Penguin Readers Level 7: The Children Act (ELT Graded Reader)

Jan 14, 2026 7:37 AM

Author:Ian McEwan

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.

Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.

The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.

The Children Act, a Level 7 Reader, is B2 in the CEFR framework. The longer text is made up of sentences with up to four clauses, introducing future perfect simple, mixed conditionals, past perfect continuous, mixed conditionals, more complex passive forms and modals for deduction in the past.

Visit the Penguin Readers website

Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

Reviews

With his customary warmth and good humour Jack tells of the many challenges that faced this idealistic young teacher

—— Choice magazine

This book makes for a perfect escape to a simpler time

—— Living North

Her writing at its best, creating characters and a story which, once read, will not easily go away

—— Independent

Blackman grapples with contemporary issues without ever letting them overwhelm the story and characterisation. A winner

—— Financial Times

This is an adroit investigation of family relations, very clearly portrayed

—— Daily Telegraph

Rich in magic and mythos, Beasts of Prey is a feast for all the senses . . . Gray's writing is lyrical, her imagery vivid

—— Renée Ahdieh, author of The Wrath & The Dawn

This book is your next favourite read

—— Adalyn Grace, author of All The Stars And Teeth

With its memorable characters, and a lush, expansive world, Gray's debut is an action-packed adventure that will tug at hearts . . . Essential

—— School Library Journal

Thrilling . . . with twists and turns that will delight

—— Booklist

Gothic, dark and utterly enthralling, this is a world I wanted to sink into and never leave. I adored this book.

—— EMILY A. DUNCAN, author of Wicked Saints

The Year of the Witching tells a universal, timeless story about women's power.

—— O, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE

The perfect dark, witchy escape to make you feel a little better about the world we live in now.

—— THE EVERYGIRL

Alexis Henderson is giving us dark magic, Black witches, creepy woods and small religious towns, historical realness, and I'm here for it.

—— TOR.COM

This is an intensely dark read and one of the most original books I've read in a long time.

—— BUZZFEED

Henderson blends the supernatural with the real, expertly and ingeniously using dark witchcraft, sigils, and magical plagues to weave in real world themes and issues like racism, the oppression and silencing of women, and religious abuse.

—— NERD DAILY

This is one of the best, righteously angriest books I've read this year, and I cannot recommend it enough.

—— BOOKRIOT

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