Books in Shades series

Can two boys solve a mystery they were never supposed to know about? Karl is on the train going home from school when he sees two men dumping a rolled up carpet into a ditch. Karl notices a scruffy shoe sticking out of one end. After telling the police, who don't seem to be that interested, Karl drags his friend Daniel to the ditch to investigate further—but they are soon disturbed by two unsavory characters.

What can one group of friends do when all of humanity faces extinction? An asteroid is hurtling to Earth which could destroy everything on the planet. Scientists like Josh's mom have been doing everything they can to stop it, but now they've run out of options, internet rumors are rife, and looters have taken to the streets. For Josh and his friends, Dave and Zack, it looks like their lives are over before they have even begun.

A thrilling fantasy adventure for young readers Pip Summerdew, the Halfling assassin, has been sent on a mission by the elven prince of the Sylvan Marches. He must retrieve the head of Graznik, the leader of the Dragonwood orcs. But is everything as it seems? Why exactly does the prince want Graznik dead, and where is his long-lost sister, who should rightfully be on the throne?

Sally can never forget being attacked by local bullies—what happens when her move to a new place only brings more fright? Sally Johnson can never forget the dog attack which has scarred her face for life, and a move to Cornwall is meant to be a fresh start for her. But how can Sally begin again when hounds hunting on the moor remind her of the past, and will she ever be able to let out the scream that has lodged deep within her?

Jack is a teenage pilot flying for the RAF in World War I. He is bullied by his fellow cadets until one day when he saves the day and he gains their respect. A highly successful series of exciting, easy to read, short fiction books with storylines designed to appeal to young people who want high-interest material but who find full-length novels too daunting.

Chloe is a teenager who lives with her mother and whose father can't be bothered with her. She spends her spare time hanging out and binge drinking with her friends, much to the disgust of Rob Yeaden, a boy from school who fancies her. One particular drunken night, after an argument with her best friend Steph, Chloe manages to stagger home, but the next morning awakes to something much worse than a hangover!

A riveting sci-fi adventure with a lesson in the futility of prejudice Braindeads like Conor Smith are scary—everyone says so. Kids who become telepathic as they hit puberty can't be normal, that's why they need special implants in their brains. Lara thinks the same until the day she discovers she's a telepath too—and once the authorities know, it's only a matter of time before Lara will get an implant.

Rico learns that the culture he thought he hated may be his best source of strength Rico hates everything to do with his Mayan heritage. Fighting to preserve Mayan customs was what killed his dad. Now his family is poor, and he and his sister Delfina need to sell their produce in the city to earn money for their mother's medicine—but that's hard to do when twisters like Enzo cheat them out of their hard earned cash. Rico is determined to get Enzo back, but little does he realize his Mayan heritage may have a part to play after all.

Dale and Joe are the twins sons of fallen football legend Nicky Green. They've always laughed about doing the double—swapping identities for the day. It's always been a joke before, but this time it's serious—really serious. Dale wants Joe to take his place on the football pitch and to do the double for real. Joe isn't at all sure he wants to help, but how can he refuse his twin? This new series features popular stories from the "Shades" series that have been reduced in length and complexity to provide a gripping, achievable read for less able or reluctant readers.