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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

A timeless love story specially rewritten for children growing in their reading confidence and ability. The Beast lives alone in his castle, enchanted by a wicked fairy and waiting for true love to break the spell. Could Beauty be the one to see through his ugly exterior? This key series was developed in conjunction with reading expert, Allison Kelly from Roehampton University. Every title has clear and compelling text that allows children to build their burgeoning reading skills, accompanied by charming illustrations.

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.

Darrell and her friends are excited this term, as it is the fifth form pantomime, which is written, acted and produced entirely by the girls themselves. But things don’t go as smoothly as everyone wants them to with Moira giving out her orders, to the girls rehearsing on stage. Then there is someone who is sending out anonymous letters, which makes everyone uncomfortable. But Mam’zelle Dupont lightens the load a little with a trick she plays on the Fifth formers