OUP and Barrington Stoke partner for new range of accessible fiction

Oxford University Press and Barrington Stoke have partnered to create the 'Super-Readable Rollercoasters' range for readers aged 11-plus. 

The partnership will combine OUP's understanding of the schools market with Barrington Stoke’s experience in commissioning and editing accessible fiction. OUP holds world rights to all titles. 

Each title in the range will focus on relevant themes and issues that will resonate with readers both in and out of the classroom and work to build readers' confidence and establish a love of reading. The titles will also feature Barrington Stoke's dyslexia-friendly font, as well as information on the author, the context of the themes and book group questions. Additional teacher resources packs will also be available.  

The first three books will launch in January: Anthony McGowan's I Am The Minotaur, which deals with the struggles of growing up and fitting in; Phil Earle and Michael Wagg's Edgar & Adolf, a new perspective on the Second World War from both the German and British points of view; and Patrice Lawrence's Rat, a story of loneliness and community. 

Three additional titles will follow later in 2021: Strike a Light by Tanya Landman, Dark Peak by Marcus Sedgwick, and a new historical novel from Sally Nicholls. 

Katie Lowe, Oxford University Press Secondary English publisher, said: "We are delighted to be working with Barrington Stoke on these exciting new titles, which bring together a fantastic set of authors and are perfect for reading at home or in the classroom. From powerful historical tales of friendship and loyalty to gripping contemporary stories of bullying, loneliness and growing up, each of these titles will help to build confidence, make reading enjoyable and enthuse all our readers. And that enthusiasm for reading and learning is something that is a key part of our mission at Oxford University Press."

Ailsa Bathgate, Barrington Stoke editorial director, said: "Our key aim at Barrington Stoke is to make books as accessible as possible in order to give every child the opportunity to develop a love of reading. We also want to ensure that we reach the widest potential audience of young people and are therefore excited to be partnering with Oxford University Press, with its educational expertise and international presence, to publish these excellent new titles from world-class, award-winning authors aimed at 11-plus readers, with stories that will engage and enthral while building reading stamina and confidence."