Macmillan Readers (1100 headwords)

Twelve-year-old Jim Hawkins sails with the Squire Trelawney to search for Captain Flint's treasure. But Long John Silver is on board The Hispaniola and he and his friends want the treasure for themselves. The story of Jim's adventure has been popular with young readers since it was first published in 1883.

The Quest is the name of Mark Blackburn's boat. Mark, a marine archaeologist is joined by John Morgan in his search for wrecks of sixteenth century Chinese trading-ships submerged deep in the sea off the Gulf of Thailand. When a local fisherman brings a piece of rare porcelain to his boat, Mark is thrilled and can hardly wait to go to the place where the fisherman has netted the extremely valuable artifact. But John and Mark's enthusiasm turns to horror when they find the fisherman drowned the very next day.

Pedro and Maria Moreira live in Brazil. When their son, Palito, is born, an old woman predicts that he will make them rich and happy. Palito shows a brilliant talent for playing football. He goes to play for one of the top clubs in Brazil and becomes rich and famous. But a defect in his legs, combined with an accident on the field during a cup final, almost end his career in football.

Tom has failed his exams so he cannot study photography at art college and must work in a library instead. Rita wants to be a fashion model but cannot find an agency to employ her. One rainy day, Rita and Tom's lives miraculously cross.