiction

Richard Anderson’s greatest love in life is his motorbike, but one day, his motorbike is stolen. This has very unusual consequences for Richard, who ends up being charged with armed robbery. Held in custody and brought to trial, Richard has to rely on the help of his girlfriend, Alison, to prove his innocence.

THE WOMAN IN WHITE

Wilkie collins

Classic Fiction

Walter Hartright is about to go and teach art in Cumberland in the North of England, but shortly before he leaves London, he has a strange encounter with a mysterious woman dressed in white. He meets her again in Cumberland and his attempts to find out the truth about her lead him to a discovery of intrigue and kidnapping.

A FOREIGNER IN BRITAIN

Ramón ybarra rubio and fiona smith

Fiction

How does it feel to visit Britain for the first time? What are the first impressions of a visitor to Britain? This account of one foreigner’s visits to Britain is told through an entertaining selection of personal anecdotes and introduces the reader to some of the more unusual aspects of the British way of life.

THE SECRET AGENT AND LORD JIM

Joseph conrad

Classic Fiction

Verloc is a secret agent for a foreign embassy. His life changes when he is asked to carry out a bombing, with tragic consequences for Verloc and his family. Lord Jim is the story of a sailor in the Far East, who spends his life running away from a dark secret.

THE GROWING PAINS OF ADRIAN MOLE

Sue townsend

Humour

In this sequel to The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Adrian continues the hilarious account of his attempts to come to terms with the break-up of his parents’ marriage and their reconciliation, the birth of his baby sister, his own budding sexuality and his friendship with the school bully and his gang.

ROBINSON CRUSOE

Daniel defoe

Classic Fiction

Robinson Crusoe is a gripping story of one man’s fight for survival. When his ship sinks, Robinson manages to get to a desert island, where he faces a variety of dangers, including cannibals. After many years alone, he finally meets another human being. Will they escape from the island?

MY FAMILY AND OTHER ANIMALS

Gerald durrell

Autobiography

The Durrell family’s decision to move from England to the Greek island of Corfu opens up a whole new world for 10-year-old Gerry. Corfu is a paradise for him, full of all kinds of animals and insects. This largely autobiographical story is written with great humour and affection.

DAVID COPPERFIELD

Charles dickens

Classic Fiction

Set in Victorian England, David Copperfield is one of Dickens’ most popular novels. Young David’s life changes dramatically when his mother remarries and subsequently dies. As David tells his memorable story, we meet some of Dickens’ best-loved characters, such as Peggotty and Mr Micawber.

OSCAR WILDE SHORT STORIES

Oscar wilde

Classic Fiction

Lord Arthur Savile must commit a crime before he can get married; Hughie Erskine becomes rich almost by accident; the Canterville Ghost has lost his ability to frighten people. Three short stories from one of the world’s wittiest storytellers.

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Emily brontë

Classic Fiction

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 and revenge.

A SHERLOCK HOLMES COLLECTION

Sir arthur conan doyle

Classic Fiction

The King of Bohemia needs to find an incriminating photograph; a young woman dies mysteriously in her bed; two men receive similar letters shortly before their sudden deaths. The brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes, demonstrates his amazing powers of observation and deduction in these three short stories.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Gaston leroux

Horror / Suspense

This classic horror story has been filmed many times and even turned into a successful stage musical. Erik the Phantom is cruelly disfigured and he haunts the Paris Opera House using secret passages and underground tunnels. This tragic love story has touched generations of readers across the world.

THE INVISIBLE MAN

H. g. wells

Science Fiction

A terrifying cautionary tale of one man’s obsession with pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Griffin’s dream of being the first invisible man turns into a nightmare as the realities of the situation become clear in increasing degrees of deception, theft and murder.

HOW TO BE A MILLIONAIRE

Jenny edwards

Biography

Paul McCartney, Tina Turner and Bill Gates are three of the best known millionaires in the world. This book traces the roots of their money-making talents and abilities in an entertaining and informative way. You may not be a millionaire when you finish this book, but you’ll have a better idea of what it takes to become one.

DRACULA

Bram stoker

Horror / Suspense

Perhaps the most famous horror story of all time. Jonathan Harker is held captive in Castle Dracula while his nefarious host makes his evil plans. Jonathan is determined to destroy Dracula. Will good triumph over evil?

GANGSTERS

Ramón ybarra rubio

Non-Fiction

Bonnie and Clyde, Al Capone, John Dillinger – far more has been written about these and other murderers than the policemen who caught them. They are 20th century anti-heroes glamorised on film and in print. This book tells the truth about their infamous crimes and the often violent ends they came to.

TREASURE ISLAND

Robert louis stevenson

Classic Fiction

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.

THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS

James fenimore cooper

Classic Fiction

Hawkeye is a scout for the British Army in America. He is helped by Chingachgook and Uncas, the last of the Mohican tribe, in his struggle against Magua, the murderous leader of the Huron tribe. This exciting adventure was made into a film with Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye.

TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES

Thomas hardy

Classic Fiction

Tess is a simple country girl when she goes to work for wealthy relatives and meets the handsome but wicked Alec d’Urberville – a meeting which will eventually lead to tragedy for Tess and the two men in her life. This story ranks as one of Hardy’s most moving novels.

WE CAN REMEMBER IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE AND OTHER STORIES

Philip k. dick

Science Fiction

These are the stories of three dreamers. They dream of travelling to the planet Mars, making it habitable for humans and starting a new life in another galaxy. But in this futuristic world, nothing is as it seems to be.

MY LEFT FOOT

Christy brown

Autobiography

Christy Brown struggled with typical teenage feelings of alienation and loneliness. But Christy Brown was not typical – he had cerebral palsy. My Left Foot is Christy’s remarkable, life-affirming story written with his own left foot. It was made into an Oscar-winning film starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

THE MOONSTONE

Wilkie collins

Classic Fiction

The Moonstone is a large diamond. It carries with it a curse on anyone who owns it. Little surprise, then, that when it is stolen, no one seems keen to find the thief. Only Sergeant Cuff is able to piece together the parts of this strange puzzle.

THE SWAN AND THE HITCH-HIKER

Roald dahl

Fantasy

Two short stories from the well-known writer of fiction for young readers. The Swan is about a brutal pair of bullies and the ambiguous triumph of their victim. The Hitch-hiker is a strange and sometimes hilarious tale of a man, a fast car and a very unusual passenger.

WHO AM I?

Ramón ybarra rubio

Non-Fiction

An original set of teen-mag-style tests and quizzes that will make your students smile, frown, but most of all, think. Each test examines another facet of the complex human personality with frankness and humour.

STRANGE TALES

Martin sinclair

Non-Fiction

This book is guaranteed to shock and scare with its collection of grotesque and ghostly tales from Britain. Ancient myths and forgotten ghosts are brought back to life in this thrilling collection of strange tales. Students should be warned not to read this book late at night!

SPORTS STARS

Martin sinclair

Biography

Three exciting biographies detailing the highs and lows of the sporting careers of Miguel Induráin, Monica Seles and Michael Jordan. The reader follows these sporting heroes from childhood to international success and discovers what it takes to become the best in the world.

AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS

Jules verne

Classic Adventure

Phileas Fogg sets off around the world to win a bet. This exciting adventure has entertained millions of people with its catalogue of near disasters and exotic locations. Only Fogg’s wit together with his money save him and bring him safely home. But is he in time to win the bet?

THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN

Mark twain

Classic Adventure

One of the best-loved characters in literature, Huck Finn has a series of hilarious adventures as he floats lazily down the Mississippi River, dreaming of freedom for himself and his friend Jim. Tom Sawyer shows up at the end and uses one of his ingenious plans to save the day.

OLIVER TWIST

Charles dickens

Classic Fiction

Oliver is a charming innocent in a dishonest world. He is surrounded by a horde of fascinating characters of varying degrees of villainy. Dickens’ classic novel has been an Oscar-winning musical and a film favourite for generations.

THE LAST LEAF AND OTHER STORIES

O. henry

Classic Fiction

Four short episodes from a master storyteller. O. Henry paints vivid scenes detailing the weaknesses and strengths of ordinary people. Personal sacrifice, greed, foolish pride and all-conquering love are portrayed with warmth and humour.

TWO SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDIES

William shakespeare

Classic Drama

Macbeth and Othello are two great soldiers whose terrible flaws of character have tragic consequences for them and those around them. These two stories have been modernised to highlight the power of their themes of greed and jealousy.

THE MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE AND OTHER STORIES

Edgar allan poe

Horror / Suspense

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 and two other grotesque tales of horror can be found in this thrilling book.

THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE

Sue townsend

Humour

Adrian is 13 3/4 when he starts to keep his diary. He is spotty, insecure and frequently hilarious. Over the next year, he writes about the break-up of his parents’ marriage and their reconciliation, his first girlfriend, his experiences with the school bully and, of course, his spots.

WHITE FANG

Jack london

Classic Adventure

White Fang is a wolf born in the desolate wastelands of Alaska. His first contacts with man are violent and humiliating. Even when he finds a human who treats him with love, White Fang cannot forget that he is a wild animal.

TWO SHAKESPEAREAN COMEDIES

William shakespeare

Classic Drama

Each of these stories, Twelfth Night and Much Ado About Nothing, mixes elements of broad comedy with a touching love story. There are mistaken identities, women disguised as men and some of the most ingenious dialogue in the English language.

FRANKENSTEIN

Mary shelley

Horror / Suspense

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 several film versions exist.