Big Top of Horrors

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, take your seats, the Big Top of Horrors series has arrived!

These six, gruesome stories have been written by accomplished and well-respected authors who have been writing stories to capture and intrigue the minds of reluctant readers for many years. Every title has been overseen by the series consultant, Dee Reid, who has ensured that the vocabulary and sentence structure are accessible for very low level readers — without compromising the exciting plot lines and complex characters.

With only 400–600 words and a reading age of 6–7, these gripping titles will appeal to your reluctant readers aged 12+ and leave them wanting more.

These six titles are terrifyingly good and the striking covers, illustrated by Mark Penman, will attract both reluctant and able readers alike, but don’t just take our word for it – the Ringmaster dares you and your students to read them!

Another knife landed just below his left arm.

It’s all part of the show, thought Anna.

No one will really get hurt.

“But this trick has a twist,” said the escape artist. “I will not be doing it.”

He looked at Shazia. “You will,” he said.

“Who dares to join Zena?” asked the Ringmaster.
“Who will win the prize of a lifetime?”

Eve put her hand up.

The lights had gone out. The show was about to begin.

A big man wearing a cloak and a top hat was in the centre of the ring.

“No, Ash, don’t!” cried Beth.

But Ash wasn’t listening. He climbed
inside the box, and was gone.

The clown’s voice had changed.
He sounded evil. Then, he put his hand 
to his face and pulled.

Roll up, roll up! Boys and girls… take your seats… come and see what the Big Top of Horrors has in store…

This April we publish a new horror series specifically for struggling and reluctant readers of secondary school age. The six titles have been written by accomplished and well-respected authors, who, under the guidance of children’s literacy consultant, Dee Reid, have ensured that the vocabulary and sentence structure are accessible for very low level readers — without compromising the exciting plot lines and complex characters that classically appeal to teenagers.

With an interest age of 12+ and a word count of 400–600, these gruesome quick reads are perfect to inject fresh, new titles into your resources for struggling teenage readers. Each 32-page title has eye-catching illustrations by talented illustrators Abby Ryder and Szabolcs Pal, helping to keep the attention of the reader.

Here’s a sneaky peek at the t