Super readable books for 11+ readers

Posted on Saturday, January 30, 2021
Category: Reading Resources

Super readable books for 11+ readers

The Super Readable Rollercoaster books are written by notable, contemporary writers and the first three titles include Rat by Patrice Lawrence, I Am the Minotaur by Anthony McGowan, and Edgar & Adolf by Phil Earle and Michael Wagg. Further books are in the pipeline.


OUP has launched a new series for reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 11 to 14 years. Called Super-Readable Rollercoasters, the series is being developed in partnership with Barrington Stoke.


The Super Readable Rollercoaster books are written by notable, contemporary writers and the first three titles include Rat by Patrice Lawrence, I Am the Minotaur by Anthony McGowan, and Edgar & Adolf by Phil Earle and Michael Wagg. Further books are in the pipeline.

We asked Katie Ward (a specialist teacher supporting dyslexic & reluctant readers) and school librarians Stephen Leitch and Julie Broadbent whether they would add the new books to their shelves?




Will your students want to pick up the books, do they look enticing?
Sophisticated cover illustrations make the books appealing, says specialist teacher Katie Ward. "For teenagers who are reluctant readers, or find reading difficult, it is important to present books that appeal to their age (not stage)." Often books that are of a suitable level and that are accessible are aimed at primary aged children and have cartoon-like cover designs that can be "a put off for sensitive teens", she says.

Perfectly pitched for those who are reluctant in reading and book choice, school librarian Stephen Leitch believes his students will be attracted by the look of the new series, and that the shorter length of the books will help. "I must say for me the cover of Rat just jumped out the most from the three sent to me with its Banksy inspired cover, and the kids will get this, too."


Will having well-known authors help encourage students to try the books out, particularly reluctant readers?
Seeing well-known and award-winning authors will encourage students "to invest their time and energy into the story, knowing it will be of quality and worth their time," says Ward. "It can also boost their self-esteem to see that writers of high accolade are producing work tailored for them."

Leitch adds that students will be drawn to names they recognise and adds, "If I file these together with the works of the authors, students won't feel stigmatised by having to go to a section of reluctant reader books." The books will be treated the same as any other fiction books, and children of all ability can select a novel by Phil Earle or Patrice Lawrence. "Also if they enjoy the novel by that author they may investigate others by the same author and will know where to look."


Are you happy with the layout and general package for dyslexic and reluctant readers?
The books have been developed with dyslexic and reluctant readers specialist Barrington Stoke, and this is reflected in how the books are laid out, says Ward. "The font is dyslexia friendly and is in keeping with the fonts I recommend to staff for printed/digital texts. The spacing between letters supports slower letter recognition along with the line spacing, which also allows readers who would use a ruled overlay to fit it neatly across the page to keep their place without it overlapping lines below."

The Barrington Stoke font and settings are recognised by students and, with their shorter chapters, they do seem to find the books easier to read says Leitch. "In Edgar & Adolf I appreciated the fact that match reports newspaper articles were written in the same text as the rest of the book (just like another chapter) when the temptation may have been to have it as a reproduced newspaper article, so being a challenge to some kids reading. Keeping the text and format the same keeps the flow of reading going better."

Leitch also gives a nod to the vocabulary list at the back of the book. "I'm a huge fan of this in fiction books, and the Who's Who list was also brilliant to have as a reminder of the characters in the story; I wondered if this should be at the front of the book?"

While he thought the included 'Quick quiz' and 'What did you think?' sections were fun, they might be seen as more like school work that helping to encourage reading, but he adds, "I can see these sections being useful if a small group of kids are reading this and want to get a discussion going about the book and what they thought of it."


 What do you think of the mix of genres and subject matter?
Of the three currently available (Rat, I am the Minotaur and Edgar & Adolf), the Rollercoaster books contain a good mix of subject matter says Ward. "The contemporary novels with relatable everyday experiences appeals in a similar way with readers finding relatable subjects and could also see them as 'trendy'."

Leitch agreed that the mix of fiction explored different themes and issues in very different ways. "Edgar & Adolf was included historical sections but the format of the book - each chapter set in the past or present - really worked and made what could have been a dull story really interesting." He hopes to see future launches including a mix of other fiction genres.


Will the Rollercoasters appeal to 'readers' as well as to reluctant readers?
The sophisticated covers ensure they would not be viewed as being for lower ability or reluctant readers, says Ward, while the range and quality of the stories will also appeal to 'readers'.

Using well known authors will also appeal, says Leitch, since readers often like to read all the books by a particular author. He adds, "I think it is good that there is nothing obvious on the front that says 'this book is for reluctant readers' as that can put of both readers and reluctant readers. "


How would you use the Rollercoaster books in your class or library?
As part of a literacy programme, Ward would have learners choose a novel which appealed to them for two weekly personal reading sessions where learners spend 20 minutes either paired reading with support, or reading independently. Readers of the same novel would be able to work in groups to complete short weekly reviews of their progress with the book and prompt questions will be given to provide discussion points.

Leitch would include the titles in the regular library book talks he does with S1, S2 and S3 pupils. "I would include them as part of my book talk if they fit the theme of that talk, so I know I'm then promoting books for all abilities in a talk - which is what I try to do - and I'd include them on book lists and book displays."

He would also promote the books to Support for Learning departments and English as good novels so they can recommend them to their pupils, and as personal recommendations to pupils who may be struggling with their reading, or reluctant readers as they are often the ones who struggle to choose a book to read.

Leitch also works with an EAL teacher who looks for reading books at the right level and interest for some of her pupils. "I think these will be a hit with them as they have enjoyed the Barrington Stoke Bali Rai books, especially the contemporary issues discussed within."

School librarian Julie Broadbent adds that the series would work well with either a reading group, as well as a student on a one-to-one basis. "The style and content are ideal for building confidence and reading stamina. The additional material in the book includes a quick quiz which will help to check a students' understanding and it also has a section asking What do you think?. This is a great feature that will enable lots of discussion opportunities centred around the main themes and issues raised in the book.

"Another highlight that I thought was so simple yet effective was a page giving suggestions on what to read next. This is great for helping to encourage students to continue with their reading journey. The series is also accompanied by free online teaching resources, again this allows for further exploration of the text."


 Are there authors or subjects you'd love to have included in future books?
With many reluctant readers who really enjoy non-fiction topics and themes like cars, motorbikes, buildings/ structures, cookery, something picking up on these themes would be good, suggests Leitch. "That might help to move them more easily into the world of fiction if they feel there is something relevant to their interests."

The three books in the package offer a variety of pace, story and genre for readers, says Ward, but adds, "I would like to see a novel in the package that explores another culture as I think reading provides learners an opportunity to gain a greater worldly perspective."


OUP says:

More Super-Readable Rollercoasters are being developed. Lightning Strike by Tanya Landman - set at the end of the 19th century during the match girls' strike - will publish this summer, alongside Dark Peak, a psychological thriller by Marcus Sedgwick. Out of the Rubble by Sally Nicholls, set at the end of the Second World War, will publish this autumn.



Roundup Reviews by Stephen Leitch

Rat by Patrice Lawrence
Very edgy, very urban in setting, language and issues dealt with. It is cleverly written and took me on such an emotional roller coaster of a read! The prison chapters had me in tears. And though not all readers will relate to the urban London setting, they will with the themes in it.

I am the Minotaur by Anthony McGowan
McGowan has woven a story around school, bullying and a depressed parent and what Matthew has gone through in his life. It is very insightful and relevant to a lot of young people. Featuring a school librarian is always a bonus and may help raise the profile of school libraries as a safe space for kids; it's one that we as school librarians take seriously.

Edgar & Adolf by Phil Earle and Michael Wagg
I initially thought this would be another version of the WW1 football at Christmas story. How wrong could I be and how delighted I was with the story, a lovely story of friendship and how we never really know the impact we make on other people's lives. This was quite a beautiful story that had me really engaged, despite not being a football fan in the slightest. For me, that's what makes this book brilliant and shows the power of a good story well told - any young person can enjoy this one. I loved all the books for different reasons, but Edgar & Adolf is my favourite as I thought it I would enjoy this the least!


Thank you to Stephen Leitch, Julie Broadbent and Katie Ward for reviewing the Super-Readable Rollercoasters for ReadingZone!