Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. How High the Moon, a Level 4 Reader, is A2+ in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing more complex uses of present perfect simple, passives, phrasal verbs and simple relative clauses. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear regularly. Ella lives in a small, Southern town in the 1940s. In the USA at this time, black people are treated badly by white people. Ella's mother lives in Boston, but Ella does not know who her father is. When Ella visits her mother, she learns more about herself and the world. Visit the Penguin Readers website Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

CRACKER IS ONE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY'S MOST VALUABLE WEAPONS:

a German shepherd trained to sniff out bombs, traps, and the enemy. The fate of entire platoons rests on her keen sense of smell. She's a Big Deal, and she likes it that way. Sometimes Cracker remembers when she was younger, and her previous owner would feed her hot dogs and let her sleep in his bed. That was nice, too.

Rick Hanski is headed to Vietnam. There, he's going to whip the world and prove to his family and his sergeant -- and everyone else who didn't think he was cut out for war -- wrong. But sometimes Rick can't help but wonder that maybe everyone else "is" right. Maybe he should have just stayed at home and worked in his dad's hardware store.

When Cracker is paired with Rick, she isn't so sure about this new owner. He's going to have to prove himself to "her" before "she's" going to prove herself to him. They need to be friends before they can be a team, and they "have" to be a team if they want to get home alive.

Told in part through the uncanny point of view of a German shepherd, "Cracker!" is an action-packed glimpse into the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a dog and her handler. It's an utterly unique powerhouse of a book by the Newbery Medal-winning author of "Kira-Kira."

Donegal, 1976

When a dolphin takes up residence in Carrig Cove, Emer and her best friend, Fee, feel like they have an instant connection with it. Then Dog Cullen and his sidekick, Kit, turn up, and the four friends begin to sneak out at midnight to go down to the beach, daring each other to swim closer and closer to the creature . . .

But the fame and fortune the dolphin brings to their small village builds resentment amongst their neighbours across the bay, and the summer days get longer and hotter . . . There is something wild and intense in the air. Love feels fierce, old hatreds fester, and suddenly everything feels worth fighting for.

In this beautiful, epic coming-of-age novel, an old tale is rewoven as a stunning YA story by well-known Irish author/illustrator Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick.

Newbery Honor Book Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book Using original slave auction and plantation estate documents, Ashley Bryan offers a moving and powerful picture book that contrasts the monetary value of a person with the priceless value of life experiences and dreams that a slave owner could never take away. Imagine being looked up and down and being valued as less than chair. Less than an ox. Less than a dress. Maybe about the same as...a lantern. This gentle yet deeply powerful way goes to the heart of how a slave is given a monetary value by the slave owner, tempering this with the one thing that can't be bought or sold: dreams. Inspired by the actual will of a plantation owner that lists the worth of each and every one of his "workers," the author has created collages around that document, and others like it. Through fierce paintings and expansive poetry, he imagines and interprets each person's life on the plantation, as well as the life their owner knew nothing about--their dreams and pride in knowing that they were worth far more than an overseer or madam ever would guess. Visually epic, and never before done, this stunning picture book is unlike anything you've seen.

Elsie witnesses the rise of antisemitic fascism in 1930s London in this gripping new story from award-winning author Tanya Landman. Life has always been tough on the streets of Stepney, where Elsie and her brother Mikey are growing up in a vermin-infested slum nicknamed "Paradise". But the rise of antisemitic fascist Oswald Mosley and his Blackshirts in the 1930s stirs up trouble between families who have lived closely together for years, and Elsie sees friendships torn apart. When Elsie and Mikey attend a Mosley rally, intending to heckle and cause trouble, they soon see how dangerous the situation has become, but out in the streets the fascists find that people will stand and fight against them and against hatred in what becomes the dramatic Battle of Cable Street.

Benjamin Nathan Tuggle thinks he's just like any other twelve-year- old growing up in Eastern Kentucky in 1976-until he learns he can travel back in time.

He knows for sure that he's not dreaming when he meets Daniel Boone, a hunter, woodsman, and adventurer. The year is 1776, and Boone and the other settlers of Boonesborough are braving the dangers of the wilderness to open up an unexplored frontier.

Wild bears and marauding Indians are no match for Boone. The woodsman has never met a situation he couldn't talk, fight, or run his way out of, but he might not be able to match Benjamin's wit and energy. Despite their differences of personality and time period, the two develop a kinship as they discover the passion that they share for nature, adventure, and justice.

To truly make a difference and prove that he belongs, Benjamin must overcome his fears and get involved in events he's only read about in school. Join him as he journeys back in time, meets legends from the past, and explores the wonderful wilderness of the American frontier in "Benjamin Nathan Tuggle: Adventurer."

Mac B. is on a secret mission to retrieve a stolen, priceless piece of history in this totally true kid spy adventure from New York Times bestselling author, Mac Barnett! England is in trouble! A priceless violin has been stolen, and there's only one person who can help: Mac B., kid spy. Mac's adventure takes him on a top-secret museum night watch, zip-lining in Italy with his trusty corgi sidekick, and on an undercover mission in the heart of enemy territory. But when he ends up as a captured prisoner, is the mission lost for good?Catch the latest hilarious adventure in the New York Times bestselling Mac B., Kid Spy books! Mike Lowery's signature illustrations appear on every page and historical facts are woven throughout, along with intrigue, history, hilarity and more. Discover this TOTALLY TRUE, wholly original, and side-splittingly funny kid spy action-packed adventure, from the wildly talented author Mac Barnett.

Continue west, young pioneer--the second leg of your journey starts here--and it won't be any easier. Natural disasters, disease, and dishonest people are challenges you'll face in the wild frontier. Now, trek on the Oregon Trail to Devil's Gate! This is the second installment of four books that will take you all the way to Oregon Territory--if you make the right choices.

In book two of this exciting choose-your-own-adventure series, it's 1850 and you've been traveling for the past six weeks on foot for fifteen miles a day with your family, covered wagon full of supplies, and oxen. And congratulations--you made it to Chimney Rock. But your journey has just begun. You need to get to Devil's Gate, the halfway mark on your 2,000-mile journey west. Keep watch! Danger awaits on your way to those eerie cliffs.

Which path will you choose in the face of danger? With twenty-two possible endings, choose wrong and you'll never make it to Devil's Gate. Choose right and blaze a trail that gets you closer to Oregon City!

Return to the spellbinding world of Cordelia Hatmaker in this soaring magical sequel to The Hatmakers. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor, A Pinch of Magic and Harry Potter. Ever since Cordelia discovered the hidden map in her father's precious telescope, she's been searching the streets of London by starlight and trying to uncover its secrets. She's sure that her missing father is out there somewhere, and that if she follows his map, she'll finally discover the truth about his disappearance. She never expects to stumble upon a secret society of Mapmakers - or to learn that magic isn't limited to the few Maker families, but is instead is all around, if you just know where to look . . . But danger is lurking around every corner, and Cordelia must convince the rival Maker families to work together for once - not only to bring her father home, but to save the very essence of magic itself . . . A gorgeous adventure from exceptional new storytelling talent, Tamzin Merchant, featuring beautiful illustrations by Paola Escobar. Praise for The Hatmakers 'Wildly inventive . . . full of laugh-out-loud humour, enchanting magic and rebellious hope. I loved it' Catherine Doyle 'Imaginative' The Times 'An utterly charming adventure full of wildness, wit, magic and heart' Anna James 'Absolutely wonderful' Emma Carroll 'A swashbuckling romp for lovers of history and magic . . . Will appeal to Philip Pullman and Harry Potter fans' Kirkus 'A cosy magical adventure peppered with charming detail' The Bookseller

Edward IV has died, leaving his 12-year-old son as king. But England has been torn apart by the Wars of the Roses. Nobody wants a boy-king. Soon the boy's uncle Richard III is on the throne - but Henry Tudor is challenging him for the crown. Henry and Richard have one thing in common: they need the young Edward V and his little brother out of the way. The two boys are sent to the Tower of London for safety. They are never seen again... A fascinating look at the brief reign of Richard III, told through the eyes of the princes' nursemaid. What really happened to the princes in the Tower? Was Richard responsible - or has he been wrongly accused for centuries?

Barnaby Sharpe liked climbing trees -- he was practicing to be a ship's captain and would need to climb masts someday. One early evening during the War of 1812 he was sitting in a tall oak tree, hoping to be the first to catch sight of the British warships that were expected to bombard St. Michaels, Maryland.

In an unusual turn of events, Barnaby's tree climbing leads him to a brilliant idea to outwit the British. And that leads to his becoming a hero. This story of a young boy who was smarter than the grown-ups is a great morale booster for children and a pleasure for them to share with their parents.

Everyone knows about Anne Frank and her life hidden in the secret annex - but what about the boy who was also trapped there with her? In this powerful and gripping novel, Sharon Dogar explores what this might have been like from Peter's point of view. What was it like to be forced into hiding with Anne Frank, first to hate her and then to find yourself falling in love with her? Especially with your parents and her parents all watching almost everything you do together. To know you're being written about in Anne's diary, day after day? What's it like to start questioning your religion, wondering why simply being Jewish inspires such hatred and persecution? Or to just sit and wait and watch while others die, and wish you were fighting. As Peter and Anne become closer and closer in their confined quarters, how can they make sense of what they see happening around them? Anne's diary ends on August 4, 1944, but Peter's story takes us on, beyond their betrayal and into the Nazi death camps. He details with accuracy, clarity and compassion the reality of day to day survival in Auschwitz - and ultimately the horrific fates of the Annex's occupants.

To prepare for this life or death mission, Charlie teaches kids how to properly wear a toga, read gladiators' armor and weapons, and be a perfect Roman dinner guest

It's Pompeii, AD 79, and Vesuvius is about to erupt. The Department of Historical Accuracy needs a History Spy with nerves of steel to find out what the city was really like. Your mission is to find out what happened at a gladiator battle, what went on at the luxurious banquets, and why everyone in Pompeii was so smelly Finally, you will witness the eruption that buried the city for 2,000 years. Better listen to Charlie when he explains the basics of Latin, Roman numerals, and sandals.

Get set for another incredible adventure with secret agents extraordinaire, Miss Sophie Taylor and Miss Lillian Rose! After the dramatic events of their mission to St Petersburg, Sophie and Lil know the truth - there's a double-agent at work at the Secret Service Bureau. Whilst Lil pursues a dangerous line of enquiry in London, Sophie must set out on a new mission to Venice, following a twisted trail to discover long-buried secrets. But there are villains lurking amongst the city's piazzas, canals and crumbling palaces, and in the shadows an old enemy lies in wait...

Inspired by the works of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, Garth Nix's Newt's Emerald is a light hearted Regency romance with a fantasy twist.

After Lady Truthful's magical Newington Emerald is stolen from her she devises a simple plan: go to London to recover the missing jewel. She quickly learns, however, that a woman cannot wander the city streets alone without damaging her reputation, and she disguises herself as a moustache-wearing man. During Truthful's dangerous journey she discovers a crook, an unsuspecting ally, and an evil sorceress but will she find the Emerald?

'[Selznick is] a postmodern hero of middle-grade children's fiction... Those who revel in puzzles, philosophical conundrums and musings on transience, time and grief will adore this challenging read' The Times 'The most perfect feat of storytelling' Scott Evans, The Reader Teacher 'It has touched me in a way I can't express... Breath-taking' Ceridwen Eccles, primary teacher and blogger at Teacher Glitter A ship. A garden. A library. In Kaleidoscope, the incomparable Brian Selznick presents the story of two people bound to each other through time and space, memory and dreams. At the centre of their relationship is a mystery about the nature of grief and love which will look different to each reader. Kaleidoscope is a feat of storytelling that illuminates how even the wildest tales can help us in the hardest times. Brian Selznick's first book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, was the winner of the esteemed Caldecott Medal, the first novel to do so, as the Caldecott Medal is for picture books Released as a live-action film Hugo in 2011, directed by Martin Scorsase and starring Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen, Richard Griffiths, Ray Winstone, and Christopher Lee. Brian Selznick's second book, Wonderstruck, was also made into a feature film, starring Julianne Moore and Michelle Williams

A beautiful new edition of the first volume in the Surya Trilogy by Whitbread award-winning author Jamila Gavin.

India, August 1947: Fleeing from their burnt-out village as civil war rages in the Punjab, Marvinder and Jaspal are separated from their mother, Jhoti. Marvinder has already saved her brother's life once, but now they both face a daily fight for survival.

Together they escape across India and nearly halfway around the world to England, to find a father they hardly know in a new, hostile culture...

A powerful story of culture, class, family and faith set against the backdrop of Indian independence and the Partition of India and Pakistan. Perfect for fans of The Bone Sparrow, Morris Gleitzman’s Once, and Katherine Rundell’s The Wolf Wilder.