Booklists

Challenge Level : K-2 Challenge Level : 3-4 Challenge Level : 5-6 Challenge Level : 7-9 Challenge Level : 9plus
ID Title Author  
18538
Across the dark sea
Trung and his father are separated from his mother and sister while escaping from Vietnam to Australia. The story traces their dangerous journey and the difficulties they face as refugees assimilating into Australian society. While they want desperately to be reunited, they did not want Trung's mother and sister to travel to Australia on a leaky boat.
ISBN 9781876944452
Series Making tracks (1 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2006
Orr, Wendy
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804789
Amazing case of Dr Ward, The
When you peel a banana, or bite into a pear, when you smell a rose, pop a fuchsia bud or scrape your knee climbing an old pine tree, do you ever wonder how those plants came to this country? Read the amazing case of Dr Ward to be awed by the science and troubles of the past.
ISBN 9781925804706
Publisher Ford Street Publishing, 2021
Kerin, Jackie & Suwannakit, Tull (ill)
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112264
Antarctic close-up
John finds himself caught up in an Antarctic adventure that happened in 1911 when he travels back in time using one of his inventions. A chance to discover the Antarctic through the writing of someone who has been there.
ISBN 9781876944544
Series Making tracks (9 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2007
Edwards, Hazel & Parkee, Meegan (ill)
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5437
Bill Baillie: Life and adventures of a pet bilby
Welcome to the fascinating, exciting and sometimes frightening world of His Highness Bill Baillie of Goongarrie, the most adventurous and well-travelled bilby in Australia. Bill Baillie tells the story of a bold and inquisitive bilby, who lives with his owner and friend, Tabitha, and accompanies her when she goes to interesting places to paint wildflowers. Bill is a bold, curious, lovable character and gets up to a little mischief and a lot of excitement.
ISBN 9780642279200
Publisher National Library of Australia, 2018
Rowan, Ellis
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5490
Bird to bird
This is the story of one bird, one seed and one tree. When a bird drops a seed to the floor of an English forest, who could imagine that it would be the start of a journey that continued across thousands of kilometres to Australia and into future generations.
ISBN 9781925381122
Publisher Walker Books, 2018
Saxby, Claire & Harris, Wayne (ill)
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18535
Caravan kids
A family holiday in a caravan leads to an adventure for Sally and her family. Sally dreams of being a writer and so her Mum suggests she make her own story about the trip.
ISBN 9781876944445
Series Making tracks (2 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2006
Hathorn, Libby & Connor, Julie (ill)
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9428
Castle diary: journal of a young page
The thirteenth century journal of eleven year old, Tobias Burgess. In 1285, Tobias was a page at the castle of his uncle, John Burgess, Baron of Strandborough. Colourful renderings of the castle, the hunt, a tournament and harvest time are included.
ISBN 9780744582208
Publisher Walker Books, 2001
Platt, Richard & Riddell, Chris (ill)
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144066
Daisy Sunshine
It's 1975 and Daisy and her mum have just moved into the Grand Private Hotel belonging to Mr and Mrs Papadopolous. It's all new and strange but Nina, Old Dot, the Colonel and especially Rainbow Rose are there to help them make a new life for themselves. This is a time of great social change and Daisy's life opens up as she becomes involved in the movement for equal rights for women.
ISBN 9781876944674
Series Making tracks (14 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2008
Gervay, Susanne & Culkin-Lawrence, Teresa (ill)
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112260
Day I was history, The
Like everyone else, Sam believed that cities don't burn. But one hot summer the fires came to Canberra with devestating results. Sam must fight to try to save his home not knowing if his would be one of the five hundred houses to be lost.
ISBN 9781876944551
Series Making tracks (7 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2007
French, Jackie & Booth, Christina (ill)
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30304
Egyptian diary: journal of a young scribe
The year is 1465 BC and Nakht's family is moving from their village to Memphis, where his father has just become an important scribe. With Nakht, we explore this bustling Egyptian city, visiting the craftsmen's workshops and the shipyards, watching a burial ritual, and learning how the land is farmed, and how houses are built. Most thrilling of all, he witnesses a tomb robbery in the pyramids and meets the King of Egypt.
ISBN 9781406330625
Publisher Walker Books, 2011
Platt, Richard & Parkins, David (ill)
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9425
Eureka gold
Will and his family head for Ballarat to find gold. They face heat, dust and flies in summer; rain, mud and cold in winter. Along with other diggers and a young man with a strange past, the events of the Eureka Stockade change them forever.
ISBN 9780646274706
Publisher Otto Books, www.vashtifarrer.com, 1996
Farrer, Vashti
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49269
Fair dinkum war, The
A look at life in Australia through the eyes of a primary school boy during World War II. The excitement of seeing the American soldiers and tanks, the concept of black-outs, bomb shelters and ration coupons are explained.
ISBN 9781743310625
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2013
Cox, David
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774374
Fozia and the quest of Prince Zal
Twelve year old Fozia has survived the worst flood in Pakistan's history. But her life will never be the same. As her parents are missing, Fozia now lives with a family in a new village. As she slowly rebuilds her life, she fears everything could fall apart if her secret is uncovered. To keep the memories of her family alive in her heart, Fozia tells her fiends a fairytale about Prince Zal. He rides a magic carpet on a quest to find his little sister. He battles a leopard and dangerous fairies. But can he succeed if the truth behind Fozia's story is revealed?
ISBN 9780702263071
Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2021
Hawke, Rosanne
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Geronimo and Thea Stilton series
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.
Series Geronimo and Thea Stilton series (134 books)
Stilton, Geronimo
No book cover.
11940
Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel 4: Following the trail of Marco Polo
Geronimo Stilton must time travel to Khanbalik, or The City of Khan (modern day Beijing), in thirteenth century China, where he encounters Kublai Khan and Marco Polo. This time, Geronimo and friends must stop the Pirate Cats from corrupting Marco Polo's famous book, The Travels of Marco Polo, and changing history forever.
ISBN 9781597071888
Series Geronimo and Thea Stilton series (4 of 134)
Publisher MacMillan, 2010
Topics / Graphic novels /
Stilton, Geronimo
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855822
Girl who could fix anything, The: Beatrice Shilling, World War II engineer
Beatrice knew that as a girl she wouldn't be quite like other engineers - and she wasn't. She was better. Still, it took hard work and perseverance to persuade the Royal Aircraft Establishment to give her a chance. But when World War II broke out and British fighter pilots took to the skies in a desperate struggle for survival against Hitler's bombers, it was clearly time for new ideas. Could Beatrice solve an engine puzzle and help Britain win the war?
ISBN 9781406399004
Publisher Walker Books, 2022
Rockcliff, Mara & Duncan, Daniel (ill)
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39761
Highway robbery
In England in the 1800s, a dark stranger leaves his magnificent horse, Black Bess, in the care of a boy he's never met. As dusk falls, the stranger has still not returned and the loyal boy has declined many offers to buy the animal. Then soldiers arrive, demanding to know where the horse's owner has gone. There's mischief in the air, but it isn't entirely clear who's causing it.
ISBN 9780370329574
Publisher Bodley Head, 2008
Thompson, Kate
Image currently unavailable
History mysteries series
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.
Series History mysteries series (4 books)
Greenwood, Mark
No book cover.
4253
History mysteries: Lasseter's gold
A young, out of work seventeen year old Queenslander rides out into the centre of Australia on horseback to find adventure. He returns with meal bags of rubies and fantastical tale of an Australian gold reef bigger than any ever seen. This is the story of Harold Lasseter and the financed exploration party who returned over thirty years later and what they found.
ISBN 9780143309321
Series History mysteries series (4 books)
Publisher Penguin Random House Australia, 2017
Greenwood, Mark
Image currently unavailable
4724
History mysteries: The last tiger
In 1936, hunted and trapped by European farmers, the last few Tasmanian Tigers take refuge in the forests of Tasmania. But even after the last-known tiger dies alone and neglected in a zoo, people claim to have sighted this amazing creature. No one can prove it still exists, until a determined searcher and modern science provide a glimmer of hope.
ISBN 9780143309253
Series History mysteries series (4 books)
Publisher Penguin Books Australia, 2017
Greenwood, Mark
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4721
History mysteries: The lost explorer
In 1848 the famous explorer Ludwig Leichhardt sets out on an epic journey. His aim is to cross Australia from east to west, but he never reaches his destination and no one from his expedition is ever seen again. Countless search parties set out to look for the expedition but no trace is ever found. Until a young boy is given an artefact with an incredible story...
ISBN 9780143309277
Series History mysteries series (4 books)
Publisher Penguin Books Australia, 2017
Greenwood, Mark
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18533
Hold-up heroes, The
Polly and James overhear a gang of bushrangers plotting to kidnap the Governor. Before they can tell anyone, they discover their father will be driving the Governor's coach and fear he is helping the bushrangers.
ISBN 9781876944384
Series Making tracks (10 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2006
Bates, Dianne & Wright, Kathryn (ill)
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9899
Home to mother
Three girls are taken from their mothers in the 1930s and are sent to a camp. They decide to escape and follow a rabbit-proof fence to find their way home.
ISBN 9780702235467
Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2006
Pilkington Garimara, Doris & Lyndon, Janice (ill)
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52208
Horrid Henry and the abominable snowman
Horrid Henry's plans to win the Snowman competition do not go quite the way he expected.
ISBN 9781842550700
Series Horrid Henry series (29 books)
Publisher Orion, 2007
Simon, Francesca
Image currently unavailable
Horrid Henry series
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.
Series Horrid Henry series (29 books)
Simon, Francesca
No book cover.
51364
Horrid Henry's stinkbomb
Moody Margaret and Horrid Henry organise their secret clubs to cause havoc on each other. As usual things don't go according to plan.
ISBN 9781842550663
Series Horrid Henry series (29 books)
Publisher Orion, 2002
Simon, Francesca
Image currently unavailable
2262
How the Finnegans saved the ship
Based partly on historic fact, thirteen year old Mary travels by steamship with Mrs Finnegan and her six other children from Ireland to Australia in 1913. Lots of explanatory notes on Irish history, customs and recipes included in this book.
ISBN 9780207197499
Publisher Angus & Robertson (HarperCollins), 2001
French, Jackie
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6666
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields, a young homesick World War I soldier risks his life to cross no-man's land and rescue a robin caught in the barbed wire. He hears the soldiers on the other side singing Christmas carols.
ISBN 9781863683692
Publisher Fremantle Press, 2002
Jorgensen, Norman & Harrison-Lever, Brian (ill)
Image currently unavailable
2547
Last clown, The
An historical journey that starts from the time when circuses were a popular and common form of entertainment. Max, the last clown and Beryl, the aging elephant, no longer fit the expectations of modern audiences.
ISBN 9780733608728
Publisher Hodder Headline Australia Pty Ltd, 2001
Thompson, Colin & Gamble, Penelope
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5146
Legend of Moondyne Joe, The
In 1853, Joseph Johns was transported from Wales to the British colony in Western Australia. Prison for Joe was never an option and he escaped often, leading the troopers on wild chases through the Moondyne Hills of Western Australia. He became known as Moondyne Joe and soon had a well-deserved reputation as an incredible escape artist, with his love for freedom and his daring exploits.
ISBN 9781921720123
Publisher Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd, 2011
Greenwood, Mark & Lessac, Frane (ill)
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9433
Long, sticky walk, The
A story of country life in the late 1800s. Emily and her family live on a small farm in rural New South Wales. In 1886, after a terrible flood, the children and Mama are stranded with Papa working far away. Mother must find a way out for all of them.
ISBN 9781876268817
Publisher University of Western Australia Press, 2003
Wignell, Edel
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660656
Max and the midknights
Max wants to be a knight. Too bad there's more chance of finding a friendly dragon than THAT dream coming true. But when Max's uncle Budrick is kidnapped by the cruel King Ghastly, it might finally be Max's time to be a hero! Joined by a band of brave adventurers - the Midknights - and a cowardly goose, Max sets out on a thrilling quest to save the realm of Byjovia.
ISBN 9781529029260
Publisher Pan MacMillan, 2020
Peirce, Lincoln
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2871
Mieko and the fifth treasure
When the bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Mieko's village was ruined and her hand was badly injured. She also lost the legendary fifth treasure, beauty in the heart. She is sent to a new school where her bravery and patience may help.
ISBN 9780947241858
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 1990
Coerr, Eleanor
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647142
Moonwalkers
When Apollo 11 blasts off for the moon, the whole world is watching. On the other side of the planet, Billy, Mickey and Buzz decide to be astronauts too. Dream astronaut dreams, and celebrate Australia's role in one of humanity's greatest achievements, the moon landing of 1969. Moonwalkers is a joyous story of imagination and play - the greatest bedtime story ever told.
ISBN 9780143793557
Publisher Penguin, 2019
Greenwood, Mark & Denton, Terry (ill)
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12389
Most magnificent mosque, The
Three naughty boys, Rashid, Samuel and Miguel, plague visitors to the mosque at Cordoba with their tricks. As punishment, the boys are forced to work in the mosque gardens. Later, the three friends reunite to save the church.
ISBN 9781845070120
Publisher Frances Lincoln, 2004
Jungman, Ann
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41509
Mudpuddle Farm: Pigs might fly
Mudpuddle Farm is made up of many animals, each with their own personality. In the first of two stories, we meet Pintsize, a feisty and adventurous pig, who overhears his owner utter the words, and pigs might fly. Pintsize decides that he will take on this challenge to fly with hilarious results. The second story focuses on Jigger the sheep dog whose one day off is spent planning how to get to the small creatures hiding in the 'about to be mown' corn field, and how, somehow, they manage to outsmart him each year.
ISBN 9780007274635
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2017
Morpurgo, Michael
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18696
Mustara
Taj longs to take his young camel, Mustara, with explorer Ernest Giles' expedition to find a way across the Australian desert. But, like a storm in the ocean, the desert can turn wild, and Mustara is thought to be too young and not strong enough. Taj and Mustara must prove their strength and courage.
ISBN 9780734408990
Publisher Lothian Books, 2006
Hawke, Rosanne & Ingpen, Robert (ill)
Image currently unavailable
9426
Ned's Kang-u-roo
Twelve year old farm boy, Ned Wattrous, runs away to sea on Captain James Cook's HMS Endeavour. Ned tells how they save the ship and sail into shore for repairs. Then they must find a way out through the shallow and treacherous water.
ISBN 9780850918557
Publisher Otto Books, www.vashtifarrer.com, 1997
Farrer, Vashti
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1799
Nelly gang, The
Fun, dastardly plans, at least one villain and a pet goat entertain amid the danger. Can Nelly rescue her father from the clutches of Captain Sunbeam. Will the children escape each of several close shaves with their lives. And who will get the gold.
ISBN 9781921977916
Publisher Walker Books, 2013
Axelsen, Stephen
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669567
Never forget
Commemorating the families who served and sacrificed in a war far from home, movingly illustrated with art inspired by original Anzac war artists. Never forget the sacrifice these soldiers made for our country.
ISBN 9781743835050
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2020
Hallifax, Clare & O'Carrigan, Simon (ill)
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950150

New
Odelia and the Varmint
Join Odelia as she pairs up with the rude and dangerous Captain Blunderfuss in an attempt to discover the treasure she needs to save her family.
ISBN 9781922326713
Publisher New Frontier Publishing, 2023
Moore, Jenny & Pagenelli, Elisa (ill)
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20244
Olympuss games, The: Son of Spartapuss
Spartapuss is a newcomer to Rome in 36 AD and he has much to learn. When a mysterious stranger offers to pay his debts he finds himself in a school for strays and a school for gladiators. Will they make it to the Olympuss Games?
ISBN 9781906132811
Publisher Mogzilla, 2014
Price, Robin
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660539
Once
Once, a long time ago, my grandmother's grandmother travelled far, far across the seas. Kate Forsyth tells tales of her ancestors' lives in Australia in this beautifully illustrated picture book. From the first perilous journey to a new land, to the great wars and civil rights movements, readers live through key moments in Australia's fascinating history.
ISBN 9781925563566
Publisher Wombat Books, 2019
Forsyth, Kate & Brennan, Krista (ill)
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18539
One perfect day
It is 1927 and celebrations for the opening of Parliament House are underway. But, for Billy, an orphaned farmhand, it is just another bad day of hard work and loneliness. Now, he has to save his only friend, the work dog, Dusty, from certain death.
ISBN 9781876944407
Series Making tracks (4 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2006
French, Jackie & Bray, Peter (ill)
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112070
Other side, The
Alex has a really embarrassing, tree-hugging grandfather that he does not want to be filmed next to by the national news crew. But Alex can learn a lot from Gramps about the rabbit proof fence and from his special friends in the Australian bush.
ISBN 9781876944568
Series Making tracks (6 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2007
Morgan, Sally & Culkin-Lawrence, Teresa (ill)
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112261
Penny to remember, A
George is transported to seven years' hard labour in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) for stealing. He leaves a love token with his sister Hannah, hoping she will never forget him. Across the world from each other, it seems they will never be reunited.
ISBN 9781876944537
Series Making tracks (5 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2007
Murray, Kirsty & Bray, Peter (ill)
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977576

New
Pepper Masalah and the flying carpet
A fierce storm sweeps Zamir and his cat Pepper Masalah away upon their ancient carpet. After flying far from home, they crash-land in the Arabian Peninsula. Pepper and Zam make a friend but it's not enough to escape the local camel traders. How will they escape? Can they make the carpet fly again?
ISBN 9781761111105
Publisher Wombat Books, 2023
Hawke, Rosanne & Berry, Jasmine (ill)
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1013608

New
Pepper Masalah and the temple of cats
Pepper Masalah's flying carpet lands in Ancient Egypt where Pepper and Zam are in danger again. A girl called Tabia takes them to a temple full of cats where Pepper is so special the people want to turn her into a mummy! But how can they escape? The carpet has floated away down the Nile, leaving Pepper and Zam stuck in time.
ISBN 9781761111143
Publisher Wombat Books, 2023
Hawke, Rosanne & Berry, Jasmine (ill)
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66027
Pirate diary: journal of a cabin boy
In September, 1716, nine year old Jake Carpenter joined his Uncle Will aboard his ship to become a sailor. His uncle has told him about sea monsters and mermaids, and has sailed through a hurricane. When the ship, the Greyhound, is captured by pirates, Jake embarks on an exciting new life but on the wrong side of the law.
ISBN 9781406330601
Publisher Walker Books, 2011
Platt, Richard & Riddell, Chris (ill)
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647166
Polonius the pit pony
When Polonius the pit pony escapes from the coal mine he's worked in all his life, he joins a family of Travellers. Although he enjoys the freedom and the fresh air that their lifestyle offers, he wishes he could give something back to the family in return.When the chance arrives for him to do something to help, he rises to the challenge!
ISBN 9781786281852
Publisher Child's Play International Ltd, 2018
O'Neill, Richard & Parker Thomas, Feronia (ill)
Image currently unavailable
6453
Postcards from the town that disappeared
Describes a way of life in the Tasmanian bush in the early 1900s including the pioneering spirit of the people as well as the basic conditions in which they live. Told through letter extracts and illustrations.
ISBN 9780958537612
Publisher Forest Eductaion Foundation Inc. Tas, 2005
Lendis, Celia & John
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3989
Princess Betony and the unicorn
Princess Betony's mother is a dryad who misses the Wild Magic of the Dark Forest. When the princess sees her mother running into the Dark Forest, Betony is worried she will never return. Humans are forbidden to enter the Forest. But, Betony doesn't care. She has to find her mother, no matter what. But, first, she must catch a unicorn.
ISBN 9781925381023
Series Princess Betony series (4 books)
Publisher Walker Books, 2016
Freeman, Pamela & Ainslie, Tamsin (ill)
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Princess Betony series
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.
Series Princess Betony series (4 books)
Freeman, Pamela & Ainslie, Tamsin (ill)
No book cover.
113915
Queenie: one elephant's story
Up to the 1950s, a highlight of visiting a Sydney or Melbourne zoo was a ride on the elephants. This book is about Queenie, the joy she provided until her unfortunate end.
ISBN 9781876372972
Publisher Black Dog Books, 2006
Fenton, Corinne & Gouldthorpe, Peter (ill)
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992296

New
Quest for the galleon of time, The
Eleven year old Tobias is sent to be cabin boy on a galleon in 1738, and his adventures include ruthless pirates, shipwrecks and a time traveling ghost ship. Tobias and his new friends face mounting danger when they discover hidden truth about three seafaring brothers - one good, one evil, and one dead!
ISBN 9781922858191
Publisher MidnightSun Publishing, 2023
Hunter, Tanya
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18537
Ray's Olympics
At school, Ray is bullied by the Leary brothers. He now has to find a way into the Olympics before they make mincemeat of him. The story is set in the period of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
ISBN 9781876944438
Series Making tracks (12 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2006
Gleeson, Libby & Cox, David (ill)
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46001
Red camel, The
This story is set in central Australia at the turn of the twentieth century. Ruby doesn't like working for the Wilsons. She wants to go back to Alice Springs to live with her mum and wonders if Idris, the Afghan boy who works with the camels, will help her to return home.
ISBN 9781876944698
Series Making tracks (16 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2008
Murray, Kirsty & Culkin-Lawrence, Teresa (ill)
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1250
Remembering Lionsville
We are taken back to the family home built by the author's grandfather generations ago and still lived in now by the family. The growing and preserving of food, communications with others, the way of life all beautifully and simply described with magnificent illustrations combining Aboriginal and western techniques.
ISBN 9781742373201
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2013
Bancroft, Bronwyn
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18536
River boy
In the early 1880s, paddle steamers travelled the Australian rivers to supply inland properties. Nat, a thirteen year old, can't believe his luck when he is asked to help out on the 'Lorelei'. Nat has a lot to learn and must overcome his fear of water.
ISBN 9781876944391
Series Making tracks (11 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2006
Hill, Anthony & Rawlins, Donna (ill)
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18540
Robbie and the dolphins
Robbie, wheelchair-bound and lonely, wheels himself to the end of a jetty and sees a little dolphin. He soon realises the dolphin is asking for help. Robbie's courage and strength are tested when he helps both the dolphin and a returned soldier.
ISBN 9781876944421
Series Making tracks (3 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2006
D'Ath, Justin & Johnson, Jessica
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28074
Roman diary: journal of a young slave
The year is AD 102 and Iliona, an educated Greek girl, has been orphaned and sold as a slave in Rome. In time, Iliona discovers that the teeming city at the heart of the empire is a fascinating place. Through her eyes, we see the Roman army return in triumph, witness fighting gladiators, escape a house fire and discover how Roman women dress their hair.
ISBN 9781406325478
Publisher Walker Books, 2011
Platt, Richard & Parkins, David (ill)
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9443
Rope carrier, The
During the industrial revolution, ropemakers often lived in caves. Entire villages could be underground. Minnie Dakin, the youngest of the ropemaker's daughters, eventually follows her sister, Netty, who has gone to live in the city.
ISBN 9780099413639
Publisher Random House Canada, 2001
Tomlinson, Theresa
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9654
Rose Raventhorpe Investigates: Rubies and Runaways
It is bitterly cold in Yorke and Rose Raventhorpe and her butler are stuck showing Rose's ghastly cousin Herbert around the city. During a service a Yorke's Cathedral, a young boy bursts in, declaring that his sister has been kidnapped. Soon Rose finds herself tangled up in a mystery involving fake antiques, a malodorous factory and a secret society of chimney sweeps. Tea is brewing and so is murder....
ISBN 9781510201316
Publisher Hachette Children's Books, 2017
Beacham, Janine
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18534
Saw doctor, The
Life during the Depression can be tough especially when there's no money and dad's out of work but there are some things that Jo Boy can do to help.
ISBN 9781876944414
Series Making tracks (13 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2006
Crew, Gary & Cox, David
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1233
School for girls, A
It is 1850, and Annie Foster's twin brother, Artie, is off to school while Annie seems doomed to a life of housework and needlecraft.
ISBN 9780749635497
Publisher Watts Publishing Group, 2000
Grice, Natalie
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846229
Scissorella: The paper princess
Lotte doesn't believe in happy endings. She lives with her horrible, bossy sisters and her only friends are the exquisite cut-out paper puppets she makes by the light of the moon. But when an invitation to the Palace Spring Ball arrives on their doorstep, Lotte sees her chance to change her life forever... Cinderella with a difference where forceful individuality and talent create happy endings not fairy tale magic.
ISBN 9781783448944
Publisher Andersen Press Ltd, 2021
Welsh, Clare Helen & Barrett, Laura (ill)
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112082
Seams of gold
Danny is off to the goldfields with his uncle who has sung in the Chinese Opera but now sews. Reluctantly, Danny also discovers he has a talent for sewing repairs and for creating beautiful things.
ISBN 9781876944520
Series Making tracks (8 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2007
Cheng, Christopher & Rawlins, Donna (ill)
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846202

New
Ship of cloud and stars, The
Nico's parents are almost entirely uninterested in her longings to be a scientific explorer. As Nico follows a cat aboard a ship, she becomes an accidental stowaway and her adventures begin. Life on the high sea is not without its challenges but Nico is totally unprepared for the attention of a crew of pirates who also have their sights set on the Tree of Hope and will stop at nothing to get to it first.
ISBN 9781510108417
Publisher Hachette Australia, 2022
Raphael, Amy & Ermos, George (ill)
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804753
Spellbound ponies: Magic and mischief
Eliza has moved from London to the countryside and hopes to begin horse riding lessons. But when her mum takes her to enquire, the stables are deserted and seem long neglected. When a door opens for Eliza that her mum thought was locked, she meets a girl in the stable who is wearing a very old-fashioned dress. The girl's name is Olivia and when she explains why the stables are deserted, Eliza agrees to go on quite a big adventure.
ISBN 9780008402815
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2021
Gregg, Stacy
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12903
Suri's wall
Suri lives with other children behind a wall. She is much taller than the others and they are frightened of her. But, one day, Suri has grown tall enough to see over the wall and she begins to describe to the children the beautiful things that she sees.
ISBN 9780670077755
Publisher Puffin Australia, 2015
Estela, Lucy & Ottley, Matt (ill)
Image currently unavailable
Terry Deary's pirate tales series
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.
Series Terry Deary's pirate tales series (4 books)
Deary, Terry & Flook, Helen (ill)
No book cover.
6373
Terry Deary's pirate tales: the pirate captain
In the North Atlantic Ocean in 1726, Captain Fly is the greatest pirate to sail the seven seas, or so he says. His captives, Jed and Arthur, think he's a bad-tempered bully and, when he orders them to work for him as pirates, they know it's time to stop Captain Fly for good.
ISBN 9781408128329
Series Terry Deary's pirate tales series (4 books)
Publisher A & C Black, 2011
Deary, Terry & Flook, Helen (ill)
Image currently unavailable
1996
Terry Deary's pirate tales: the pirate lord
In1577,ten year old Tom is a cabin boy for Captain Francis Drake, who is on a mission to steal South American gold from the Spanish fleet. On the trip around the world, Tom will face waves three times the height of their tiny ship, and will need to survive to help Drake defeat the Spanish galleons, and come back rich.
ISBN 9781408128336
Series Terry Deary's pirate tales series (4 books)
Publisher A & C Black, 2011
Deary, Terry & Flook, Helen (ill)
Image currently unavailable
24038
Terry Deary's pirate tales: the pirate prisoner
It's 1680 on Nevis Island in the Caribbean. Red-legs Greaves has been a slave, a pirate and a rich sugar planter. Now, he's a prisoner and, next morning, he'll be dead, hanged by the neck for piracy. It will take a miracle for his only friend, a slave girl called Lou, to save him.
ISBN 9781408128343
Series Terry Deary's pirate tales series (4 books)
Publisher A & C Black, 2012
Deary, Terry & Flook, Helen (ill)
Image currently unavailable
24033
Terry Deary's pirate tales: the pirate queen
In 1593, Grace O'Malley is the greatest pirate who ever lived, the terror of the Irish Sea. Her gang of cut-throats rules the waves until Grace is captured. Instead of being hanged, Grace is sent to London where the Quenn of Pirates will meet the Queen of London.
ISBN 9781408128350
Series Terry Deary's pirate tales series (4 books)
Publisher A & C Black, 2011
Deary, Terry & Flook, Helen (ill)
Image currently unavailable
8533
Tibby's leaf
In Australia, during the First World War, Tibby feels like everything is going wrong. Her big brother Clarence is all grown up and doesn't want to play with her any more. Clarence says there aren't any pixies, except in books, but Tibby knows she saw something in the bush, peering out from behind a leaf.
ISBN 9781876944681
Series Making tracks (15 of 17)
Publisher National Museum of Australia Press, 2008
Dubosarsky, Ursula & Bray, Peter (ill)
Image currently unavailable
682644
To the bridge
On 3rd February 1932 when Lennie Gwyther and his pony Ginger Mick were nine years old, they left Leongatha in Victoria to ride six hundred miles to Sydney to see the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is the true story of their remarkable journey.
ISBN 9781925126822
Publisher Black Dog Books, 2020
Fenton, Corinne & McLean, Andrew
Image currently unavailable
99765
Tom Crean's rabbit
It's very cold in Antarctica and the ship Terra Nova is crowded with men and animals. Sailor,Tom MCrean, is looking for a quiet, cosy place for his pet rabbit. A true story based on the diaries of men who sailed on the ship.
ISBN 9781845073930
Publisher Frances Lincoln, 2005
Hooper, Meredith & Kitchen, Bert (ill)
Image currently unavailable
Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series
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.
Series Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series (8 books)
Smith, Jane
No book cover.
648943
Tommy Bell: Gang of thieves
School camp can be fun, but not when it's run by a nasty bully who picks on Tommy Bell and his friends. But when Tommy's magic cabbage tree hat takes him back in time to meet up with Ben Hall and his gang, Tommy discovers that even in the gold rush days there were bullies ... and they were on both sides of the law! They also really knew how to make trouble ...
ISBN 9781925675238
Series Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series (5 of 8)
Publisher Big Sky Publishing, 2018
Smith, Jane
Image currently unavailable
648942
Tommy Bell: Mrs Thunderbolt
Captain Thunderbolt's girlfriend, Mary Ann Bugg is clever, kind and strong. So why does she stick around with Captain Thunderbolt, when trouble follows him wherever he goes? Can Tommy help rescue her from prison?
ISBN 9781925675320
Series Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series (6 of 8)
Publisher Big Sky Publishing, 2018
Smith, Jane
Image currently unavailable
648944
Tommy Bell: Outback adventure
Tommy Bell's safe outback holiday on a farm with Martin and Combo is turned upside down when Martin finds a pair of magic old bushranger's boots. This time, when Tommy's cabbage-tree hat sends him back to the past, his friend Martin is right there beside him. The boys join their new friend, Harry, and his gang on a long cattle-droving expedition across Outback Australia. For once it seems as if a journey to the past might be pure, fun adventure, without any risk of running into bushrangers. But why did Harry lie about his past? And who are the "thievin'' McKenzies? It looks like Tommy and Martin's 'Outback Adventure' might be more dangerous than they expected...
ISBN 9781925520842
Series Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series (4 of 8)
Publisher Big Sky Publishing, 2017
Smith, Jane
Image currently unavailable
31857
Tommy Bell: Shoot-out at the rock
Tommy Bell has been sent to work on his grandparents' farm for the school holidays. He thinks he is being punished for his bad behaviours and doesn't want to go. But when he discovers an old bushranger's hat hidden in a cave, everything changes. Suddenly he is sent back to the gold rush days and finds himself face-to-face with the bushranger Captain Thunderbolt! At first, the life of a bushranger seems full of thrills and adventure. But Tommy soon learns that it is full of danger as well...
ISBN 9781925275940
Series Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series (1 of 8)
Publisher Big Sky Publishing, 2016
Smith, Jane
Image currently unavailable
4733
Tommy Bell: The gold escort gang
When Tommy Bell finds himself caught in a struggle between two friends, he decides to take a break from it all and escape...back to 1862! Tommy's magic cabbage-tree hat sends him back once again to the gold rush days, when he stumbles into more trouble than he left behind. Face-to-face with the dangerous Frank Gardiner and his mates Flash Jack and Ben Hall, Tommy learns about the value of true friendship...and about how it feels to be part of one of most infamous robberies in Australia's history!
ISBN 9781925520217
Series Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series (3 of 8)
Publisher Big Sky Publishing, 2017
Smith, Jane
Image currently unavailable
44450
Tommy Bell: The horse thief
Tommy Bell is happy when the popular new kid at school wants him to join his gang, but his new friend is trouble. Turns out he's not half as much trouble as the bushranger that Tommy meets when his magic hat takes him back to the gold rush days. Tommy find himself in the middle of a horse robbery, a police chase and a prison escape!
ISBN 9781925520064
Series Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series (2 of 8)
Publisher Big Sky Publishing, 2016
Smith, Jane
Image currently unavailable
648929
Tommy Bell: The masked man
When Tommy Bell's father's car breaks down on a road trip, Tommy and Martin are stranded overnight in a motel room in a strange country town. Things get even weirder when Tommy finds himself roaming the deserted streets on a moonlit night, way back in 1869. But wait - is that an armed robbery in progress? And who is that masked man?
ISBN 9781922265425
Series Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series (8 of 8)
Publisher Big Sky Publishing, 2019
Smith, Jane
Image currently unavailable
648933
Tommy Bell: The runaway
When Tommy goes on a trip to an Outback farm with his friend Martin, he thinks that his biggest problem will be Francis, his former friend who has gate-crashed the holiday. He doesn't expect to run into his old enemy, Frank Gardiner. Frank is on the run from the law and will do anything to keep Tommy from revealing his true identity. And Tommy is about to learn why the bushranger is so desperate to stay out of jail!
ISBN 9781925675894
Series Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy series (7 of 8)
Publisher Big Sky Publishing, 2019
Smith, Jane
Image currently unavailable
4094
Torty and the Soldier
Meet Torty. She's one tough little tortoise with a beat-up shell and some missing toes. Torty survived a great war that raged in Europe one hundred years ago. She was recused back then by a young Kiwi soldier. Torty is truly a World War One survivor.
ISBN 9781775433651
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2017
Topics / Australians at war /
Beck, Jennifer & Colston, Fifi (ill)
Image currently unavailable
616973
Touch the moon
Neil stepped out of the module. He moved carefully down the small ladder. He reached the last step and stopped. Slowly, he placed his foot on the moon. 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for Mankind.' It's a cold day in July and on a small television screen in Australia, a man is going to walk on the moon! At the same time, outside the window, another kind of miracle is unfolding.
ISBN 9781760523657
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2019
Cummings, Phil & Tulloch, Coral (ill)
Image currently unavailable
12439
Unknown Australian soldier, The
Two children are bewildered by the internment ceremony for the Unknown Australian Soldier at the Australian War Memorial. Dreamlike, the ghost of the Unknown Australian Soldier takes them on a journey back in time to Gallipoli, the Middle East and the Western Front to learn about the nurses, the conditions facing the soldiers and the devastation of the First World War.
ISBN 9780957795730
Publisher ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee QLD Incorporated, 2001
Small, Mary & Langridge, Anne (ill)
Image currently unavailable
574735
Up and away!
Joseph Montgolfier and his brother worked together to make the first hot air balloon, launching man into the sky, and beginning the journey of flight. Read how they came up with their invention which captured the attention of the King of France and started the whole world dreaming of flying.
ISBN 9781454923602
Publisher Sterling Publishing Co, 2018
Henry, Jason
Image currently unavailable
9424
Walers go to war
This is the children's story of the Australian bred horses, known as Walers, at war. Originally from New South Wales, these medium sized horses were instrumental in the Australian and British victories of WWI.
ISBN 9780957795761
Publisher ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee QLD Incorporated, 2001
Farrer, Vashti
Image currently unavailable
895537

New
Wild bush days
Have you ever looked out across the Australian countryside and imagined how it might have been? Let's go on an adventure through the Australian countryside. We hear the whispers of the past and learn of wild bush days. A female bushranger once roamed these hills - what is her story? The two young adventurers in this story will share what they know, as they take their own adventure!
ISBN 9780987380906
Publisher MidnightSun Publishing, 2022
Harrison, Penny & Gray, Virginia
Image currently unavailable
15832
Wilf the mighty worrier battles a pirate
Wilf is a worrier. He worries about gnomes, nutcrackers, bears, rats, scorpions, snakes, fish sucking his toes, snowmen eating him and lots of other things. Wilf is also worried about his next door neighbour, Alan. Alan is evil and he has plans to become a pirate and destroy the world. Wilf just happens to be the only one who can stop him.
ISBN 9781848669079
Publisher Quercus Children's Books, 2015
Pritchett, Georgia
Image currently unavailable
660436
Zac Newton investigates: Beasts and bugs
A mystery beast is prowling the yards of the neighbourhood and freaking out Zac's dog Orbit. Can Zac, Ning, Marcus and Lucia discover the identity of the species of this mysterious creature? Can scientists Aristotle and Charles Darwin help? Travel back through time with Zac and his friends through the Backspace App as they learn the wonders of science from some of history's greatest minds.
ISBN 9780716640622
Series Zac Newton series (6 books)
Publisher World Book, 2018
Harrison, Paul & Davis, Rob (ill)
Image currently unavailable
652609
Zac Newton investigates: Bodies and brains
Marcus has a cold and Ning has broken her arm. It seems like every "body" is falling apart. Can Zac and his friends put it all together by travelling back in time, using the Backspace App that Zac created, to seek the help of Leonardo da Vinci and Rosalind Franklin? Learn the wonders of science from some of history's greatest minds.
ISBN 9780716640608
Series Zac Newton series (6 books)
Publisher World Book, 2018
Harrison, Paul & Davis, Rob (ill)
Image currently unavailable
652765
Zac Newton investigates: Extraordinary electricity
Through an App created by Zac, him and his friends learn all about electricity through visits in time with Benjamin Franklin, Luigi Galvani, Alessandro Volta, Nikola Tesla, Michael Faraday, and Samuel Morse.
ISBN 9780716640585
Series Zac Newton series (6 books)
Publisher World Book, 2019
Harrison, Paul & Davis, Rob (ill)
Image currently unavailable
652766
Zac Newton investigates: Fabulous forces
Through an App created by Zac, him and his friends learn all about forces and motion through visits in time with Sir Isaac Newton, the Wright Brothers, Robert Goddard, Archimedes, and Galileo
ISBN 9780716640578
Series Zac Newton series (6 books)
Publisher World Book, 2018
Harrison, Paul & Davis, Rob (ill)
Image currently unavailable
660439
Zac Newton investigates: Spectacular space
Through an App created by Zac, him and his friends learn all about space through visits in time with Neil Armstrong, Edmond Halley, Nicolaus Copernicus, Annie Jump Cannon, and Edwin Hubble.
ISBN 9780716640615
Series Zac Newton series (6 books)
Publisher World Book, 2018
Harrison, Paul & Davis, Rob (ill)
Image currently unavailable
660437
Zac Newton investigates: Wild weather
A visit to Tornado Alley turns into a game of tag with a dangerous tornado twister. Can Zac, Lucia, Marcus and Ning weather the storm with help from Ted Fujita, John Park Finley and more? Journey back through time, with Zac Newton and friends, using an App created by Zac, as they learn the wonders of science, including tornados, cyclones and radar detection systems from some of history's greatest minds.
ISBN 9780716640592
Series Zac Newton series (6 books)
Publisher World Book, 2018
Harrison, Paul & Davis, Rob (ill)
Image currently unavailable
Zac Newton series
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.
Series Zac Newton series (6 books)
Harrison, Paul & Davis, Rob (ill)
No book cover.