Booklists

Amal is a typical sixteen year old. When she decides to wear a head scarf to school, her Islamic faith, personal strength and friendships are tested. An insight into contemporary Australian ethnic and religious issues. Strong language in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Sixteen year old Noah is a troublemaker. His father is a hotshot barrister. This is not a good combination. When Noah gets caught misbehaving at school, his dad sends him to work at his aunt's law firm, during the holidays, to learn responsibility and fix his attitude. Noah discovers Law & Order TV shows differ from reality big time.

Jamie hates lot of things about her life, her dark hair, her dad's Charter of Curfew Rights and her real name. Jamie has hidden her Lebanese background from everyone at school and it's only with her email friend, John, that she can really be herself. But, things are getting complicated. The most popular boy in school is interested in her, she keeps thinking about Timothy, the school loner, and the school formal is coming up.

When Michael meets Mina, they are at a rally for refugees, standing on opposite sides. Mina fled Afghanistan with her mother, via a refugee camp, a leaky boat and a detention centre. Michael's parents have founded a new political party called Aussie Values. They want to stop the boats. Mina wants to stop the hate. Michael and Mina will need to overcome their differences to find some common ground. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Thirteen year old Hayaat is on a mission. She believes that a handful of soil from her grandmother's ancestral home in Jerusalem will save her life. The problem is the impenetrable wall that divides the West Bank, as well as the checkpoints, the curfews, the permit system and Haany's best friend, Samy, who always manages to attract trouble.

Layla has ended the school year on a high and can't wait to spend the holidays hanging out with her friends and designing a prize-winning Grand Designs Tourismo invention. But Layla's plans are interrupted when her grandmother in Sudan falls ill and the family rush to be with her. The last time Layla went to Sudan she was only a young child. Now she feels torn between her Sudanese and Australian identities. As political tensions in Sudan erupt, so too do tensions between Layla and her family. Layla is determined not to lose her place in the invention team, but will she go against her parents' wishes? What would a Kandaka do? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

At twenty-one, Yassmin worked on a remote Australian oil and gas rig. She was the only woman and certainly the only Sudanese born Muslim woman. When she was two, Yassmin moved to Brisbane and has been tackling barriers ever since. She founded Youth Without Borders, helping young people to work for positive change in their communities. This is the story of how she got there, where she's going and how she wants the world to change. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

With her long skirt and headscarf Layla certainly stands out at her new high school. Everyone thinks they know her, just from a glance. But do they? And does Layla really know herself? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, and above

Neither here nor there, but long ago... Loulie al-Nazari is the Midnight Merchant: a thief who, with the help of her jinn bodyguard, hunts and sells illegal magic. When she saves the life of a cowardly prince, she draws the attention of his powerful father, the sultan, who blackmails her into finding an ancient lamp that has the power to revive the barren land, at the cost of sacrificing all jinn. With no choice but to obey or be executed, Loulie journeys with the sultan's oldest son to find the artifact. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 & above

Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking. But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers - especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about. With Mami's determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself. So when she is invited to join her school';s slam poetry club, she doesn't know how she could ever attend without her Mami finding out. But she still can't stop thinking about performing her poems. Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

The hilarious saga of a pair of Earth refugees who stumble on the meaning of life after the planet is destroyed. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

After being stranded on prehistoric earth, Ford and Arthur again find themselves travelling through space, this time with the task of saving the galaxy from a kind, family loving race of aliens who just happen to want to kill all other lifeforms. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Arthur Dent hadn't had a day as bad as this since the Earth had been blown up. Depressed and alone, Arthur finally settles on the small planet Lamuella and becomes a sandwich maker. Looking forward to a quiet life, his plans are thrown awry by the unexpected arrival of his daughter. There's nothing worse than a frustrated teenager with a copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in their hands. When she runs away - Arthur goes after her determined to save her from the horrors of the universe. After all - he's encountered most of them before... Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

If you've done six impossible things this morning, why not round it off with breakfast at Milliways, the Restaurant at the end of the Universe? Which is exactly what Arthur Dent and the crew of the Heart of Gold plan to do. There's just the small matter of escaping the Vogons, avoiding being taken to the most totally evil world in the Galaxy and teaching a space ship how to make a proper cup of tea. And did anyone actually make a reservation? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

There is a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss. It's not an easy thing to do and Arthur Dent thinks he's the only human who's been able to master this nifty little trick - until he meets Fenchurch, the girl of his dreams. Fenchurch knows how the world could be made a good and happy place. Unfortunately she's forgotten. Convinced that the secret lies within God's Final Message to His Creation they go in search of it. And in a dramatic break with tradition - actually find it... Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

One hero lost in a raging tsunami. One sign pointing to a deadly battle. One day left until the end of...everything. With Sydney plunged into underwater chaos, the DARE winners are suspected of being responsible. After escaping from security officers, they must race to their final destination- Felix Scott's mega-ship Infinite Horizon- and decode one last deadly sign. If they don't get this right, then it's game over- not just for them, but for the whole world. The DARE winners will have to use their wits to stop The Signmaker. But after a mind-blowing secret is revealed in Antarctica, they're in for a heart-stopping final face-to-face battle with a unimaginable enemy. Who will live and who will die?

One missing, presumed dead. Two in trouble with the law. Only four remain to solve the Second Sign. The DARE Award winners Yasmin, Zander, Andy, Dylan, JJ, Isabel and Mila have been caught in a deadly battle of wits with a mysterious enemy who isn't afraid to kill. Too late, they learned that the First Sign predicted catastrophic attacks which have left Egypt in chaos. Yasmin is missing. Many more lives are at stake. With Andy and Dylan in police custody in LA, can the remaining four DARE winners unravel the Second Sign seven new symbols and stop The Signmakers destructive plan before the countdown ends? If you could be a hero, would you DARE? Seven Signs. Seven days to save the world.

While Zander lies dying on the ground, the rest of the DARE Seven are left to defend themselves with only small zap guns against a massive swarm of crazed robot animals-monkeys, tigers, growling lions, wolves, gorillas, and more. It sounds like an awesome video game...except that it's real. With the increasing intensity of The Signmaker's sinister scheme, the next sign will lead to something even more dangerous than facing a pack of deadly robots. It will take the DARE winners into the heart of a jungle to face Bogota's most despicable villain. If you could be a hero, would you DARE? Seven Signs. Three days left to save the world.

A city in chaos. Seven in a desperate battle for survival. Billions across the world on the brink of apocalypse. The DARE Seven face danger from all sides: violent criminals are hunting them down, trigger-happy police suspect them of murder and The Signmaker keeps changing the rules of the game. As the clock keeps ticking towards the Fourth Sign, can Zander, Yasmin, Dylan, Andy, Isabel, Mila and JJ reach the next target and prevent the deadliest attack yet? Or will they fall victim as The Signmaker becomes ever more ruthless? If you could be a hero, would you DARE? Seven Signs. Four days left to save the world...

Seven excited contest winners from around the world meet to receive their prizes: money, holidays, new phones and of course fame. Things, it seems, couldn't get any better. But they certainly get worse. What the group realise too late is that they are trapped in an international race against time to decipher the first mysterious 'sign' and halt an unseen enemy known only as The Signmaker who is intent on death, destruction chaos.

Trapped in a cargo plane. High over the jungle. The DARE winners have no choice. They must jump! If they can get off the plane alive, and survive an attack by the remnants of Marco Bravo's army, the DARE winners will have to confront Felix Scott with all the evidence they have that he is The Signmaker. What will their enemy do if he's backed into a corner? From Bogota, Colombia, to Sydney, Australia, the DARE winners have to risk everything to get to the truth and stop The Signmaker's plan for world destruction-before time is up. But it's not just the clock that's against them... The tide is turning and they're about to face their most deadly challenge yet. If you could be a hero, would you DARE? Seven Signs. Two days left to save the world.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Exploding oil wells. Millions of cars out of control. Two DARE winners in mortal danger. After Andy and Dylan are caught in a fiery explosion, Zander, JJ, Yasmin, Mila and Isabel realise their only chance to stop the next attack is to get one step ahead of The Signmaker. But the evil mastermind is far from their only problem, with the DARE winners now on the run from police, government agents and sinister suited thugs. Nowhere is safe. No-one can be trusted. Can they stay free long enough to decode the Third Sign, stop the next attack and reveal The Signmaker's true identity? If you could be a hero, would you DARE? Seven Signs . Five days left to save the world.

A warren of rabbits is being chased from its home by a land developer. The rabbits have their own language and culture which is as complex and fascinating as human society.

Under the orders of a ruthless king, anyone with powers was targeted and killed, leaving Zelie without a mother and her people without hope. Only a few people remain with the power to use magic, and they must remain hidden. Zelie is one such person. Now she has a chance to bring back magic to her people and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zelie must learn to harness her powers and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

South Africa's famous freedom-fighter struggled for race equality all his life and won. He became president of the people he helped to free and, in so doing, earned love and respect worldwide. It concludes with his life in retirement.

From the family farm at the age of 6, to the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army, to Law school in Western Sydney, Deng Adut has undertaken a remarkable journey. Songs of A War Boy is his story, filled with adventure, heart break, and bloodshed, but also with resilience, compassion, and persistence. Deng recounts his experiences as a child soldier in Sudan, and his fight for education and for justice in Australia. A powerful, important book, this memoir is a must read for every Australian.

As Celine Rousseau escapes Paris to 1872 New Orleans, she is hoping for escape and a better future. What she gets is attraction to the glitzy underworld and the members of La Cour des Lions. New Orleans is not all it seems and with a serial killer following her footsteps and her heart betraying her head, Celine is entering a world that may be her downfall. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 or above.

Fleeing Paris for a new start in New Orleans, Celine Rousseau hoped it would be a safe place. Before long she was drawn into the dark underbelly of the city and the La Cour des Lions. As she struggles with her memories and an uneasy feeling there is something she needs to recall, Celine's dreams are troubled. While Sebastien, cursed and changed forever, struggles with his own new identity and what he has lost because of it. Broken treaties and new truths bring danger to this pair and their future. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Only half-fey Arjun Desai can cross the realms to the Sylvan Vale to find a healer who can save his dear friend Odette. Leaving the tare between the realms open, he is oblivious to the fact that Pippa has observed his departure and followed him through in her quest to find Celine. The dangerous, duplicitous world on the other side of the gateway is no place for a sheltered mortal, especially one who is engaged and confused by feelings for a half-fey. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Eighteen-year-old Amir Azadi always knew that coming out to his Muslim family would be messy, but he wasn't expecting it to end in an airport interrogation room. Now, he's telling his side of the story to the stern-faced officer. Amir has to explain why he ran away to Rome (boys, bullies, blackmail) and what he was doing there for a month (dates in the Sistine Chapel, friends who helped him accept who he is, and, of course, drama) . . . all while his mum, dad and little sister are being interrogated in the room next door. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Eight handsome, ambiguous pictures provide inspiration for eight creepy ghost and horror stories. Includes a cautionary tale for anyone who has been unkind to a younger sibling.

Two cousins who live in Willoughby Chase are left in the care of a cruel governess.

A book for anyone and everyone who finds themselves going through big change, hard times, bad luck or tough stuff. A book for right now, as it turns out. Cruising Through Calamity is a much-needed new book about helping people manage their emotions through big changes, hard times and big challenges.

Jono, a city-born Indigenous teenager is trying to figure out who he really is. Life in Brisbane hasn't exactly made him feel connected to his Country or community. After graduating, Jono and his friend Jenny score gigs at the Aboriginal Performing Arts Centre and an incredible opportunity comes knocking - interning with a documentary crew. Their mission? To promote a big government mining project in the Queensland desert. The catch? The details are sketchy, and the land is rumoured to be sacred. But who cares? Jono is stoked just to be part of something meaningful. Life takes a turn when they land in Gambari, a tiny rural town far from the city. He's haunted by an eerie omen of death, battling suffocating panic attacks, and even experiencing visions of Wudun - a malevolent spirit from the Dreaming. What's the real story behind the gas mining venture? Are the documentary crew hiding something from Jono? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat - but real life isn't always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she's the only child of a young, single mum, and her life is decidedly less privileged. And even though her mom knows she's bisexual, she hasn't mustered the courage to tell her friends - not even her openly gay BFF, Simon. With some messy dynamics emerging in this once tight-knit group of friends, senior year suddenly gets even more complicated for Leah, as she realises she's falling not for the guy who's taking her to prom, but for the girl who's dating her best friend. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above

Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love - she's lived through it twenty-six times. She crushes hard and crushes often, but always in secret. Because no matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can't stomach the idea of rejection. So she's careful. Fat girls always have to be careful. Then a cute new girl enters Cassie's orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly's cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly's totally not dying of loneliness - except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie's new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. Will is funny, flirtatious, and just might be perfect crush material. Maybe more than crush material. And if Molly can win him over, she'll get her first kiss and she'll get her twin back. There's only one problem: Molly's coworker, Reid. He's an awkward Tolkien super-fan, and there's absolutely no way Molly could fall for him. Right?

16year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn't play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone's business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he's been emailing, will be compromised. With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon's junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he's pushed out - without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he's never met. Also published under the title "Simon vs the homosapiens agenda".

Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it's that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it. Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn't be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend's things. But when Arthur and Ben meet at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them? Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited. But what if they can't quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third? What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn't try hard enough? What if life really isn't like a Broadway play? But what if it is?

Dylan Alcott has never let his disability get in the way of what he wanted to achieve. His family treated him no differently to any other kid, and it was the best thing they ever did. Growing up, Dylan always had a positive attitude to life. So when he discovered sport, he'd have a go at anything and could always be found at the centre of the action, giving his best and playing to win. Then he tried wheelchair basketball and tennis and was hooked. Fast forward ten years or so, and the now three-time Paralympic gold medallist, Order of Australia recipient, world No 1 tennis champion, Logie winner and philanthropist combines elite sport with a love for music. But Dylan's greatest passion is changing the way those with disabilities are perceived, and to inspire young people - whether they have disabilities or are able-bodied - to achieve their dreams. It's a passion that drives him every day of his life. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Rose's guardian, Uncle Alec, makes her eat healthy things like oatmeal, and even tries to get her to give up her pretty dresses for drab, sensible clothes. Rose doesn't think she will ever get used to her uncle's crazy notions and all her noisy relatives.

Good Wives is the sequel to Little Women, and sees Beth, Amy, Meg and Jo embarking on married life.

The adventures of the boys from the school and more of the story of the March family, set at Plumfield School, run by Jo and her husband on the lines of her husband's theories of education.

The adventures of the boys from the school and more of the story of the March family, set at Plumfield School, run by Jo and her husband on the lines of her husband's theories of education.

The classic story of the four March sisters, growing up in a close, American family during the Civil War. Even though money is short, times are tough and their father is away at war, the girls' infectious sense of fun sweeps everyone up in their adventures. Through sisterly squabbles, their happy times and sad ones too, the sisters discover that growing up is sometimes very hard to do.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

The world seemed a beautiful and friendly place, and fulfillment of her brightest dreams appeared to be possible for Rose. Of course this could not last, and disappointment was inevitable, as life presents all its highs and lows.

An intriguing summer adventure where thirteen year old Beau meets wild, irrepressible Lelee, a girl from the sea. Together with Beau's younger sister, they search in their boat for a box believed to contain a fortune, but smugglers are looking too. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The life of a Romani family living in squalor in an abandoned shack. Lilli is removed from her large family by a wealthy old woman who helps to civilise her. But, there's an ongoing battle seemingly for possession of Lilli's very soul. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Spit, the barefoot grandson of old Fyfe, has other ideas for his future after his grandfather dies and the town wants Spit to go into an orphanage. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The St Clairs are an adventurous flying family in Victoria post First World War and Kitty is inspired to fly just like her mother. After the tragic death of Kitty's mother, everyone rallies to help with her pain. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Life in the early days at Sydney Cove is told through the diary of a young girl.

The evil death-lord Arawn is threatening the peaceful land of Prydain. Taran, the pig-keeper and hero of the Chronicles, must help find and destroy Arawn's powerful black cauldron, which creates an army of warriors who cannot be killed as they have no life. Taran must overcome the huntsman of Annuvin and the enchantresses, Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch, to fulfil his mission and protect Prydain.

Taran, a lowly Assistant Pig-Keeper, longs for adventure. When the magical pig, Hen Wen, disappears, Taran embarks on a death-defying quest to save her from the evil Horned King. His perilous adventures bring Taran new friends, an irritable dwarf, an impulsive bard, a strange hairy beast and the hot-headed Princess Eilonwy. Together, they face many dangers.

It's time for Eilonwy, Princess of the Royal House of Llyr, to become a lady, although she'd much rather seek adventures with pig-keeper, Taran. With his faithful companions, Taran must negotiate the lair of the giant cat, Llyan, and the cavern of the King of Stones in his quest to win back Eilonwy before he loses her to the feeble Prince Rhun or, worse still, to the clutches of the evil enchantress, Achren.

Death Lord Arawn has stolen the black sword Dyrnwyn, the most powerful weapon in the kingdom. At the request of Prince Gwydion, Taran rallies old and new friends to raise an army to march against Arawn's terrible warriors. Together, they must battle through a frozen wasteland to Mount Dragon, where a deadly confrontation awaits and Taran's true destiny will at last be fulfilled.

Assistant pig-keeper Taran has fallen in love with Princess Eilonwy. But, he is yet to discover the truth about himself. Determined to prove worthy in her eyes, he sets off on a quest for knowledge of his birthright. With his loyal friends, Taran meets three enchantresses who send him to consult the mysterious Mirror of Llunet, to find the truth about himself.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

An idyllic Greek island. Obsessed demigods. A fallen nymph. A mortal boy. Merope, a beautiful but faded star nymph, is banished to Earth for displeasing the gods. She tries to fit in, go to school and live a normal 'human' life. And then she meets Lukas - but relationships between men and goddesses are forbidden. Will their love grow or will Merope and Lukas feel the wrath of the gods.

There are three kinds of people in Janna's world: 1. Saints, the people who do all the heavy lifting in the world, the do gooders. Moving things forward, fighting the good fight. . 2. Misfits, people who don't belong. Like the way Janna doesn't fit into her Dad's brand-new family or in the leftover one composed of Mom and her older brother. 3. Monsters. Well, monsters wearing saint masks. Like the monster at her mosque. People think he's holy, untouchable, but nobody has seen under the mask. Except Janna. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

This is an introduction to Shakespeare's life and work, and his theatre, The Globe, which was reconstructed in London.

A doctor turns detective to solve a mystery around the cholera epidemic in London, 1854.

Mina empties her thoughts, stories and dreams into her notebook, creating an extraordinary journal of her transition from school to homeschool and of life in her neighbourhood. Prequel to Skellig, also on 7-9 booklist,

An extraordinary graphic novel that confronts raw grief visually and through the words of Blue Baker, devestated at the loss of his father and offended by the patronising support he is offered. Blue's grief is angry and violent and inconsolable. Strangely though Blue does find relief from his suffering and the record of his journey is here. Strong language and images used in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Michael and Mina care for an extraordinary being when it seems to have given up on life.

In the dark and derelict garage, Michael discovers a strange creature. His life is in turmoil with his baby's illness and his new found friendship with 'a girl'. The strange creature affects his life. Michael wonders if it could possibly be an angel.

Following the death of her father, a young girl attempts to regain her grip on life.

Slog's father is dead and he knows it. But, when he sees the scruffy man outside the butcher shop, Slog knows that it's his father who has returned to see him, just as he promised. But, Davie, his best friend, is just as convinced that this man is a fake.

At 15, Lene is questioning everything. She is sick of the compulsory League of German Girls meetings, and everyone being made to fight for a final victory that never seems to come. She is in love with Ludwig, who lives upstairs and listens to enemy broadcasts. Like Lene, he rejects the war and the endless Nazi indoctrination. When Ludwig is ordered to the Eastern Front, can Lene and Ludwig hold on to their promise to one another and resurface from the darkness of the abyss in post-war Berlin? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Amnesty International, this engaging book contains a great collection of entertaining and thought-provoking stories. Each story relates directly to one of the thirty articles about individual rights and responsibilities that make up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This story follows two very different battles for independence, that of slave girl, Isabel, and the American War of Independence. Presents a realistic view of prejudice and slavery in 18th century America and includes some violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In 1793, fourteen year old Mattie hates getting out of bed and being nagged by her mum. Her friend, Polly, comes down with yellow fever. The disease starts to spread through the city, and even Mattie has to get serious as the panic spreads.

Curzon joins the American army, fighting for independence against the British. As well as the hardships of soldiering, Curzon lives with the fear of discovery, for he is an escaped slave, passing for free. Then there is Isabel, who is also at Valley Forge against her will. They have to sort out the tangled threads of their friendship while figuring out what stands between the two of them and true freedom. Includes some violence.

For the past five years, Hayley has been home schooled on the road by her father, a veteran of the Iraq war who has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When they settle down for her final year at school, Hayley has to deal with her father's random behaviour and learn how to have a trusting relationship with a boy, who is hiding secrets of his own. Challenging read, some violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

This is the thrilling true story of the life of Russian composer Dimitri Shostakovitch and the millions of Russians who lived during a time of great upheaval, horror and hardship at the hands of two of history's cruellest dictators; Stalin and Hitler. At a time of great despair, Shostakovitch' seventh symphony would become a symbol of great hope, and the story of how it comes to be shared with the world is nearly too incredible to be believed. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

When the vuvv first landed, it came as a surprise to aspiring artist Adam and the rest of planet Earth, but not necessarily an unwelcome one. Can it really be called an invasion when the vuvv generously offered free advanced technology and cures for every illness imaginable? As it turns out, yes. With his parents' jobs replaced by alien tech and no money for food, clean water, or the vuvv's miraculous medicine, Adam and his girlfriend, Chloe, have to get creative to survive. And since the vuvv crave anything they deem "classic" Earth culture (doo-wop music, still-life paintings of fruit, true love), recording 1950s-style dates for the vuvv to watch in a pay-per-minute format seems like a brilliant idea. But it's hard for Adam and Chloe to sell true love when they hate each other more with every passing episode. Soon enough, Adam must decide how far he's willing to go - and what he's willing to sacrifice - to give the vuvv what they want.

The universal understanding is that goblins are blood thirsty, uncivilised monsters, and elves are artistically refined and polite. Be prepared for a confrontational truth as Brangwain Spurge, elfin emissary, is catapulted across the Bonecruel Mountains into the goblin territory of Tenebrion. His mission is to infiltrate and spy on the evil goblin government under the pretence of delivering a gift, and return alive.

Sixteen-year-old Ana is a poet and a lover of language. Except that since she moved to New Jersey from Argentina, she can barely find the words to express how she feels. At first Ana just wants to return home. Then she meets Harrison, the very cute, very American boy in her math class, and discovers the universal language of racing hearts. But when she begins to spend time with Neo, the Greek Cypriot boy from ESL, Ana wonders how figuring out what her heart wants can be even more confusing than the grammar they're both trying to master. After all, the rules of English may be confounding, but there are no rules when it comes to love. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

In an alternate reality a lot like our world, every person's physical size is directly proportional to their wealth. The poorest of the poor are the size of rats, and billionaires are the size of skyscrapers. Warner and his sister Prayer are destitute - and tiny. Their size is not just demeaning, but dangerous: day and night they face mortal dangers that bigger richer people don't ever have to think about, from being mauled by cats to their house getting stepped on. There are no cars or phones built small enough for them, or schools or hospitals, for that matter - there's no point, when no one that little has any purchasing power, and when salaried doctors and teachers would never fit in buildings so small. Warner and Prayer know their only hope is to scale up, but how can two littlepoors survive in a world built against them? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Maya Angelou's brave, defiant poem celebrates the courage within each of us, young and old. From the scary thought of panthers in the park to the unsettling scene of a new classroom, fearsome images are summoned and dispelled by the power of faith in ourselves. Angelou's strong words are matched by the daring vision of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose childlike style reveals the powerful emotions and fanciful imaginings of childhood. Together, Angelou's words and Basquiat's paintings create a place where everyone may experience their own fearlessness.

Milad decides to go on one sea voyage to save his family's fortunes and embarks on a journey where he will find sea-battles, pirates, treasure, spies, perils and love. As part of a Phoenician fleet in the service of King Solomon, he experiences danger on the high seas and in deepest Africa, but he also finds the truest of friends in unexpected places. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Young Nathan is taken hostage by Captain Graham and his pirates. Nathan must decide whether to succumb to pressure and join the murderous crew or fight for his freedom.

Told from the perspective of the elder of two daughters, this novel deals with the emotional struggle of an ex-Vietnam War nurse, and the ongoing impact of the war on her family. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

When young Amy goes to stay with her aunt in the central outback, she befriends Lana. Together, they must overcome racial and cultural barriers and join forces to foil a criminal who is stealing artefacts.

Ten years ago, the leader of the Shadowmen killed many of the Keepers, the teachers and bearers of ancient knowledge threatening his barbaric rule. Rebellion is flaring again and Nyssa and her uncle, descendants of the Keepers, must flee in search of the other half of a strange tattoo on Nyssa's skull.

Find out what is DNA, why it is important and what we can do with it. Track it's discovery from Darwin's theory on evolution, to Mendel's experiments with pea plants, to modern gene research to treat blindness.

As Scarlet Bergen leaves her home to be trained in her psychic Solitaire abilities at the Arcadia Institute she can't forsee how much her life will change. As she delves into the mystery surrounding her mother, more truths and conspiracies will be uncovered.

Sandy Douglas knows that life at fifteen is hard - his mother died a year ago and his 18-year old brother, Red, has gone off the rails. As Sandy and Red deal with girls, friendship and their futures on their Mallee farm, both boys have to figure out who they want to be without their mum around. One thing is certain - the Mallee, where they live, may seem like the middle of nowhere, but it is going to be one hell of a year. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

When both of Eddie's parents catch a disease that makes them turn yellow and smell of hot-water bottles, it's agreed that he should go to stay at Awful End with relatives. Sadly, the relatives are Mad Uncle Jack and Even-Madder Aunt Maud.

A chunky book, jammed full of fascinating, whacky and absurd facts and information, with a list for every day of the year. Useful information like seven objects to use as a paperweight; twenty characters more famous than their inventors; and, four runners-up who became more famous than the person who won.

Eddie Dickens narrowly avoids an explosion, a hot-air balloon and arrest, only to find himself falling for a girl with a face like a camel and into the hands of a murderous gang of escaped convicts.

Any five titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top of the screen.

Eddie, our steadfast hero, is en route to North America aboard a sailing ship, with a cargo hold full of left shoes, the world-famous Dog's Bone Diamond and some very disreputable travelling companions. A mysterious stowaway and some familiar faces from Eddie's past only complicate matters, as does being tied up and set adrift in a leaky rowboat.

Things have never been easy for Antonio, but now it seems like the war will never end. So when Antonio is caught up in the dangerous world of freedom fighters and spies, will it change his life or destroy him?

When the river rises and the city of Paris begins to disappear under water, Frederic decides to help those who can't help themselves. But as his heroic acts escalate, so does the danger. Frederic will have to battle an escaped zoo animal and fight off pickpockets and looters, but as the waters subside, can he find justice for his father and find out what courage really means?

It's a great escape, but will Peter survive it? When Peter's family leaves for a trip across the border, he stays behind. So when the government builds a wall through the city, guarded by soldiers, tanks and ferocious dogs, he's trapped. Everyone says he might never see his family again. But Peter has a courageous plan

Fenn Halflin is on the run. Having survived the explosion of the lock in the earlier book, Fenn Halflin is now on the run from Terra Firma and attempts to find members of the resistance to shelter with. With only his wits and his pet mongoose, Tikki Fenn struggles to travel across the waterlogged lands. To unite all Seaborn people and overthrow Terra Firma is his mission while the water levels rise.

A poor, African-American family living in the South in the 1800s find their lives change forever when the father is arrested.

When Odette starts her list of things that aren't fair, living on the road with her parents and her exasperating younger brother is at the very top. But hundreds of miles later at her grandma's house, Odette discovers just how unfair life can really be. With so much that is out of her control, Odette tries to make things right again.

She wouldn't get up, refusing to relinquish her seat for a white man. With that simple, courageous act, Rosa Parks struck a blow against injustice. She showed what one person, without guns or violence, could do to change the course of history. Her arrest mobilised the black community for a citywide bus boycott that led to a landmark Supreme Court decision.

No tragedy and no challenge has proved too hard for Susan Alberti. The woman from the working-class suburbs has battled boardrooms, courts, lymphoma and adult diabetes; and, was one of the driving forces behind the AFL's move into women's football. This is a story of passion, generosity and a woman who will inspire you to take on the seemingly impossible and triumph.

In a future where wild beasts, humans and mechanical beings battle for control, two children, Mei and Rom, on opposite sides of the earth, connect through a mysterious journal that comes alive to reveal a powerful primal force and a frightening destiny. Mei and Rom must work together to overcome evil. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Set in a Melbourne in the near future we meet Piper who is a deaf teenager who's mother is determined that she pass a 'normal'. Piper starts to realise her isolation and lack of belonging due to her mother's beliefs. Climate change has left people unable to afford to drive their cars or buy tickets on public transport. Planes no longer fly. Due to corporate control, fresh food is hardly available and most people eat genetically modified foo. Piper has to navigate the usual teenage concerns, whilst discovering who she is as a young adult, experiencing her fist love and standing up to corporate greed.

The Earth is the most remarkable life-support system imaginable, constructed over millions of years. As biodiversity has declined the planet's stability has also. To restore our planet, we must restore biodiversity. We must rewind the world.

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She has only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire - neither Offred's nor that of the two men on which her future hangs. This book contains potentially confronting mature themes and content, and is usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Beautiful, clever, rich and single, Emma Woodhouse is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage. Nothing, however, delights her more than interfering in the romantic lives of others. But, when she attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protege, Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and they have consequences that she never expected. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Fletcher has it all, with her inherited million-dollar magazine company, hanging with celebrities and servants to cater to her every wish. But money doesn't solve boyfriend, and family issues, so she secretly travels to a quiet island to sort her feelings out.

Mare Barrow has Silver ability, the power to control lightning. As she makes her escape from Maven, the prince and friend who betrayed her, Mare discovers she is not the only one of her kind. Pursued by Maven, Mare sets out to recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. But, Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. Sequel to The red queen. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite with god-like superpowers. When Mare Barrow begins work in the Silver Palace, she discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power. This is a world of betrayal, lies and danger. Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The boys of a small Polish village are used to the occupying Russian soldiers, but this fragile peace is shattered when a German plane drops a bomb on the school house and signals the coming invasion. The discovery of a soldier's discarded button begins a contest between the friends to get the best button and become king. This contest gets more and more daring as the intensity of battle for the village increases.

Living in a walled city where every aspect of life is controlled, Teddy is unable to pursue her creative passions for risk of being Sanitised. When truths are revealed, Teddy finds herself living in a city under the city. A darker world where creativity is embraced but survival is everything. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Natalie is living proof that love is a scam. She's traumatised by her parents' failed marriage and overwhelmed by her grandmother's expectations of good Lebanese girls - marriage, motherhood and exceptional tabouli-making skills. When her best friend decides to get hitched to a guy in the motherland, Nat's not exactly thrilled by the mammoth task before her: juggling cultural traditions, extra bridesmaid dresses and super-judgemental relatives. And to top it off there's the annoyingly good-looking best man and his constant need to mansplain all of the things. Natalie is in for the trip of her life. But can she save her friend from the cult of romance, without falling in love herself? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Seventeen-year-old Sophie hates Monday mornings, socks worn with sandals, and having to strategise like she's a battle sergeant every time she asks her parents if she can go out. But she especially hates being stereotyped because she's Lebanese. When New Guy, Shehadie Goldsmith, is alienated at her Lebanese school because his dad's Australian, she hates the way it makes her feel. Like she's just as prejudiced as everyone else. Like she could make a difference if she stopped pretending she's invisible. Like the attraction between them might be too strong to fight... But hate is such a strong word... Can Sophie find the strength to speak out - even if it means going against everything she's been brought up to believe? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Final year and five lives. School captain, Ryan had it all until an accident snatches his dreams away. Newcomer Charlie is determined not to fit in. Nobody really notices Matty. But, at home, he holds everything together and has never felt so alone. The popular girl's best friend,Tammi, always bows to peer pressure. Gillian, the politician's daughter is learning the hard way that life in the spotlight comes at a very heavy price. Five unlikely teammates thrust together against their will. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.