Read the story of Jim Jarvis, the boy whose plight inspired Dr Barnardo to found his famous children's homes. Now published into the Essential Modern Classics list.

Here is a collection of the most powerful and wonderful stories from the Old Testament, retold by award-winning author Berlie Doherty and illustrated by Jason Cockcroft. More than forty stories reveal the lives of memorable Biblical characters across the generations including Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Ruth, Saul, and David.

The story of two teenagers with an unplanned pregnancy, told from their points of view. They are studying for their A-levels, and although the girl does not end up going to college, the child reconciles her family.

Mrs Hardcastle was fast asleep. And Tilly Mint was bored. When her mum goes out to work, Mrs Hardcastle from up the street pops in to look after her. Mrs Hardcastle always drops off to sleep (she snores too, sometimes), and when she does, something magic always seems to happen to Tilly Mint.

Adapted from Berlie Doherty's award-winning book, the play examines how two teenagers cope with an unplanned pregnancy.

Features a poem, taking readers on a fantasy journey, raising a shiver or two on the way, but returning them safe and sound in the morning.

Two spooky stories from double-Carnegie-winner, Berlie Doherty. Dark and atmospheric these two tales send a chill down the spine. A desolate winter moor is the backdrop to the first story of a haunting friendship, and, in the second, when the past comes back to haunt Charlie, it becomes impossible to tell what is real and what isn't.

'Be strong, my Abela'. These are the last words of Abela's mother in their HIV/Aids stricken African village where it seems that to live or to die, to be sick or to be healthy, is just a matter of chance. It takes all Abela's strength to survive her Uncle Thomas' scheming to get to Europe, but what will be her fate as an illegal immigrant?

Although he is close to his adoptive parents, James has always wondered about his natural mother and why she gave him away. The only clues to her identity are a small stone and a note scribbled on the back of an envelope. With these, James sets off to find his past.

Holly's world came apart when she was six, when her mother took her, and ran away from her father. From that day on she has had no contact with him. But eight years later, with a new family around her, she feels very alone and longs for that half-remembered life. She is starting to question who she really is, and then a stranger appears.

Catherine and her family are out for a walk when a sudden storm blows up. The children take shelter in a deserted barn which they have never seen before but which seems strangely familiar, and when daylight fades, they find that they have slipped back to the time of the Black Death where they must fight desperately for survival.

At first, it's lots of fun having Oban and his magic around. He manages to charm everybody - even Tam's teacher at school. But then things start to go wrong ...When Tam finds the magical Windspinner that Great-Grandpa Toby left for him, Oban can't make the magic work like Tam can and he disappears in a huff and starts causing chaos.

At first, Tam isn't at all keen on his baby sister Blue. All she seems to do is cry. But with a little persuasion, Tam changes his mind and admits he might quite like her. Then one terrible night, Blue is stolen and an ugly changeling is left in her place. Tam has to venture to the land of Faery and win back Blue.

The only life Gioga has ever known is that of a fisherman's daughter on remote Hamna Voe. But as a baby she was a gift of the sea to childless Munroe and Jannet, and now the Lord of the Oceans wants her back. Torn between her love for her adopted parents and her strange attraction to the seal people, which will she choose - the sea or the land?

How long can a secret stay buried? The Barnes family has lived in one tiny village for generations. Twins Madeleine and Grace, their cousin Elspeth, their mums and in-laws, old Aunt Susan - all there for ever, in a place barely touched by time. But then two things change - one twin dies, and the villagers are told that their beautiful valley is to be sunk underwater to make a reservoir. How can yo

When his mother dies, Jim Jarvis is all alone in the workhouse and is desperate to escape. But, London in the 1860s is a dangerous place for a small boy and life is a constant battle for survival. When Jim finds some friends, he is snatched away and made to work for the cruel Grimy Nick, guarded by his vicious dog, Snipe. Will Jim ever be free?

Containing activities specifically tailored to support the KS3 Framework for Teaching English, this work helps students fulfill the Framework objectives. The activities include work on Speaking and Listening; and close text analysis, and the structure of playscripts. They act as a springboard for personal writing.