Darrell, excited to introduce her sister Felicity to Malory Towers, becomes the head girl of the Upper Fourth. However, her joy is overshadowed by Felicity’s friendship with June, whom Darrell dislikes. As head girl, she faces challenges and struggles to control her temper, making her new role less thrilling than anticipated.

This is a new title in “Young Reading Series Two”, part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme, which is aimed at children whose reading ability and confidence allows them to tackle longer and more complex stories. This title is based on a Scandinavian fairytale. Asta’s father gives her to a talking white bear in exchange for wealth and she is taken away to the bear’s castle. But is there more to this bear than meets the eye? This title is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University.

Shakespeare’s classic story retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When a ghostly figure appears to Prince Hamlet, he discovers the dreadful truth about his father’s death. His quest for revenge leads him into a world of mayhem, madness and murder. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. With links to recommended websites for children to find out more about Shakespeare and the play

Three stories about pirates and their adventures include a pirate who falls for a trick while trying to break out of prison, a cabin boy with a secret, and a competition among pirates for a chest full of treasure.

Follow the ups and downs of the Bennet family in this witty classic, full of unforgettable characters. Has the lively heroine Miss Elizabeth Bennet met her match in aloof Mr. Darcy?

During one of his several adventurous voyages in the 1600s, an Englishman becomes the sole survivor of a shipwreck and lives for nearly thirty years on a deserted island.

The history of man-made flight for children growing in reading confidence. From Da Vinci to the Wright Brothers, find out how people dreamed of taking to the sky in complex “flying machines”, before inventions such as hot-air balloons, airships, helicopters and of course aeroplanes made it all possible. Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University.

Three vampire tales for children ready to tackle longer and more complex stories. Young heroes and heroines meet pale and mysterious strangers. But whom should they trust And will they survive the night Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton.

When Jane Eyre becomes a governess at the rambling mansion of Thornfield Hall, she falls in love with her mysterious employer, Mr. Rochester. But he hides a terrible secret that threatens to drive them apart… Part of the Usborne Young Reading series, this retelling of Charlotte Bronte’s timeless love story is ideal for newly independent readers.

Shakespeare’s classic comedy specially retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When Viola is left shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria, she must disguise herself as a boy for protection. But when she becomes a page for Duke Orsino, things start to get a little complicated.

“Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme.” – Julia Eccleshare