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Jan Mark was born in Hertfordshire during the Second World War. She would have been born in London, but her mother had been evacuated. She moved around a lot as a child, and ended up in Oxford. Sadly, she died suddenly from meningitis on 16 Jan 2006.
Jan Mark was one of the most distinguished authors of books for young people. She was twice awarded the Carnegie Medal for her novels Thunder and Lightnings and Handles; and also won the Penguin Guardian Award, the Observer Teenage Fiction Prize and the Angel Award for Fiction. Click here to see more of her books
There are two stories by Jan Mark in this hugely attractive little book in Barrington Stoke’s new Conkers series, both set in Medieval England. The Abbot of Canterbury needs the help of a poor shepherd boy to solve puzzles set by wicked King John if he’s to avoid execution, while in Robin Hood All at Sea, Robin leaves Greenwood to be a fisherman. He doesn’t find it easy, and the other fisherman are decidedly unimpressed, until they run into some pirates and Robin can show off his talents for shooting and wealth distribution. Though set in the past these stories have the freshness of everyday living about them, and Tony Ross’s illustrations add to the excitement. Barrington Stoke produce books specifically for reluctant or dyslexic readers. This is longer than most of their books, and they’ve included lots of jolly extras including fun facts and quizzes to tempt reluctant readers into longer stories. ~ Andrea Reece Part of the Conkers series from Barrington Stoke, aimed at readers aged 6 to 9, for a wide range of readers and abilities. Each Conker title combines a story with lots of extras such as riddles, quizzes and fun facts.
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 7+. Fabulous twist on the Robin Hood story from Carnegie Medal winner Jan Mark. Robin Hood's not content with being No. 1 Most Wanted man in Sherwood. So he decides to become a fisherman! But soon realises it won't be as easy as he thought - How will the famous Robin Hood cope with pirates, sea sickness and grumpy sailors? Fun comedy.
This is the exciting sequel to Riding Tycho and the story begins as Demetria is rescued from the sea having been sun-scorched and dangerously dehydrated during her escape from High Island. But the life ahead is by no means easy. Demetria soon discovers that those from High Island are not welcomed and new horrors lie ahead of her. Demetria also discovers what really matters to her. Like its predecessor, Voyager is set in a dark world but Demetria’s powerful personality and her belief in the importance of finding out the truth infuses both it and its predecessor with hope. (13+)
A thrilling and surprisingly energizing story of one girl’s courage in escaping from a repressive society to search for something more fulfilling and creative. This is the first and if you like it try the sequel Voyager. Life on the High Island is harsh – especially for women. Demetria has known nothing but drudgery and bullying in her life. Everything in her world is grey and in the background all too often there is the chilling scream of the Banshee, set off every time anyone tries to escape across the sea to freedom. But life changes completely for Demetria when Ianto, a political prisoner, is billeted on the family home. From Ianto Demetria hears about another world where there are stories, imagination and freedom. Bravely, she determines to find it. (13+)
Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. What the judges said: This is a story of family life, rendered more chaotic than ever by the arrival of a self-obsessed stranger. Mark demonstrates her unerring ability to unpick the strands of everyday living and make the ordinary appear extraordinary. The story is told with wry wit and humour, employing sharp irony and masterful dialogue.
When Andrew's family moves house, he strikes up an unexpected friendship with his neighbour Victor. There isn't a thing Victor doesn't know about the RAF planes flying overhead and the two boys are soon busy tracking their movements. Then Andrew discovers that Victor's beloved Lightnings are due to be scrapped... Thunder and Lightnings won the Carnegie Medal in 1976.
Fun and quirky tales of Medieval Merry England. Two stories combine in one gorgeous package with tons of extras such as riddles, quizzes and fun facts. Sure to appeal to readers of all ages and particularly suitable for 6-9s. From two-time Carnegie Medalist Jan Mark, with gorgeous illustrations by the award-winning Tony Ross.
Set in a highly realistic dystopic future, where the lowlands of Britain are flooded, this beautifully realised novel explores a world where archaeology is controlled for fear of social unrest. One bleak morning, a storm across the North Sea unveils a human skull, which leads to a series of events that changes the lives of those involved. Merrick, a young graduate archaeology student becomes embroiled in the task of discovering the origins of the skull. His interest in this bizarre case brings him into contact with the Inglish, a remnant tribe eking out an existence on the edge of Europe. In this wildly progressive new world, it is they who will be affected the most. This is a compelling vision of England as it could be in the not-so-distant future.
Robin Hood's not content with being No. 1 Most Wanted man in Sherwood. So he decides to become a fisherman! But soon realises it won't be as easy as he thought - How will the famous Robin Hood cope with pirates, sea sickness and grumpy sailors? Fun comedy.
Peggy is a fifteen-year-old rather at odds with the world around her. Her older sister berates her constantly for being messy. Her teachers reprimand her for being unladylike. Her best friend has stopped talking to her, because she was so shocked when Peggy explained the facts of life to her. And now, she's got the strangest sounds reverberating through her head. Could they really be voices from another world, as her auntie thinks? Or is there a simpler explanation at hand? A moving, fascinating and superbly written novel of family life in the 1920s.
Elijah longs to be a scientist, to follow in the footsteps of his heroes. But as a member of the Horebite church such dreams will never be possible. Instructed by his father and his church to listen for The Still, Small Voice that will inform his life, Elijah finds himself trapped between a modern world and an ancient belief system; until the discovery of his hidden scientific apparatus brings these two worlds together with unexpected results . . .
Nisba may be new at Farm Lane School, but she won't be pushed about. When an older girl tries to stop Nisba from walking along the green tiles in the corridor, the new girl puts her foot down. She's got long legs and she's going to use them!
Greedy King John has set the Abbot three impossible riddles. If he can't solve them,he's ruined. Surely a simple shepherd can't hold the answer? A heart- warming tale from a Carnegie Medal -winning author. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.
Demetria has never questioned her harsh life on High Island. The endless rules, merciless bullying and the scream of the Banshee announcing another doomed escape across the sea, are all she has ever known. But then she meets political prisoner Ianto Morgan, who tells her about a strange and distant world full of stories and freedom. Demetria is captivated by the possibility of a life without limits, but is Ianto telling the truth or is it all dangerous lies? Whatever the cost, Demetria knows she must find out . . .
Clay is a normal teenager who likes watching films with her Dad and doing her paper round. But when a new neighbour befriends her Mum, she starts to feel uneasy. Since when did their lives revolve around his? And why is everything suddenly so complicated?Clay knows there is something odd about the new family, yet she can't help being drawn to them like everyone else...This book is by turns hilariously funny and very creepy. It talks about the power one individual can yield. And Clay meanwhile is growing up. It is stunningly original and never simplistic. It simply deserves to be read.
He may be the best outlaw in the forest but can Robin Hood make it as a fisherman? Find out in this hilarious fast-paced action adventure story. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.
A superb title in the new-look Sprinters relaunch by a highly acclaimed children's author. Jane has a cat called Furlong who walks with her to school every day. Then, one day, he takes his own way home. When William, the new boy, threatens Jane with violence, it seems the only way she can escape him is to take Furlong's secret path, along the wall and into the unknown...; With its simple, dynamic story-telling and line illustrations, this is ideal for children building their reading confidence.
This is a fascinating thriller based in a future where the seas have risen to claim back the land, the past has been buried and archaeology is considered the most dangerous science. Set in a highly realistic dystopic future, where the lowlands of Britain are flooded, this beautifully realised novel explores a world where archaeology is controlled for fear of social unrest. One bleak morning, a storm across the North Sea unveils a human skull, which leads to a series of events that changes the lives of those involved. Merrick, a young graduate archaeology student becomes embroiled in the task of discovering the origins of the skull. His interest in this bizarre case brings him into contact with the Inglish, a remnant tribe eking out an existence on the edge of Europe. In this wildly progressive new world, it is they who will be affected the most. This is a compelling vision of England as it could be in the not-so-distant future.
One day, on the way to school, Joe finds a large, heavy key in the long grass. Joe thinks a giant might have dropped it; Irrum thinks it might be magic; Akash says the key is no good because it doesn't open anything. But when Joe tries the key in the lonely gate, he opens up a whole new world...
Six memorable short stories, never before published in a collection. Find out how...Visits from the tooth fairy can make you into a millionaire; A journey on the London Underground becomes a magical mystery tour for two lost boys; A ghostly sighting in a hall of mirrors reveals a long-held family secret;...Just some of the discoveries contained in these witty, thought-provoking stories from a prize-winning writer. Each story reveals that sometimes, people aren't quite what you expect them to be - and sometimes, they even surprise themselves...
Charlotte has always thought there's something not right about living in Compton Rosehay (aka Stalemate). Perhaps it's the plastic families, the identical rows of houses, or the girls who only talk about dicts. When she meets Elaine, Charlotte sees there is life outside her stifling neighbourhood. Together they spot the cracks in the town's exterior, to discover the hidden world of Stalemate.
After his father's death and his mother's swift remarriage, Russell begins to feel that he has a lot in common with Hamlet. So he is slightly appalled when he and his mates, Adam and Curt, manage to ruin the entire play during an excursion to the Theatre Royal. Banned from the school trip, and determined to keep their misdemeanour from their parents, the boys head for London. With little money and nowhere to stay, they end up at Heathrow Airport, wandering between terminals in an effort to remain undetected. As the days pass, Russell retreats further into himself and his memories and the past threatening to overwhelm him. Eventually, he is left alone, and must choose between escaping his troubles and confronting their cause ...
Nisba may be new at Farm Lane School, but she won't be pushed about. When an older girl tries to stop Nisba from walking along the green tiles in the corridor, the new girl puts her foot down. She's got long legs and she's going to use them.
LET YOUR IMAGINATION TAKE OFF WITH COLOUR JETS Irresistible stories for children who are beginning to enjoy reading alone. When Ian arranges to meet his friends 'under the red elephant' it all seems simple enough. But even the best of plans can go wrong and Ian's deadly enemy, Robert Friend, is out to make sure that this one does!
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