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Karen McCombie has written over 80 books full of endearing characters and quirky humour; her series Ally’s World has sold over 200,000 copies. Born in Scotland, Karen now lives in north London. Karen loves her job, but is a complete fidget. She regularly packs up her laptop and leaves Office Number 1 (her weeny back bedroom) and has a brisk walk to Office Number 2 (the local garden centre café). Read more about the author here.
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Bridie lives on the remote Scottish island of Tornish, the youngest of three sisters. Although she loves her island, with its wild seas and big skies, she guiltily nurses a secret dream of flight - to America and the freedom of the New World. But her family are struggling under the spiteful oppression of the new Laird, and it seems that even some of the Laird's own household are desperate to leave. When the Laird's full cruelty becomes apparent, there's no more time for daydreams as Bridie needs to help the people she loves escape to safety. The first in a gripping, dramatic new series from much-loved author, Karen McCombie.
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Karen McCombie tells a big story in a short extent in this new book for dyslexia specialists Barrington Stoke, and it's one that will intrigue readers from the opening pages. Hannah is feeling left out - her mum and dad are so preoccupied with her stroppy big sister that they don't notice their younger daughter, and her best friends seem to have new interests that shut Hannah out. So when she finds a diary in the park, it feels like she has a new friend, the person who wrote it seems so open, cool and honest. When the two girls actually meet, both their lives are changed for the better. The story is full of surprises and its message to look for the best things in life is valuable for everyone.
In a nutshell: fun and friendship at 21st century boarding school Eleven-year-old Dani is a few weeks into life at her new boarding school, St Grizelda’s, aka St Grizzle’s. She’s got used to the school’s relaxed attitude to rules and regulations, and to going to assembly in her pyjamas! And she’s made some good friends too. But she still feels a bit homesick. When the school decides to enter a film-making competition set by the local council, Dani is in her element - back at home she often makes videos with her friend Arch. But managing groups of people isn’t easy, can Dani give everyone a chance to shine – including her flamboyant granny – without making herself invisible again? Amongst the fun and crazy adventures, there are subtle messages about being yourself, and developing confidence. A great take on the boarding school genre. ~ Andrea Reece Readers will also enjoy Jeanne Willis’s new take on Enid Blyton’s avant-garde boarding school stories, The Diary of the Naughtiest Girl.
A story of family, friendship and mystery from oneof the UK's best-loved writers. When Scarlet's grandma goes into a retirement home, she must sort through her belongings in the cramped flat above a shop in Crouch End, north London. Here Scarlet comes across a real treasure: a novel that Gran wrote, imagining the life of a girl just like Scarlet, who once upon a time lived in the flat and worked in a cakeshop downstairs. But as Scarlet reads about Ruby's life in Victorian London, she begins to realise this is no piece of fiction - Ruby was real! A real life, facing real danger - and a mystery that unravels to the present day. BOOKS BY KAREN MCCROMBIE Catching Falling Stars Life According to Alice B Lovely Pearl In the Attic
In a nutshell: Highly enjoyable, thoroughly contemporary boarding school story | Eleven-year-old Dani is horrified to hear she’s going to spend the next term at St Grizzelda’s School for Girls, but there’s no option: her zoologist mum is heading off to the Antarctic to study penguins’ waddles, and doesn’t trust Dani’s grandma to look after things. St Grizzles however is not what Dani, her mum or the reader expects: the new head believes in learning through play putting as much emphasis on circus skills as trigonometry. It actually sounds great fun, but Dani is too homesick to enjoy it. As the days pass though, she comes to love her new school especially when she makes friends with the other pupils. A lively book that puts a 21st century spin on the boarding school story while keeping the emphasis on the things that make the genre so popular: friends, camaraderie and independence. Readers will also enjoy Jeanne Willis’s new take on Enid Blyton’s avant-garde boarding school stories, The Diary of the Naughtiest Girl. ~ Andrea Reece
Four girls bond over a school project to create a blog. The subject? Their mums. Its title? OMG – or Our Mums Grrrrr. It’s quite possible to love your mum loads but still be driven mad by her as this demonstrates. Each girl is horribly embarrassed by her mum – too clingy, too pushy, too loud – grumbling online helps them let off steam and more importantly enables them to talk about the issues with their mums. This contemporary story is warm and rewarding, as good on the girls’ relationships with each other as it is on their feelings for their mums. Nicely designed it’s a great addition to the Barrington Stoke Conkers series, easy-to-read, packing a great story in a short extent. ~ Andrea Reece
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Karen McCombie writes straight to the heart of pre-teens, and Honey and Me is a perfect McCombie novel. Kirsten has just moved up to secondary school and is really enjoying the fresh start. Life at home is difficult however: Mum and Dad are arguing all the time, and her brother is getting into trouble with his teachers. She doesn’t feel she can talk about it to her new school mates, so turns to her oldest friend instead. Talking to Honey really helps, as it always does, so why does Kirsten need to keep her friend a secret? Involving, reassuring and full of truths, this will go down really well with young girls. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. Hilarious comedy by a top author. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 Lucky Dixie gets to do work experience at the offices of her favourite teen magazine Candy. But it turns out to be a massive disappointment: instead of meeting models and pop stars, she’s the office slave, making cups of tea all day. Most disappointing though is meeting the magazine’s Agony Aunt, who is nothing like the tell-me-anything type Dixie is expecting, in fact she gets Dixie to write replies to the letters for her. But something good, and totally unexpected, does come out of the experience. A funny, lively story that cleverly answers a question frequently asked on problem pages. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest age 9-12, Reading age 8+. A fun, sweet story of a girl building confidence and making friends when she moves to a new school. Starting a new school is torment for shy Rosie. The only way she can make it better is to make several things are kept Secret! The first is her real name, the second is that her mom is a new teacher and the third is that her dad is a dog walker… How Rosie’s secrets are uncovered and how she learns to live with the truth will touch a chord with anyone trying to give themselves a new image – and get over their shyness. Heartfelt drama, perfect for tweens. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Brilliantly observed, this is a thoughtful story about truth and friendship. Tilly’s thrilled by her new friendship with Mia; she is chatty and funny and soon the two of them are Best Friends Forever – Already – even though they are only newly met, as new girls as Beech Cliff School. But when Amber Sweet arrives Tilly wants to be friends with her too. Why is Mia so mean about Amber? And who is telling the truth? Tilly finds she has a lot to learn about people as she sorts out new life in secondary school. ~ Julia Eccleshare Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Best-selling Karen McCrombie brilliantly captures the whirlwind of emotions that Meg is thrown into when her mum starts dating a new partner. Meg loves her life with just her mum. Everything is neat and orderly and she loves being the smiling bridesmaid to help promote Mum’s wedding dress business. But then Mum falls in love…Disaster! Danny lives on a scruffy houseboat and has four messy sons! How can Meg ever get used to the new family? How Meg changes is sensitively captured in this tender, funny and heart-felt story. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Two books in one in this bumper book about a magical creature and the unusual things that happen when it is around. In The Great Expanding Guinea Pig Ruby Morgan introduces Thing, her special and very unusual friend who can do magic and often does so with very unpredictable results! Thing is also at the heart of Beware of the Snow Blobs. In both, Ruby’s chirpy first person storytelling brings both the everyday and the unexpectedly vividly to life. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Brilliantly observed, this is a thoughtful story about truth and friendship. Tilly’s thrilled by her new friendship with Mia; she is chatty and funny and soon the two of them are Best Friends Forever – Already – even though they are only newly met, as new girls as Beech Cliff School. But when Amber Sweet arrives Tilly wants to be friends with her too. Why is Mia so mean about Amber? And who is telling the truth? Tilly finds she has a lot to learn about people as she sorts out new life in secondary school. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+
Ruby and Jackson get the surprise of their lives when they discover a Thing living at the bottom of their gardens. But Thing is cute, and funny, even if sometimes when it upset it gets a bit Arrghh! And that's when the trouble starts. Like the time Ruby and Jackson sneak Thing along with them on a school trip to the museum. In case you're wondering, it goes very, badly wrong...!
From bestselling author Karen McCombie comes the third book in her funny, utterly irresistible illustrated series about freindship, secrets and an adorable...Thing. Everyone will be charmed by this cutest of creatures to have appeared in children's literature in years. It's sure to make all 7+ readers giggle.
The second in a hilarious new series by best-selling author Karen McCombie, illustrated throughout with irresistible black and white line art by Alex T. Smith. Everyone (young and old) will be charmed by the cutest creature to appear in children's literature in years, the very loveable THING. Perfect for 7+ readers.
Next-door neighbours Ruby and Jackson get the surprise of their lives when they discover a Thing living at the bottom of their gardens. And when Thing places a curse on the inhabitants of the new house that's been built over his old home, Ruby and Jackson find themselves up to their eyeballs in jellybabies, magic and big trouble.
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. Hilarious comedy by a top author. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 Lucky Dixie gets to do work experience at the offices of her favourite teen magazine Candy. But it turns out to be a massive disappointment: instead of meeting models and pop stars, she’s the office slave, making cups of tea all day. Most disappointing though is meeting the magazine’s Agony Aunt, who is nothing like the tell-me-anything type Dixie is expecting, in fact she gets Dixie to write replies to the letters for her. But something good, and totally unexpected, does come out of the experience. A funny, lively story that cleverly answers a question frequently asked on problem pages. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
A funky novel, complete with funky title and funky cover from a bestselling author who is just brilliant at getting under the skin of that nearly teen market. It’s bursting with humour and charm despite the sometimes fraught friendships between family and friends. We also rate another novel of hers highy and it’s called Bliss.
Well-written and so true to life. Teenage girls are lucky to have the opportunity to read books by an author who has her finger on the pulse of the teenage world. Easy to read and funny yet dealing with issues teenage girls face on a daily basis.
Indie Kids best (est) friend Fee is very sad because her cat was run over. So, she goes all out to ‘cheer up Fee’ – but what Indie Kid hasn’t got yet is that Fee needs sometime to be glum and grieve for her cat. A great book for helping children understand death and loss and why it’s OK to be sad and how you can get through it.
Who said friends have to match to matter? When the Star Boy's space-pod crashes in the grounds of Fairfield Academy he knows he must seek shelter. Taking refuge in the school's boiler room to await rescue he discovers that the room's small window is the perfect place to watch humans go by. The Star Boy knows about humans from his Earth lessons but no one from his planet has ever studied them up close. Now he has the perfect opportunity. There are two humans in particular that catch his attention - a boy called Wes and a girl named Kiki. But as his curiosity grows so does his courage and, making a momentous decision, the Star Boy follows Wes and Kiki into class ... and into their lives. A warm and otherworldly story about finding friendship in the most unlikely of places, for fans of Tamsin Winter, Cath Howe and Ross Welford.
1904, Alexandra Palace, London. When a couple of showmen need a stand-in for a trick that involves shooting an apple off a human target's head, sixteen-year-old Dolly Shepherd volunteers on the spot. Little does she know that this will be the first of many stunts and the start of a sensational career. But the life of a parachutist is as dangerous as it is daring, and there will be many close shaves along the way ... Pioneering aviatrix Dolly Shepherd comes alive in this thrilling reimagining of her death-defying life from bestselling author Karen McCombie.
Little Bird has landed in America, far from her home in Scotland and far from the danger that stalked her family. But the new world holds new perils, and soon she's on the run again. From the teeming streets of New York to the prairies of the west, Little Bird holds tight to secrets and dreams of freedom. Then, on her journey, she comes face-to-face with an unwelcome ghost from the past... The brilliant sequel to Little Bird Flies, this is an exciting story of settling in the New World while still being haunted by everything you've left behind. Themes of emigration and immigration, race and social status are thought-provokingly explored by the brilliant Karen McCombie. A modern Little House on the Prairie!
Meg is the girl with the sunshine smile. That's what they call her at the wedding fairs where she models her mum's dresses. But then Mum meets Danny. Danny, with the grotty houseboat, four sons and a three-legged cat. All of a sudden, Meg's life clouds over. Will Meg ever find her sunshine smile again? A brand-new low reading age edition of a wonderfully warm and wise story about new families and new relationships from bestselling author Karen McCombie. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
Bridie lives on the remote Scottish island of Tornish, the youngest of three sisters. Although she loves her island, with its wild seas and big skies, she guiltily nurses a secret dream of flight - to America and the freedom of the New World. But her family are struggling under the spiteful oppression of the new Laird, and it seems that even some of the Laird's own household are desperate to leave. When the Laird's full cruelty becomes apparent, there's no more time for daydreams as Bridie needs to help the people she loves escape to safety. The first in a gripping, dramatic new series from much-loved author, Karen McCombie.
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Karen McCombie tells a big story in a short extent in this new book for dyslexia specialists Barrington Stoke, and it's one that will intrigue readers from the opening pages. Hannah is feeling left out - her mum and dad are so preoccupied with her stroppy big sister that they don't notice their younger daughter, and her best friends seem to have new interests that shut Hannah out. So when she finds a diary in the park, it feels like she has a new friend, the person who wrote it seems so open, cool and honest. When the two girls actually meet, both their lives are changed for the better. The story is full of surprises and its message to look for the best things in life is valuable for everyone.
When a flood closes the village school, Lulu invites the staff and pupils to come and join them at St Grizzle's. Dani and her friends can't believe their bad luck - it was awful enough bumping into Spencer and his cronies in the village but now they've got to share lessons with them. Before long pupils are clashing with pupils, there are pranks aplenty and even the teachers aren't getting along. Rehearsals get underway for the school show but with tempers fraying it's soon looking like a big failure. Determined that the show will go on, Lulu calls on Dani and co, as the oldest children in the school, to set a good example and make friends. But with Spencer up to his usual tricks, can the two rival groups put aside their differences long enough to turn a disaster into a triumph? This warm, funny series based in the maddest of mad boarding schools, is perfect for fans of SCARLET AND IVY and A MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE. Fizzing with mayhem - Sally Morris, The Daily Mail
When Arch turns up at St Grizzle's, Dani is delighted to introduce her best friend to her new classmates. But she soon discovers that mixing her old life with her new one isn't quite as easy as she'd imagined. And Arch isn't the only new pupil - there's also super-smart Boudicca, who barely says a word to anyone. It's only when she meets Arch that she perks up and takes to following him everywhere he goes. Then she disappears. With the help of Granny Viv, it's up to Dani and Arch to find Boudicca ... and unravel the truth about this shy tag-along zombie. This warm, funny series based in the maddest of mad boarding schools, is perfect for fans of SCARLET AND IVY and A MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE.
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