Reading comprehension is a vital skill for success in the 11+ exam. That's why we've created a library of engaging, age-appropriate stories that encourage children to develop a love of reading while building the skills they need to excel. Each story is followed by carefully designed comprehension questions in the style of the 11+, helping your child strengthen their understanding, inference, vocabulary, and analytical skills with every read.
Layla
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Layla is the story of a young girl who moves from Japan to London and starts at a new school. Feeling shy and overwhelmed by her unfamiliar surroundings, Layla struggles to speak to her classmates and spends much of her time alone. Everything changes when a kind girl named Sophie takes the time to get to know her. As their friendship grows, Layla gains confidence, shares her Japanese culture with the class, and discovers that kindness and courage can help people overcome their fears. The story teaches readers that everyone deserves patience and understanding, and that our differences make communities stronger.
We built a rocket to the moon
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Siblings Ben and Maya decide they are going to build a rocket to the moon during the summer holidays. Using old cardboard boxes, tin cans, tape and paint, they spend weeks creating the most impressive rocket in their back garden.
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Each evening, they climb inside their rocket and imagine incredible adventures—floating through space, dodging asteroids, meeting astronauts and planting a flag on the moon.
As the summer ends, they realise that although the rocket never left the garden, it took them somewhere just as special: it taught them teamwork, creativity, perseverance and the power of imagination.
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Pumpkinhead​
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Pumpkinhead is a spooky tale about two best friends, Malcolm and Angie, whose playful Halloween joke takes a frightening turn. After Angie jokingly wishes that Malcolm had a pumpkin for a head, she wakes the next morning to discover that her wish has mysteriously come true—but only she can see his terrifying new appearance. As strange events begin to unfold around the village, Angie must uncover the secret behind an ancient Halloween curse before it is too late. Filled with mystery, suspense and an unforgettable twist, Pumpkinhead reminds readers that words have power, and true friendship means accepting people just as they are.