These three robust reference books are well structured, user-friendly and good value. They deserve a place on the homework shelf and make a splendid reference set for the classroom or individual pupils. Considerable thought has gone into making each book attractive and useful for the target age group of 10 to 14-year-olds.

Chambers School Grammar is in four main parts: Basics (parts of speech, phrases, clauses and sentences); The Next Stage (more detailed information about noun and verb phrases and sentence structure); Usage (including punctuation and putting sentences together); Style (suitability to context). The “grammar in use” panels provide opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge using interesting texts - from Harry Potter to Virginia Woolf. Good supplements include a glossary of grammatical terms and a section on words that may be confused with others.

Chambers School Dictionary has a substantial number of definitions and excellent language study panels covering such useful subjects as alliteration and rhyme, irony and cliche.

Panels are also used to good effect in Chambers School Thesaurus where significant words such as “anger”, “happinesssadness” and “help” are given extended treatment. Although pupils now have access to the Internet and CD-Roms, books and other print reference sources have not been replaced and are sometimes quicker to use and more appropriate.

Margaret Mallett is visiting tutor in primary English at Goldsmiths College, University of London