"Lightning" provides: 32 books with 3 levels of differentiation per book; whole texts that provide NLS genre coverage; linked themes across fiction, non-fiction and the wider curriculum; focussed teaching support for each book including comprehension and writing activities; and a teaching and practice CD that provides opportunities for ICT. The reading books follow a clear structure for teaching guided reading at Key Stage 2. The 32 books, 8 per year, comprise short stories, poetry, plays and non-fiction. Differentiated texts at Year 3 should help avoid the "falling back" often experienced at the start of KS2. Complete texts are a suitable length for guided reading sessions. The fiction and non-fiction books are thematically linked to reinforce children's reading. The non-fiction books are linked to the wider curriculum. The series covers the NLS genre requirements, providing a resource for SATs preparation.