Booklists

Challenge Level : K-2 Challenge Level : 3-4 Challenge Level : 5-6 Challenge Level : 7-9 Challenge Level : 9plus

Hash This title is usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

ID Title Author  
750744

Hash
#famous
Rachel Ettinger and Kyle Bonham led fairly predictable lives until Rachel's jokey picture of Kyle working at the Burger Barn wound up going viral. Suddenly he is insta-famous and everyone on the planet knows about Rachel's silly crush on him... including Kyle. Just as they think their lives couldn't get any more complicated, an innocent photo becomes a whirlwind adventure full of fangirls, haters, and French-fry bouquets that forces them both to questions whether fame -- and love -- are worth the price. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780062430045
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, UK, 2017
Gagnon, Jilly
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871639
Agathas, The
Welcome to Castle Cove - a town cursed with missing girls, bad boyfriends, family secrets and some very steep cliffs. Last summer, Alice Ogilvie's basketball-star boyfriends Steve dumped her. Then she disappeared fro five days. Where she went and what happened to her is the biggest mystery in Castle Cove. Or at least it was. Because now, another one of Steve's girlfriends has vanished: Brooke Donovan, Alice's ex-best friend. And it doesn't look like Brooke will be coming back... Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781460762455
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2022
Glasgow, Kathleen & Lawson, Liz
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4203

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All too much
Samira wants to do well, her parents want her to do well, her teachers want her to do well, but the pressure is starting to tell. Can her friends rescue her when it all gets too much? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781472934079
Publisher Bloomsbury, 2017
Cotterill, Jo
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6512

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Amelia Westlake
Harriet and Wilhelmina couldn't be more dissimilar. Harriet has the perfect life - she's dating the perfect girl, has been elected prefect, is the apple of her teachers' eye, and is an overachiever. Will, on the other hand, has gained the ire of her teachers and lands more detentions than she does accolades. But when both girls witness a teacher harass a fellow student, the two form an unlikely partnership to shed light on the many problems of the exclusive Rosemead Grammar. To protect their identities, they create Amelia Westlake, and as they work together they begin to question their distance from each other...Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781760127152
Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2018
Gough, Erin
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22778

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American born Chinese
When Jin Wang starts at a new school, he's the only Chinese-American student. He just wants to be an all-American boy. Danny is popular and great at basketball but his obnoxious Chinese cousin's annual visits are a disaster, ruining his reputation at school. The Monkey King is the most powerful monkey on earth and his story is one of the greatest Chinese fables.These three apparently unrelated characters come together with an unexpected twist. Graphic novel. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781596431522
Publisher First Second, 2006
Yang, Gene Luen
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622523

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Astrologer's daughter, The
Avicenna Crowe's mother, Joanne, is an astrologer with uncanny predictive powers and a history of being stalked. Now she is missing. The police are called, but they're not asking the right questions. Like why Joanne lied about her past, and what she saw in her stars that made her so afraid. But Avicenna has inherited her mother's gift. Finding an unlikely ally in the brooding Simon Thorn, she begins to piece together the mystery. And when she uncovers a link between Joanne's disappearance and a cold-case murder, Avicenna is led deep into the city's dark and seedy underbelly, unaware how far she is placing her own life in danger. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780648468608
Publisher The High street publishing company, 2019
Lim, Rebecca
Image currently unavailable
574224

Hash
Be the one
Emmy Award-winning ABC News chief national correspondent and Nightline co-anchor, Byron Pitts shares the heartbreaking and inspiring stories of six young people who overcame impossible circumstances with extraordinary perseverance. This book is usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781442483835
Publisher Simon & Schuster, 2018
Topics / Biography /
Pitts, Byron
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3113

Hash
Been here all along
Gideon always had a plan. His plans include running for class president, leading the yearbook committee and having his choice of colleges. They do not include falling head over heels for his best friend and next-door neighbour, Kyle. Kyle finally feels like he has a handle on life. He has a wonderful girlfriend, a best friend willing to debate the finer points of Lord of the Rings and social acceptance as captain. Then both Ruby and Gideon start acting weird...Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781250100658
Publisher Swoon Reads, 2016
Hall, Sandy
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3296

Hash
Before you forget
Year Twelve is not off to a good start for Amelia. Art is her world, but her art teacher hates everything she does; her best friend has stopped talking to her; her mother and father may as well be living in separate houses; and her father is slowly forgetting everything. Even Amelia. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780143574071
Publisher Penguin Books Australia, 2017
Lawrinson, Julia
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774350

Hash
Being black 'n chicken, and chips (Teen edition)
Based on Matt Okine's award-winning stand-up show, this is a heart-breaking and hilarious story about trying to grow up when everything around you is falling down. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780734420671
Publisher Hachette Australia, 2019
Okine, Matt
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587727

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Busted
Marisa catches her best friend's boyfriend cheating and, before she knows it, she's got another friend setting up a website for her to catch out love rats for a living. But life starts getting complicated when the boy she is spying on for one friend turns out to be everything she has ever looked for in a guy. To make matters even worse, she is then asked to spy on her ex by his new love interest! How could Marisa ever come out of this unscathed? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781492654292
Publisher Sourcebooks Inc, 2017
Ciocca, Gina
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807

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Butter
Butter is overweight and he knows it. He is unpopular at school and sits alone at lunch. Then he decides to eat himself to death live over the net. Suddenly he is the centre of attention with the coolest group at school - he knows it is only because of his site but he is no longer alone. Will he go through with his dare and will his new found 'friends' let him or make him. Contains mature themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780571294404
Publisher Bloomsbury, 2013
Lange, Erin
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5593

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Changing gear
Merrick Hilton has done a runner. On his postie bike. With his swag and a need to clear his head before the HSC. He plays his parents and hits the road. But there's no telling how he'll handle life's potholes when things don't go as planned. Thankfully Victor - an old bloke he meets on the road - knows a bit about broken postie bikes, and broken hearts. Will Victor, Merrick, and the dog survive road-kill, the kindness of strangers, a rave, mindless violence and unexpected romance? There's only one way to find out. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781760631468
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2018
Gardner, Scot
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12377

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Define normal
Two very different girls, the punk and the goody-goody, are forced together in a peer-counselling situation at their school. Surprisingly, they find they have some things in common. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780316734899
Publisher Little, Brown & Co,
Peters, Julie Anne
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23315

Hash
Don't call me Ishmael
In his first year at high school, Ishmael was the focus of the school bully's tactics. Then Ishmael is assigned as buddy to the new boy and finds an unlikely ally who is not the slightest bit afraid of the bully. Some strong language in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781862916661
Series Ishmael series (1 of 3)
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2006
Bauer, Michael Gerard
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689221

Hash
Dragon hoops
From small steps to great leaps ... Gene understands stories - comic book stories, in particular. Big action. Bigger thrills. And the hero always wins. But Gene doesn't get sports. As a kid, his friends called him "Stick" and every basketball game he played ended in pain. He lost interest in basketball long ago, but at the high school where he now teaches, it's all anyone can talk about. The men's varsity team, the Dragons, is having a phenomenal season that's been decades in the making. Each victory brings them closer to their ultimate goal: the California State Championships. Once Gene gets to know these young all-stars, he realises that their story is just as thrilling as anything he's seen on a comic book page. He knows he has to follow this epic to its end. What he doesn't know yet is that this season is not only going to change the Dragons's lives, but his own life as well. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781626720794
Publisher Pan MacMillan, 2020
Luen Yang, Gene
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7320

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Eleanor and Park
Eleanor is new in town. And she stands out instead of fitting in, with her mismatched clothes, her wild red hair and her chaotic home life. The day she sits in the seat next to Park on the bus, impossibly cool Park, she starts to learn what it means to fall in love. Set over the course of one school year, Eleanor and Park fall in love thanks to late-night conversations and a stack of mix tapes. They have nothing and everything to lose. They are more real than any other character you will ever meet. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781409157250
Publisher Orion, 2014
Topics / Displacement /
Rowell, Rainbow
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18513

Hash
Ella mental and the good sense guide
Ella is very good at providing advice to her friends. But, when her group begins to fall apart, Ella discovers that perhaps she is not as 'together' as she thought. Contains minor references to smoking and alcohol. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781843627272
Publisher Orchard Books, 2005
Deckers, Amber
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885702

New
Evacuation Road
Eva is far from home when everything goes wrong. And then it gets even worse. Her evacuation bus leaves her behind, stranded with classmates she barely knows. The chase is on. But South America is big, and the old rules are changing quickly. This is the road trip Eva never knew she needed. This is the race for the last flight home. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781761110351
Publisher Rhiza Press, 2021
Waugh, HM
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58486

Hash
Finding Freia Lockhart
Freia is part of a group at school but she feels she really doesn't belong. Somehow, Freia finds herself helping, as a lighting assistant, with the school production, something she never thought she would do. Freia must try to be brave enough to make more changes in her life and let loose the real Freia Lockhart. Adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781921529153
Publisher Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd, 2010
Said, Aimee
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832843

Hash
Gaps, The
When sixteen-year-old Yin Mitchell is abducted, the news reverberates through the whole Year Ten class at Balmoral Ladies College. As the hours tick by, the girls know the chance of Yin being found alive is becoming smaller and smaller. Everyone is affected by Yin's disappearance - even scholarship student Chloe, who usually stays out of Balmoral dramas, is drawn into the maelstrom. And when she begins to form an uneasy alliance with Natalia, the queen of Year Ten, things get even more complicated. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781922330482
Publisher Text Publishing Co, 2021
Hall, Leane
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894020

Hash
Greatest thing, The
It's the first day of Grade Ten, and Winifred is going to reinvent herself. Now that her two best (and only) friends have transferred to a private school, Win must navigate high school on her own. Luckily, she isn't alone for long. In art class, she meets Oscar and April. They don't look or act like the typical teenagers in her town: they're creative, a little rebellious and seem comfortable in their own skin in a way that Win can only dream of. But even though Winifred is breaking out of her shell, there's one secret she can't bear to admit to April and Oscar, or even to herself - and this lie threatens everything. Win needs to face her own truths, but she doesn't need to do it alone. Through the healing power of clandestine sleepovers, op-shopping and zine publishing, Win finds and accepts what it means to be herself. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781761067655
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2022
Searle, Sarah Winifred
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Heartstopper series
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 left hand corner of the screen.
Series Heartstopper series (6 books)
Oseman, Alice
No book cover.
814297

Hash
Heartstopper volume 4
Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Charlie's beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you. Nick's been feeling the same, but he's got a lot on his mind - not least coming out to his dad, and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder. As summer turns to autumn and a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick are about to learn a lot about what love means. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above
ISBN 9781444952797
Series Heartstopper series (4 of 6)
Publisher Hachette Australia, 2021
Oseman, Alice
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1019830

New

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Heartstopper volume 5
"Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They've finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick's house ... But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change? Contains discussions about mental health, eating disorders, and sexual experiences. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781444957655
Series Heartstopper series (5 of 6)
Publisher Hachette Australia, 2023
Oseman, Alice
Image currently unavailable
608378

Hash
Heartstopper: Boy meets boy
Charlie and Nick are total opposites. Charlie is gay, is a bit of a nerd and plays the drums, while Nick is a star player on the school's rugby team. In fact, they'd never even noticed each other until they were made to sit next to each other. As time passes, Nick and Charlie become close friends. Charlie slowly begins to fall for Nick, who is straight, but love works in mysterious ways. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 & above.
ISBN 9781444951387
Series Heartstopper series (1 of 6)
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton, 2019
Oseman, Alice
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689551

Hash
How to grow a family tree
Stella may only be seventeen, but having read every self-help book she can find means she knows a thing or two about helping people. She sure wasn't expecting to be the one in need of help, though. Thanks to her father's gambling addiction, Stella and her family now find themselves living at Fairyland Caravan Park. And hiding this truth from her friends is hard enough without dealing with another secret. Stella's birth mother has sent her a letter. As Stella deals with the chaos of her family, she must also confront the secrets and past of her 'other' family. But Stella is stronger than she realises. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781460754955
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2020
Henry Jones, Eliza
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846194

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Idol gossip
Every Friday after school, seventeen-year-old Alice Choy and her little sister, Olivia, head to Myeongdong to sing karaoke. Since their diplomat mom moved them to Seoul, her only musical outlet is letting loose in a private karaoke booth to an audience of one: her loyal sister. Then a scout for Top10 Entertainment, one of the biggest K-pop companies, hears her and offers her a spot at their Star Academy. Can Alice navigate the culture clashes, egos, and extreme training practices of K-pop to lead her group onstage before a stadium of 50,000 chanting fans-and just maybe strike K-pop gold? Not if a certain influential blogger and the anti-fans get their way. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781536225662
Publisher Walker Books, 2021
Young, Alexandra Leigh
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578986

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Inside the tiger
When she is asked to get involved in a social issue of her own choice, as part of a school project, Bel chooses to write to an Australian boy who is a prisoner on death row in Thailand. When he writes back, she learns more about the controversial issue of capital punishment but her involvement puts her at odds with her politician father and everyone else who loves her. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780143788959
Publisher Penguin, 2018
Lawrence, Hayley
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46000

Hash
Ishmael and the hoops of steel
Ishmael has made it to Senior School and things are really looking up. His chief tormentor, Barry Bagsley, has finally decided to leave him alone, while his dream girl, Kelly Faulkner, has finally decided not to. Maybe, Ishmael's remaining two years at school can actually be described as normal. Or perhaps not. There are shocks, laughs and even romances. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781862919174
Series Ishmael series (3 of 3)
Publisher Omnibus Books, 2011
Bauer, Michael Gerard
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35166

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Ishmael and the return of the dugongs
Ishmael Leseur is back at school and reunited with his friends, Scobie, Prindabel, Bill and the Razzman. They hope to win the debating competition but, first, they have to navigate Miss Tarango's poetry lessons and the school bully, Barry Bagsley. Ishmael also has a crush on Kelly Faulkner and Razza is determined to give him a helping hand. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781862917644
Series Ishmael series (2 of 3)
Publisher Omnibus Books, 2007
Bauer, Michael Gerard
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Ishmael 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 Ishmael series (3 books)
Bauer, Michael Gerard
No book cover.
571055

Hash
Island, The
Link has experienced three years of bullying at the exclusive Osney School in London before he decides enough is enough. However, he agrees to stay on for one more team building activity on a desert island at the request of his parents before being allowed to leave. Things go from bad to worse however, when the plane goes down and Link is alone with his worst tormentors and no adults to modify their predatory behaviour. With no practical experience, Link must rely on nothing but the knowledge of how to survive, gleaned from novels and pop culture, to try to turn everything around and rescue himself from the bottom of a brutal teenage hierarchy. Usually read by students in Year 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781471407536
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2018
Bennett, M. A.
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578994

Hash
Jinxed
Lacey Chu dreams of working for the company behind the revolutionary 'baku' a customisable smart pet that replaces the mobile phone but functions as a pet. To fulfil her dream she must be accepted into the Profectus Academy but her financial situation and family background seem to be standing in her way. That is, until she comes across Jinx; an incredibly advanced cat baku who goes beyond the functions of normal baku to forge an extraordinary bond with Lacey and paves the way to the possibility of her dreams coming true. Until Jinx misbehaves that is...Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781471169960
Publisher Simon & Schuster, 2018
McCulloch, Amy
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664339

Hash
Leah on the offbeat
When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat - but real life isn't always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she's the only child of a young, single mum, and her life is decidedly less privileged. And even though her mom knows she's bisexual, she hasn't mustered the courage to tell her friends - not even her openly gay BFF, Simon. With some messy dynamics emerging in this once tight-knit group of friends, senior year suddenly gets even more complicated for Leah, as she realises she's falling not for the guy who's taking her to prom, but for the girl who's dating her best friend. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above
ISBN 9780241331057
Publisher Penguin, 2018
Albertalli, Becky
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4839

Hash
Liana's dance
Sixteen-year-old Lianna Bedford lives in constant fear. Political tensions in Pakistan are rising. Terrorist attacks are becoming an everyday norm. As a Pakistani-Australian, she could be the next target. When her school friends are taken hostage by terrorists, Lianna's world disappears overnight. Alongside her music teacher, Mr Kimberley, she must journey through rural Pakistan in a bid to find them and bring them home. But Mr Kimberley has a secret, and to save him and her friends, Lianna must overcome her fears. And dance for her life. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781925139907
Publisher Rhiza Press, 2017
Hawke, Rosanne
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751179

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Listen, Layla
Layla has ended the school year on a high and can't wait to spend the holidays hanging out with her friends and designing a prize-winning Grand Designs Tourismo invention. But Layla's plans are interrupted when her grandmother in Sudan falls ill and the family rush to be with her. The last time Layla went to Sudan she was only a young child. Now she feels torn between her Sudanese and Australian identities. As political tensions in Sudan erupt, so too do tensions between Layla and her family. Layla is determined not to lose her place in the invention team, but will she go against her parents' wishes? What would a Kandaka do? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781760896065
Publisher Penguin, 2021
Abdel-Magied, Yassmin
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52353

Hash
Little sister
Al Miller wishes she was an only child. Al Miller is counting down the days until her over-achieving older sister Larrie finishes Year Twelve and leaves Whitlam High School for ever. Then, Al is certain, people will finally see her as more than just 'Larrie's little sister'. But when a rumour about Larrie spreads around school, Al finds herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Who's behind the rumour? And will it kill Al's chances with school hunk, Josh Turner? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781921529214
Publisher Walker Books, 2011
Said, Aimee
Image currently unavailable
774234

Hash
Love in English
Sixteen-year-old Ana is a poet and a lover of language. Except that since she moved to New Jersey from Argentina, she can barely find the words to express how she feels. At first Ana just wants to return home. Then she meets Harrison, the very cute, very American boy in her math class, and discovers the universal language of racing hearts. But when she begins to spend time with Neo, the Greek Cypriot boy from ESL, Ana wonders how figuring out what her heart wants can be even more confusing than the grammar they're both trying to master. After all, the rules of English may be confounding, but there are no rules when it comes to love. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780063083080
Publisher Balzer & Bray, 2021
Andrew, Maria E
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7342

Hash
Loving Richard Feynman
Richard Feynman was a Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Catherine is a science-loving, fifteen year old, just trying to survive school. When Catherine's father gives her a photo of the gifted scientist, she develops a crush on him. Eventually, Catherine has to deal with betrayal by both her father and her idol. Some teenage drinking and strong language, used in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780702237256
Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2009
Tangey, Penny
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749024

Hash
Midnight sun
Edward the Vampire loves Bella the human - we've followed the journey of Edward and Bella's love story through the 4 Twilight novels, now we can relive the journey through Edward's eyes. Find out how Edward felt when he first met Bella, find out how Edward fought to control his feelings both of love and violence. Midnight Sun also delves further into Edwards own history and how he came to be with the Cullen family. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780349003634
Series Twilight saga series (4 books)
Publisher Hachette Australia, 2021
Meyer, Stephenie
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Miss Peregrine's peculiar children 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 Miss Peregrine's peculiar children series (5 books)
Riggs, Ransom
No book cover.
4369

Hash
My life as a hashtag
What's a girl to do when her parents have split up; her dad has a new girlfriend, her mum is internet dating and one of her best friends has decided not to invite her to the biggest party of the year (which she then has to watch the party unfold on everyone's else's social media!). If you're a girl called MC, you get mad as hell, that's what you do. But what begins as one girl's private no-holds-barred rant soon snowballs in the most public way possible. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781760113681
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2017
Williams, Gabrielle
Image currently unavailable
854033

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Nick and Charlie
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie are the perfect couple - that they're inseparable. But now Nick is leaving for university, and Charlie will be left behind at Sixth Form. Everyone's asking if they're staying together, which is a stupid question - they're "Nick and Charlie" for goodness sake! But as the time to say goodbye gets inevitably closer, both Nick and Charlie question whether their love is strong enough to survive being apart. Or are they delaying the inevitable? Because everyone knows that first loves rarely last forever. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780008389666
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2015
Oseman, Alice
Image currently unavailable
977770

Hash
Night in question, The
Last October, Alice Ogilvie's ex-best friend, Brooke Donovan, was killed - and if it weren't for Alice's unlikely alliance with Iris Adams, and the complete works of Agatha Christie, the wrong person would almost certainly be sitting in prison for the crime. The Castle Cove police aren't exactly great at solving crimes. Which is why, on the night of the annual dance, Alice decides to explore Levy Castle - the site of one of Castle Cove's most infamous deaths. Classic film star Mona Moody died there almost a century ago, and Alice is pretty sure the police got that investigation wrong too. But before she can dig deeper, she walks right into the scene of a new crime: Rebecca Kennedy, on the ground in a pool of blood and another of Alice's ex-friends - Helen Park - standing over her. The Castle Cove police think it's an open and shut case, but Alice and Iris know that to understand the present, sometimes you need to look to the past. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781460764268
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2023
Glasgow, Kathleen & Lawson, Liz
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846192

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Not here to be liked
Falling in love wasn't part of the plan. Eliza Quan fully expects to be voted the next editor-in-chief of her school paper. She works hard, she respects the facts, and she has the most experience. Len DiMartile is an injured star baseball player who seems to have joined the paper just to have something to do. Naturally, the staff picks Len to be their next leader. Because while they may respect Eliza, they don't particularly like her - but right now, Eliza is not here to be liked. She's here to win. But someone does like Eliza. A lot. Shame it's the boy standing in the way of her becoming editor-in-chief. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781474989732
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2021
Quach, Michelle
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783572

Hash
Off the map
Our home town. Sometimes it feels like the centre of the universe, sometimes it's the bum-end of nowhere. We are her sons and daughters. These are our triumphs and our heartaches, our fears and hopes for a better life. Getting lost, falling in love, pushing boundaries, exploring the world - powerfully honest stories to make you think and feel, from the award-winning author of The Dead I Know and Changing Gear. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781760877101
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2021
Gardner, Scot
Image currently unavailable
803523

New

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One in a hundred thousand
Fifteen year old Sander wishes he was like everyone else. But he has Silver-Russell syndrome, a condition that affects one in a hundred thousand. It means he is smaller than all the other kids in school, a place where the biggest and the loudest get all the attention. Like Niklas .Everyone thinks Niklas is cool and good-looking - except Sander. He doesn't like the way Niklas brags, behaves like a jerk and lies. Niklas is one of life's tall people and next to him, Sander always ends up feeling small. But Sander is different in more ways than one. He notices things other people miss, and he's noticed something about Niklas... Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781474940641
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2021
Ingemundsen, Linni
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660767

Hash
One of us is next
Bayview High is just about recovered from the death of gossip king Simon Helleher a year ago. Now there's a new copycat in town who isn't ready to forget him just yet. A school-wide game of Truth or Dare seems fun, right? But this game is lethal. Choosing the truth may reveal your darkest secrets, but accepting the dare could be dangerous - or even fatal. The teenagers of Bayview must work together once again to find the culprit, before it's too late... Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780241376928
Publisher Penguin, 2020
McManus, Karen
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3848

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Optimists die first
Petula has avoided friendship and happiness ever since tragedy struck her family and took her beloved younger sister Maxine. Worse, Petula blames herself. If only she'd kept an eye on her sister, if only she'd sewn the button Maxine choked on better, if only...Now her anxiety is getting out of control, she is forced to attend the world's most hopeless art therapy class. But one day, in walks the Bionic Man: a charming, amazingly tall newcomer called Jacob, who is also an amputee. Petula's ready to freeze him out, just like she did with her former best friend, but when she's paired with Jacob for a class project, there's no denying they have brilliant ideas together - ideas like remaking Wuthering Heights with cats. But Petula and Jacob each have desperately painful secrets in their pasts - and when the truth comes out, there's no way Petula is ready for it. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781783445585
Publisher Andersen Press Ltd, 2017
Nielsen, Susin
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Otherwise known as Pig
Morgan Lodhi has been the target of bullies since he was in primary school. He seems to just attract them. He becomes known across the school as Pig and everyone around him find it easier to either ignore the bullying or just join in. High school is a battle ground but it is not without some pockets of kindness. Contains scenes of bullying which some readers may find confronting. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781743056790
Publisher Wakefield Press, 2019
Tilly, Catch
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Perfect on paper
But when Brougham catches Darcy in the act of collecting letters from locker 89 - out of which she's been running her questionably legal, anonymous relationship advice service - that's exactly what happens. In exchange for keeping her secret, Darcy begrudgingly agrees to become his personal dating coach. The goal? To help him win his ex-girlfriend back. Darcy has good reason to keep her identity secret. If word gets out that she's behind the locker, some things she's not proud of will come to light, and there's a good chance Brooke will never speak to her again. Okay, so all she has to do is help an entitled, bratty, (annoyingly hot) guy win over a girl who's already fallen for him once? What could possibly go wrong? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781444959277
Publisher Hachette Australia, 2021
Gonzales, Sophie
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804527

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Radio silence
What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong? Frances has always been a study machine with one goal, elite university. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret - not even the person she is on the inside. But when Frances meets Aled, the shy genius behind her favourite podcast, she discovers a new freedom. Then the podcast goes viral and the fragile trust between them is broken. Caught between who she was and who she longs to be, Frances' dreams come crashing down. Suffocating with guilt, she knows that she has to confront her past - She has to confess why Carys disappeared. Meanwhile at uni, Aled is alone, fighting even darker secrets. It's only by facing up to your fears that you can overcome them. And it's only by being your true self that you can find happiness. Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780007559244
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2016
Oseman, Alice
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846124

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Road tripping with Pearl Nash
The summer is finally here, and Pearl Nash is on a mission to save her slowly disintegrating friendship with a whirlwind end-of-year road trip. However, suddenly Pearl ends up stuck in the middle of the desert beside Obi Okocha, a boy with an irritating attitude. Add a breakdown, multiple arguments, an AWOL nana and a kiss; the perfect ingredients for a perfect disaster. Or is it? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781743058435
Publisher Wakefield Press, 2021
Nwosu, Poppy
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Secrets of Cricket Karlsson, The
Cricket Karlsson is going to become an artist just like her aunt, who loves cheese and art and always speaks her mind. Not like Cricket's mother, who is dieting and sighs at everything. But now Aunt Frannie has lost her joy and Cricket's best friend has dumped her for the horse girls. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781776574278
Publisher Gecko Press, 2022
Sigunsdotter, Kristina & Eriksson, Ester (ill)
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903381

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Seven percent of Ro Devereux
Seven percent of Ro Devereux is a fast paced romance which follows Ro a creator of a app called MASH. The app becomes an overnight success but Ro is forced to partner with Miller (her ex best-friend) A story about loss, family dynamics and living your dreams. This book is a 21st Century look on life on socials! Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780063318311
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2023
O'Clover, Ellen
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751110

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Shiny broken pieces
June, Bette and Gigi have given their all to dance at New York's most elite ballet school. Now they are competing one final time for a spot at the prestigious American Ballet Company. With the stakes higher than ever, these girls have everything to lose... and even the nice girls are no longer playing nice. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780008392819
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2020
Charaipotra, Sona & Clayton, Dhonielle
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Six angry girls
Raina Petree is crushing her senior year, until her boyfriend dumps her, the drama club (basically) dumps her, the college of her dreams slips away, and her arch-nemesis triumphs. Things aren't much better for Millie Goodwin. Her father treats her like a servant, and the all-boy Mock Trial team votes her out, even after she spent the last three years helping to build its success. But then, an advice columnist unexpectedly helps Raina find new purpose in a pair of knitting needles and a politically active local yarn store. This leads to an unlikely meeting in the girls' bathroom, where Raina inspires Millie to start a rival team. The two join together and recruit four other angry girls to not only take on Mock Trial, but to smash the patriarchy in the process.
ISBN 9781250253422
Publisher St Martin's, 2020
Kisner, Adrienne
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Sky
Friendship can be found in the unlikeliest of places. After her mother's death, Sky leaves her city life to move in with her aunt and uncle in a small Australian town. Life in a new place isn't easy, and Sky finds comfort in the friendship of a stray dog she meets along the way. But her new friends at school are another story, and as Sky struggles to fit in, she finds herself doing things that go against everything she believes in. When Sky stumbles on a case of animal cruelty, she is forced to question what's really important to her and who she wants to be. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781925399189
Publisher The Author People, 2017
Sherman, Ondine
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So much to tell you
Marina's face is shockingly scarred. She has not spoken since her father threw acid at her mother, hitting Marina instead. As part of a writing assignment, she has to keep a journal. In it, she deals realistically with her post-traumatic stress. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780850919417
Publisher Thomas C Lothian Pty Ltd, 1999
Marsden, John
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Stage Fright
Alice's parents are having problems and she has the lead in the school play. Can her friends help her to get over her stage fright? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781472934130
Publisher Bloomsbury, 2017
Cotterill, Jo
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Take a bow, Noah Mitchell
Noah is in love with his online best friend. Which is a huge problem, for the following reasons- 1. His crush has no idea. 2. Noah only knows him as his gaming avatar. 3. There's zero chance they'll ever meet in real life. So, when Noah sees an opportunity to secretly meet his crush, he takes it. Even though he'll have to join the cast of a local production of Chicago with his self-obsessed mother. Even though he'll need to lie to his best (and only) friend. And even though he'll have to sing and dance in front of actual people. Because love is worth the risk. And, really, what could possibly go wrong? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780143777397
Publisher Penguin, 2022
Madden, Tobias
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Take my word for it
In a Year 9 boarding school dormitory, introspective Laura pours out her observations of friends, family, her frustrations and successes, her thoughts and feelings in her writing. She also befriends Marina who readers met in 'So much to tell you'. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780732907655
Publisher Pan MacMillan, 1993
Marsden, John
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Taking down Evelyn Tait
The door creaks open and standing in the entrance is my absolute worst nightmare. Perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect brain. Perfect sneer. Evelyn Tait. Taking Down Evelyn Tait is a story about family, friends and embracing who you are. Even if that person is kind of weird. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781743056974
Publisher Wakefield Press, 2020
Nwosu, Poppy
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Tales of the peculiar
Before Miss Peregrine gave them a home, the story of peculiars was written in the Tales. Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars. A fork-tongued princess. The origins of the first ymbryne. These are but a few of the truly brilliant stories in Tales of the Peculiar - known to hide information about the peculiar world - first introduced by Ransom Riggs in his Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series. Riggs now invites you to share his secrets of peculiar history, with a collection of original stories, as collected and annotated by Millard Nullings, ward of Miss Peregrine and scholar of all things peculiar. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780141371658
Series Miss Peregrine's peculiar children series (5 books)
Publisher Penguin, 2017
Riggs, Ransom
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751111
Tiny pretty things
Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet-star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever. When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780062342409
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2020
Charaipotra, Sona & Clayton, Dhonielle
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Twilight saga 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 Twilight saga series (4 books)
Meyer, Stephenie
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Wildlife
Boarding in the wilderness, sixteen year old Sibylla expects the gruesome outdoor program but not friendship and love complications. New girl, Lou, who is grieving and fragile, must consider her self-imposed detachment as she becomes intrigued by an unfolding drama involving Sibylla. As Sibylla confronts a tangle of betrayal, she needs to renegotiate everything. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781742612317
Publisher Pan MacMillan, 2013
Wood, Fiona
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Will Grayson, Will Grayson
Will Grayson meets Will Grayson. One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two strangers are about to cross paths. From that moment on, their world will collide and lives intertwine. It's not that far from Evanston to Naperville, but Chicago suburbanites Will Grayson and Will Grayson might as well live on different planets. When fate delivers them both to the same surprising crossroads, the Will Graysons find their lives overlapping and hurtling in new and unexpected directions. With a push from friends new and old - including the massive, and massively fabulous, Tiny Cooper, offensive lineman and musical theatre auteur extraordinaire - Will and Will begin building toward respective romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history's most awesome high school musical. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781921656231
Publisher Text Publishing Co, 2010
Green, John & Levithan, David
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Yearbook Committee, The
Final year and five lives. School captain, Ryan had it all until an accident snatches his dreams away. Newcomer Charlie is determined not to fit in. Nobody really notices Matty. But, at home, he holds everything together and has never felt so alone. The popular girl's best friend,Tammi, always bows to peer pressure. Gillian, the politician's daughter is learning the hard way that life in the spotlight comes at a very heavy price. Five unlikely teammates thrust together against their will. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780732296858
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2016
Ayoub, Sarah
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You must be Layla
With her long skirt and headscarf Layla certainly stands out at her new high school. Everyone thinks they know her, just from a glance. But do they? And does Layla really know herself? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, and above
ISBN 9780143788515
Publisher Penguin, 2019
Abdel-Magied, Yassmin
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