Books in the Young Reading Series 2 series

Find out all about the Great Fire of London, in 1666 - what caused it, how it spread, how it was put out and how the city was rebuilt in its wake. A simple but comprehensive introduction to this key historical event. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme, this book is for children who can read fluently but are still building their confidence.

A lively and engaging history of "the beautiful game". Tells the story of football, from its beginnings in the Roman Army to the modern day premiership including how both American Football and Rugby were born. Usborne Young Reading has been developed in conjunction with reading experts from Roehampton University.

The classic story by L. Frank Baum, retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When Dorothy is whizzed to Oz in a tornado, she lands in a place where nothing is quite as it seems. Can she find the Wizard, defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, and be granted her wish to return to Kansas?

Robin Hood, along with his band of Merry Men, robs from the rich to give to the poor. But when the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham threatens the throne of King Richard, can Robin save the kingdom and win the heart of the fair Maid Marian?

Johanna Spyri's Heidi is beautifully retold, following the exploits of the orphaned girl sent to live in the Alps with her grumpy grandfather. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence, with clear, engaging text and stunning original illustrations.

An attractive retelling of Lewis Carroll's story with evocative illustrations, written as part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme for readers growing in confidence.

The enchanting classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Mary Lennox feels forlorn and lonely in her uncle's gloomy house on the moors. But behind an old ivy-covered wall is a garden, waiting to be discovered...

A re-telling of the classic E.Nesbit story for children growing in reading confidence. When their father is accused of spying, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis' life is changed overnight by their move from London to the countryside. But will their father ever come back?

Shakespeare's enchanting comedy of magic and mix-ups, fairies and fools, chaos and confusion beautifully retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Easy reading text and delightful illustrations bring the characters and story vividly to life. Includes a guide to the characters and links to recommended websites for children to find out more about Shakespeare and the play. "e;Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme."e; - Julia Eccleshare

Romeo and Juliet are in love... but their families are bitter enemies. Set in medieval Vienna, a place of sword fights, secrets and magic potions, their tragic love story plays out to a desperate end. This simple retelling is a brilliant introduction to the work of William Shakespeare for young readers growing in confidence and ability. Includes a guide to the characters and links to recommended websites for children to find out more about Shakespeare and the play. "e;Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme."e; - Julia Eccleshare

On November 4th 1606, a traitor was caught beneath the Houses of Parliament with a plot to kill the king. This is the extraordinary story of the Gunpowder Plot from its daring beginning to its grisly end, specially written for young readers who are growing in confidence. With colourful illustrations on every page, a timeline and list of key people.

Three dramatically illustrated stories about Thor, the Norse god of thunder, specially written for readers who are growing in confidence. Thor never backs down from a fight, and can't resist a challenge. Here he wrestles a huge sea serpent, faces a cave full of giants and has to fight a frost giant - without his magical hammer.

A brilliant introduction to the history of The Olympics, from the traditional games of Ancient Greece, to their revival by Pierre de Coubertin and the pomp and ceremony of the modern Games. Specially written as part of the Usborne Reading Programme for children growing in reading confidence and ability.

The outlaw Robin hood is determined to stop the evil Sheriff of Nottingham from bribing his way to becoming King. He sets out to steal the Sheriff's treasure - by winning an archery competition and becoming one the Sheriff's chief guard. But when his gang are all captured, will Robin be able to save them from the hangman's noose?

Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy retold for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Prospero and his daughter Miranda are stranded on a lonely desert island when a magical storm washes a royal ship ashore. Prospero finally has the chance to right old wrongs but can he conjure up a happy ending? "e;Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme."e; - Julia Eccleshare

Retells Shakespeare's classic tale of madness and murder, treachery and witchcraft for a younger audience.

It smells horrible and looks disgusting, but rubbish hasn't always been a problem. Some of it can even be useful. Intended for children whose reading ability and confidence allows them to tackle longer and more complex stories, this title tells its intriguing story, past ancient animal droppings, stinking sewers, and dirty nappies.

The story of the Roman Empire, from the myth of Romulus and Remus to the foundations of the vast Empire and the Emperors who ruled it and its eventual collapse, retold as a story for children growing in reading confidence. Usborne Young Reading has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University.

A re-telling of the classic Jonathan Swift story told for children growing in reading confidence and ability. Gulliver sets off on the adventure of a lifetime - and meets miniature people, civil war and a price upon his head. Will he make it back in one piece?

The daring and bold adventures of King Arthur told for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When Arthur pulls a sword from a stone, he is proclaimed King of Britain. However many challenges lie ahead, including treacherous knights, a mysterious lady in a lake and a fight for his kingdom.

The classic adventure story by Robert Louis Stevenson re-told for children growing in reading confidence and ability. When Jim Hawkins sets sail searching for buried treasure and adventure, he finds himself caught up in a deadly mutiny where he must outwit the cunning pirate Long John Silver in order to stay alive.

A poignant and moving retelling of Anna Sewell's classic novel, which follows the story of Black Beauty - the brave and noble horse that overcomes danger and cruelty to eventually find a loving home. It is illustrated by Alan Marks. Young readers will like this edition. This series is designed to encourage independent reading.

"Only good sons have a chance of becoming real boys," warns the wise cricket. But, try as he might, Pinocchio the puppet just can't stay out of trouble. Is Pinocchio doomed to be wooden forever. Ages 5+ years.

The classic tale of Phileas Fogg and his quest to travel around the world in just eighty days, specially retold as part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence.

Rich little Sara Crewe loves to imagine things. At her English boarding school, surrounded by luxury, she sees herself as a princess. But then disaster strikes as Sara is forced to work as a servant. Only her imagination can make life bearable, until something truly incredible happens. Ages 5+.