Extra Time; Ghost for Sale; Hostage; Lift Off; Tod in Biker City; What's Going on, Gus?

Here is a series of short, straightforward stories written to encourage independence among emergent and reluctant readers. Well-known names have been signed up to create simply-told tales on a variety of subjects that will appeal to a target readership ranging from 8+ to 13. According to the publisher, the format, including the cream pages and black and white illustrations, has all been carefully researched to provide the most reader-friendly presentation possible. It is worth trialing a few titles before making a commitment to the full set.

Extra Time is the humorous tale of a football-mad boy who is a hero on the pitch, but not so brave when it comes to asking a girl out. As for tactics she can leave him standing! Obviously suitable for the upper end.

Hostage is more serious. This sees a kidnap attempt on a jeweller’s daughter, which is foiled by the plucky young girl herself. In the process she recognises just how much her dad really loves her. There is a multi-cultural facet to this one, but only in the illustrations.

Ghost for Sale asks a lot of questions that should give the reader something to respond to. This yarn concerns the purchase of a so-called haunted wardrobe from an old, respected lady who might just be a serial con-artist.

Lift Off is another jokey title about an imaginative boy who is adept at avoiding all exercise, but whose wild fancies let him down when it comes to avoiding taking part in the School Sports Day.

What’s Going on, Gus? rests at the lower end of the age-range and is the farcical account of a baby-sitter, Mrs. Pick’s, first time looking after Boomer, Yeti, Gus and Punk the cat.

Tod in Biker City is a thriller that takes us to the future when water is deadly scarce and water diviners, like Tod’s dad, are worth kidnapping. Gangs of bikers roam the land prepared to kill to get the precious liquid that they need. When the father goes missing there can only be one likely cause and Tod must ride to the rescue.