Here are some new books in our Adult Learning collection for the more advanced reader: history, biography, mystery, take your pick!
The Footprint Reading Library introduces you to sights and sounds from around the world! Enjoy the stories to develop your English language skills in three easy steps!
Read the stories and learn new vocabulary
Listen to the stories on audio
Watch the stories come alive on video
Afghanistan’s heroic artists / Rob Waring, series editor.
“When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the religious group aimed to destroy any artistic expression that violated their strict interpretation of Islamic rules. A group of Afghan artists risked death by disobeying the Taliban to preserve the artwork of their country. Who are the men that saved Afghanistan’s art? How did they do it?” - Back cover
Quick Reads are bite-sized books by bestselling writers and well-known personalities for people who want a short, fast-paced read. They are designed to be read and enjoyed by avid readers and by people who never had or who have lost the reading habit. I decided to read some myself, and was not disappointed!
The cave / Kate Mosse.
“A quick read – part of the World Book Day 2009 literacy initiative for emergent readers.March 1928. Freddie Smith is on a motoring holiday in the mountains of south west France. He is caught in a violent storm and his car crashes. He is forced to seek shelter in a boarding house in the nearby village of Axat.There he meets another guest in the tiny hotel, a pale and beautiful young woman called Marie. As the storm rages outside, she explains how the region was ripped apart by wars of religion in the 14th century. She tells how, one terrible night in March 1328, all the inhabitants of Axat were forced to flee from the soldiers into the mountains. The villagers took refuge in a cave, but when the fighting was over, no one came back. Their bodies were never found. Axat itself became a ghost town.When Freddie wakes the following morning, Marie has gone. Worse still, his car will take several days to repair and he has to stay at the boarding house for a few days more. To pass the time, he explores the mountains. Then he realises it is almost 600 years to the day since the villagers disappeared. He decides to go and look for the cave himself. Perhaps, he thinks, he might even find Marie? It is a decision he will live to regret.” (Syndetics summary)
A cool head / Ian Rankin.
“Gravy worked in the graveyard – that’s where he got his name. He was having a normal day until his friend Benjy turned up in a car he didn’t recognise. Benjy had a bullet hole in his chest…. Gravy is caught in the middle of a robbery gone wrong. He also has to deal with a woman who saw a murder, and some very unpleasant men who will do anything to get back the money Benjy stole…” – Back cover
Collins brings Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime, to English language learners. These carefully adapted versions are shorter than the originals with the language graded for upper-intermediate learners.
Each title includes:
- Notes on characters, history and culture
- A glossary of the more difficult words
- CD with a full reading of the adapted story
- Online language activities and support for teachers
Appointment with death / [adapted from the novel by] Agatha Christie.
“Mrs Boynton, a cruel and hated woman, is found dead in the ancient city of Petra. Was it just a weak heart and too much sun that killed her, or has one of Mrs Boynton’s many victims found revenge? By chance, the great detective Hercule Poirot has some useful information, but is it enough to find the killer? He has 24 hours to solve the case”–Back cover
Unbowed / Wangari Muta Maathai ; retold by Jane Rollason.
And last but certainly not least the true story of Wangari Maathai who was born in the Kenyan Highlands. “Wangari started the Green Belt Movement which planted trees where forests were being desroyed. Environmental campaigns led to wider political protests and the fight for democracy – and when democracy was finally won, she became an elected politician. This is her story”. – Back cover.
WCL has over 600,000 books, 450,000 magazines, and 85,000 CDs, DVDs, videos and other items at our central library and 11 branches. We are located in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Looking for your local branch? Have a look at our 