Booklists

Rachel Ettinger and Kyle Bonham led fairly predictable lives until Rachel's jokey picture of Kyle working at the Burger Barn wound up going viral. Suddenly he is insta-famous and everyone on the planet knows about Rachel's silly crush on him... including Kyle. Just as they think their lives couldn't get any more complicated, an innocent photo becomes a whirlwind adventure full of fangirls, haters, and French-fry bouquets that forces them both to questions whether fame -- and love -- are worth the price. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

There is something strange about Coraline's new home. It's not the mist, or the cat that always seems to be watching her, nor the signs of danger that Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, her new neighbours, read in the tea leaves. It's the other house - the one behind the old door in the drawing room. Another mother and father with black-button eyes and papery skin are waiting for Coraline to join them there. And they want her to stay with them. For ever. She knows that if she ventures through that door, she may never come back.

Bod appears to be a very normal boy, except that Bod is short for Nobody Owens, and Mr and Mrs Owens are not his real parents. Since babyhood, he has been raised and educated by ghosts trying to protect him from the mysterious Jack who has already brutally stabbed Bod's whole family. No one is to be trusted. For mature readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Under the streets of London lies a world most people could never dream of. When Richard Mayhew helps a mysterious girl he finds bleeding on the pavement, his boring life changes in an instant. Her name is Door, she's on the run from two assassins in black suits and she comes from London Below. His act of kindness leads him to a place filled with monsters and angels, a Beast in a labyrinth and an Earl who holds Court in a Tube train. It is strangely familiar yet utterly bizarre. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In Norse Mythology, Gaiman takes the Norse myths and gives them new life; from the genesis of the legendary nine worlds, he delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants, and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin's son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of a giant, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Raised in a family of circus performers, Helena has always dreamed of leading a more ordinary life. When she is drawn into a strange and magical realm, her real life is stolen by a runaway from the other side. Helena must rescue the realm from chaos in order to win back her not-so-ordinary life. Told in graphic novel style.

Joey is a lost soul and even has trouble finding his way around his own home. Then one day he walks into another dimension where he finds other versions of himself. The problem is that armies of magicians and scientists want to bend him to their foul purposes. The magicians of HEX are out to take control of the Altiverse and Joey must work with his variants to defeat them.

Joey can walk between universes. He has joined a band of freedom fighters comprised of genetic variants of himself who are dedicated to protecting the Altiverse. They must battle the twisted plans of scientists and decide if they can trust a newcomer who doesn't quite fit in.

The first volume of a glorious two-volume, four-colour graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning novel The Graveyard Book. Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place - he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings - such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead?

The second volume of a glorious two-volume, four-colour graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning novel The Graveyard Book. Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place - he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings - such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead?

Coraline is an explorer, discovering everything she can about the area around her family's new home. A door In their flat seems to go nowhere but Coraline enters an alternate world that, at first, is full of interesting things. However, the dangerous creature there, called the other mother, intends to keep her forever. When Coraline's parents are kidnapped into the other world, she sets off on a mission to rescue them.

Find out what inspired writers such as J R R Tolkien, C S Lewis and Louisa May Alcott to write their classics.

Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show. Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father. When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend. Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Jessica dreams of becoming a writer but the English private school that she attends does nothing to foster her talent.

When mean, self centred bully Luke meets Guy, he just thinks he's another weirdo to hate, but soon enough Luke finds out that Guy is not quite what he first seems. To begin with, he catches wild snakes with his bare hands and seems to have a way with animals that is just too intriguing for Luke to ignore. But what Luke discovers is that becoming friends with Guy could change his life, and indeed himself, in ways he never would have previously dreamed. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The war in France rages in the skies, and support for the war in Australia turns cold. Alex flies high above the trenches of the Western Front, while a world away his sister Maggie finds herself in the midst of political upheaval. Somehow, both must find the courage to fight on.

In 1960 England, Isabella is forced to flee her home when her father's strong opinions lead to take a stand against the army. She takes refuge in Amsterdam with an elderly printer, who is brave enough to print topics which stir religious intolerance. This results in a dangerous journey to help him escape certain death for his books.

The year is 1648 and life in Venice is serene for Isabella and her friends Willem, Al-Qasim and Signora Contarini. Together they publish fine books like the controversial encyclopaedia, The Sum of All Knowledge. When a new Inquisitor declares war on free speech, they are forced to flee across the seas to the wondrous capital of the Ottoman Empire, Constantinople.

AJ Flynn is seen as a lost cause but he still manages to get a job in a lawyer's office. In the office records, he finds a key, mysteriously labelled with his name and date of birth. He is determined to find the door that fits the key. An amazing journey back in time not only helps solve the mystery of the key but helps solve a series of crimes, including murder, in Victorian London. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Yann Margoza, a gypsy boy with supernatural gifts, raised by a dwarf, Tetu, is pursued by the sinister, truly-evil Count Kalliovski who holds half the French aristocracy in his power. Yann meets Sidonie, the unloved daughter of the Marquis of Villeduval. Suddenly, all their lives, present, past and future are intertwined against the momentum and violence of the French Revolution. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

France is in the dark days of the guillotine where the innocent and guilty are killed daily. Yann and his compatriots rescue French aristocrats from the guillotine and get them safely away to England. Count Kalliovski, supposedly dead, is plotting Yann's death. Against this terrible background, Yann yearns for his love, Sidonie, whom he believes is safe in London.

Soldier Otto Hundebis defies Death but walks a dangerous path. A half beast half man gives him shoes and dice which lead him deep into a web of dark magic and mystery. He meets the beautiful Safire, pure of heart and spirit, the scheming Mistress Jabber and the terrifying Lady of the Nail. He learns the powers of the tinderbox and the wolves, whose master he becomes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Merrick Hilton has done a runner. On his postie bike. With his swag and a need to clear his head before the HSC. He plays his parents and hits the road. But there's no telling how he'll handle life's potholes when things don't go as planned. Thankfully Victor - an old bloke he meets on the road - knows a bit about broken postie bikes, and broken hearts. Will Victor, Merrick, and the dog survive road-kill, the kindness of strangers, a rave, mindless violence and unexpected romance? There's only one way to find out. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Aaron has left school and is starting a job as assistant to a funeral director. Although uncommunicative, Aaron is a willing and capable worker. But, his home life is fraught. Aaron lives at a caravan park and is the sole carer of his guardian, who's on the verge of dementia. And, Aaron is frightened. He walks in his sleep and has nightmares he can't explain and memories he can't recover. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Our home town. Sometimes it feels like the centre of the universe, sometimes it's the bum-end of nowhere. We are her sons and daughters. These are our triumphs and our heartaches, our fears and hopes for a better life. Getting lost, falling in love, pushing boundaries, exploring the world - powerfully honest stories to make you think and feel, from the award-winning author of The Dead I Know and Changing Gear. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Twelve of William Shakespeare's most famous plays are presented in narrative form.

Three children find a mysterious set of dishes in an attic which sets off a chain of events from an ancient Welsh drama. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Two children, Susan and Colin, are sent to rural England, where they encounter a frightening local woman and an ancient wizard, named Cadellin. They find themselves on the run through abandoned mine tunnels, aided by a pair of heroic dwarfs.

Josh hates his life. He's had to move towns, his new school doesn't have computers, the footy team's already selected and nobody seems to want to talk to him. Reluctantly, Josh befriends classmate, Caitlin, and together they play the Internet game 'Cyberhunt' which promises them one wish, if they can solve five virtual riddles.

Josie is seventeen and wants to be a journalist. When she wins a competition to write for her favourite magazine it seems her dreams have come true. But as she investigates the celebrity she is interviewing, she uncovers a dark side to the glamour of Hollywood. Will this be the end of her burgeoning career? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Darkus Knightley's father was London's top private detective until he went into a coma four years ago. Now, he has woken up to discover his thirteen year old son has inherited the family talent. With a bestselling book seemingly making people do terrible things, and clues pointing to the involvement of a shadowy organisation known as the Combination, Alan needs the help of his tweed-wearing, brainiac son to investigate.

Christobel, fourteen and heiress to a fortune, is bored and lonely until she decides to dress as a boy and rescue her servant's son who has been kidnapped. It becomes a dangerous game set in the crime and disease-ridden slums of The Rocks.

The biographies of twenty-three remarkable and diverse women who started on the paths to their exceptional lives while they were still girls.

Colin is pleased when an old school friend of his father appears in their small New Zealand town, as the man offers his dad a job. It seems, however, that the man has a mysterious hold over Colin's family. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Five siblings find themselves in a dizzying new world after falling through a mysterious cobalt window one December morning. Can it be real? Or are the group stuck in a bizarre collective dream?

Follow in Greta Thunberg's footsteps and join the global mission to save our planet from the effects of climate change.

As a young man, Fidel Castro dreamt of a free and independent Cuba. He led a band of guerilla fighters to overthrow Cuba's dictator. His new government made sure all the people could read and write.

When Lockie moves to a coastal town where his dad is the new police officer, he has trouble settling in. Live each agonising, embarrassing adolescent moment as he makes friends and has a torrid love affair with Vickie, prettiest girl in town.

Large, well-illustrated book with historical information and intriguing facts about the sphinx, the origin of its craftsmen, the Rosetta Stone and Atlantis.

Adam Gilchrist is one of the greatest wicketkeepers in cricket history. He grew up in NSW, played State cricket for Perth, loved the Adelaide oval the most and finished his cricket career in India.

It's the brightest day of summer and it's dark outside. It's dark in your house, dark in your room, and dark in your heart. You feel like the darkness is going to split you apart. This book deals with issues of grief, suicide and healing. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Emmy is the good one. Not strong-willed like her sister or difficult like her brother, she takes up as little space as possible. While she's acting as her brother's guardian on his return from rehab, she's also expected to keep on top of her schoolwork and keep herself together after a terrible car accident in which she was badly injured. But Emmy has secrets, too. How long before it all falls apart? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Welcome to Castle Cove - a town cursed with missing girls, bad boyfriends, family secrets and some very steep cliffs. Last summer, Alice Ogilvie's basketball-star boyfriends Steve dumped her. Then she disappeared fro five days. Where she went and what happened to her is the biggest mystery in Castle Cove. Or at least it was. Because now, another one of Steve's girlfriends has vanished: Brooke Donovan, Alice's ex-best friend. And it doesn't look like Brooke will be coming back... Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Last October, Alice Ogilvie's ex-best friend, Brooke Donovan, was killed - and if it weren't for Alice's unlikely alliance with Iris Adams, and the complete works of Agatha Christie, the wrong person would almost certainly be sitting in prison for the crime. The Castle Cove police aren't exactly great at solving crimes. Which is why, on the night of the annual dance, Alice decides to explore Levy Castle - the site of one of Castle Cove's most infamous deaths. Classic film star Mona Moody died there almost a century ago, and Alice is pretty sure the police got that investigation wrong too. But before she can dig deeper, she walks right into the scene of a new crime: Rebecca Kennedy, on the ground in a pool of blood and another of Alice's ex-friends - Helen Park - standing over her. The Castle Cove police think it's an open and shut case, but Alice and Iris know that to understand the present, sometimes you need to look to the past. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

The planes kept flying low above them. The signal rang out and they surged forward through the smoke. Thousands of men screaming and yelling, their line was kilometres wide. Behind them came Monash's tanks, those huge, new mobile machines. They smothered the land, flattening the crops and then any wire left standing.

Mick's life at high school changes when he is chosen to play the Artful Dodger. His unresolved grief, misplaced guilt over his mother's death and alienation from his father erode his confidence. Will he let the others down? Strong language in context.

This is a collection of short stories about the ups and downs of adolescence.

Mahtab's family live in Herat in Afghanistan amongst the ever present Taliban. They decide to leave everything they hold dear behind and journey secretly to Australia via Pakistan and Indonesia. This is an amazing story of struggle and hope for a better future.

David Bellamy is afraid. He fears the strange new land of New South Wales, its inhabitants and its wild creatures. He fears his relatives who have taken him in and the swearing, cursing Governor Bligh. And then, on Anniversary Day, 26th January, 1808, David and his new friends, Kitty and Ralph, are on the streets of Sydney Town when the military march on Government House.

A family is tested when asked to hide a Timorese refugee. They must take some personal responsibility for a global issue.

Thomas is isolated in a crowd. His story is punctuated by the words adults, such as parents, teachers, politicians, recruitment officers and churchgoers, have said to him throughout his journey from childhood to adulthood. As the voices in his life crowd in on him, Thomas looks for another way.

Nazis are still invading Poland and Felix joins a group of partisans who are targeting the Nazis troops. Felix becomes the doctor's assistant, until he is left to fend for himself, at the same time as becoming a surrogate parents to both Jewish and German young children.

It's fifteen years since readers were first introduced to Felix in Once and across six celebrated books, our brave young hero has survived many unforgettable and emotional journeys. Now comes the seventh and final part of Felix's story, bringing to a powerful climax a series that countless young readers around the world will remember - Always.

While his irresponsible, actress mother lives a jolly life, Angus is literally left holding the babies, his younger siblings. It's a bit much for an eleven year old. Humour masks the adult themes in this story that is suitable for mature readers.

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.

They were loyal creatures, the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse. But war doesn't always pay heed to loyalty. This is the powerful story of a young man's journey towards his own kind of bravery.

Maybe Gabriek, Anya and Felix will escape the revenge Gogol's brother Zliv intends. Maybe they will evade a lynch mob still angry at the displaced Jews. Maybe Felix's medical abilities will provide the solution for a better new life on the other side of the world. Maybe Felix will have to leave his friends behind.

Keith's parents have become morose because of the grey, English weather. Keith intends to cheer them up with a trip to tropical, northern Australia.

Felix now has another Zelda in his life, his granddaughter. His life has been one of distinction, but still he feels a failure because his inability to save the first Zelda. It takes a typically Australian disaster for Felix to lay to rest the pain from his past, and for his granddaughter to understand her own strength of character.

Felix is hidden by his Jewish parents in a Catholic orphanage during the Nazi invasion of Poland. He runs away to find his parents and lands in the middle of the Holocaust.

At the end of the Second World War, Felix struggles to survive in Soviet controlled Poland. He must try to find basic necessities, such as shelter and food, and stay safe from the gangs of youths intent upon ridding Poland of the destitute Jews and Slavs, people who have come to seek refuge. Felix perseveres, always looking for the light at the end of the very dark tunnel and for justice to prevail.

A sequel to Blabbermouth, this book continues the story of Rowena's chaotic life as a teenager who cannot speak aloud yet converses with the reader with her 'voice'.

The second story of Felix and Zelda. They have escaped from the Nazis but now must survive the many people ready to hand them over for a reward. Thanks to the courage of a kind, brave woman they are able to hide for a time in the open, but Felix knows he has a distinguishing feature that identifies him as a Jew.

A troubled girl struggles with a life she doesn't recognise. The boy who poses as her little brother tries to help her unravel the mystery of whether she is possessed, imprisoned or mentally ill. Slowly, the events that led to this terrible trauma, the result of a violent assault, are unravelled as aspects of the harrowing experience are explored. Some very strong language, used in context, may offend some readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Evie, Lucy and Gemma are all in hospital for different reasons, and find themselves in a ward together. Despite a rocky start, they gradually become friends. When one of them witnesses a crime from the window, all three band together to solve the mystery and help build each others happiness while doing so. A coming of age novel for anyone in that space between childhood and adolescence.

A fruitless search is mounted for Grace. Kip, the last person to see her on the beach before her disappearance, may have harmed her or a dark and sinister stranger could be involved. Adult themes with strong and coarse language in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Lissa finds herself without her best friend, with a brother who is talking less and less to her, on the outside of a friendship group she is not so sure she wants to be in, and without her mum who is spending more and more time with a new boyfriend. One winter night a stranger shows up with a baby in his arms and asking all sorts of questions about a part of Lissa's life she knows nothing about. It is only as people come together that any sense can be made of the situation and crisises averted.

With great photos and information, this book tells of the journey of a shy country boy who became the undisputed king of rock 'n' roll.

Throughout his life, Picasso took risks, experimented and pushed the boundaries. Like his art, his life was full of passion. Whether painting, producing sculptures or working with ceramics, he produced some of the greatest art of the twentieth century.

A story about the strength of one young girl separated from her family during the 2nd World War and sent to live with strangers in England. While the war drags on over years and Lisa dreams of seeing her family again she clings to the one gift her mother told her to never loose, her music. Lisa's piano playing would go on and brighten the lives of all those around her in the darkest of times and her story reminds us not just of the power of music, but of the amazing resilience and humbling kindness of the human spirit. For anyone who enjoyed The Diary of Anne Frank.

Willow Chance is a twelve year old genius, obsessed with nature, diagnosing medical conditions and counting by 7s. It has never been easy for Willow to connect with anyone other than her adoptive parents. Willow has led a quietly happy life until her parents die in a car crash, leaving her alone in a baffling world.

When the uptight Fourth Crown Princess of the Blue Crescent Islands is sent to marry the uncouth Prince Ramil ac Burinholt, heir to the throne of Gerfal, in order to unite their lands, they are both horrified. They hate each other on sight and their lives have been very different. But, their countries are under threat and the only chance of peace is for them to form an alliance.

Clair-de-Lune has lived with her grandmother since her mother died. She lives a sheltered life until she meets Bonaventure, a brave talking mouse, who takes Clair-de-Lune on adventures of which she had only dreamed.

When her grandmother dies, Deirdre is left alone in a crumbling block of flats. Looking out the window one misty night, she sees a boy who seems familiar. Together, he and Deirdre must discover the secret of the old building, before it collapses and the secret is lost forever.

Heloise lives with her godmother in an isolated cottage and, next door, is a sinister museum dedicated to the memory of Mary Child. Visitors enter it with a smile but depart with fear in their eyes. When Heloise finds a doll under the floorboards, she keeps it against her godmother's advice. That's when the delicate truce between Heloise and her godmother begins to unravel.

But when Brougham catches Darcy in the act of collecting letters from locker 89 - out of which she's been running her questionably legal, anonymous relationship advice service - that's exactly what happens. In exchange for keeping her secret, Darcy begrudgingly agrees to become his personal dating coach. The goal? To help him win his ex-girlfriend back. Darcy has good reason to keep her identity secret. If word gets out that she's behind the locker, some things she's not proud of will come to light, and there's a good chance Brooke will never speak to her again. Okay, so all she has to do is help an entitled, bratty, (annoyingly hot) guy win over a girl who's already fallen for him once? What could possibly go wrong? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Eon has been studying the ancient art of Dragon Magic to become an apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune. But, he has a dark secret, living a dangerous lie for the chance to become a Dragoneye. When Eon is catapulted into the treacherous world of the Imperial court, he makes a powerful enemy, Lord Ido. Some violence and adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Once she was Eon, a girl disguised as a boy, risking her life for the chance to become a Dragoneye apprentice. Now she is Eona, thrust into the role of her country's saviour. Eona must find the strength to walk a deadly line between truth and justice, friendship and duty, and, most of all, her feelings for the king and Rat Dragoneye. Some violence and adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Exposes global warming and the effects and dangers we face from climate changes. Photographs depicting victims of natural disasters may be distressing to some.

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was a small boy when white supremacists firebombed his family home. Such terrifying moments, along with years of daily racist insults and barriers, shaped Malcolm's life, transforming him into one of the most articulate and rousing black nationalist leaders of all time.

Natalie Imbruglia is an internationally renowned singer and songwriter, who has won many music industry awards.

Harriet and Wilhelmina couldn't be more dissimilar. Harriet has the perfect life - she's dating the perfect girl, has been elected prefect, is the apple of her teachers' eye, and is an overachiever. Will, on the other hand, has gained the ire of her teachers and lands more detentions than she does accolades. But when both girls witness a teacher harass a fellow student, the two form an unlikely partnership to shed light on the many problems of the exclusive Rosemead Grammar. To protect their identities, they create Amelia Westlake, and as they work together they begin to question their distance from each other...Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

17 year old Delilah's crazy life is about to get crazier. Ever since her father took off overseas, she's been struggling to run the family's cafe without him and survive high school. But after a misjudged crush on one of the cool girls, she's become the school punchline. With all that's on her plate she barely has time for her favourite distraction - spying on the beautiful Rosa, who dances flamenco at the tapas bar across the road. Only her best friend Charlie knows how she feels about Rosa, but he has romantic problems of his own. When his plan to win an older woman's heart goes horribly wrong, Del is the only one who can help himl. All this leaves Del grappling with some seriously curly questions. Is it okay to break the law to help a friend? How can a girl tell another girl she likes her without it ending in humiliation and heartbreak? And - the big one - is it ever truly possible to dance in public without falling over? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In the Kingdom of Visidia, each island has its own unique form of magic. As princess of Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her whole life learning to control the ruling family's dangerous soul magic. Amora is determined to rule fairly and justly, and grows frustrated as her father, the King of Visidia, continues to exclude her from the politics of her future kingdom. She has also spent her entire life preparing for the performance of soul magic that will prove her suitability to rule. But on the night of her performance, Amora loses control of her soul magic and is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with a mysterious pirate, who promises to help her in exchange for Amora's assistance reclaiming his stolen magic. As Amora travels the seas, she learns things in her kingdom are not quite what they seem to be, and it's not just her crown that is in danger, but her entire kingdom. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In this timeless classic, Rat, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad of Toad Hall have rollicking adventures along the riverbank and in the Wild Wood.

Lil and her sister Mella have always been close. But one day, after a fight, Mella goes missing. Four months later, and no sign of Mella, a mysterious girl named Alice turns up in Lil's life. In the midst of the worst storm in Welsh history, Alice and Lil work together to bring Mella home.

Rudra is an Indian-Australian boy at a crossroads, poised to step into the world of adulthood and to discover his cultural heritage and how that might truly define him. A wonderful exploration of dual heritage, cultural identity, family and the power of storytelling. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In this collective anthology created by students from two different countries, students show empathy and compassion. Kinglake had one day of fire disaster and Kabul has endured thirty years of war, but the students find common courage and hope.

Survive at any cost. Ten concentration camps. It's something no one could imagine surviving. However, based on a true story, it's what Yanek Gruener has to face. As a Jewish boy during WWII, he is at the mercy of the Nazis who have taken control of everything.

Three different kids. One mission in common: escape. Joseph is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994 with riots and unrest plaguing her country. Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015 with his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction. All three go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge.

In 1950s Germany, the war is over but, for the resistance, the fight continues. Death camp survivor, Yael, who has the power to skinshift, to change her appearance at will, is on the run after shooting and killing Hitler. But, the truth of what happened is far more complicated and the consequences are deadly. As Yael and her comrades move into enemy territory, trying to turn the tide against the New Order, dark secrets reveal dark truths. Sequel to Wolf by Wolf. Includes violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Experimented on during her time in a concentration camp, Yael has the unique ability to skin shift, to change her appearance at will. Now, ten years on since the Nazis won the war, Yael has just one mission, to kill Hitler. To get close to him, Yael must transform into Adele Wolfe, Germany's most famous female rider, and win the legendary Axis Tour, an epic, long distance motorcycle race from Berlin to Tokyo. Only the strongest and wiliest riders survive. Includes violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

What does it mean to be human? Genesis soldier Noemi is confident she knows, and has no hesitations when it comes to destroying the mechs sent from Earth to take over her planet. But when she encounters Abel, a prototype designed to perfectly imitate and surpass the ability of humans, she begins to question her assumptions. Noemi soon realises Abel holds the key to protecting Genesis from the all-consuming powers on earth, which sends her on a heart-stopping journey across galaxies.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a princess who became a legend. Sixteen-year-old Princess Leia Organa is taking survival courses, practicing politics, and spearheading relief missions to worlds under Imperial control. But Leia has worries beyond her claim to the crown. Her parents, Breha and Bail, aren't acting like themselves lately, and determined to uncover her parents' secrets, Leia starts down an increasingly dangerous path that puts her right under the watchful eye of the Empire. When Leia discovers what her parents and their allies are planning behind closed doors, she finds herself facing what seems like an impossible choice; dedicate herself to the people of Alderaan - including the make she loves - or the galaxy at large, which is in desperate need of a rebel hero.

This striking alphabet book shows an Australia with many dimensions. As a country, it has a lot to offer but Australia needs to confront its history and current greed; to stop leaning on old cultural institutions and symbols; and to welcome and tolerate differences. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

A woman takes her only child to live in seclusion so that he should be spared the terrible things that happen in life. She cares for him and is happy. But, one moonless night she dies. The art is sombre but highly original. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Mama, if I was to dig a hole in our garden, would I find a diamond? No, darling, there are no diamonds here. Where are diamonds, then? Oh, in other countries. In Africa for example ... A powerful parable that explores how the desire for endless riches perpetuates chains of inequality and corruption.

All this will soon be yours, respect what I have built and make it prosper.' These are the last words of the old industrialist before dying. While the three brothers discuss how to fulfil their father's wishes, the sister lists for them the disastrous consequences that would follow: disease; marine pollution; deforestation; the destruction of the landscape; pollution of skies and rivers... The Inheritance tells of the greed of those who hold economic power, and reminds us that silence and inaction amount to complicity. With minimal text, this powerful story is told primarily through Armin Greder's distinctive illustrations that challenge the reader to question the status quo and fight for the future.

One morning, a man is found on the beach by the people of an island. Although the islanders fear the outsider and want to send him back into the ocean, the fisherman convinces them that they have a responsibility to save him from death. A powerful look at how people cope with differences and the notion of a group mentality in dealing with a situation.

A lifeless body. One of many in the waters of the Mediterranean. Precarious boats navigate the waters of the sea, from south to north. And more often than not, it is not only hope that drowns. With eloquent and devastating imagery, the creator of the multi-award-winning book The Island again asks us to examine our responses to the plight of refugees. How long will we remain silent witnesses?

It is Theodore's first year at high school. After a successful primary school career, he now finds himself considered a dork, amongst other things. Through some spectacularly unfortunate experiences, Theodore learns a lot about friendship and himself.

Colin has an IQ around 200 and no social skills and Hassan understands people and social etiquette stuff so their friendship is the perfect balance. When the nineteenth of Colin's girlfriends (all called Katherine) breaks up with him, the boys decide a road trip is in order. When they end up in Gutshot, Tennessee, they meet a mother and daughter who provide all of the necessary ingredients for some problem solving to occur.

Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But, when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Living with anxiety and OCD is enough but when Daisy, her Best and Most Fearless Friend, brings her on a mission to find a fugitive billionaire things are about to get even more complicated. To find Russell Pickett, Aza must enter the world of his geeky, but maybe kind-of-cute son, Davis. But the chances of a first kiss, and maybe even a first love, could send Aza into a spiral of anxiety... A perfect coming-of-age novel filled with love, mystery and Star Wars fan-fiction. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Will Grayson meets Will Grayson. One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two strangers are about to cross paths. From that moment on, their world will collide and lives intertwine. It's not that far from Evanston to Naperville, but Chicago suburbanites Will Grayson and Will Grayson might as well live on different planets. When fate delivers them both to the same surprising crossroads, the Will Graysons find their lives overlapping and hurtling in new and unexpected directions. With a push from friends new and old - including the massive, and massively fabulous, Tiny Cooper, offensive lineman and musical theatre auteur extraordinaire - Will and Will begin building toward respective romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history's most awesome high school musical. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Ben and Tiffany overcome their own problems when they take on the human vermin of London using their amazing martial arts skills. These skills, learnt from the unnervingly cat-like and unlikely Mrs Powell, come from an age of cat-worship.

Fantasy tales of make-believe appear before your eyes.

When Arthur releases the sword in the stone, he and his brave knights undertake many quests, including the search for the Holy Grail. Lots of adventures involving damsels in distress, fierce jousts, sword fights, battles, tournaments and miracles.

These stories, legends from ancient Egypt, are of gods, magic and adventure, including the great myths of Amen-Ra of Isis.

Nicki Greenberg's adaptation of The Great Gatsby brings to life the grand and crumpled dreams of F. Scott Fitzgerald's unforgettable characters. In the exquisitely realised setting of 1920s New York, a throng of fantastical creatures play out the drama, the wry humour and the tragedy of the novel. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

For as long as she can remember, Pepper Stark has wanted one thing: to join her father, the Captain, aboard the magnificent RMS Aquitania on a voyage to New York. She has never been allowed to set foot on her father's ship - until now. From the decadent food to the star-studded passenger list, travelling First Class on Aquitania is every bit as glamorous as Pepper had imagined. And most dazzling of all is American stage sensation Perdita West, wearing the world-famous Saffron Diamond around her neck. When the priceless jewel disappears mid-voyage, Pepper unexpectedly finds herself entangled in the crime.

Llewelyn Jones is a twelve year old boy who journeys to Australia to find his convict mother and uncle. He ends up on the goldfields at the time of The Eureka Stockade. Some strong language used in context.

In 1931, a family's mother falls ill and their only hope is to reach their father working on the Great Ocean Road. The children set off on a long journey, with only a pram filled with their belongings, meeting all types of people on the way.

As the horrors of the First World War are drawing to a close, an influenza pandemic has arisen that will kill more people around the world than the Great War. Charlotte McKenzie, assisting the doctor, finds herself experiencing first hand the effects of this devastating disease. This is Charlotte's diary, written in post World War I Melbourne in 1918.

This is the story from World War I of Guy Haydon and his horse, Midnight, as they enlist with the army, travel across the world and play a starring role in a great cavalry charge.

At fourteen, Prussian princess, Sophia, became Catherine the Great through an arranged marriage. Sophia writes about her home situation, the hardships of travel to Russia, her efforts to please the empress and her engagement.

In an elegantly written royal diary, Cleopatra VII has recorded every rich detail from her tumultuous times including her frightening escape and the men that she loved.

Eleanor, fourteen, oldest daughter of the Duke of Aquitaine in France, is next in line when her father's only legitimate son dies in 1136. She knows she will be married off. Eleanor wants to marry for love but that appears impossible.

The colonial governor gives his account of life on Kirabati and Tuvalu, two islands in the Pacific.

A beautifully bound and illustrated collection of some of the more unusual tales from The Brothers Grimm alongside the much-loved classics. With a translation by Margaret Hunt that pulls no punches, these retellings are as original as you will find, opening a magical world of fairy tales and folk lore to inspire imaginations and readers of all ages and generations. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

A gripping story of two boys whose lives are anything but carefree. Pascal and Kojo work on a cocoa plantation in West Africa and they desperately want to get back to their homes to see if their families are still alive. Global social issues of child soldiers and child labour are sensitively and realistically portrayed.

Brothers, Suresh and Sandeep, end up as street kids in a city far from their home village. They become glass collectors, searching through the rubbish dumps and dirty alleys to find glass to sell in order to survive. But, when Suresh realises his younger brother isn't coping as well as he thought, he must find a way to save Sandeep and himself from a terrible fate.

One frightening day, everything changes in Lu Si-Yan's life. A country Chinese girl whose father dies, Lu Si-Yan is sold by her uncle to work for a family in the big city. She refuses to spend her life in servitude, determined to be reunited with her family.

A high stakes murder trial includes a perfect murder, a faceless witness and thirteen year old Theodore as the only person who knows the whole truth.

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.

When Theodore's best friend, April, goes missing in the middle of the night, fear ripples through the town. The police run out of leads and Theo uses his legal and investigative mind to track her down.

Big trouble is brewing for Theodore Boone. While all of Strattenburg anxiously awaits the new trial of infamous murder suspect Pete Duffy, problems arise for their own kid lawyer. There's been a robbery and Theo is the accused. His reputation is on the line and, with the evidence building against him and dangerous threats looming, Theo will do whatever it takes to prove his innocence. Even if it means breaking a few rules.

Theodore Boone is back in action. All of Strattenburg sits divided over a hot political and environmental issue and Theo finds himself right in the thick of it. The county commission is fighting hard to change the landscape of the town and Theo is strongly opposed to the plans. But, when he uncovers corruption beneath the surface, no one, not even Theo, is prepared for the risks and potential harm. Torn between his conscience and the law, Theo will do whatever it takes to stand up for what is right.

On a field trip to Washington, DC, Theo spots a familiar face on the Metro. He sees accused murderer and fugitive Pete Duffy, who jumped bail and was never seen again. Theo's quick thinking helps bring Duffy back to Strattenburg to stand trial. But, now that Duffy knows who he is, Theo is in greater danger than he's ever been in before. Even when everything is on the line, Theodore Boone will stop at nothing to make sure a killer is brought to justice.

Thirteen year old Theodore Boone knows every judge, police officer and court clerk in Strattenburg. But, even a future star lawyer like Theo has to deal with statewide, standardised testing. When an anonymous tip leads the school board to investigate a suspicious increase in scores at another local middle school, Theo finds himself thrust in the middle of a cheating scandal. With insider knowledge and his future on the line, Theo must follow his keen instincts to do what's right.

Bold, secretive and utterly uncompromising, renowned Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen will stop at nothing to execute his latest plan - to be the first to reach the southernmost point on the globe. Haunted by the prospect of his rival Captain Scott scooping the prize, Amundsen pushes himself and his men beyond the bounds of human experience and ever deeper into the Antarctic unknown. Can Amundsen count on the loyalty of his men to the very end? How will history view Roald Amundsen?

This is the story of Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica and the memorable characters, who with a band of shaggy ponies and savage dogs, follow a man they trust into the unknown. Battling storms at sea, impenetrable pack ice, man-eating whales, crevasses, blizzards, bad food, extreme temperatures, and equal measures of hunger, agony and snow blindness, the team pushes on against all odds. But will the weather hold? Will their rations be adequate? How will they know when they get there? And who invited the Norwegians?

In 1914, Shackleton set out to chart the Antarctic continent. It was a journey fraught with setbacks and challenges. The ship, Endurance, becomes locked in the ice and when it begins to sink the men are forced to make camp on the ice floes. These are unstable subject to cracking and separating. The crew must journey through perilous conditions to find safety and the security of land. Battling hunger, exhaustion and fluctuating weather conditions the crew finally make it to Elephant Island where the crew separate in the hope of bringing help to rescue them. But with WW1 raging this proves challenging. An inspiring journey of perseverance, hope and courage.

Nineteen-year-old twins, Justine and Perry, embark on a holiday to North America. Perry has a brain condition that can cause him to become distressed and behave in inappropriate ways, and after the death of their father, Justine has become his sole carer. This trip will mark a shift in their relationship, towards independence, and an opportunity for their absent mother to atone for past mistakes.

Since the death of his sister, Evie, Munro Maddux has been stuck. Flashbacks. Anger. Chest pains. A constant ache in his right hand. And a taunting voice he calls the Coyote. In an act of desperation, Munro heads off on a student exchange to Australia - the country of Evie's dreams. Forced by his new school to join a volunteer program, Munro discovers the Coyote is silenced in one place: Fair Go, an assisted-living residence in Brisbane's west. Munro gets to know his team of residents: designer Bernie; sleeping refugee Shah; would-be wedded couple Blake and Dale; comic creator Iggy; and self-defence tutor Florence. As this unlikely group shows Munro the sights, Munro's notion of what it means to be a big brother begins to change. But the burden Munro carries is not so easily cast aside. Will the Coyote triumph? Or can Munro find the fortitude necessary to mend his heart? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

You're about to go to a place where thousands, even millions, of kids live every day. You're about to enter a war zone. There's been an attack. Grabbing his camera, a newspaper photographer rushes to the nearest clinic. What he finds there will change the way he thinks forever. Inspired by real events in the Middle East, events you might see any day on the TV news, this groundbreaking and acclaimed picture book for older readers will take you to a place far from comfort and safety. What could you possibly have in common with the kids who live there? You're about to find out...

An aeroplane is discovered in the Amazon jungle. Will Jaeger; The Hunter, lead's a team of elite special forces on a desperate race which uncovers secrets and a conspiracy from Nazi Germany during World War Two. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

You know those movies where teenagers have the summer of their lives? This summer is probably not going to be that. Here lies Maisie Martin, dead from embarrassment, aged sixteen. The last thing Maisie Martin thought she'd be doing this summer is entering a beauty pageant. Not when she's spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone. Not when her Dad is AWOL for Christmas and her best friend starts going out with the boy she's always loved. But Maisie's got something to prove. And she's not going to let anything or anyone- including herself- hold her back. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Growing up with the famous Bali surf at his back door, sixteen year old Taj had an idyllic childhood, until ten years ago when his father was arrested for smuggling drugs. He's been on death row in Bali's infamous Kerobokan Prison ever since, leaving Taj in a weird limbo. When an execution date is set, Taj is left with one course of action, bust his dad out of jail and hightail it back to Australia. What follows is the desperate, dangerous rid of a father and son on the run. As events unravel and time runs out, Taj uncovers startling truths about his family, his girlfriend and the stranger he is rapidly falling for.

The demand: bring back Cerberus, the new technology that's only whispered about in the furthest reaches of cyberspace. Drawn into the shady world of black-hat hacking and industrial espionage, Dom will need every skill he's learnt to complete this instalment. How can Dom steal something that doesn't exist. Failure is not an option.

Dom's family owe an ancient debt to a secretive organisation known simply as The Debt. Now that Dom is 15, it is his turn to make the six Instalments required from each Silvagni male or sacrifice a pound of flesh in payment. Dom's first challenge is to catch the Zolt, a 17-year-old Facebook bandit who has a penchant for stealing light aircraft from wealthy Gold Coast residents.

Dom is in Italy, and uses manipulation and deception to search for the world's greatest treasure hunter. While he is there he does some digging of his own, into The Debt, but only gets more questions.

Dom's almost there, the end is in sight and the Debt wants proof that Dom has what it takes to become one of them. Dom is desperate to be rid of his debt, but can he kill another person to prove himself. He is alone, so terribly alone.

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.

Dom has had it with the debt, but his second instalment is even more challenging than the first: Dom must turn off all of the Gold Coast's lights during Earth Hour. It's a race against time and he is racing for his life.

There is only one person looking out for Dom, himself. He is waiting for his next instalment, sure that it's the seach for Yamashita's gold, a looted treasure from the second World War, but The Debt is silent, not a word has come from them.