The Fifteenth Character by Rosemary Border

Introduction

The Fifteenth Character is a book written by Rosemary Border. It is part of the Bookworms series from Oxford University Press. This story is for English learners at the Starter level (CEFR A1). It is easy to read and fun for students learning English.

Sally and Happy Hills

Sally works at Happy Hills, an amusement park. She likes her job. “It’s an interesting job,” she says. Happy Hills is full of fun rides, games, and people. Sally works hard and enjoys meeting new people every day.

A Special Day

One day, something special happens. Zapp, a famous singer, is coming to Happy Hills. Everyone is excited. People want to see Zapp and take photos. The amusement park is busier than ever. Sally is also very happy. She loves her job, and today is a very exciting day for her.

Something Goes Wrong

Everything is fine at first. People are having fun. But then, something goes wrong. Zapp’s special medallion is missing. The medallion is very important to Zapp. It is shiny and golden. Zapp is very upset. The workers and visitors are also worried.

Finding the Medallion

Sally wants to help. She starts to look for the medallion. She talks to many people. She asks questions and listens carefully. Sally finds clues and follows them. It is not easy, but she does not give up.

The Fifteenth Character

In the end, Sally solves the mystery. She finds the medallion. The medallion was taken by a person wearing a costume. This person is the fifteenth character at Happy Hills. Sally’s hard work saves the day. Zapp is very happy, and the park workers thank Sally.

Why Read This Book?

The Fifteenth Character is a fun and easy story. It is great for English learners. The book helps you learn new words and practice reading. The story is exciting and keeps you interested. You also learn about solving problems and helping others.

Conclusion

If you are learning English, The Fifteenth Character is a good book for you. The story is simple but interesting. It teaches you English while you enjoy reading. Sally’s adventure at Happy Hills will make you smile. Read this book and join the fun!

Rosemary Border author and editor of children's books 

A Master of Adaptation and Storytelling

The Literary Genius Behind Classic Adaptations

Rosemary Border is a distinguished name in the world of literature, best known for her skillful adaptations of classic works and her contributions to English Language Teaching (ELT) materials. With a career spanning decades, she has enriched the reading experience for countless learners and literature enthusiasts by making timeless stories accessible to modern audiences. Her ability to retain the essence of classic narratives while simplifying their language has earned her a place among the most respected authors and editors in her field.

A Passion for Bringing Classics to Life

One of Rosemary Border’s most notable talents is her ability to bring literary masterpieces to a wider audience. She has worked on adaptations of several classic novels, ensuring that their themes, characters, and moral lessons remain intact while making them more approachable for readers with varying levels of English proficiency. By doing so, she has played a vital role in promoting literature appreciation among language learners.

Among her most recognized works are adaptations of Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Railway Children. These books, originally complex in their language and structure, have been masterfully rewritten to maintain their storytelling depth without overwhelming new readers. Her adaptations serve as a bridge, connecting the literary world’s past to present and future generations.

Contributions to English Language Teaching (ELT)

Beyond adaptations, Rosemary Border has made significant contributions to English Language Teaching. She has authored and edited various ELT materials, helping non-native English speakers develop their reading skills through engaging and well-structured content. Her books are widely used in language schools and educational institutions worldwide, emphasizing practical learning and cultural immersion through literature.

Her works have been published by prestigious educational publishers, including Oxford University Press, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in ELT publishing. She has designed materials that not only enhance linguistic competence but also spark an interest in reading, encouraging students to explore more literature beyond the classroom.

The Magic of Simplification Without Losing Depth

One of the key aspects of Rosemary Border’s work is her ability to simplify complex texts while preserving their thematic richness. Many adaptations tend to lose the emotional and intellectual depth of the original works, but Rosemary ensures that the core messages and artistic nuances remain intact. Her approach allows readers to experience the beauty of classic literature without the barrier of archaic or overly complex language.

Her adaptation of Dracula exemplifies this skill. While the original novel by Bram Stoker is a dense and layered gothic horror story, Rosemary’s version keeps the suspense and eerie atmosphere alive while making it comprehensible for a wider audience. The result is a thrilling yet accessible reading experience.

Influence on Young Readers and Learners

Rosemary Border’s work has had a profound impact on young readers and English learners worldwide. By making classic literature engaging and understandable, she has fostered a love for reading in generations of students. Her books serve as stepping stones for those who may later go on to read the full versions of these classics, inspiring a lifelong appreciation for literature.

Many language learners struggle with reading complex English texts, but Rosemary’s adaptations have provided an essential tool for building confidence and comprehension. By breaking down linguistic barriers, she has made literature more inclusive, ensuring that even those with limited English proficiency can enjoy and learn from classic stories.

A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

Rosemary Border’s dedication to storytelling and education has left an enduring legacy in both literature and English language learning. Her works continue to be widely read and used in classrooms, proving that simplified literature does not mean diminished quality. Through her thoughtful adaptations and ELT contributions, she has helped shape the literary journeys of countless individuals.

Her influence extends beyond just readers—teachers, educators, and language professionals also benefit from her work, using her books as key resources in their teaching methodologies. By balancing linguistic accessibility with literary integrity, Rosemary Border has set a high standard for adaptations and educational materials alike.

Connect with Rosemary Border’s Work

For those looking to explore Rosemary Border’s adaptations and ELT materials, her books are readily available through major educational publishers and bookstores. Whether you are an English learner, a teacher, or a literature enthusiast, her work provides an enriching reading experience that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary storytelling.

Through her immense contributions to literature and education, Rosemary Border has truly earned her place as a master of adaptation and storytelling. Her passion for making great stories accessible continues to inspire new generations of readers, proving that literature, when presented thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for learning and imagination.