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 Extraordinary Life of Nelson Mandela, a Level 2 Reader, is A1+ in the CEFR framework. Sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the future tenses will and going to, present continuous for future meaning, and comparatives and superlatives. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages.
Nelson Mandela wanted freedom for black people from apartheid in South Africa. He fought hard for freedom and equality and became the first black president of South Africa.
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Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

Emma Norry is an author who writes fiction and non-fiction for children. She is passionate about equal representation and diversity. Her first book, Son of the Circus (Scholastic, 2019), is part of a series that shows readers that Black and brown people have always been a part of British history. Son of the Circus, set in Victorian times, blended fact and fiction by using Pablo Fanque (the first Black circus owner) and his son Ted as inspiration. Emma has also written Amber Undercover (OUP, 2021) - a fun action-adventure spy story for ages 10+. She has many short stories in anthologies: Happy Here (Knights Of Media, 2021), The Place for Me: Stories from the Windrush (Scholastic, 2020) and The Very Merry Murder Club (Farshore, 2021). Emma's non-fiction includes biographies of Lionel Messi (Scholastic, 2020) and Nelson Mandela (Puffin, 2020). A two-book middle-grade fantasy series launches in 2023. Emma can be found on Twitter at @elnorry_writer or her website elnorry.com