Penguin Readers & Pearson English Readers (600 headwords)

In January 2009, a new American president moved into the White House. But who is Barack Obama? What do we know about his family and his early life? Why did he want to be a politician? And how did he get the top job? This is his story.

American English

This is a funny play about rich people. These people always want more money, so Volpone and his servant play a game. People think that Volpone is dying. They bring beautiful things for him. They want his money after he dies. But waht will happen to Volpone's money? Who will win the game - and who will lose?

Paul is shy and Judy has no friends. Oliver is afraid of other boys. Jane and Leo can't talk about their feelings, and Sue lies to her boyfriends. These five short plays tell the stories of young people with problems. Are there any answers? What do you think?

British English

When they were very young, Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth were in love. They did not marry, but Anne never forgot her love for him. Now, many years later, they meet again. Does Wentworth feel anything for Anne, or is he only interested in her pretty young friends?

British English

Can Phileas Fogg go round the world in eighty days? He doesn’t know that somebody wants to stop him. Then Fogg will lose his bet – twenty thousand pounds! CD-ROM - additional activities and the complete audio recording

Buck is a strong, intelligent dog who moves from an easy life in Californiato the Klondike. Life is tough in the cold north of Canada and Buck has to learn many hard lessons to survive. But can he ever be happy there? CD-ROM - additional activities and the complete audio recording

This is the story of an Aboriginal boy and two American children in the Australian desert. When they meet the boy, Mary and Peter learn about the desert. They follow him to food and water. But they are lost. Can they finish their journey and find their way home?

Roberta, Peter and Phyllis live happily in London with their parents. Then, suddenly, their father goes away. The children and their mother move to a smaller house near a railway line. Exciting things happen, and they make new friends. But where is their father? When is he coming home?

Uncas is the last of the Mohican Indians. He is with his father and Hawkeye when they meet Heyward. Heyward is taking the two young daughters of a British colonel to their father. But a Huron Indian who hates the British is near. Will the girls see their father again?

Mr Bean doesn’t understand the world. There are problems for him everywhere. In the restaurant, he doesn’t like his food. He tries to hide it in very strange places. Then Mr Bean goes to the launderette. What happens? He loses his trousers, of course!

This is Nicky’s first visit to New York. He is going to stay with his aunt, but she is not at the airport. Then some older boys on motorbikes play a dangerous game with him. Not long after he arrives, the police are looking for Nicky. Can he find his aunt before the police find him?