Booklists

A strange assortment of misfits and losers live at number 33. Runaway Sam has disappeared there, Bohemia's mum is between boyfriends again and Old Isabel acts like she owns the place. The owner, Sleezy Steve, is always trying to squeeze in one more tenant. Maybe their concern for Bohemia, the most caring of them all, can teach these people to care. Strong language used in context and adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Marguerite's father is desperate for a son. Instead, he's stuck with a feisty, stubborn daughter who refuses to behave like a lady. Shaking off the strict expectations of court life, Marguerite roams free, learning to ride, to fence and to outwit the boys. But, the count of Flanders has plans for his wayward daughter. Some violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Sixteen short and very varied stories from modern fairy tales, comic essays and complex tales using poetic language. Mature themes and fantastic endings make for some great reads. Strong language used in context might offend some readers. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

A wonderful, creative collection of works by young Australian poets, aged from eight to eighteen years to inspire would-be poets and readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

For more than a century and a half, a grim tale has passed down through Michael Veitch's family: the story of the Ticonderoga, a clipper ship that sailed from Liverpool in August 1852, crammed with poor but hopeful emigrants - mostly Scottish victims of the clearances and the potato famine. Hoping for a better life in Australia. Three months later, a ghost ship crept into Port Phillip Bay flying the dreaded yellow flag of contagion. Deadly typhus had erupted, killing a quarter of the passengers and leaving many more desperately ill. Sharks followed the ship. Panic stuck Melbourne. James William Henry Veitch was the ship's assistant surgeon, on his first appointment to sea. Annie Morrison was a volunteer who helped him. Michael Veitch is their great-great grandson and Hell Ship is a well researched narrative which brings to life the hardships and horrors endured by those who came by sea to seek a new life in Australia. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

A true account of the author's time spent as a prisoner in Belsen concentration camp, 1943-1945. The fear and uncertainty of the time are depicted simply, focusing on the positives not just the horrors associated with this period and place. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

As a very young girl, Polina Oulinov is taken on as a special pupil by the famous ballet teacher Professor Bojinsky. He is very demanding and refuses to adapt his standards to the talents of his pupils, and Polina has to work hard and make great sacrifices in order to reach the level Bojinsky senses she has the talent for. When she graduates and is admitted to the official theatre school, she discovers that Bojinsky's view of ballet is only one of many and that she can't adapt to new rules, new visions. She flees Russia for Berlin, where she meets a group of drama students. Together they create a new form of theatre, and conquer the world. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

A parallel is drawn between Jose and the other people of East Timor during the invasion by Indonesia, and the spirit of Uncle Adolfo's fighting bird. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Suffering from an incurable disease, Adam Auttenberg sees the hospital as his second home. With some long-term special friends and an exciting new friendship he faces the toughest challenge. Peter Vu uses his own experiences to create an emotive text as a page turner. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.