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Catherine MacPhail is the award-winning author of over thirty books for children including Run Zan Run and Roxy’s Baby . She has won numerous awards including the Scottish Children’s Book Award which she has won twice. She lives in Greenock
Interest Age 11+ Reading Age 8 In a nutshell: creepy, haunting story of the young Jekyll and Hyde Catherine MacPhail admits to being fascinated by the story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and here she takes Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller as inspiration for a properly sinister new story, imagining Henry Jekyll as a boy, already struggling to control his own dark instincts and desires. Tension mounts as rumours spread of a terrifying creature roaming the night, and MacPhail’s vivid descriptions both of Edinburgh’s damp, foggy backstreets and the stuffy, claustrophobic Victorian villa that is Henry’s home amplify the sense of terror and suspicion. This is completely true to Stevenson’s vision and an unsettling read in its own right. For readers inspired to seek out the original, Barrington Stoke are publishing it in a dyslexia-friendly format this summer. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 11+ 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+ There are all sorts of stories being told about World War One, this one, based on the true story of the Quintinshill Rail Disaster, is particularly unusual and moving. With Dad away fighting, James, Belle and William are left to cope alone when their mum dies. Desperate to avoid going into a Home, James decides to take his little brother and sister to track down their father. Stowaways on a train, they become victims of Britain’s worst ever rail disaster. Catherine MacPhail contrasts the harshness of the children’s neighbour with the friendly troops they meet on the train; indeed to James there’s something magical about the train and for all its horror the crash seems to release them from a worse fate. There are elements of poetry in the telling of this haunting little novel. ~ 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 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Catherine McPhail gives a spine tingling and ghostly edge to a hard-hitting story about a school bully. Karam has changed schools often and is used to making friends easily. But then he meets Alex. Alex has a reputation for being trouble and Karam can do nothing to change it. But Karam is sure that there is something strange about Alex; something that makes him be so mean. Can Karam uncover the secret and what will happen when he does? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
At last, Omar's family are safe and have somewhere to live. But life in a new country isn't easy and life on the estate is proving even harder thanks to Sam. Sam's always there - in Omar's tower block, in his class, and in his face. He wants to push Omar around, but Omar's not giving up on his new life and he's ready to push back. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
It's Jack's first day at Glendale School. He's a star goalie, so why isn't he happy when he's asked to join the team? * Themes of family and friendship are explored in this exciting tale of school football. * Text type - A story with a familiar setting. * The storyboard on pp 22-23 offers children the opportunity to recap and retell the story in their own words.
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | The horrors of World War One and the huge demands it made on the young men who fought in it are explored in this thought-provoking and moving ghost story. It’s the end of the war but Tony and his mother have no reason to celebrate: Tony’s big brother Charlie was killed in France, shot by his own side as a deserter. His mother is heartbroken, but few of their neighbours are sympathetic and indeed, Tony’s old teacher presents him with a white feather. Tony can’t believe Charlie would run away and when he receives a final coded letter from his brother determines to find out what really happened. Economically told, this is a powerful story that raises issues of courage and responsibility.
Archie Eigg is never late, he's always on time - that's why his friends call him the egg-timer. But one morning, things start to go wrong - can he make it to school in time? 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.
Interest Age 11+ Reading Age 8 In a nutshell: creepy, haunting story of the young Jekyll and Hyde Catherine MacPhail admits to being fascinated by the story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and here she takes Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller as inspiration for a properly sinister new story, imagining Henry Jekyll as a boy, already struggling to control his own dark instincts and desires. Tension mounts as rumours spread of a terrifying creature roaming the night, and MacPhail’s vivid descriptions both of Edinburgh’s damp, foggy backstreets and the stuffy, claustrophobic Victorian villa that is Henry’s home amplify the sense of terror and suspicion. This is completely true to Stevenson’s vision and an unsettling read in its own right. For readers inspired to seek out the original, Barrington Stoke are publishing it in a dyslexia-friendly format this summer. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 11+ 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+ There are all sorts of stories being told about World War One, this one, based on the true story of the Quintinshill Rail Disaster, is particularly unusual and moving. With Dad away fighting, James, Belle and William are left to cope alone when their mum dies. Desperate to avoid going into a Home, James decides to take his little brother and sister to track down their father. Stowaways on a train, they become victims of Britain’s worst ever rail disaster. Catherine MacPhail contrasts the harshness of the children’s neighbour with the friendly troops they meet on the train; indeed to James there’s something magical about the train and for all its horror the crash seems to release them from a worse fate. There are elements of poetry in the telling of this haunting little novel. ~ 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 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Catherine McPhail gives a spine tingling and ghostly edge to a hard-hitting story about a school bully. Karam has changed schools often and is used to making friends easily. But then he meets Alex. Alex has a reputation for being trouble and Karam can do nothing to change it. But Karam is sure that there is something strange about Alex; something that makes him be so mean. Can Karam uncover the secret and what will happen when he does? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
I blame everything that happened on my own good nature. I took her under my wing. She was plain and frumpy and I said to my friend Indira, Let's make Mimi our next project. Big mistake. Chantelle Morgan is the most popular girl in school. Well, at least she was until Mimi came along. When Chantelle and her best friend Indira take clumsy, clueless new girl Mimi under their wing, Mimi takes all of their advice. She wears her uniform like Chantelle's; she has her hair cut like Chantelle's; she even starts to talk like Chantelle. And at first Mimi seems so pleased, so grateful. Gradually, though, Chantelle begins to suspect she has created a monster... *Suitable for reading age 10 years. * Help Key Stage 3 students move from Level 4c to Level 4a in reading. *Support comprehension with the engaging, age-appropriate illustrations. *Encourage shared and guided reading using the ready-made tasks and discussion points on the activity pages at the back of the book. * Suitable for Key Stage 3 students with a reading age of 10 years and above.
Point Danger loomed above me. I tried not to think of all the stories: the ghostly sailors, the serial killer, the headless bodies. They didn't seem so funny now. I opened the door and went inside. It was as cold as the grave. The wind from the sea roared through the broken window. I could hear the tide rushing in... Mark is always in trouble. Now on a last warning, he's determined not to do anything wrong on the school trip (although, in his opinion, he is never the one at fault). When two bullies dare another boy to go inside a crumbling lighthouse, Mark can't stop himself from following. But can he keep them both out of danger, and himself out of trouble, when he gets inside? *Help Key Stage 3 students move from Level 3b to Level 3a in reading. *Support comprehension with the expressive, age-appropriate illustrations. *Encourage shared and guided reading using the ready-made tasks and discussion points on the activity pages at the back of the book.
Interest age Teen Reading age 8+. Chilling from start to finish this is a brilliant, fast moving and spooky story. When new girl Destiny arrives at school she asks if it is really haunted… Everyone knows it isn’t but tricking Destiny seems like a bit of harmless fun. But soon the fun begins to go just a little bit wrong… Tension mounts and leads to a highly satisfying conclusion. With a reading age of 8+ but an interest age of 12+, this novel can be enjoyed by an older struggling or reluctant reader just as much as by an avid and keen 8 year old reader. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
A school trip goes disastrously wrong when a visit to local caves turns into something far more sinister. Five school children find themselves trapped beneath the ground. Their best chance of escape is to stay together. Then a member of the group disappears, and their hopes of leaving start to fade. Does one of the remaining four know more than they are letting on, or is there something evil lurking in the caves? The five children find themselves in a struggle for dominance as well as survival .
It was as I was walking into the drama class that I remembered the girl I had bumped into and the green sweater just like mine. That was what had got Mrs Watt mixed up. She had seen the girl in the green sweater and thought it was me. That was the simple explanation. Wasn't it? Fay can't help thinking it odd that people start remarking on conversations she knows she hasn't had, or saying they have seen her when she knows she was somewhere else. But then she starts hearing muffled footsteps behind her, the flash of fair hair just like hers around the corner. Is she imagining things? A gripping, spooky thriller from the acclaimed story-teller Cathy MacPhail.
Hannah loves being part of the Lip Gloss Girls. They operate as a gang – mostly challenging the Hell Cats and always standing up for each other. But, when Hannah’s accused of betraying the Lip Gloss Girls, she soon finds out what it is like to on the outside. And yes, girls can be worse than boys – when it comes to gang warfare…
Maxine's parents have had to do perhaps the worst possible thing: confirm the identity of her brother Derek's body by the clothes he was wearing when he disappeared. So the brother who was missing is now officially dead. But then the worst possible thing really happens: Maxine receives a telephone call from somebody saying he is her brother. She can hardly believe her ears. Has Derek come back from the dead? In this pacy thriller the author manages to confront many issues including: how different people deal with grief/the very under-rated effect of severe bullying at school/sibling rivalry - all in a fast-paced compelling narrative voice.
Ivy turned on her. 'I told you I'd get you, didn't I? Well,' her next words sent shivers through Katie. 'Tonight's the night.' Katie is being bullied at school - and cannot get anyone to believe her. She feels frightened and alone. Until one day when she is cornered by Ivy and her fellow bullies on the town dump. Katie is terrified, there is nowhere left to run. But suddenly, as if by magic, a girl called Zan rises from the rubbish in the dump and leaps to Katie's defence. But Zan is not willing to talk to Katie - all she wishes to do is keep her identity a secret. Slowly Katies learns the truth about Zan, and when she does, she realises Zan has much more to lose than the safety of her cardboard box. A gripping story that really brings the issue of bullying to a head. This is Cathy MacPhail's first novel for children, which she wrote as a result of her own daughter being bullied at school.
Roxy was shaking with fear. She drew in a deep breath. She would not let her fear take over. She couldn't. She had too much to lose. She had to be strong, to be brave. For once in her life she had to think of someone other than herself. Roxy is wild, uncontrollable. She hates her parents - and her goody-two-shoes sister. Her only solace is her equally wild friends, Pat, Tracey and Jacqueline. Then there is the night of the party, where she lets that boy kiss her, and more ...and Roxy is pregnant. Wilfully, she won't tell her mother, her family. She decides to run away to London. And in London Roxy is found by Mr and Mrs Dyce. They are understanding, sympathetic, and promise her a way out of her troubles. They will take her to a comfortable place, along with other girls in the same position and look after her and her baby - which is exactly what happens. Roxy cannot believe her luck. But Roxy eventually works out the dark truth of the outwardly genial Dyces. They are 'farming' the babies in a truly horrible way, and selling the baby organs. There is only one dramatic way out for Roxy - and it's dangerous. But she is dealing with dangerous people and she has to take it. And now she has her baby to look after. A gripping and completely compelling story of a girl forced to grow up and think of others other than herself in the most nightmare of circumstances. These circumstances would seem too horrible to be true - were they not based on fact. A network doing exactly this was discovered to be operating in Italy in 2003, causing outcry, and has formed the basis for this story.
Lissa's world has just turned upside down. Her father has been in jail and is coming home for Christmas. She can't bear the way her mother and sister are so happy and making welcome plans. After all, he was the one who let them all down and spoilt her life, wasn't he? Before he went to jail, they had a nice house, she had trendy clothes and pretty much anything that she wanted, but now she is taunted by her classmates. Life only gets better when new girl Diane arrives at school. Diane sympathises with Lissa and doesn't make fun of her dad. But Lissa doesn't realise that Diane is manipulative. And she doesn't realise either how much her dad loves her. It is only when a combination of events come together that she has to face facts about who and what are really important to her.
Nicola wants to scare the new girl, Destiny, so she and her gang stay overnight in the school. After all, Destiny doesn't realise that all the stories about the school being haunted are made up. Or are they? Terrifying chiller. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.
As a result of a strange twist of fate, Shawn suddenly discovers to his horror that he is living Percy's life - and Percy is now Shawn! A wry, perceptive comedy. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.
This is the final thriller in the Nemesis quartet and certainly one not to be missed. A heart-stopping and highly original crime thriller series from the award-winning and highly acclaimed author Catherine McPhail. Nemesis : Ride of Death sees a shocking and surprising conclusion with Ram confronting his nemesis and evil forces more powerful than you can imagine as his secret is revealed. Boys in particular will be drawn to the whole package – the dramatic cover look, the short time frame in which all four thrillers are set, the short, pacy chapters, the cliff hangers and the dynamic, independent, resourceful boy hero. Nemesis is the junior Bourne Identity so fans of Robert Ludlum’s writing will appreciate just how good and suitable the Nemesis quartet is for the fans thereof. Other books in the series include Into The Shadows, The Beast Within, and Sinister Intent.
The third in the Nemesis quartet, a heart-stopping and highly original crime thriller series from the award-winning and highly acclaimed author Catherine McPhail. Nemesis : Sinister Intent sees people going missing and each one of them is known by Ram; then he discovers another terrifying truth that means he’ll never be safe again... Boys in particular will be drawn to the whole package – the dramatic cover look, the short time frame in which all four thrillers are set, the short, pacy chapters, the cliff hangers and the dynamic, independent, resourceful boy hero. Nemesis is the junior Bourne Identity so fans of Robert Ludlum’s writing will appreciate just how good and suitable the Nemesis quartet is for the fans thereof. Other books in the series include Into The Shadows, The Beast Within, and Ride Of Death.
Ram has cheated death - four times. Who is so desperate to kill him? And why? On the run, Ram finds himself on desolate moorland. He knows he is being stalked, but this time by something less than human ...Ram is rescued by the seemingly generous and kind William and Mary. But his relief fades to suspicion and fear when, on learning he has no memory, they insist on calling him Noel. Ram is full of doubt. He has no memory of who he is, but he knows he is not Noel - doesn't he? And odd memories start to surface. Memories of guns, rifles, explosions. Strange phrases seem to ring bells. Why does Ram feel in his gut that his secret past is not just vitally important to him, but could have even global significance? Macphail brilliantly sets the clues and racks up the tension in the second of this four-part instalment about Ram and his deadly opponent, the Dark Man. As the series evolves it will be revealed that there is a global terrorist coup being plotted and Ram - unknowingly - holds the secret and the ability to prevent it. Will he realise in time - or will the Dark Man get to him first?
Hannah Driscoll is part of a gang called the Lip Gloss Girls. The gang spends most of their spare time together - or baiting the rival gang the Hell Cats. The two gangs constantly square up to each other and vie for which gang can fight the best - whether it be at school, in the park or on the train. Hannah feels safe and comfortable within the gang - until she is accused of betraying the Lip Gloss Girls. All of a sudden Hannah is made to feel what it is like to be cast out and surrounded by enemies...
First-class, award-winning authors interweave a gripping narrative with stacks of fun facts. This work caters particularly for the tastes of reluctant readers who would rather read about topics they're interested in than fiction - especially suitable for boys. It features fun, top-quality illustrations on almost every page. It is tested by consultants at every stage of production. Spider and Lizzie have gone back in time - again! They're in the dark streets of Edinburgh, in 1861, filled with kidnappers, killers...and monsters?
The first in the Nemesis quartet, a heart-stopping and highly original crime thriller series from the award-winning and highly acclaimed author Catherine McPhail. Nemesis : Into the Shadows introduces Ram, who has no memory of who he is, how he got to where he is, but is a murder suspect and on the run... Boys in particular will be drawn to the whole package – the dramatic cover look, the short time frame in which all four thrillers are set, the short, pacy chapters, the cliff hangers and the dynamic, independent, resourceful boy hero. Nemesis is the junior Bourne Identity so fans of Robert Ludlum’s writing will appreciate just how good and suitable the Nemesis quartet is for the fans thereof. Other books in the series include The Beast Within, Sinister Intent, and Ride Of Death.
Dean is back and this time he's a real boy! And with the help of Baggie Maggie he's out to get revenge on Ross. A wickedly funny story. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.
Spider and Lizzie are bored on their school trip to Edinburgh Castle - until they are transported back to the siege that took place there hundreds of years ago. A story offering a real taste of Scottish History.
'Roxy was shaking with fear. She drew in a deep breath. She would not let her fear take over. She couldn't. She had too much to lose. She had to be strong, to be brave. For once in her life she had to think of someone other than herself.' Roxy is wild, uncontrollable. She hates her parents - and her goody-two-shoes sister. Her only solace is her equally wild friends, Pat, Tracey and Jacqueline. Then there is the night of the party, where she lets that boy kiss her, and more and Roxy is pregnant. Wilfully, she won't tell her mother, her family. She decides to run away to London. And in London Roxy is found by Mr and Mrs Dyce. They are understanding, sympathetic, and promise her a way out of her troubles. They will take her to a comfortable place, along with other girls in the same position and look after her and her baby - which is exactly what happens. Roxy cannot believe her luck. But Roxy eventually works out the dark truth of the outwardly genial Dyces. They are 'farming' the babies in a truly horrible way, and selling the baby organs. There is only one dramatic way out for Roxy - and it's dangerous. But she is dealing with dangerous people and she has to take it. And now she has her baby to look after. A gripping and completely compelling story of a girl forced to grow up and think of others other than herself in the most nightmare of circumstances. These circumstances would seem too horrible to be true - were they not based on fact. A network doing exactly this was discovered to be operating in Italy in 2003, causing outcry, and has formed the basis for this story.
A school trip goes disastrously wrong when a visit to local caves turns into something far more sinister. Five school children find themselves trapped beneath the ground. Their best chance of escape is to stay together. Then a member of the group disappears, and their hopes of leaving start to fade. Does one of the remaining four know more than they are letting on, or is there something evil lurking in the caves? The five teenagers find themselves in a struggle for dominance as well as survival
'Young adult fiction is going from strength to strength, led by authors like Catherine MacPhail' Bookseller It was as I was walking into the drama class that I remembered the girl I had bumped into and the green sweater just like mine. That was what had got Mrs Watt mixed up. She had seen the girl in the green sweater and thought it was me. That was the simple explanation. Wasn't it? Fay can't help thinking it odd that people start remarking on conversations she knows she hasn't had, or saying they have seen her when she knows she was somewhere else. But then she starts hearing muffled footsteps behind her, the flash of fair hair just like hers around the corner. Is she imagining things? A gripping, spooky thriller from the acclaimed story-teller Catherine MacPhail.
A school trip goes disastrously wrong when a visit to local caves turns into something far more sinister. Five school children find themselves trapped beneath the ground. Their best chance of escape is to stay together. Then a member of the group disappears, and their hopes of leaving start to fade. Does one of the remaining four know more than they are letting on, or is there something evil lurking in the caves? The five children find themselves in a struggle for dominance as well as survival.
This book is suitable for reluctant readers of 8-13 with a reading age of eight years. It is printed on cream paper, which is proven to be more restful on the eye. The font is specially designed to encourage a smooth and easy read. There are frequent page breaks, short, headed chapters and illustrations on almost every page. A wide range of specialists, including children themselves, have read and commented on the book prior to publication. Duncan's life is turned upside down when Dean's ghost begins to follow him everywhere. Dean upsets teachers, picks fights and chases dogs, but no one else can see him, so Duncan gets the blame! How can Duncan and his friend get that ghost to go? A madcap, fast-paced ghost story.
James, paralized in a car accident, is now in a wheelchair and he's furious. The teenage driver of the car that hit him was killed in the accident, so James can't believe his eyes when he sees him walking down the street. Despite his wheels, he decides to play detective and the driver's sister joins him in the hunt for the 'dead man walking'. They discover an unsuspected co-driver who fled the scene of the accident, leaving the dead teenager to take the blame. The girl takes no notice of James's wheelchair, treating him as she would any other mate, and so he begins to accept things and live a life again.
Lissa's world has just turned upside down. Her father has been in jail and is coming home for Christmas. She can't bear the way her mother and sister are so happy and making welcome plans. After all, he was the one who let them all down and spoilt her life wasn't he? Before he went to jail they had a nice house, she had trendy clothes and anything pretty much that she wanted. Now it is 'Not so high and mighty now are you?at school. Life gets better when new girl Diane arrives at school. She sympathises with Lissa, doesn't make fun of her dad, and tells Lissa to ignore the taunts at school. And Diane's parents have the big house that Lissa used to have so Lissa can at least play make-believe But Lissa doesn't realise that Diane is very manipulative. And she doesn't realise either how much her dad loves her. It is only when a combination of events come together that she has to face facts about who and what are important to her. topical, pacy writing that has been proven to have many fans
Kevin is determined that he'll never join a gang but his path crosses the Tribe's when he saves one of them from a rival gang. Invited to take their initiation test, Kevin plans to break the oath of secrecy and tell everyone. But he falls under the spell of the gang leader, Salom, and becomes a member. Kevin then discovers how hard it is to break away from the Tribe's rules and Salom's power, for when he's challenged Salom always makes you sorry. In this case he fastens on to Kevin's little sister, Glory, and Kevin is forced to take the initiation test again as his sister freezes with horror crossing a beam high above a ruined building.
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