book cover

Test Trouble

by Serena Patel, illustrated by Louise Forshaw

Interest age: 6 to 11
Reading age: 7+

Published by Barrington Stoke, 2024

  • Chapter books
  • Funny
  • Dyslexia

About this book

Arun hates tests, so when his teacher sets a timed maths test for the following week, it's all he can think about.

He's beside himself with nerves and does everything he can to get out of it. He stages a protest, considers cheating, and even pretends that he's ill, but all to no avail. As the day of the test looms large, Arun spirals into a panic.

However, when he learns that one of his classmates is also terrified of tests, Arun realises that sometimes the only way to deal with your fears is to face them head on.

Many readers may recognise Arun's emotions of fear and anxiety as test day approaches. This light-hearted chapter book explores his feelings with gentle humour, and demonstrates the importance of resilience and support when facing difficult challenges.

Ideal for reluctant readers, the black-and-white illustrations are full of expression and provide a visual narrative alongside the written text. Thick paper ensures words and pictures don't show through the pages and confuse the eye. A unique, dyslexia-friendly font makes reading easier and the story is specially edited to help minimise barriers to comprehension.

About the author

Serena is the author of the award-winning series, Anisha, Accidental Detective which is now being developed for television. Serena loves books that make you laugh out loud or that have a twisty mystery to solve, even better if they have both! She believes all children should be able to see themselves in books and in the power of stories to make us believe we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Serena lives in the West Midlands with her family and two mischievous cats.

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