Thunderbolts

A structured programme of simple but visual books on ‘wow factor’ topics.

Whether you’re reading about sugar, skyscrapers or secret tunnels, you can expect careful layouts (visually interesting without being confusing), striking images and fast facts.

Indeed, each title starts with a non-fiction section – followed by a short graphic novel at the end. (This makes the books great for sneaking fiction to readers who’re currently only interested in non-fiction!)

In terms of levelling, the Set 1 books have no words in them, allowing readers with the greatest difficulties to engage with narratives and build their vocabulary. They are also valuable as a gentle introduction to the series for readers who are so resistant to books that ‘reading’ is not yet an option. For these students, the wordless books can simply be used as starting points for discussion.

Set 2 then introduces a very limited number of words on each page, with Sets 3 and 4 offering a further degree of progression.

(For similar fact-and-fiction books but at a higher level, check out our Trailblazers series.)