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Joanna Nadin is a winner of the Fantastic Book Award, the Surrey Book Award, Blue Peter 'Book of the Month' and Radio 4 Open Book 'Book of the Year'. She has been shortlisted for the Booktrust Best Book Award and Queen of Teen, and Spies, Dad, Big Lauren and Me was selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club. In 2011, Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Joe All Alone was nominated for the 2016 C ILIP C arnegie Medal. She writes the Flying Fergus series with Sir Chris Hoy. Joanna previously worked as a policy writer for the Labour Party and a special adviser to the Prime Minister. She continues to freelance as a speechwriter and editor, and lectures in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.
Click here to read more about JOANNA NADIN and her writing.
In a nutshell: story of a boy and a dog that will tug the heartstrings When Billy Wild finds a greyhound hiding in his garden shed it feels like a miracle, and as Billy is already writing to God (holiday homework), maybe it really is. Animals are important agents of change in children’s literature and the arrival of Dog, as the greyhound becomes known, has a huge impact. Billy is sure that Dog will melt his father’s heart, which she eventually does, but she brings Billy, his dad and his brothers all closer and helps them to be more able to cope with the loss of the boys’ mum too. Nadin sets out unashamedly to pull on the heartstrings and succeeds completely, but she also fills the story with humour, and a real sense of life as it is lived. This is one to recommend to readers who enjoyed Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce, another brilliantly funny and beautifully written book about love, loss and family. ~ Andrea Reece
Asha has big dreams. She wants to be the youngest ever Prime Minister and, when inspirational teacher Mr McCardle gives her his precious copy of S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, she wants to write her own books. But Asha’s life is no dream. Once an “invincible” barrister, her mum lost her job after falling ill and Asha’s back at her old school in Peckham. She’s also back with her old friend Patience. “Misfits, both of us. The fat Christian and the new girl”, Asha remarks, while longing to be accepted by beautiful, bold Angel. But things really unravel for Asha when she accepts Angel’s Black Dare - “whatever we say, you just got to do it” – and becomes caught in a web of lies that could hurt everyone she cares for.Featuring characters from the author’s Carnegie Medal nominated Joe All Alone, this is an insightful, gripping, character-driven novel about peer pressure and the conflict between wanting to fit in and standing up for yourself. As Asha realises, “telling lies can ruin lives. But take it from me, telling the truth’s no easy ride.” As the novel builds to a tense, emotional climax, you’ll be on the edge of your seat willing Asha to do the right thing. ~ Joanne Owen Click here to read why Joanna Nadin believes books are important beacons for children.
When thirteen-year-old Joe is left behind in Peckham while his mum flies to Spain on holiday, he decides to treat it as an adventure, and a welcome break from Dean, her latest boyfriend. Joe begins to explore his neighbourhood, making a tentative friendship with Asha, a fellow fugitive hiding out at her grandfather's flat. But when the food and money run out, his mum doesn't come home, and the local thugs catch up with him, Joe realises time is running out too, and makes a decision that will change his life forever. Deeply poignant, deceptively simple, this book will cut the reader to the bone almost without their realising it. Imogen Russell-Williams, Teens On Moon Lane
More tales of mishap and misadventure from the incorrigible but hilarious Penny Dreadful. This is the 7th title in the Penny Dreadful series and includes three stories in one book. The first, Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.
Laugh-out-loud with the delightful and aptly named Penny Dreadful! Every child who has felt that awful things just unexpectedly happen around them will love Penny and catastrophes that she just can’t help! And none of them are her fault, of course. In these three short stories Penny comes up with some ingenious ideas as she tries to put right some of things she have happened. It’s easy to see why her father gave her the nickname - Penny Dreadful! The first Penny Dreadful book, Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2011. Click here to see the whole series.
Laugh out loud funny from the first page, The Meaning of Life, will be devoured by teenagers and adults in equal measure just as the Diaries of Adrian Mole hit the spot for a different generation. A spot-on teenage voice with a sharp and witty eye for teenage emotions, so good it’s hard to believe it’s not written by a teenager. Rachel's back and this time she's in love! She's finally found her ONE and is sure to have a brilliant and romantic relationship with no hiccups at all ... Well that's what she thinks ... the reality may be a little different! Not suitable for younger readers.
February 2013 Book of the Month Three lively stories for newly- confident readers matched by eye-catching illustrations are gathered up in this one volume. Of course, Dreadful is not Penny’s real name but it fits her well, as these stories about how she decides to track down a vampire, give her miserable neighbour a makeover and ends up being a record breaker easily demonstrate. Attractively presented and fun to read.
Penny can’t help but attract mischief, no matter where she goes. Follow Penny’s disastrous misadventures in her fourth book, featuring more brilliantly funny stories coupled with some laugh out loud illustrations – Penny Dreadful is definitely a national treasure in the making! To view all the Penny Dreadful titles click here.
March 2012 Book of the Month. Wherever Penny goes chaos tends to ensue particularly when she tries to put all her 'brilliant ideas' into practice! With four great stories in this, the third of the Penny Dreadful titles there will be no shortage of laugh-out-loud fun to enjoy. Interspersed throughout with some great black and white illustrations, this is sure to appeal greatly to children aged 6+. But don't just take our word for it - this is what some readers think: 'Penny Dreadful stories are very exciting. It is a brilliant series' Polly, aged 10 'I wanted to read on and on and on...it was soooo good' Matt, aged 8 (yes boys love Penny Dreadful too) 'I liked Penny because she's naughty, but in a way she is also funny' Millie, aged 8 'A hilariously brilliant read' Anastasia, aged 11 ' I think Penny Dreadful is, well, dreadfully funny. PS I'm turning a little dreadful too' Islay, aged 8 I love Penny Dreadful, she is brilliant and very funny' Iona, aged 6 The first Penny Dreadful book, Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2011. Click here to see the whole series.
When sixteen year old Billie Paradise inherits her grandmother's house, it's a fairytale come true. She and her family move from their rented flat in London to start a new life by the sea. Maybe Billie can even find the father she's never met. But moving back to her mum's childhood home, Billie uncovers long-buried secrets.
Side-splittingly funny stories for young girls who are reading confidently. Penny Dreadful (not her real name) creates havoc wherever she goes and whatever she does! She has some really brilliant ideas, the only trouble is, they often seem to go horribly wrong… Propelled by a great sense of humour, these highly-illustrated stories are perfect for anyone who enjoys a laugh. Joanna Nadin's Penny Dreadful is a wickedly funny creation and worthy contender to Horrid Henry.
The sensational, laugh-out-loud new stand-alone novel from Joanna Nadin, author of the bestselling Rachel Riley novels. Perfect for 10+ readers it's written in diary form and it's the story of Buttercup who has to cope with an entirely dysfunctional family and a best friend who's more than a bit irrational. You can also read the new blog that Joanna has set up with 30 other authors who write fiction for girls aged 10-14 - click here to visit girlsheartbooks.com .
A fantastically fat and sparkly bind-up of two riotous Rachel Riley books ... Back to Life and The Facts of Life. You can also read a Rachel Riley blog - click here.
Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2011. A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. A bundle of awfulness! Penny Dreadful (not her real name) has an unfortunate habit of creating mayhem wherever she goes and whatever she does! Penny has some really brilliant ideas. The only trouble is, they often seem to go horribly wrong… Propelled by a great sense of humour, these highly-illustrated stories are perfect for anyone who enjoys a laugh.
A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. Lovereading4kids comment: Billy Grimshaw thinks the world of his dad. He hasn’t seen him for ages, but Billy knows he’ll be home as soon as he can get away from his important spying business in London. In the meantime, Billy is grappling with the disastrous news that his mum is going to marry Dave. As he makes secret plans to stop the wedding, Billy’s life gets more and more complicated, not helped by the classroom bully or even his friend, Big Lauren … A message from Joanna Nadin: So, you’re about to meet Billy Grimshaw – Zach Black obsessive, lover of jaffa cakes, and nemesis of his mum’s boyfriend Dave.The thing about Billy is he’s a bit different. Different to you, and most of your friends. I mean, his best friend is a girl called Big Lauren for a start. Plus, when things get tricky, he has to count his glow stars to make sure there are still fifty there.But, I bet if you thought about it, there’s some stuff about you that’s different too. And it doesn’t make you an oddball. It just makes makes you you. And it makes Billy a bit of a hero, in the end.So I hope the book will make you laugh, and maybe cry, and most of all, remember that we’re all weird, and brilliant. Just like Billy Grimshaw.
Genuinely laugh-out-loud funny from the first page, this double helping of Joanna Nadin’s brilliant funny and immensely engaging protagonist Rachel Riley featuring The Meaning of Life and My (not so) simple Life, will be devoured by teenagers and adults in equal measure just as the Diaries of Adrian Mole hit the spot for a different generation. A spot-on teenage voice with a sharp and witty eye for teenage emotions, so good it’s hard to believe it’s not written by a teenager. In fact, Joanna is a former political speech writer and adviser to Tony Blair! If you know someone who loves the novels by Sue Limb or Louise Rennison then you know they’ll love the teenage world of Rachel Riley and her friends and foes. No teenager should miss it. Definitely the heiress to Queen of Teen if not already the Queen of Teen.
In this, another brilliant installment of Rachel Riley’s hilarious diaries, join her in her no-nonsense, fact-based approach to life. Just when she thought she had finally found her knight in shining skinny jeans i.e. the ONE, an accidental snog with part-time rock god Justin Statham puts the skids on it. So enough is enough! It's time for Rachel to wake up and smell the coffee (or at least the hot chocolate) and forget about romance and fairytale happy endings. Rachel commits to concentrate only on cold hard facts from now on. Perhaps new grown-up-ness will even win the heart of fabulous older man . . . But nothing in Rachel’s life ever goes to plan or does it this time?
More hilarious exploits from the angst ridden teen diarist Rachel Riley. Fans of Louise Rennison’s character Georgia Nicolson will love this as will all those who have enjoyed the ups and down and ups again of Rachel’s life to date. To view other titles in the series click here.
Jude must get away. She has to ace her exams and an audition at a prestigious drama school or she'll never escape her small town life and follow her dream of becoming an actor. But then her best friend Stella returns, bringing excitement and danger to Jude's dull existence. For the first time, she can be who she wants to be. But as her life spirals out of control, Jude uncovers a dark secret. Will Stella save her or destroy her?
A double edition of Rachel's first two diaries - My So-Called Life: A breath of fresh air in teen girls’ fiction and one of the funniest things we’ve read in the Lovereading office this year. Tipped to be the Adrian Mole for today’s teenage girls, My So-Called Life charts the side-splitting consequences of one girl’s quest to inject more drama into her tragically normal life. It captures brilliantly in laugh-out-loud diary style the angst of any teenager. A definite rival for bestselling teen novelists Louise Rennison and Sue Limb. The Life of Riley: The deepest desires and greatest fantasies of a teenager are hilariously recorded in this no-holds-barred diary. Can Rachel, the author of the diary, find the boy of her dreams? Her search will make parents and teenagers laugh out loud.
The further escapades of the engaging and immensely funny Rachel Riley - an Adrian Mole style character of today's teenage world. Written in diary style, this book has all the necessary hallmarks to be a real page-turner. Not just funny but genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, with every page ringing true and having you in stitches. No teenager should miss it. Definitely the heiress to Queen of Teen if not already the Queen of Teen. To view the other titles featuring Rachel Riley and to find out more about the author, who once upon a time was a speechwriter for Tony Blair, then click here. Or click here to find out more about Rachel Riley herself in her very own website!
Laugh out loud funny from the first page, The Meaning of Life, will be devoured by teenagers and adults in equal measure just as the Diaries of Adrian Mole hit the spot for a different generation. A spot-on teenage voice with a sharp and witty eye for teenage emotions, so good it’s hard to believe it’s not written by a teenager. In fact, Joanna is a former political speech writer and adviser to Tony Blair! If you know someone who loves the novels by Sue Limb or Louise Rennison then you know they’ll love the teenage world of Rachel Riley and her friends and foes. Be sure to check out the other two in the series, The Life of Riley and My So-Called Life. Or click here to find out more about Rachel Riley herself in her very own website!
The deepest desires and greatest fantasies of a teenager are hilariously recorded in this no-holds-barred diary. Can Rachel, the author of the diary, find the boy of her dreams? Her search will make parents and teenagers laugh out loud. This book is the sequel to My So-Called Life. Click here to find out more about Rachel Riley herself in her very own website!
A breath of fresh air in teen girls’ fiction and one of the funniest things we’ve read in the Lovereading office this year. Tipped to be the Adrian Mole for today’s teenage girls, My So-Called Life charts the side-splitting consequences of one girl’s quest to inject more drama into her tragically normal life. It captures brilliantly in laugh-out-loud diary style the angst of any teenager. A definite rival for bestselling teen novelists Louise Rennison and Sue Limb. Finally, don’t panic when you’ve finished this one for Rachel’s story will continue in the sequel The Life Of Riley. Click here to find out more about Rachel Riley herself in her very own website!
Meet Rachel Riley ... she lives in a normal house, with a normal family, goes to a normal school, with her normal friends (or so she thinks!) ... but all that is about to change as Rachel goes on a mission to inject some excitement into her life, with hilarious results!
Stanley Manners tells lies - a lot of lies! When he wishes for the lies to come true, he ends up in a lot of trouble! Books with short chapters are a great way for children who are reading independently to extend reading stamina and progress to the next step of their reading journey. This Read with Oxford Stage 6 book has short chapters, an engaging story and humorous colour illustrations. Tips for parents and fun after-reading activities help you to get the most out of the story. Featuring much-loved characters, great authors, engaging storylines and fun activities, Read with Oxford offers an exciting range of carefully levelled reading books to build your child's reading confidence. Find practical advice, free eBooks and fun activities to help your child progress on oxfordowl.co.uk. Let's get them flying!
If a microwave explodes or there are bubbles all over the bathroom floor, it's bound to have been because of Alfie Braithwaite. Only Alfie swears that it's all the fault of Dave, the terrible gremlin that lives in his sock drawer. But one day Dave really does appear and starts to wreak more havoc than even Alfie could have imagined! Will Alfie catch Dave? And will Alfie's parents ever believe that it really wasn't him? This mischievous and thought-provoking adventure from best-selling and award-winning author Joanna Nadin is perfect for children who are learning to read by themselves and for Key Stage 1. It features engaging illustrations from Pauline Reeves and quirky characters young readers will find hard to resist. Bloomsbury Young Readers are the perfect way to get children reading, with book-banded stories by brilliant authors like Julia Donaldson. They are packed with gorgeous colour illustrations and include inside cover notes to help adults reading with children, as well as ideas for activities related to the stories. Book Band: Lime Ideal for Ages 6+
From the author of JOE ALL ALONE - now a major CBBC series. A story about finding yourself when everything changes and believing that love never runs out. Perfect for fans of A Boy called Hope and Jacqueline Wilson. Eleven-year-old Birdy Jones is all alone. She doesn't belong at school, at home, or even with her dad anymore. The only place she feels like herself is at her grandpa's pigeon loft, where the familiar warmth and birdsong block out the world. It's also where she meets Dogger - her only friend and the one person who really seems to know where she's coming from. Birdy used to be happy, when it was just her and Dad, but now she has a stepmum, a little sister, and another baby on the way. Worse, her growing family needs to move house, but Birdy doesn't believe there'll ever be enough room for her in Dad's busy life - and she can't leave Grandpa and the pigeons. She won't. Birdy dreams of a different family and future, and with Dogger's help she decides to find one - even if it means running away from everything she's ever known. But sometimes you need to fly away to find your way home again . . .
Monday 1st January - New Year's Resolutions 1) Persuade Marlene not to pursue her dream of becoming an alternative tattooed glamour model 2) Try to get breasts 3) Try not to get period, which so far am excelling at 4) Snog someone, preferably Dexter Braithwaite 5) Don't get killed by my own knickers Perpetual worrier Thursday Jones is at the end of her tether. She lives in semi-squalid (in her eyes) chaos subsisting mainly on Supanoodles; her mum has no qualms about revealing the gruesome details of the day's A&E patients; her big sister Marlene is boy-obsessed, as is their internet-dating nan; her twin sisters terrorize their primary school; and her estranged dad is an Elvis impersonator called Pelvis Presley who ran off with his backing singer with whom he now has a mildly delinquent three-year-old called Hank Junior. Aunt Jeanie says she should woman up and watch some YouTube like a normal teenager; best friend Millie says there are more important things to worry about like climate change, or everyday sexism and Mum says she's taking life too seriously. Worried that she's overdosing on oestrogen Alabama sets out to find some men, including a boyfriend for Mum, a potential boyfriend for herself, and, unsolicited, an idiotic dog called Dave. A laugh-out-loud diary following Thursday Jones as she navigates the every day trials of life, perfect for fans of DORK DIARIES and GEEK GIRL.
Rudy is bored. Will Dad's helpful robot, hiding in the workshop, help to cheer Rudy up or will Horace just cause chaos? Rudy versus the Robot is a hilarous variety fiction story. Project X Origins is a ground-breaking guided reading programme for the whole school. Action-packed stories, fascinating non-fiction and comprehensive guided reading support meet the needs of children at every stage of their reading development. Each book contains inside cover notes that highlight challenge words, prompt questions and a range of follow-up activities to support children in their reading.
For nearly a century, women fought for the right to be able to vote. Their leaders brought together women from all social classes. Their fight for equality led to imprisonment and even death. This is the story of the suffragettes. * Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view. * Text type - An information book. * The book is organised into short chapters to help children practise the skills of locating and identifying important information. * The glossary and index can be used to develop children's information retrieval skills further. * Curriculum links - History
Mabel's family won't spend time with her because they are all busy until tomorrow. But tomorrow comes, and they are still busy! Can Mabel have an adventure by herself? Oxford Reading Tree Story Sparks is an emotionally-engaging fiction series that will fire children's imaginations and develop their comprehension skills. The variety of authors and illustrators broadens children's reading experience, with something to appeal to every child. This story is one of six titles at Oxford Level 5, which are phonically decodable with some extra high-interest words to expand children's vocabularies and enrich the stories. All the books in the series are carefully levelled, making it easy to match every reader to the right book.
MORE HOPE. MORE HEART . . . MORE FOOL YOU. Matt and Sophia live in the same city, but they come from opposite sides of the track. By rights they should never have met. They definitely should never have fallen in love at first sight, of all cliches. But, to their great surprise, they do. That's the easy part. It's what to do next that they struggle with. Friends, family and circumstance are mostly against them. They betray themselves; then they betray each other. And in the end they learn, the hard way, what it takes for love to survive. It's true what they say. Everybody hurts sometimes. But sometimes, too, the pain is worth it.
In a nutshell: story of a boy and a dog that will tug the heartstrings When Billy Wild finds a greyhound hiding in his garden shed it feels like a miracle, and as Billy is already writing to God (holiday homework), maybe it really is. Animals are important agents of change in children’s literature and the arrival of Dog, as the greyhound becomes known, has a huge impact. Billy is sure that Dog will melt his father’s heart, which she eventually does, but she brings Billy, his dad and his brothers all closer and helps them to be more able to cope with the loss of the boys’ mum too. Nadin sets out unashamedly to pull on the heartstrings and succeeds completely, but she also fills the story with humour, and a real sense of life as it is lived. This is one to recommend to readers who enjoyed Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce, another brilliantly funny and beautifully written book about love, loss and family. ~ Andrea Reece
Norma leads a very normal life, but she longs for adventure. Will the silver teapot she finds at Granny's house bring her the adventure she's always dreamed of? Oxford Reading Tree All Stars is an engaging chapter fiction series which combines age-appropriate content with imaginative stories, perfect for inspiring and stretching able infants. The series develops comprehension skills and provides a wide variety of fiction topics and styles, alongside illustrations that aid understanding. All the books in this series are carefully levelled, so it's easy to match every child to the right book - one which will develop their reading skills and fuel their love of reading. Help with children's reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.
A traditional tale from Germany, about two sisters and their friendship with a bear, who turns out to be not at all what he seems. Copper/Band 12 books provide more complex plots and longer chapters that develop reading stamina. Text type: A traditional tale Curriculum links: English: fairy stories, myths and legends; books from other cultures and traditions. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.
A warm, witty tale about family and celebrating difference, from the award-winning author of the Penny Dreadful series and Joe All Alone. Perfect for children learning to read. Everything about the Jones family is extraordinary - even their dog Digger, who can dance the can-can. Well, nearly everything . . . George Jones is utterly ordinary, and he hates it. But now the school talent contest is looming. Will George be able to discover exactly what it is that makes him extraordinary before he has to go up on stage? The Reading Ladder series helps children to enjoy learning to read. It features well-loved authors, classic characters and favourite topics, so that children will find something to excite and engage them in every title they pick up. It's the first step towards a lasting love of reading. Level 2 Reading Ladder titles are perfect for readers who are growing in confidence and are beginning to enjoy longer stories. Clear type Up to 8 lines per page Bright, appealing pictures for added interest A variety of sentence structures A wider range of vocabulary Strong themes and characters to discuss All Reading Ladder titles are developed with a leading literacy consultant, making them perfect for use in schools and for parents keen to support their children's reading. Book band: Turquoise
If you are greedy, you might lose out on the good things you already have ... One good turn deserves another ... Be careful if you trick someone because they might trick you back. Maybe the animals in the stories should have listened to these wise words! Aesop's ancient fables are brilliantly retold with vibrant illustrations. TreeTops Greatest Stories offers children some of the worlds best-loved tales in a collection of timeless classics. Top children's authors and talented illustrators work together to bring to life our literary heritage for a new generation, engaging and delighting children. The books are carefully levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book. Each book contains inside cover notes to help children explore the content, supporting their reading development. Teaching notes on Oxford Owl offer cross-curricular links and activities to support guided reading, writing, speaking and listening.
A funny, poignant family story by bestselling author Joanna Nadin, perfect for children learning to read. Tom knows all about stepmothers from the books he's read. They do all sorts of horrible things. In fact, they aren't really stepmothers at all. They are StepMONSTERS! So when his dad's new friend Lulu comes to tea, Tom is convinced she will turn out to be a stepmonster. She might not look like a stepmonster. (Her hair looks like it's been spun from gold.) And she might not act like a stepmonster. (She likes all of the same things that Tom does - manatees and moles and woodlice and playing Snap for hours.) But maybe that's just a clever disguise... The Reading Ladder series helps children to enjoy learning to read. It features well-loved authors, classic characters and favourite topics, so that children will find something to excite and engage them in every title they pick up. It's the first step towards a lasting love of reading. Level 3 Reading Ladder titles are perfect for fluent readers who are beginning to read exciting, challenging stories independently. * Varied sentences * Detailed illustrations to enjoy * Chapters * Interesting characters and themes * A rich range of vocabulary * More complex storylines to stretch confident readers All Reading Ladder titles are developed with a leading literacy consultant, making them perfect for use in schools and for parents keen to support their children's reading. Book band: Gold.
Asha has big dreams. She wants to be the youngest ever Prime Minister and, when inspirational teacher Mr McCardle gives her his precious copy of S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, she wants to write her own books. But Asha’s life is no dream. Once an “invincible” barrister, her mum lost her job after falling ill and Asha’s back at her old school in Peckham. She’s also back with her old friend Patience. “Misfits, both of us. The fat Christian and the new girl”, Asha remarks, while longing to be accepted by beautiful, bold Angel. But things really unravel for Asha when she accepts Angel’s Black Dare - “whatever we say, you just got to do it” – and becomes caught in a web of lies that could hurt everyone she cares for.Featuring characters from the author’s Carnegie Medal nominated Joe All Alone, this is an insightful, gripping, character-driven novel about peer pressure and the conflict between wanting to fit in and standing up for yourself. As Asha realises, “telling lies can ruin lives. But take it from me, telling the truth’s no easy ride.” As the novel builds to a tense, emotional climax, you’ll be on the edge of your seat willing Asha to do the right thing. ~ Joanne Owen Click here to read why Joanna Nadin believes books are important beacons for children.
Stanley Manners tells lies - lots of them! When he lies to his friends about his birthday party, they expect to see an enormous cake, a tennis-playing robot, amazing conjurors and a dragon! When Stanley wishes really hard for his lies to come true, disaster unfolds. Can Stanley get his birthday party back under control, or will his lies just get bigger and bigger? This story shows the importance of telling the truth ... and the dangers of having a dragon as a pet! Oxford Reading Tree Story Sparks is an emotionally-engaging fiction series that will fire children's imaginations. These 36 original stories will get children thinking, and develop and deepen their comprehension skills. The variety of authors and illustration styles broadens children's reading experience, with something to appeal to every child. All the books in the series are carefully levelled, so it's easy to match every child to the right book for them. They also contain inside cover notes, to enable parents and teachers to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.
When thirteen-year-old Joe is left behind in Peckham while his mum flies to Spain on holiday, he decides to treat it as an adventure, and a welcome break from Dean, her latest boyfriend. Joe begins to explore his neighbourhood, making a tentative friendship with Asha, a fellow fugitive hiding out at her grandfather's flat. But when the food and money run out, his mum doesn't come home, and the local thugs catch up with him, Joe realises time is running out too, and makes a decision that will change his life forever. Deeply poignant, deceptively simple, this book will cut the reader to the bone almost without their realising it. Imogen Russell-Williams, Teens On Moon Lane
Now a major CBBC TV series. Joe All Alone won the Children's BAFTA award for Best Drama. It was also nominated for two other Children's BAFTA awards: Director and Young Performer. Home Alone meets Jacqueline Wilson - a heartwarming, humorous, issue novel for 10+ readers about a young boy left home alone. When thirteen-year-old Joe is left behind in Peckham while his mum flies to Spain on holiday, he decides to treat it as an adventure, and a welcome break from Dean, her latest boyfriend. Joe begins to explore his neighbourhood, making a tentative friendship with Asha, a fellow fugitive hiding out at her grandfather's flat. But when the food and money run out, his mum doesn't come home, and the local thugs catch up with him, Joe realises time is running out too, and makes a decision that will change his life forever. Deeply poignant, deceptively simple, this book will cut the reader to the bone almost without their realising it. Imogen Russell-Williams, Teens On Moon Lane
Project X Origins is a ground-breaking guided reading programme for the whole school. Action-packed stories, fascinating non-fiction and comprehensive guided reading support meet the needs of children at every stage of their reading development. When Tom is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle for the summer in The Chocolate Finger, he makes a very special discovery. However, he gets much more than he bargained for Each book also contains inside cover notes that highlight challenge words, prompt questions and a range of follow-up activities to support children in their reading.
Jude must get away. She has to ace her exams and an audition at a prestigious drama school or she'll never escape her small town life and follow her dream of becoming an actor. But then her best friend Stella returns, bringing excitement and danger to Jude's dull existence. For the first time, she can be who she wants to be. But as her life spirals out of control, Jude uncovers a dark secret. Will Stella save her or destroy her?
When your best friend can't live without you... A psychological thriller from the bestselling author of Rachel Riley.Jude must get away. She has to ace her exams and an audition at a prestigious drama school or she'll never escape her small town life and follow her dream of becoming an actor. But then her best friend Stella returns, bringing excitement and danger to Jude's dull existence. For the first time, she can be who she wants to be. But as her life spirals out of control, Jude uncovers a dark secret. Will Stella save her - or destroy her?
When sixteen year old Billie Paradise inherits her grandmother's house, it's a fairytale come true. She and her family move from their rented flat in London to start a new life by the sea. Maybe Billie can even find the father she's never met. But moving back to her mum's childhood home, Billie uncovers long-buried secrets.
An emotionally compelling young adult book from Joanna Nadin - bestselling author of Rachel Riley and three times nominated Queen of Teen - featuring romance and family mystery through three generations of mother and daughters.Can Billie find the truth? When sixteen year old Billie Paradise inherits her grandmother's house, it's a fairytale come true. She and her family move from their rented flat in London to start a new life by the sea. Maybe Billie can even find the father she's never met. But moving back to her mum's childhood home uncovers long-buried secrets and Billie soon discovers that people may die, but the past lives for ever.
A chilling and compelling YA mystery from Joanna Nadin - bestselling author of Rachel Riley and three times nominated for Queen of Teen. I wait for my heart to slow and then I begin the game of 'what ifs' and 'if onlys'. What if I could turn back time? Would Eden still stand? Would Bea still be alive? After her cousin Bea is killed in a house fire, Evie returns to her childhood home of Eden, full of guilt for what might have been. She is not the only one seeking redemption. Bea's boyfriend, Penn, arrives in Cornwall, desperate to atone for a terrible mistake. And as Penn and Evie's feelings for each other intensify, Evie slowly unravels the dark truth behind Bea's tragic death...
Penny Dreadful manages to Cause a Kerfuffle with three uproarious stories in which she ends up blue, along with her sister's swan outfit, and turns Joshua Bottomley pale and green by doing a science experiment on him. Penny then Cooks Up a Calamity as she tries to turn over a new leaf in the school show, on a class trip and by making the cake of dreams for her mum s birthday ... but some how her efforts still turn into a huge disaster.
In The Trials of Ruby P. Baxter, Ruby has troubles at school, a totally embarrassing dad and a goat for a pet, so life can be very trying. Read all about it in her TOP SECRET diary. Chucklers is a series of funny novels, short stories, anthologies and comics that make reading a pleasure for 7-11 year olds. There is something for everyone in this varied collection which is packed with fantastic illustrations. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk. The series is written by top children's authors and edited by award-winning author Jeremy Strong. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book.
Project X Origins is a ground-breaking guided reading programme for the whole school. Action-packed stories, fascinating non-fiction and comprehensive guided reading support meet the needs of children at every stage of their reading development. Join special agent Jake Jones as he tries to stop Vlad the Bad from taking all the things that start with the letter V in Jake Jones v Vlad the Bad. Each book contains inside cover notes that highlight challenge words, prompt questions and a range of follow-up activities to support children in their reading.
Project X Origins is a ground-breaking guided reading programme for the whole school. Action-packed stories, fascinating non-fiction and comprehensive guided reading support meet the needs of children at every stage of their reading development. In The End of Time Marley suddenly finds he has the power to stop time, but how should he use it? Should he steal a Porsche, get his own back on the class bully, or should he try to make amends with his best friend? Each book contains inside cover notes that highlight challenge words, prompt questions and a range of follow-up activities to support children in their reading.
Project X Origins is a ground-breaking guided reading programme for the whole school. Action-packed stories, fascinating non-fiction and comprehensive guided reading support meet the needs of children at every stage of their reading development. In The Secret Diary of Danny Grower Danny is excited to find the missing actor, Kurt Gold, hiding in his Nan's shed and is eager to help him. But is Kurt really who he says he is and can Danny find the stolen Jack Brown movie script? Each book contains inside cover notes that highlight challenge words, prompt questions and a range of follow-up activities to support children in their reading.
Project X Origins is a ground-breaking guided reading programme for the whole school. Action-packed stories, fascinating non-fiction and comprehensive guided reading support meet the needs of children at every stage of their reading development. When Eddie witnesses his classmate being bullied in The Witness, he knows he should tell someone. But instead he finds himself being drawn into helping the bullies: can he find his way out of this tricky situation and do the right thing? Each book contains inside cover notes that highlight challenge words, prompt questions and a range of follow-up activities to support children in their reading.
Typical! Just when I thought I'd found THE ONE, he gets all stroppy about a snog that wasn't even my fault and storms off. Well, enough is enough! It's time for me to wake up and smell the coffee (or at least the hot chocolate) and forget all about romance. Who needs a fairytale happy ending anyway? From now on, will deal only in cold hard facts . . . I'm Rachel Riley - welcome to my so-called life.
More tales of mishap and misadventure from the incorrigible but hilarious Penny Dreadful. This is the 7th title in the Penny Dreadful series and includes three stories in one book. The first, Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.
The further escapades of the engaging and immensely funny Rachel Riley - an Adrian Mole style character of today's teenage world. Written in diary style, this book has all the necessary hallmarks to be a real page-turner. Not just funny but genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, with every page ringing true and having you in stitches. No teenager should miss it. Definitely the heiress to Queen of Teen if not already the Queen of Teen. To view the other titles featuring Rachel Riley and to find out more about the author, who once upon a time was a speechwriter for Tony Blair, then click here. Or click here to find out more about Rachel Riley herself in her very own website!
Laugh-out-loud with the delightful and aptly named Penny Dreadful! Every child who has felt that awful things just unexpectedly happen around them will love Penny and catastrophes that she just can’t help! And none of them are her fault, of course. In these three short stories Penny comes up with some ingenious ideas as she tries to put right some of things she have happened. It’s easy to see why her father gave her the nickname - Penny Dreadful! The first Penny Dreadful book, Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2011. Click here to see the whole series.
When will Justin Statham realize what he's missing? Can't he see that his ONE is here, right under his nose, ie. ME! Maybe he's heard that I'm rubbish at snogging? I need to brush up on my technique-and fast! Or perhaps I am just generally unlovable . . . after all, I am practically a medical midget and my hair is completely mental! I'm Rachel Riley - welcome to my so-called life. Will Rachel succeed in her quest to find the ONE? Or will she just end up with a big, fat ZERO? Not suitable for younger readers.
February 2013 Book of the Month Three lively stories for newly- confident readers matched by eye-catching illustrations are gathered up in this one volume. Of course, Dreadful is not Penny’s real name but it fits her well, as these stories about how she decides to track down a vampire, give her miserable neighbour a makeover and ends up being a record breaker easily demonstrate. Attractively presented and fun to read.
A breath of fresh air in teen girls’ fiction and one of the funniest things we’ve read in the Lovereading office this year. Tipped to be the Adrian Mole for today’s teenage girls, My So-Called Life charts the side-splitting consequences of one girl’s quest to inject more drama into her tragically normal life. It captures brilliantly in laugh-out-loud diary style the angst of any teenager. A definite rival for bestselling teen novelists Louise Rennison and Sue Limb. Finally, don’t panic when you’ve finished this one for Rachel’s story will continue in the sequel The Life Of Riley. Click here to find out more about Rachel Riley herself in her very own website!
Penny can’t help but attract mischief, no matter where she goes. Follow Penny’s disastrous misadventures in her fourth book, featuring more brilliantly funny stories coupled with some laugh out loud illustrations – Penny Dreadful is definitely a national treasure in the making! To view all the Penny Dreadful titles click here.
March 2012 Book of the Month. Wherever Penny goes chaos tends to ensue particularly when she tries to put all her 'brilliant ideas' into practice! With four great stories in this, the third of the Penny Dreadful titles there will be no shortage of laugh-out-loud fun to enjoy. Interspersed throughout with some great black and white illustrations, this is sure to appeal greatly to children aged 6+. But don't just take our word for it - this is what some readers think: 'Penny Dreadful stories are very exciting. It is a brilliant series' Polly, aged 10 'I wanted to read on and on and on...it was soooo good' Matt, aged 8 (yes boys love Penny Dreadful too) 'I liked Penny because she's naughty, but in a way she is also funny' Millie, aged 8 'A hilariously brilliant read' Anastasia, aged 11 ' I think Penny Dreadful is, well, dreadfully funny. PS I'm turning a little dreadful too' Islay, aged 8 I love Penny Dreadful, she is brilliant and very funny' Iona, aged 6 The first Penny Dreadful book, Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2011. Click here to see the whole series.
With the aid of little brother Stan, who has an obsession with clothes, and best friend Big Lauren, an expert on fame and fortune, Billy embarks on an epic journey through Broadley attempting to find his fortune. But nothing seems to be going to plan, until he stumbles across a jiffy bag of 20 notes.
Rumpelstiltskin is based on the traditional tale from German folklore about a goblin who helps a miller's daughter spin straw into gold. But magical help comes at a price; what will the goblin ask for in return and can Lily outwit him? This charming story written by Joanna Nadin and beautifully illustrated by Alejandro O'Keeffe will capture your child's imagination! It has been sensitively rewritten to enable your child to read it with confidence whilst capturing the magic of the original tale. There are useful tips for parents and an engaging story map inside the book to help you and your child retell the story together. The Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales series includes 40 of the best known stories from all over the world, which have been passed down for generations. They are a perfect introduction to different cultures, traditions and morals. All the stories are carefully levelled to Oxford Reading Tree levels and matched to the phonic progression in Letters and Sounds enabling your children to read the stories independently. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with childrens reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.
Aladdin is based on the traditional tale from the Middle East of a boy who finds a magic lamp containing a genie who grants him three wishes. What will Aladdin wish for and what will happen when the lamp is stolen by an evil sorcerer? This charming story written by Joanna Nadin and beautifully illustrated by Laura Anderson will capture your child's imagination! It has been sensitively rewritten to enable your child to read it with confidence whilst capturing the magic of the original tale. There are useful tips for parents and an engaging story map inside the book to help you and your child retell the story together. The Oxford Reading Tree Traditional Tales series includes 40 of the best known stories from all over the world, which have been passed down for generations. They are a perfect introduction to different cultures, traditions and morals. All the stories are carefully levelled to Oxford Reading Tree levels and matched to the phonic progression in Letters and Sounds enabling your children to read the stories independently. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with childrens reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.
Side-splittingly funny stories for young girls who are reading confidently. Penny Dreadful (not her real name) creates havoc wherever she goes and whatever she does! She has some really brilliant ideas, the only trouble is, they often seem to go horribly wrong… Propelled by a great sense of humour, these highly-illustrated stories are perfect for anyone who enjoys a laugh. Joanna Nadin's Penny Dreadful is a wickedly funny creation and worthy contender to Horrid Henry.
The sensational, laugh-out-loud new stand-alone novel from Joanna Nadin, author of the bestselling Rachel Riley novels. Perfect for 10+ readers it's written in diary form and it's the story of Buttercup who has to cope with an entirely dysfunctional family and a best friend who's more than a bit irrational. You can also read the new blog that Joanna has set up with 30 other authors who write fiction for girls aged 10-14 - click here to visit girlsheartbooks.com .
Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2011. A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. A bundle of awfulness! Penny Dreadful (not her real name) has an unfortunate habit of creating mayhem wherever she goes and whatever she does! Penny has some really brilliant ideas. The only trouble is, they often seem to go horribly wrong… Propelled by a great sense of humour, these highly-illustrated stories are perfect for anyone who enjoys a laugh.
This title is part of Bug Club, the first whole-school reading programme to combine books with an online reading world to teach today's children to read. In this Year 6 Red B (NC level 5b) fiction novel ... Did you ever go to a school disco dressed in your pyjamas? Does your little sister go to school dressed as a carrot? Welcome to the world of Cosmo B. Henderson! Nothing ever goes right for him, his dog eats EVERYTHING and his mum is mega-embarrassing. This is the second instalment of Cosmo's diary.
This title is part of Bug Club, the first whole-school reading programme to combine books with an online reading world to teach today's children to read. In this Year 6 Red A (NC level 5c) fiction novel ... Have you ever eaten paper to get out of a sticky situation? Does your little sister go to school dressed like an alligator? Welcome to the world of Cosmo B. Henderson! Nothing ever goes right for him, his mum is MEGA-EMBARRASSING and he is the butt of everyone's jokes. This is Cosmo's diary.
A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. Lovereading4kids comment: Billy Grimshaw thinks the world of his dad. He hasn’t seen him for ages, but Billy knows he’ll be home as soon as he can get away from his important spying business in London. In the meantime, Billy is grappling with the disastrous news that his mum is going to marry Dave. As he makes secret plans to stop the wedding, Billy’s life gets more and more complicated, not helped by the classroom bully or even his friend, Big Lauren … A message from Joanna Nadin: So, you’re about to meet Billy Grimshaw – Zach Black obsessive, lover of jaffa cakes, and nemesis of his mum’s boyfriend Dave.The thing about Billy is he’s a bit different. Different to you, and most of your friends. I mean, his best friend is a girl called Big Lauren for a start. Plus, when things get tricky, he has to count his glow stars to make sure there are still fifty there.But, I bet if you thought about it, there’s some stuff about you that’s different too. And it doesn’t make you an oddball. It just makes makes you you. And it makes Billy a bit of a hero, in the end.So I hope the book will make you laugh, and maybe cry, and most of all, remember that we’re all weird, and brilliant. Just like Billy Grimshaw.
More hilarious exploits from the angst ridden teen diarist Rachel Riley. Fans of Louise Rennison’s character Georgia Nicolson will love this as will all those who have enjoyed the ups and down and ups again of Rachel’s life to date. To view other titles in the series click here.
Jude is following her dream to be an actor, but her best friend Stella has other ideas. Will Stella save her friend - or destroy her? Jude is under pressure. She must ace her GCSEs and an audition at a prestigious drama school to escape her small town life and follow her dream of being an actor. But then her best friend Stella returns, bringing excitement and danger to Jude's boring existence. Soon Jude's life is spiralling way out of control. But will Stella save her - or destroy her?
Making plan with Scarlet to deal with post-break-up trauma. We are going to channel anger into something positive and have new mission statement: 1. Not to moon about over exes but to embrace single life. 2. To stay away from all men (Sad Ed excepted as he is not actual man. He tried to disagree on this but was outnumbered). 3. To remain true to our friends, forsaking all others. 4. To remember that we alone are responsible for our own happiness. Scarlet is right. Life will be so much easier without the complications of love. It will be utter Simple Life and am completely committed. Am starting tomorrow. Not suitable for younger readers.
A double edition of Rachel's first two diaries - My So-Called Life: A breath of fresh air in teen girls’ fiction and one of the funniest things we’ve read in the Lovereading office this year. Tipped to be the Adrian Mole for today’s teenage girls, My So-Called Life charts the side-splitting consequences of one girl’s quest to inject more drama into her tragically normal life. It captures brilliantly in laugh-out-loud diary style the angst of any teenager. A definite rival for bestselling teen novelists Louise Rennison and Sue Limb. The Life of Riley: The deepest desires and greatest fantasies of a teenager are hilariously recorded in this no-holds-barred diary. Can Rachel, the author of the diary, find the boy of her dreams? Her search will make parents and teenagers laugh out loud.
Laugh out loud funny from the first page, The Meaning of Life, will be devoured by teenagers and adults in equal measure just as the Diaries of Adrian Mole hit the spot for a different generation. A spot-on teenage voice with a sharp and witty eye for teenage emotions, so good it’s hard to believe it’s not written by a teenager. In fact, Joanna is a former political speech writer and adviser to Tony Blair! If you know someone who loves the novels by Sue Limb or Louise Rennison then you know they’ll love the teenage world of Rachel Riley and her friends and foes. Be sure to check out the other two in the series, The Life of Riley and My So-Called Life. Or click here to find out more about Rachel Riley herself in her very own website!
The deepest desires and greatest fantasies of a teenager are hilariously recorded in this no-holds-barred diary. Can Rachel, the author of the diary, find the boy of her dreams? Her search will make parents and teenagers laugh out loud. This book is the sequel to My So-Called Life. Click here to find out more about Rachel Riley herself in her very own website!
Rachel Riley is the offspring of a depressingly unbroken home. Her mum and dad refuse to let her have a mobile phone, and have banned Ribena (too purple) and Eastenders (too common); her seven-year-old brother buys giant Des Lynam cut-outs and Will Young dolls from ebay and talks in Elvish; and the adopted dog eats her Pride and Prejudice boxed collection. It is time to change things. Rachel resolves that this year she will become tragic, literary and interesting - and will win the heart of Justin, the lead guitarist from Certain Death, along the way. Laugh-out-loud funny from beginning to end, this is a fresh new voice which will speak directly to teenagers everywhere. If Bridget Jones had kept a diary when she was a teenager, it is unlikely to have been this funny! Not suitable for younger readers.
When Jake Jellicoe signs up as cabin boy aboard the Flounder, Captain Dreadnought promises him a share of the loot. But he soon discovers that the captain isn't all that he seems and, before he knows it, Jake is caught up in a race for the Dread Pirate Redbeard's treasure.
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