TEST TROUBLE by Serena Patel
PAPERBACK
Author: Serena Patel
Illustrator: Louise Forshaw
Funny, reassuring, and highly relatable, TEST TROUBLE is a warm school story about test anxiety, courage, and discovering that you’re not alone in your worries.
Maths test? Absolute nightmare. Arun will try anything to avoid it. A school-wide protest against tests? Maybe. Pretending to be ill? Worth a shot. If there’s a way out, Arun is determined to find it.
But as the big day approaches, Arun begins to realise something important: lots of children feel the same way he does. With encouragement, honesty, and a little bravery, he learns that facing fears - even scary ones like tests - can feel better than running away from them.
Written by Serena Patel, author of Anisha, Accidental Detective, this story tackles performance anxiety with humour and empathy, offering comfort without minimising children’s real feelings. This book normalises fear and worry around school assessments, encourages resilience, honesty, and self-belief with gentle humour keeps the tone light and reassuring
Perfect for children who worry about tests, school pressure, or getting things “wrong,” Test Trouble is a comforting reminder that fear is normal - and that facing it together can make all the difference.
About Barrington Stoke: Barrington Stoke publishes super-readable books designed for readers of all abilities - including those with dyslexia, reluctant readers, and learners of English as an additional language. Their titles use a dyslexia-friendly font, cream paper, and clear layouts to reduce visual stress, making high-quality stories accessible and enjoyable for everyone.