Booklists

Have you heard these most bizarre tales from around Australia? Did a UFO drag a family's car off the road in the middle of the outback? How did rocks rain from the sky in WA? And what became of the prime minister who went into the surf and was never seen again? Explore the strangest tales, most incredible encounters and creepiest urban legends in Australia's history. Read about the investigations and weigh up the facts, do you believe the official explanations for these weird and wonderful events?

Shakespeare's As You Like It can appear bright or sombre in performance: a feast of language and a delight for comic actors; or a risk-taking exploration of gender roles. This updated edition provides an account of what makes this popular play both innocent and dangerous. There is a section on recent critical, stage and film interpretations of the play, an updated reading list and a new appendix on an early court performance of As You Like It in 1599. Mapping the complexities of the play's setting - a no man's land related to both France and England, the edition also includes detailed commentary on its language and an analytical account of performance. The text is usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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

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

Since Ava lost Kelly, things haven't been going so well. Even before she gets thrown out of school for shouting at the principal, there's the simmering rage and all the weird destructive choices. The only thing going right for Ava is her job at Magic Kebab. Which is where she meets Gideon. Skinny, shy, anxious Gideon. A mad poet and collector of vinyl records with an aversion to social media. He lives in his head. She lives in her grief. The only people who can help them move on with their lives are each other. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

From paddle-boarding down the Thames in a Santa hat, to wild swimming in a glacial river, Bill considers the exhilaration of the outdoors, as well as the quieter pleasures of clearing out your moth-eaten grey t-shirts. He attempts to see beyond the mumbo-jumbo of the wellness industry and aims for the heart of real joy and contentment - and how we can all achieve it. This collection of funny, meditative and thoughtful essays seeks out simplicity and clarity as a corrective to the endless background noise of anxiety-inducing news chatter. Whether it's whooping aloud while cycling through a pine forest, putting pen to paper, or immersing yourself in music, Bill's guide to happiness is an antidote to the frenetic whirl of modern life. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Awkward and allergic to the sun, sixteen year old Finbar never gets the girl. When he notices that the female students at his school are obsessed with a vampire romance novel, Finbar seizes the opportunity. He'll become a vampire. Or at least fake it. When he meets the one girl who just might like him for who he really is, he finds that his life as a pseudo-vampire is more complicated than he expected. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The compelling, inspiring, and comically sublime New York Times bestseller about one man's coming-of-age, set during the twilight of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Eleven year old Dan Hope has a list of things he wants to come true. He wants his sister, Ninja Grace, to go to university at the North Pole and only come back once a year. He wants his dog, Charles Scalleybones the First, to stop eating the planets from his solar system mobile and throwing them up on the carpet. He want to help Sherlock Holmes solve his most daring mystery yet. But, most of all, he wants his dad to love him.

Theo Brain is the world's youngest super sleuth and he is on the trail of a missing truck driver who has driven into a mountain tunnel and completely disappeared. Theo lives in Switzerland where holes are going missing from the cheese and cows are starting to fly. Strange creatures appear from alternative universes and Theo is forced to intervene to stop a total outbreak of silliness.

Broody McHottiepants is our brooding YA hero and he has decided to write a book about how to become a main character. He certainly seems to know every trick in the YA novelist's trade. But his evil ex-girlfriend, Blondie DeMeani, has sneakily added her own two cents worth within the pages of his book to keep him honest. This is part guide book, part clever exploration of all the YA tropes.

In a world where humans live alongside elves, dwarves, werewolves and ogres, Bruno Trask accidentally gets hold of one of the Dark Lady's jewels. He finds himself on the run from the world's most famous, rich and influential Elf. Fast and satirical.

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.

Miss Muffet, yes the one in that nursery rhyme, doesn't have one problem - she has thousands, all of them with 8 legs. Harry Pigg is on the case and unfortunately he hates spiders, but he needs the work.

Even though he's dead, William is still full of surprises. Get the inside story from his secret diary and the news of the day from the Shakespearean Sun. Be amazed as the curtain is raised on Shakespeare's most dramatic acts.

This story follows one dog's quest to understand his mission in life when he finds himself reborn as a new puppy after living a short, previous existence. When he is introduced to his new owner, eight year old Ethan, the two are immediately inseparable and Bailey lives an adventurous full life with his boy learning how to be a good dog. However, just when he thinks he has life figured out, he again finds himself reborn as another puppy. Bailey is very confused and wonders - what is his purpose?

Dogboy is born and abandoned as a gift to the mountains. Raised by a dog, he is shunned by the village he lives in. His extraordinary gifts must be used for him to realise his dreams.

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

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

A week of high school gossip, dread, embarrassment, loneliness, connections and even love are all collected in this book of short narrative poems. Confessions and conversations cover a large range of events and feelings found in any high school, but the common ground is that everyone is feeling the same things all at once. Unfortunately, no one seems to know it.

There is another 1985, where the Crimean war still rages, dodos can be regenerated and everyone is deeply disappointed by the ending of Jane Eyre. Thursday Next, a literary detective without equal, fear or botfriend, is on the trail of the villainous Hades who is kidnapping characters from works of fiction and holding them to ransom. Sophisticated writing and humour, some coarse language. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Things are looking up for Josie Browning. Her boyfriend, James, is crazy about her, and she's scored a writing job at indi. Now the pressure is on for Josie to prove she's got what it takes to help plan indi's launch. Plus, she's battling with flatmates, frenemies and confusing feelings for travel writer Alex. High on the perks at indi, Josie's doing a pretty good job of faking her way in the industry - even though she still hasn't mastered her hair straightener. But when Josie is invited to a media junket, she accidentally sets off a string of lies that threaten to ruin her reputation, love life and career forever. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Following a bullying incident at school, Audrey can't leave the house. She can't even take off her dark glasses inside the house. When her brother's friend, Linus, stumbles into her life, his friendly smile and funny notes gradually entice Audrey outside the house. With therapy and Linus' help, Audrey begins to feel she can do the things she'd thought were too scary. Finding her way back to the real world might just be achievable.

Literary detective, Thursday Next, finds her Jurisfiction job has been downgraded. However, as this is fiction, jeopardy is never far away. Sherlock Holmes is killed and Miss Marple dies in a narratively inexplicable car accident, thus bringing both their series to an end. And, Thursday receives a death threat, clearly intended for her written self. Sophisticated writing and humour, some coarse language. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

Bill's traditional Greek grandmother is very ill and leaning on him to resolve some family problems that are worrying her. Bill walks the family tightrope to clear the family of some problems.

Aspiring filmmaker and wallflower Twinkle Mehra has stories she wants to tell and universes she wants to explore, if only the world would listen. So when fellow film geek Sahil Roy approaches her to direct a movie for the upcoming Summer Festival, Twinkle is all over it. The chance to publicly showcase her voice as a director? Dream come true. The fact that it gets her closer to longtime crush, Neil Roy-aka Sahil's twin brother? Dream come true x 2. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above. When mystery man 'N' begins emailing her, Twinkle is sure it's Neil, finally ready to begin their happily-ever-after. The only slightly inconvenient problem is that, in the course of movie-making, she's fallen in love with the irresistibly adorkable Sahil. Twinkle soon realizes that resistance is futile: The romance she's got is not the one she scripted. But will it be enough? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (the world's only completely accurate book of prophecies, written in 1655, before she exploded), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner. So the armies of Good and Evil are amassing, Atlantis is rising, frogs are falling, tempers are flaring. Everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan. Except a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon - both of whom have lived amongst Earth's mortals since The Beginning and have grown rather fond of the lifestyle - are not actually looking forward to the coming Rapture. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Very funny and historically accurate look at life in ancient Greece, set out in a newspaper layout.

Selby has mastered the art of going unnoticed and seems happy avoiding most school work and friendship dramas in this way. All goes well until her school contacts Selby's parents and they are not happy. With the help of her tutor, Selby finds herself not just reading Hamlet, but trying to help him understand his misery and murderous inclinations.

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

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

Can Harry Pigg find and save Santa before it's too late. Why would anyone want to kidnap such a great guy.

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.

Find out if you could have survived in the Blitz when all of London and many other English cities were bombed heavily and constantly. You might be the sort of person who would remember to always have a gas mask with you or who actually liked the meals that can be made with rationed food. You might even want to escape mum and dad for a bit but maybe not for six years. A sad time in history still had its funny moments.

Tells the story of the Scots, from the desperate Dark Ages to the terrible 20th century. It provides facts on cool kings, cruel kings, mean queens and wise women. Find out about William Wallace, Braveheart and gory Scottish ghost stories.

Discover the wild warriors who fought the Roman army with swords and spears while collecting human heads. If this bloodthirsty book isn't nasty enough for you, you must be a cut-throat Celt yourself.

Discover all the foul facts about dark knights and dingy castles, including why one nutty knight chopped off his own finger, the revolting truth about a gong-farmer's job and what went on in gruesome castle garderobes.

Discover all the foul facts about England, including which monk tried to pinch the devil's nose with a pair of tongs, why some people in the Middle Ages ate dove droppings, and which English king was accused of being a werewolf.

Discover all the foul facts about France, including which king thought he was made of glass, why French bread was once made from broken tiles and bricks, and how to play hopscotch like a French highwayman.

The incredible Incas may have built South America's greatest civilisation but they could be very icky indeed. The poor prisoners who pulled up their huge pyramids were likely to experience a very painful death. But, things weren't much better for your average Inca. Find out how a bucket of stewed pee could make you beautiful, why servants ate the emperor's hair and what chilling fate awaited their child sacrifices.

Discover all the foul facts about Ireland. Find out why wax models were captured and made Prisoners of War, which warriors went to battle naked, and how to make yourself invisible.

Terry Deary reveals the horrible history of knights - all the gore and more. Readers should forget the fairy tales from days of old when knights were supposed to be bold and damsels were always in distress, and brace themselves for the terrible truth about the cold-blooded killers. From Arthur and his mythical knights to warrior kings and cruel crusades there are foul facts on a whole host of nasty knights plus dire details of the weapons they used and the rotten rules of knight fights.

Go underground to discover London's putrid past. Take a trip to the terrifying Tower and then dip into the River Thames, London's largest toilet. Find out the ten worst ways to make a living in the city and the most disgusting way to die. History has never been so horrible.

Travel back into the measly Middle Ages, where the world was full of wild women, mad monks, naughty knights and crazy kings and queens. Discover a genuine jester's joke, why chickens had their bottoms shaved and what ten year old treacle was used for. History with the nasty bits left in.

Reveals the terrible truth behind the lousy pirate legends and lies, so forget the brave heroes swinging from masts and the handsome young men sailing the seven seas for this is history as it's most horrible. Readers can decide who was the baddest of the bunch in the top ten of putrid pirates, discover why the women pirates were just as wicked as the men and learn to talk the patter of a Pirate. Plus there are foul facts on the ships they sailed, the punishments they suffered and the rules they lived by.

It's 1348 and the shadow of the Black Death is descending over England. Geoffrey Copton returns from the war in France, only to find himself caught up in a plot to rob and kill an innocent man. Will Geoffrey and his friend Meg manage to save the day, or will the dastardly plotters get away with the gold ...and with murder.

Readers can discover all the foul facts about Rotten Rulers, including who gave the job of high priest to a donkey, who choked to heath while eating a crow and who celebrated victory by eating his enemy's head.

Discover all the foul facts about rowdy revolutions, including which Chinese emperor was overthrown by his mum, why one revolution made ugly people very scared indeed and what Count Dracula was really like.

Readers can discover all the foul facts about the Ruthless Romans, including which emperor enjoyed eating camel's heels, who were the terrible twins who founded Rome and which evil emperors made murder a sport.

Discover all the facts about the Savage Stone Age including what they used instead of toilet paper, why a hole in the skull is good for headaches, and how to make a Stone Age mummy.

This is a sickening story which started when gibbering King James I took the throne. Find out why some slimy Stuarts ate toads, snails and fleas; why people wore fish on their feet, and which king picked his nose and never washed his hands. Also find out the gruesome truth about ghastly Guy Fawkes, the tragic tales of women accused of witchcraft and the ever-present threat of the perilous plague.

Find out the terrible truth about the pillaging people who bashed the Brits but got nobbled by the Normans, including who got cow pats as Christmas presents or why wearing a pig on your head was lucky. Read on for foul facts on disgusting diseases and ghastly graves.

Discover all the foul facts about the stormin' Normans, including why Norman knights slept with a dolly, which pirate hung up his eye-patch and became a saint, and why Crusader ships were defended with barrels of wee.

History has never been so horrible. Foul facts about the cruellest kings and meanest queens ever to rule England. Find out about the terrible tale of an awful axeman, why Henry VIII thought he'd married a horse and brush up your knowledge of Tudor torture.

Discover all the foul facts about the Twentieth Century, including who shocked the world by showing her knickers, how two monkeys and a dog became astronauts, and why a posh London restaurant served stewed cat.

Discover all the foul facts about the Angry Aztecs, including why the Aztecs liked to eat scum, when the world is going to end and their horrible habit of drinking live toads in wine. Filled with foul facts, terrible timelines and a grisly quiz.

This book is packed with quizzes, facts and ghastly details of the lives, habits and customs of the ancient Egyptians.

Find out how a pair of old socks gave away top secrets, how sniffing your own wee could save your life in the First World War, why wearing white knickers could get you killed in the Second World War. The First World War was meant to last four months but ground on for four grim years. The Second World War gives you the dire details about the snow-bound cities under siege and fly-infested jungle trenches.

From poor hygiene and terrible food to a country overrun with body snatchers and thief-takers, the poor old Georgians didn't stand much of a chance in a country run by unsuitable politicians and less than stable monarchs.

The hip and fabulous Greeks hung out over two thousand years ago. Meet horrible heroes, suffering slaves and foolish philosophers. Find out about the world's first flushing toilet and why dedicated doctors tasted their patients' ear wax.

Life in ancient Rome from Nero to Boudicca includes gory games, rotten recipes and lots of frightening facts.

Discover all the foul facts about the USA, including which president was so scared of electric switches that he slept with his light on, why cowboys declared war on sheep and how to have a civil battle.

Packed with frightening facts about the vile invaders from the North and their savage enemies, including such legendary warriors as Fat-thighs, Oaf, and Stinking.

They may have looked all prim and proper but the Victorians were a jolly naughty bunch, who could be vicious and violent and villainous. Discover the murderers who wouldn't hang, when the first public loo was flushed and about stag hunting in Paddington Station. History with the nasty bits left in.

Readers can discover all the foul facts about the villainous Victorians, including why burglars were scared of bogies, which poet said he ate an ape and how a snick fadger might kiddy-nap your spangle.

Discover how to be very rude without anybody knowing, some murky Medieval jokes and what to say if someone calls you mundungus, hackum or Jabbernowl.

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

A witty, tongue in cheek cooking manual for witches, with recipes collected from around the world. Each witch presents her method with kids as an ingredient, lots of word play, and cultural and linguistic humour.

Elly Pickering has a juicy secret. A secret her PR mum won't let her tell anyone because if the kids at Oldcastle High knew that mega-star Jake Blake (yes, THE Jake Blake, teen sensation and all round heart-throb) was coming to Oldcastle to film his latest movie, they might just explode with excitement. Elly is determined to get on set and to get more than a glimpse of her Hollywood crush. But now thanks to an unfortunate incident involving a car, a red handbag and the paparazzi, it looks like Elly's lost a lot more than her opportunity to be close to Hollywood royalty. She's lost her dignity, her job and her best friend. How can she get everything back to normal?

Josie Browning dreams of having it all. A stellar academic record, an amazing journalism career, and for her current crush to realise she actually exists. The only problem? Josie can't get through twenty-four hours without embarrassing her sister Kat or her best friend Angel, let alone herself. Josie's luck changes though when she lands an internship at the glossy fashion magazine Sash. A coveted columnist job is up for grabs, but Josie's got some tough competition in the form of two other interns. Battle lines are drawn and Josie quickly learns that the magazine industry is far from easy, especially under the reign of powerful editor, Rae Swanson. From the lows of coffee-fetching and working 10-hour days, to the highs of mingling with celebrities, scoring endless free beauty products (plus falling for her cousin's seriously gorgeous flatmate James) this is one year Josie will never forget. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Jake Atlas and his family are on the run. They're on a mission to stop the mysterious People of the Snake from hiding the secret of humankind. But the international police are chasing Jake and his family through one of the jungles of Honduras - one of the most dangerous places in the world. Can they make it out alive and discover the hidden mystery of human kind?

Kevin, the troll, is crafty and cranky, mysterious and moody and he wants children pie for his seven-hundredth birthday. When trolls and humans make contact, amazing events occur.

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.

Thomas Timewell is sixteen, living in England in 1828, where body-snatching is rife, cut-throats are about and terrible novelists are absorbing the lives of wealthy women with nothing better to do. Contains some horror and mature themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

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

Thursday Next, literary detective and registered dodo owner, hears the disturbing news that her husband of one month drowned thirty-eight years ago. Someone, somewhere, sometime is responsible. To find out, Thursday heads back into fiction, where lost Shakespearian manuscripts, narrative loopholes and woolly mammoth migrations await. Sophisticated writing and humour, some coarse language. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

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.

'Mystery plague rocks Europe' and 'Beckett kicks bucket' are feature articles in this wonderful newspaper crammed full of historically accurate references. Homestores catalogue, spot the difference competitions and a personal column also included.

One of Shakespeare's greatest and, in recent years, most controversial plays. After borrowing a large sum of money from the Jewish money-lender Shylock, the merchant Antonio faces a devastating credit crunch when his fleet of ships is sunk in a storm. Shylock insists on the small print of his terms and conditions, seeking a literal 'pound of flesh'. Usually read by students in year 9,10, and above.

Antonio, a Venetian merchant, complains to his friends of a melancholy that he cannot explain. His friend Bassanio is desperately in need of money to court Portia, a wealthy heiress who lives in the city of Belmont. Bassanio asks Antonio for a loan in order to travel in style to Portia's estate. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

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.

It's a dog-eat-dog world, and Rafe Khatchadorian is just trying to live in it. Life in middle school is finally starting to seem bearable until Rafe spots his grandmother standing in the free-meal line at the local soup kitchen.To help earn some money for the family, Rafe concocts a brilliant plan, a dog-walking business that soon turns into a huge money-making neighbourhood empire. He'll even have extra cash to buy his own WormHole Deluxe Multi-Platform GameBox. That is, until two terrible twins launch the Great Dog War by sabotaging Rafe's flyers and stealing his customers. Plus, his bratty kid sister Georgia has skipped a grade so now she's in all of Rafe's classes. Throw a kid a bone.

After the worst year of his life, Rafe thinks he's it made in seventh grade. He's been accepted to art school and imagines a maths-free zone. But, It's more competitive than he expected and to score big in class, he needs to find a way to turn his boring life into the inspiration for a work of art. But, when his newest mission uncovers family secrets, he has to decide if he's ready to have his world turned upside down.

It's fair to say that Rafe's recent trip Down Under could not easily be called a success. In Australia, he and his Mom were forced to flee a pack of bloodthirsty zombies after the 'performance piece' by Rafe and The Outsiders traumatised Shark Bay. Yet, when Rafe receives an offer to attend an all-expenses paid campout in the Northern Territory, he takes precisely six seconds to agree.

Just when school was at its suckiest, things take a turn for the better when a cool, mysterious new girl shows up. Not only that, she actually wants to be my friend! But, you guessed it, things aren't that simple. And when Hollywood suddenly rolls into Hills Village, things get weird very fast. Somehow, unbelievably, I, Rafe Katchadorian, am in the movie business.

When I was told we were going to London to study Living History, I thought they were joking. But, here I am, Rafe Khatchadorian, global jetsetter. Now, all I need to do is find a way of avoiding the school bully, getting Jeanne Galletta to talk to me, and trying not to get lost in London. But, things are never that simple. So, fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight because this could be a very bumpy flight.

Rafe Khatchadorian is ready for a fun summer at camp until he finds out it's a school camp. Luckily, Rafe easily makes friends with his troublemaking cabin mates and bunkmate, a boy nicknamed Booger-Eater, who puts up with endless teasing from the other kids. Rafe soon realises there is more to a person than a nickname.

Rafe heads back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, where he's forced to take 'special' classes. He finds himself joining the school's football team, alongside his main tormenter, Miller the Killer. But, Rafe has grand plans for a better year: He decides to start a super-secret art project that's sure to rock the school. Then, if he manages to make a play to save his team, Rafe might have to deal wit something new, popularity.

When Rafe becomes the unlikely benefactor of a will, it's not all good news. Sure, he gets another free trip Down Under but he also has to go to school while he's in Sydney. Blergh. And not just any school . . . St Mungo's is the snobbiest of snobby establishments and you can bet your bottom dollar that Rafe won't quite fit in. Chaos ensues and Rafe is, once again, in the middle of a very big mess. Can he tidy this one up, or will he be sent packing with another black mark against the Khatchadorian name?

Georgia plans to excel at Hills Village Middle School in all the places her troublemaking brother failed. She's bet him that she'll become one of the most popular girls. But Rafe left a big mark and no one will give Georgia a chance. Rafe has sneakily signed up her band to play at the school dance, and she's terrified to embarrass herself in front of the snooty Princesses who run the school and the boy who's caught her eye. Will she be able to overcome her fears and win her bet with Rafe.

Life is finally starting to look up for everyone's favourite troublemaker, Rafe Khatchadorian. No bullying, zero girl dramas and rising grades. And, when Rafe wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Australia, he can't quite believe his luck. That is, until his dreams of beaches, surfer chicks and cuddly koala bears go horribly wrong. Australia isn't exactly the island paradise Rafe imagined. And, nobody mentioned the zombies.

Rafe is heading back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, the site of the worst years of his life. Rafe will repeat a year unless he can prove himself on an outdoor survival excursion, complete with dangerous white-water rafting, dizzying rock climbing and military style counsellors. But so far this is easy. Rafe and the rest of the pack of 'delinquent' trainees are forced to cooperate as they prepare for their final test.

The Khatchadorian kids are an opinionated duo and they don't exactly see eye to eye. But, when wild-card Rafe and mostly-straight-laced Georgia go at it, the only thing more fun than their ranting is getting to join in. Their back-and-forth banter covers a range of topics,from bullying to cafeteria food to school dress codes. There's room for readers to share their own points of view.

In one of Shakespeare's funniest, most enduring stories, meddling fairies create unexpected love triangles among a group of teenagers. Hermia is in love with Lysander. Demetrius is in love with Hermia. Helena is in love with Demetrius. Add to the mix Puck, a fairy with a powerful love potion, and chaos is sure to follow. Now everyone's in love with Helena, Hermia is hopping mad, and the fairy queen Titania is in love with a man with a donkey's head! Using the style and visual language of manga, Kate Brown transforms Shakespeare's world into something new and vibrant. It's the perfect introduction to Shakespeare's work for reluctant readers and manga fans alike. Usually read by students in Years 9,10, or above

A Midsummer Night's Dream opens with Theseus and Hippolyta planning their wedding, which takes place in four days. Egeus enters with his daughter, Hermia, and her two suitors, Lysander and Demetrius. Hermia is in love with Lysander, but her father wants her to marry Demetrius. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

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.

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

In Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice and Benedick trade insults and fall in love in the sunny Italian court of the Duke -- but the Duke's brother has devious plans to ruin the happy mood. Manga readers can now enjoy the wit and drama of these plays firsthand. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10, or above

Claudio falls in love with Hero and their marriage is agreed upon. Beatrice and Benedick despise love and engage in comic banter. The others plot to make them fall in love with each other, by a trick in which Benedick will overhear his friends talking of Beatrice's supposed secret love for him, and vice versa. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Will Thompson is a bit of a misfit. He verges on dyslexia, provokes numerous family problems and has something of a bizarre view of life. He rises to a degree of fame, if not notoriety, when he and two of his friends take on the state to stop the closing of the Goongara Learning Centre.

The greatest detective rat of all, Octavius O'Malley, is back. But, this time, it's personal. When Patrick the Magnificent goes missing after picking the lock at the First Rodent Bank, Chief O'Malley sets out to find him. It isn't long before the trail leads to Kurt Remarque, poisoner and disgraced businessrat, the most evil rat ever to stalk the streets of Rodent City.

It started with some missing cobblestones and a bump on the head of one of Rodent City's young police rats. But, this time, it's not the mice who are to blame. Even botching the investigation and losing his job can't stop Rodent City's finest detective from pursuing the case.

Someone has just blown up the biggest cheese factory in town and Detective Inspector Octavius O'Malley of the Rodent Police is on the case.

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.

It is a time of unrest in the BookWorld as all-out genre war is rumbling. Only the diplomatic skills of ace literary detective Thursday Next can avert a devastating genre war. But, a week before the peace talks, where Thursday is to play peacekeeping emissary to the warring factions, she vanishes. Sophisticated writing and humour, some coarse language. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

Hayley, or Pig to her school mates, is a curvy, funny girl in a world of skinny, pretty girls. She wants to be a stand up comic, her friends want to find the right mascara and hot boyfriends.

Mia Thermopokis is not herself any more. According to her dad, she is now Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo, Princess of Genovia. Mia so does not want to take princess lessons from grandmere or move to Genovia or, worse still, have anyone find out about this princess thing. Life gets a whole lot more yucky when mum starts dating one of Mia's teachers and everyone else has a date except Mia. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Nothing is simple for the new princess of Genovia. With her mother dating her Algebra teacher, a secret admirer sending her emails and a bad case of the hots for her friend Lilly's brother, Michael, life as Princess Amelia Mignongette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo can be just as bad as Mia Thermopolis's. Mia might have to sacrifice Michael for someone more appropriate like Prince William, not the biggest sacrifice.

Johnny has seen his childhood bestie turn into an attractive teenage girl that he now wants to turn into his girlfriend. How can he get her to see through the boy she is going out with, turn to Johnny and come to take him seriously. He will use all his comedic wit and romance her with entertainment.

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

Growing up can be problematic but, for Jayden Hayden, life is extremely difficult. He has to cope with a very embarrassing name and a football obsessed mother. When a school father-son day is announced, Jayden's quest for his biological father becomes a puzzle he needs to solve, and quickly.

An historical consultant has helped provide accuracy in this wonderfully funny account of Roman times in newspaper layout.

Romeo and Juliet fall in love at a party. But they come from families which hate each other. They are sure they will not be allowed to marry. Nevertheless, helped by Friar Laurence, they marry in secret instead. Unfortunately, before their wedding night Romeo kills Juliet's cousin in a duel, and in the morning he is forced to leave her. If he ever returns to the city, he will be put to death. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Sophia is smart, like genius-calculator-brain smart. But there are some things no amount of genius can prepare you for, and the messiness of real life is one of them. When everything she knows is falling apart, how can she crack the puzzle of what to do with her life? Joshua spends his time honing magic tricks and planning how to win Sophia's heart. But when your best trick is making schoolwork disappear, how do you possibly romance a genius? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10, and above.

Any two books from this series may be read as Challenge books and up to five more can be read as personal choice books. Go to the online booklists for the PRC ID of the individual books in this series.

Any two books from this series may be read as Challenge books and up to five more can be read as personal choice books. Go to the online booklists for the PRC ID of the individual books in this series.

Exchange student Jenna has managed to get an appointment at New York's coolest hair salon, but when her teacher insists she stays at the boring Metropolitan Museum she stumbles into ancient Egypt.

An innovative retelling of a fairy tale set in the jazz and gangster era of New York in the 1920s. Snow White lives in New York, known as the Big Apple. The wicked stepmother, a classy socialite, looks for herself in the Mirror newspaper.

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

Tired of her responsibilities as the Bellman in Jurisfiction, literary sleuth, Thursday Next, packs up her son, Friday, to return to Swindon. Accompanied by the Danish prince, Hamlet, she finds herself coping with outlaw fictioneer, Yorrick Kaine, anti-Danish sentiment, the return of Swindon's patron saint and a seminal croquet tournament. Sophisticated writing and humour, some coarse language. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

Introducing Rob Fitzgerald: thirteen years old and determined to impress the new girl at school, but it's a difficult task for a super-shy kid who is prone to panic attacks that include vomit, and genuine terror that can last all day. An anonymous texter is sending Rob challenges and they might just help. Or not.

Imagine finding yourself in the body of a baby, with all the disadvantages that would bring.

Pop culture-obsessed Maisie can't wait to get to her first Fancon. But being a queer, disabled teenager with chronic pain comes with challenges. Can Maisie make it through the day without falling over, falling in love or accidentally inspiring anyone? Maisie has always dreamed of meeting her hero, Kara Bufano, an amputee actor who plays a kick-arse amputee character in her favourite show. Fancon is big and exciting and exhausting. Then she meets Ollie, a cute volunteer who she has a lot in common with. Could this be the start of something, or will her mum, who doesn't seem to know what boundaries are, embarrass her before she and Ollie have a chance?

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'.

Very funny newspaper full of articles about the stone age. Humour and historical accuracy combined.

Starrphyre is your average, dorky sixteen year old, with one difference. He has a very weird name, thanks to his hippy parents, a radio sex therapist mum and a bass player dad, from a tragic one-hit-wonder 1980s metal band. All Starrphyre wants is one date with his dream girl, Candace McAllister, but so does every other high school guy. Perhaps starting a band with his video-game obsessed pals will do the trick.

Baptista Minola has two daughters that he wants to find husbands for. His younger daughter, Bianca, is sweet and quiet. There are many men who want to marry her. His older daughter, Katharina, is known for being wild and angry, and Baptista is worried no one will marry her. However, Baptista announces that Bianca cannot get married until Katharina gets married. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 & above.

Cassie and Claire are best friends and do everything together. But, Claire always likes things her way. Cassie's fed up and now they've fallen out. They must find a way to mend the rift.

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

Harry Pigg, the only surviving brother from the Big Bad Wolf attacks, has set up business as a private in Grimmtown, only things aren't going too well. Down on his luck, with bills to pay and no clients in sight the outlook is poor. But then in walks local businessman Aladdin who needs someone to help him track down an old lamp.

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.

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.

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.

My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty nine and again, four years later, when he was twelve. The first time had nothing to do with me. The second time definitely did. When Al Chaudhury discovers his late dad's time machine, he finds that going back to the 1980s requires daring and imagination. It also requires lies, theft, burglary and setting his school on fire. All without losing his pet hamster, Alan Shearer.

Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in--it isn't easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it's always been Izumi--or Izzy, because "It's easier this way"--and her mom (and her trusty terrier sidekick, Tamagotchi) against the world. But then Izzy discovers a clue to her previously unknown father's identity...and he's none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess.

Under the floorboards of the Store is a world of four-inch-tall nomes that humans never see. It is commonly known among these nomes that Arnold Bros. created the Store for them to live in, and he declared: "Everything Under One Roof." Therefore there can be no such thing as Outside. It just makes sense. That is, until the day a group of nomes arrives on a truck, claiming to be from Outside, talking about Day and Night and Snow and other crazy legends. And they soon uncover devastating news: The Store is about to be demolished. It's up to Masklin, one of the Outside nomes, to devise a daring escape plan that will forever change the nomes' vision of the world. . .

After a catastrophic attempt to ask out his crush, Nelson is desperate for any chance to escape the daily humiliations of his small-town high school. And with his parents taking over a nearby ski lodge, that chance seems to have arrived. At the snow, Nelson discovers a whole new freedom in a world where nobody knows he's a loser. Now he can be whoever he wants to be... But reinvention is complicated, especially when a few white lies land Nelson in the middle of an unexpected love triangle and on a path towards certain embarrassment.

At an embarrassing stage of life, Dominic is burdened with a worrying mother, a father who fancies his teacher, an annoying sister and an embarrasiing friend. Dominic is practising Buddhism and resorts to emailing his estranged uncle for support.

Duke Orsino of Illyria is in love with Olivia, but his advances are rejected. A shipwrecked Viola arrives on his shores, and with the help of a Captain, disguises herself as a boy, calling herself Cesario, and enters Orsino's service. Orsino takes to Cesario, and sends 'him' to woo Olivia for him. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 & above.

If you had a crazy family, a bag of frozen peas, seventy Hawaiian shirts, a tyre-swan, a shoplifter, a social cling-on, a scarily attractive girl, a cool dude, a crazy activity coordinator and a fully volcanic island, you could have written this novel. But, relax, all you need to do is read it.

Boyfriend Brad is invited to sing in Las Vegas, so they all, including the squabbling siblings, accompany him on another family trip. Dad gets separated from the rest of the family and finds unexpected fame in this hilarious family adventure. Some derogatory language used in context.

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

An adolescent male, his family and his sister's new boyfriend, Brad, set off on a road trip to Queensland. Humour, fighting siblings and mishaps all the way leave you wondering if they will ever make it.

Virginia has fallen out of love with her boyfriend, Froggy, and her brother has been arrested for a crime that the whole family thought was behind them. Virginia is struggling to cope with all this, but then she meets Sebastian. They decide not to talk about anything personal, just to hang out for the summer having fun. But soon they discover that they can't run from the truth forever. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Wonderful headline stories, amusing advertisements in a crazy newspaper format. Historical accuracy blended with zany humour and colourful illustrations and layout.

After two rollicking New York Times bestselling adventures through Western literature, literary detective Thursday Next needs some downtime. She heads for the Well of Lost Plots, where all unpublished books reside. But, Thursday discovers that the Well is a veritable linguistic free-for-all and a murderer is stalking the personnel of Jurisfiction. Sophisticated writing and humour, some coarse language. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

Imagine that you're made a king at twelve. You have tons of gold, a network of spies and a million soldiers. You also have plenty of enemies. This is the incredible story of Zheng Ying, who in 221BC conquered all the states, unified them under one banner and declared himself the first Emperor. He was brilliant and brutal, and his legend has lived on for thousands of years. Includes cartoon style illustrations.

Boa is really Boadicea and her grandfather is a retired admiral, who has a chequered past involving pirates.

King Leontes of Sicilia begs his childhood friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia, to extend his visit to Sicilia. Polixenes protests that he has been away from his kingdom for nine months, but after Leontes's pregnant wife, Hermione, pleads with him he relents and agrees to stay a little longer. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 & above.