Booklists

Fleeing Paris for a new start in New Orleans, Celine Rousseau hoped it would be a safe place. Before long she was drawn into the dark underbelly of the city and the La Cour des Lions. As she struggles with her memories and an uneasy feeling there is something she needs to recall, Celine's dreams are troubled. While Sebastien, cursed and changed forever, struggles with his own new identity and what he has lost because of it. Broken treaties and new truths bring danger to this pair and their future. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

On holiday with his parents, fifteen year old Damon is bored. He is coerced into visiting an art gallery but nothing looks like anything in Damon's life. His reality is made up of TV and gaming, so Damon returns to the hotel to play his gameboy. Soon, it, too, is dull and repetitive, and Damon falls asleep. In his dreams, the artwork he ignored comes to life and, far off, a tiger roars.

Despite her brother leaving for the Otherworld, Liobhan, a young warrior bard is determined to complete her training as an elite fighter on Swan Island. She is devastated when her comrade Dau is injured and loses his sight in a training bout. Blamed by Dau's family, she agrees to accompany him home to Oakhill as a bondservant for one year. But Oakhill is a place of dark secrets. Dau battles demons of despair whilst the vicious Crow Folk threaten both worlds. It will take a great deal of skill and a touch of the uncanny to give them hope of survival. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Patch is out of place at Mountford College- she wears the wrong clothes, she's not sporty or popular, she lives in a small flat above her dad's record shop a world away from the leafy suburb where she goes to school. And she has a secret long-term crush on basketball star Evie Vanhoutte. Evie barely knows Patch exists until an accident involving a bottle of ink and Patch's school uniform sparks a friendship that's equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, and very, very confusing. As if that weren't enough, Patch is also trying to deal with a jealous school bully, forgetting to be supportive of her transitioning best friend, Edwin, and worrying about how a potential new stepmother could throw everything off course. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Ditty was born to dance but she was also born Jewish. When her strictly religious parents won't let her take ballet lessons, Ditty starts to dance in secret. Keeping her two worlds apart will come at a huge personal cost.

Henry York discovers that he is a seventh son with the gift of second sight, an ability to tune into the hidden nature of people and objects. He will use this gift to combat the rising strength of the witch of Endor whose evil is all encompassing.

Fifteen year old alien hunter, Daniel X, is on a mission to finish the job that killed his parents. He wants to wipe out the world's most bloodthirsty aliens on The List. With telepathy and the ability to transform and create, Daniel's got more than a few tricks up his sleeve. But, as he battles towards his top target, Daniel can't forget that, on their lists, there's only one name at the top, and that's his.

At nineteen, Ern signs up for the army to fight with the ANZACs. By twenty two, he is a prisoner of war. Ern and his mates are determined to escape and join their comrades in war.

Fourteen year old Fletcher Smith is a private investigator, working for the Institute of Sport. Trouble has found Fletcher since his father died in mysterious circumstances. Hired by rising cricket star Tom Baker to retrieve a lucky pig's foot, given to him by Don Bradman, Fletcher finds himself fighting for his life in the dangerous underworld of Australian sport. To crack this case, he'll need to battle killer sea wasps, a ruthless hitman and a deranged tennis prodigy.

Will Kerwan is kidnapped in London during 1852. He is held hostage on a boat where he is made to work as a servant. He meets Runt and finds a best friend for life. They escape in Australia and make their way to the goldfields.

Athena finds a box covered with green material. Inside it, she sees a dream world which draws her and her cousins in.

Joshua and his cousin, Zoe, see two men fighting and hear a gunshot. The police believe the murder is linked to armed robberies in the area. The cousins decision to investigate places them in danger.

Daniel X has his work cut out for him. A teenage alien hunter, he has a deadly list of evil predators to eliminate and, while he's made it all look easy so far, much darker days await him. Next on his list is Number Five, an unsightly and terrifying alien, who is watching Daniel as intently as Daniel has been tracking him.

Thirteen year old Wolf is escaping from the abbey which has been his home and prison for the last eight years. Scrambling up over the wild and haunted ridge known as Devil's Edge, he has a strange encounter and the creature he discovers will change his life for ever.

Australian refugee stories is a unique anthology of essays, interviews, and stories written by children and young adults. The stories are the finest of hundreds collected through a nationwide schools competition in 2002. The essays and stories represent many different countries and themes. Some focus on survival, some on horrors, some on the experiences and alienation of a new world. This book is usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above, and contains stories featuring difficult and potentially confronting subjects and experiences.

The Dark King has risen. Only a handful of heroes remain. The Hall of the Stewards is in ruins. Pursued by dark forces, Will and his allies must travel to the heart of the ancient world, forging new and dangerous ties, and revealing the shocking secrets of the past. But Will is carrying a dark secret of his own - his true identity. As the ancient world threatens to return, can Will and his friends fight their fate? Or will the truths they learn tear their world apart? 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.

The Dark and the Light are ancient enemies. In book two in the series of five, the Dark has chosen this time to begin its ascent.

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 ancient world of magic is no more. Its heroes are dead, its halls are in ruins and its great battles between Light and Dark are forgotten. Only the Stewards remember. For centuries they have kept vigil, sworn to protect humanity if the Dark King ever returns. Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run in London, pursued by the men who killed his mother. When an old servant urges him to seek out the Stewards, Will is ushered into a secret world, where he must train to fight for the Light in the oncoming war. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Lina lives in a world where her city must give a sacrifice each year to the neighbouring witches. This year Lina's sweetheart has been selected and will die in the sacrifice. In an attempt to save him Lina offers herself instead. What follows is a race against time to convince the witches to find another sacrifice. Will Lina succeed and what happens when Lina's starts to question her love?

The Storm is a deadly force that surrounds the city and curses everyone in it. Vesper Vale and her ex-revolutionary father must evade both the storm and the queen's soldiers by using dangerous experimental magic. When her father is captured, Vesper must find a way to infiltrate the elite squad of soldier-sorcerers, lead by the powerful Prince Valca. When Vesper learns there's more at play within the deadly Storm, she must risk everything to fight - including her heart. This book contains adult themes, including depictions of death and violence. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

As the fragile truce between the Traction Cities and the Green Storm crumbles, Theo and Wren are reunited in the ruins of London but they cannot tell for how long. Hester is missing, presumed dead. In a violent and complex world, power, corruption and betrayal are a way of life. The abandoned and far-flung are making strange alliances but there is no guarantee that anyone will survive. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Harriet, a giant Galapagos Island tortoise, is looked after and observed by Charles Darwin in his development of his daring theory of evolution and his book, the Origin of the Species. Cleverly written from Harriet's perspective.

Sorina is 16 and lives in the travelling city of Gomorrah - famous for it's talent shows, jynx-workers and criminality. She's the daughter of the 'Proprietor' and therefore due to inherit control over the city. This inheritance takes a deadly turn when members of her 'illusion' family start dying. Will Sorina find the killer before more of her illusions are taken from her and what will she do when she discovers the truth of how close to her the killer is? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

A sweeping fantasy chronicling a courageous girl's sometimes violent fight for freedom in a world ravaged by war and religious fanaticism. Tackles themes such as religion and terrorism as well as unconventional love. Usually read by students in Year 10 and above.

For David Copperfield, orphaned and with a cruel stepfather, the future looks bleak. But, a new start beckons, first with the magnificent Mr Micawber and then with his eccentric aunt, Betsey Trotwood. David encounters a range of people who will change his fortunes in very different ways, and his life forever.

Davy Crockett was a child of the frontier, where violence and danger were everywhere. A hunter, soldier and backwoods politician, he helped settle large swaths of the still-growing United States. In the process, he became an American legend, with his life and exploits dramatised, and often fictionalised, in film and TV.

John and Phillipa are trying to determine why the valuable jade collections in museums all over the world are disappearing. An aging curse has been placed on their father and another wicked spell has awakened the terracotta soldiers of China. The twins must stop the mysterious terracotta warriors, rescue their parents and save the world before it's too late.

Jinx and MacKenna are thrown into survival mode as they fight their way across a war-torn country to rescue their little brother Charles. They will question themselves, their ideas and the integrity of everyone around them, before they get to the bottom of the political conspiracy that caused the civil war. Their only hope for survival, and rescuing Charles, might be following Dr. Doomsday's Guide.

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.

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

Information about some deadly Australians, that is, some great Indigenous people who are successful, talented, outstanding and cool. They include Bronwyn Bancroft, Fabri Blacklock, Uncle Charles Moran, Darlene Johnson, Jimmy Little, Linda Burney and Charles Davidson who have achieved in art, politics, music and other fields.

Laney Curtis is in Year 8 when her mother develops breast cancer rejecting chemotherapy because she is pregnant. This touching story describes Laney's struggle with the possibility that her mother may die. Also, Laney develops a plan to snare Andy Carter, a student at her school. Best suited to mature readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

The time for Wocked's lies is over, but the truth could be more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Includes some violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Poirot, the amazing Belgian detective, is on vacation. But, some dirty business finds him as he falls foul of a murder on a Nile River steamer, followed quickly by two obviously connected murders. An elegant setting for a very sophisticated group of players, with an ingenious plot and some clever deduction on the part of our hero. Plus, a little romance on the side for glamour. Beautifully illustrated by Frank Leclercq.

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.

They say the thirst of blood is like a madness - they must sate it. Even with their own kin. On the eve of her divining, the day she'll discover her fate, seventeen-year-old Lil and her twin sister Kizzy are captured and enslaved by the cruel Boyar Valcar, taken far away from their beloved traveller community. Forced to work in the harsh and unwelcoming castle kitchens, Lil is comforted when she meets Mira, a fellow slave who she feels drawn to in a way she doesn't understand. But she also learns about the Dragon, a mysterious and terrifying figure of myth and legend who takes girls as gifts. They may not have had their divining day, but the girls will still discover their fate... Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

We all make decisions every day that shape the lives we lead. In times of war, decision-making can take on a greater significance. Many Australians over the past century of service have demonstrated leadership with the decisions they have made.

Deep in a Derbyshire valley live two girls, twins, so alike that even their family can't tell them apart. But tragedy is waiting. When the valley is sold to be flooded for a huge dam, the villagers are forced to leave their homes and the twins' lives change for ever. Deep secrets are uncovered and desires, love and grief rise to the surface.

It's been three months since Henry disappeared and Chloe wants answers as badly as Mason wants her to just back off and leave him alone. The evidence mounts and friendships are tested in this gripping YA thriller set in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

When her mum suddenly disappears, Danni moves to a tiny Cornish fishing village with her Dad, where the locals treat her like a monster. As the village's dark, disturbing past bubbles to the surface, Danni discovers that she's not who, or what, she thought she was. And, the only way to save her family from a bitter curse is to embrace her incredible, new gift, however impossible it seems.

On the jumbled streets of the island of Lady's Crave live Hark and his best friend Jelt. They are scavengers: living off their wits, diving for relics of the gods, desperate for anything they can sell. But now there is something restless stirring beneath the waves, calling to someone brace enough to retrieve it. Something valuable. Something dangerous...

Spensa has made it out of the Nowhere, but what she saw in the space between the stars has changed her forever. She came face to face with the Delvers, and finally got answers to the questions she's had about her own strange Cytonic gifts. The Superiority didn't stop in its fight for galactic dominance while she was gone, though. Spensa's team, Skyward Flight, was able to hold Winzik off, and even collect allies to help with the cause, but it's only a matter of time until humanity-and the rest of the galaxy-falls. Defeating them will require all the knowledge Spensa gathered while in the Nowhere. But being Cytonic is more complicated than she ever could have imagined. Now, Spensa must ask herself: How far is she willing to go for victory, if it means losing herself-and her friends-in the process. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

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.

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

Civil war has come to the island of Bellona. Veda has joined the underground revolutionaries and they are determined to overthrow the ruling Imperi and find justice for their people. Nico is one of those ruling Imperi and has just been named heir to the most powerful man aboveground. Nico and Veda are childhood friends and possibly more but their people are at war with eachother. Veda becomes a hostage. The whole island will burn unless Nico and Veda can come together and rip everything apart. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Yinti travels from one outback place to another. He is a Desert Cowboy who experiences a series of firsts: learning the kartiya language (English), his first pay, seeing kartiyas (whitefellas), cars, cows and horses and trousers made from flour bags.

Spinifex, a dingo pup, is adopted by a family living in the traditional way, moving from waterhole to waterhole. Based on an incident in his childhood, the pup encountering station life shares the experience of Jimmy Pike's own people.

The last thing Jacob Portman saw before the world went dark was a terrible, familiar face. Suddenly, he and Noor are back in the place where everything began - his grandfather's house. Jacob doesn't know how they escaped from V's loop to find themselves in Florida. But he does know one thing for certain: Caul has returned. After a narrow getaway from a blood-thirsty hollow, Jacob and Noor reunite with Miss Peregrine and the peculiar children in Devil's Acre. The Acre is being plagued by desolations - weather fronts of ash and blood and bone - a terrible portent of Caul's amassing army. Jacob and his friends will face deadly enemies and race through history's most dangerous loops in this thrilling page-turner, the final adventure in the beloved Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

While stumbling through a harsh world of hopes and expectations, teenage journalist, Eddie Innocent, meets the stunning but strange Destiny. As they work together to solve a painful mystery, Eddie wonders if he's finally discovered the front page news story he's been looking for.

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

Millions of settlers come to the planet, Deucalion, to take advantage of the chance it offers for a new beginning. This will mean changes for the Elokoi, who lived there first. But worse than that, the Elokoi people are dying mysteriously. 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.

Lemon Fresh has seen better days. After the climactic battle in Babel, she finds herself separated from Ezekiel and Cricket in the wastelands. Lemon's abilities to manipulate electricity mark her as a deviate, and deadly corporate operatives are hunting her to use as a weapon in the war between BioMaas Incorporated and Daedelus Technologies. Instead, Lemon finds herself falling in with a group of fellow deviates-a band of teenagers with astonishing abilities, led by an enigmatic figure known as the Major, who may hold the secrets to Lemon's past. Meanwhile, Cricket find himself in possession of the puritanical Brotherhood, a religious cult set for a head-on collision with the Major and his band. Searching for Lemon, Ezekiel finds a strange ally in an old enemy, and uncovers a plot that may see him reunited with his beloved Ana. And inside Babel, a remade Eve hatches a plan to bring an end to the world. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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.

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

During the persecution of the Jewish people in the Netherlands in World War II, Anne wrote in her diary of how her family hid for two years in a few rooms.

About a teenager, for teenagers. Dara's is an extraordinary voice and vision, a celebration of beauty and wonder with a powerful connection wot the natural world. 'Spring light and warmth are spreading across the mountains and into me. I have embraced the darkness but now this feeling of light is intoxicating, explosive and alive.

An incredible story of survival and spirit. In Zhangjiashu, China, fourteen year old Ma Yan struggles to escape poverty through persistent, sometimes desperate, attempts to continue her education. Her diary details a world few of us can imagine.

The world knows the name William Shakespeare, but what of the man behind the name- the husband, lover, son and poet? Was he happy with his riches? Who was the woman he truly loved? And could the acclaimed playwright put down his pen forever to become a gentleman? Written by Australian Children's Laureate Jackie French and based on new documentary evidence, this story is a fascinating glimpse into a life that might have been and a story that has never been told. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Red Liston entertains the reader with diary entries about his teenage exploits.

A swim in the sea results in Libby catching an infection which paralyses her legs and leads to a different life. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In 1860, Robert Burke, accompanied by William Wills and a party of explorers, was prepared to risk everything to become the first European to cross the Australian continent from south to north. A few months later, a tree bore a strange carving, Dig under 3 ft NW. Burke, Wills and five other men were dead. A compelling account of a journey that was in trouble even before it began.

Ember Crow is missing. To find her friend, Ashala Wolf must control her increasingly erratic and dangerous Sleepwalking ability and leave the Firstwood. But, Ashala doesn't realise that Ember is harbouring terrible secrets and is trying to shield the Tribe and all Illegals from a devastating new threat, her own past. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Just when Nax - a hotshot pilot with dreams of becoming a member of the Ellis Station Academy - thought things couldn't get any worse, the entire galaxy turns against him. After being kicked out of Ellis Academy's training program in under 24hrs, he and three other washouts are framed for a deadly terrorist attack. After escaping (barely) with their lives, Nax and his fellow failures are living life on the run when they uncover a terrible plot with galaxy-wide implications. They may not always get along, but they're the only ones left to step up and fight. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Kitty has a comfortable life as a country milkmaid, working for a rich family in a great house. Life changes when her handsome man vanishes, leaving her with his 5-year-old sister. She is sent on an errand to London, where she is determined to track her man down, but her fate is literally snatched out of her hands and things spiral out of control.

Eloise and her family leave Cornwall for a new life in colonial New Zealand. They leave in the hope of a better life but find that expectation does not meet reality and that things do not always go to plan. Eloise is torn leaving the past behind and forging a new life in New Zealand. She struggles with the expectations of her position in society and following her heart. An enthralling historical novel focussing on love, loss, and hope for the future.

Graeme starts to feel as if he is alienated from the rest of the human race. A psychological thriller that deals with schizophrenia. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Macy Cashmere lives with her mother, but her mother doesn't really know how to be a proper, caring parent. Her school has classified her as "disturbed" and she is in a special class due to her behaviours and her learning difficulties. Macy has only one good friend, Alma, but she has offended her. Macy will do anything to win Alma's affection again. Macy's brother has been taken by Child Protection Services and if Macy is to avoid the same fate, her mother needs to shape up and get a real job. Macy's world is fraught with danger and all she wants is to belong. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In a post-Apocalyptic world, society has been divided into five factions that hold fast to five ways of thinking and acting. At sixteen, every individual must choose to stay or join another faction. Tris knows she is different and moves on. However, she finds she has many qualities and has to fight to find an identity that matches all her skills. Tris must fight, take risks and decide who to love and trust.

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.

A new version of this much-loved anthology features an exclusive, new tale - written by Naomi Alderman, author of The Power - that will star the Thirteenth Doctor, as she battles to save the universe with her three close and trusted friends. Other authors featured are: Eoin Colfer, Michael Scott, Marcus Sedgwick, Philip Reeve, Patrick Ness, Richelle Mead, Malorie Blackman, Alex Scarrow, Charlie Higson, Derek Landy, Neil Gaiman, and Holly Black.

WE ARE ALL STORIES, IN THE END... Fifteen tales of ancient wonder and mystery, passed down through generations of Time Lords. Dark, beautiful and twisted, these stories are filled with nightmarish terrors and heroic triumphs, from across all of time and space. Usually read by students in year 9, 10 and above.

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

Amal is a typical sixteen year old. When she decides to wear a head scarf to school, her Islamic faith, personal strength and friendships are tested. An insight into contemporary Australian ethnic and religious issues. Strong language in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

A tiny dog is born on a remote cattle station. She should have died but for Elsie finding her, saving her, and naming her Princess. Elsie and Princess have a wonderful life until the War arrives. With Japanese air strikes coming closer, Elsie and her family leave the Pilbara for safety down south, but they can't take Princess. The little dog begins her adventures when she is taken by stockman Dave, who calls her Dog. She witnesses wonderful and terrible things, and gives courage and support to many humans. But through all her amazing adventures she never forgets her beloved Elsie...will she ever find her again?

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.

Cameron and his mum have been on the run for five years. His father is hunting them. At least, that's what Cameron has been told. When they settle in an isolated farmhouse, in the middle of nowhere, Cameron starts to see and hear things that aren't possible. Soon, he's questioning everything he thought he knew and, even, his sanity. Cameron must uncover the dark secrets buried in the past, before they tear him apart.

The mad Don Quixote wanders 16th century Spain looking for chivalrous deeds to do and wrongs to right. Lots of adventures with interesting characters, a barber, monks, shepherds, inn keepers, all of whom involve humour and misunderstandings.

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.

When Cammie visits Macey in Boston to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president, they get trapped in a kidnappers' plot, with only their espionage skills to save them. Cammie can't shake the memory of Boston and even the Gallagher Academy doesn't feel safe. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every corner as Cammie and her friends struggle to find out who is after Macey.

On a moonless night, two rats follow hypnotic lights into the forest, never to be seen again. Such is the power of the Doomwytes, sinister ravens led by the deadly Korvus Skurr. When the creatures of Redwall Abbey go in search of a fabled treasure, they do not suspect Skurr and his ravens are vying for that very treasure.

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

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero. But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado - taking you with it - you have no choice but to go along, you know? Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little bluebirds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still a yellow brick road - but even that's crumbling. What happened? Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe. My name is Amy Gumm - and I'm the other girl from Kansas. I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked. I've been trained to fight. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and 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.

Read this book if you like short chapters, facts, activities and quizzes. Whether it is building a flying machine, discovering the world's greatest speeches, doing maths puzzles, learning sign language, reading quotes from Shakespeare or mastering the Rubik's cube, this book has it all and more.

Dougy's sister, Gracey, is chosen for the State Athletics Championships but it leads to violence. It is up to Dougy to save his family from the racist war that ensues and the mysterious Moodagudda. The first book in a trilogy.

A mysterious bequest sends Rosy and Jaz on a race against time to identify thirteen strange and wonderful objects - which turn out to tell the story of medicine, from the superstitions of ancient Egypt to the modern-day ethical dilemmas of genetic testing. Can unicorns cure leprosy? What secrets of the brain did Michelangelo conceal in his Sistine Chapel paintings? Did a zombie discover the cure for scurvy? Does homeopathy actually work? Why did an Australian scientist decide to drink dangerous bacteria? Is grapefruit evil? Did the bumps on Ned Kelly's head predict his fate? And how exactly did parachuting cats save a village from the plague?

In one of the four stories in this book of Stevenson's classic horror stories, the cursed Dr Jekyll finds himself transformed by a scientific experiment into the evil Mr Hyde.

How is carbon dioxide related to climate change and what can we do to help the Earth? Dr Karl explains how we can help to reduce emissions and who the major players are in the changes taking place in our world. Companies and governments have known about the impacts of carbon dioxide on our planet for years, but what steps have they taken to reduce the carbon our atmosphere holds? The answers to these questions and many more can be found in this easy to read text giving us insight into climate change science!

Dr Karl is on a mission to track down Awe and Wonder in the Universe. Why do wombats poo cubes? Do fish drink water? What nearly destroyed humanity on Halloween 2015? How do you use an incinerating toilet? Find out why we've sent a spacecraft with Dr Karl's name on it to kiss the Sun, whether cannibalism is nutritious, how birds fly when they're asleep and much more. So strap in and get ready for a random ride through everything, from atoms to rogue planets and everything in between, including the Big Question - why does spaghetti always break into three parts? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Settle in for some cutting-edge scientific snippets and comb through some of the greatest scientific conundrums of our age. Find out what's killing half the bacteria on Earth every two days, why mole rats don't get cancer, why scientists are running around naked in the Antarctic, how a toilet seat helped to end the First World War, and lots, lots more.

Dr Karl is surfing the Universe for all that's gnarly, awesome, weird and wonderful. Why is sharpening a pencil in space a risky business? What makes a sunset red and not blue? How far would the Earth's viruses reach if you laid them end to end? Which animal grows an anus every time it needs to poo? Find out how spiders can fly and count, whether 5G networks are safe, why we're running out of sand, and the answer to the Question on Everyone's Lips - how to make the best coffee. Plus loads more, including pop-up Karl holograms! So take a surfing safari with Dr Karl and get ready to Hang Ten - or wipe out. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

A stage adaptation of Bram Stoker's famous novel.

Jonathan Harker is travelling to Castle Dracula to see the Transylvanian noble, Count Dracula. The locals beg him not to go because, on the eve of St George's Day when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will come out. But, Jonathan goes to the Castle and his nightmare begins. A retelling of the classic story with striking, coloured illustrations and detailed, historical background information.

Long, the dragon-style warrior, saw his temple burned, his brothers killed, and his siblings fleeing to the four winds. Now the five young warriors have reunited with Ying, the redeemed renegade who put all of these events in motion, and ShaoShu, the mousy street thief, to prevent the wily mantis Tonglong from taking over China.

Stick lives in the city of London with his other gutterling friends, performing on the streets for food and money. When children start disappearing, including some of Stick's friends, he starts to investigate. Unexpectedly, this leads him to discover a grumpy dragon trapped in a tunnel underneath London. Will helping her escape and find a new home cause him to disappear, too? Or can the dragon help him to find his friends?

At less than 1000 years old, Danzi is a young dragon. He should be hibernating for winter but has an obligation to deliver an inheritance to the family of his old Dragonkeeper's family. His duty is interrupted when he rescues a man from some brutal soldiers. It is a dangerous time for a dragon to be without a keeper.

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.

Aeons ago, dragons spread terror across the Chinese empire. Their descendants became magnificent horses, which are now drawn into a battle, caused by an ancient evil and the destiny of two brothers.

How to save a dragon: 1) Assemble equipment. Water, Weet-Bix, sugar, syringe, sticky tape, scissors. 2) Believe in everything. Pip never wants to go home. She likes to sit at the waterhole at dusk and remember Mika, her best friend. At home her mother's not the same since her boyfriend moved in. They don't laugh anymore and Pip has to go to bed early, turn off her light and pretend she doesn't exist. When she finds a half-dead creature at the waterhole, everything changes. She knows she has to save this small dragon and return it to where it comes from. But how?

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

Twelve-year-old Tally, a thoughtful child, deeply loved by her father and two aunts, attends Delderton, a progressive boarding school. At the cinema, Tally learns about the small country of Bergania, whose King refuses to bend to Hitler's demands. So, when Delderton is invited to Bergania, Tally insists they attend. In Bergania, the children witness the king's assassination and must help young prince Karil escape to safety.

Hero Rad is still very immature and finds himself kidnapped and sold into slavery. Quentaris is invaded and nearly all of the citizens are forced to wear slave neck collars.

Callie loves theatre. But, she can't really sing. Instead, she's the set designer for the drama department's stage crew and, this year, she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway, on a school budget. But, Callie will need to learn about carpentry, try and sell tickets and help the crew work well together. But, once the actors are chosen, the offstage dramas don't help, and the two cute brothers who enter the picture just make things crazier. Graphic novel.

This book offers an exciting and interesting approach to drawing buildings and cityscapes. It includes detailed, step-by-step instructions and useful advice on composition and drawing techniques.

Specialist instruction book that will appeal to students interested in art and drawing. Step-by-step instructions and examples included.

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.

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.

All her life, Safina's parents have dreamed of returning to Grandpa's native village in Crimea. But, exchanging their sunny Uzbekistan house for a squalid camp is more like a nightmare for twelve year old Safi. She wonders whether this strange land can ever become home. A compelling story about the Crimean Tatars' struggle to reclaim the land from which they were exiled in the Second World War.

A wonderful work of magical realism from a debut Australian Author. The Dream Walker is the story of Lucy, 16 years old and desperate to escape her life in her small impoverished fishing village. But the year ahead will change not only Lucy but reshape her entire world. Framed by the stunning Northern Queensland setting this magical tale, equally sad and optimistic, with remarkably believable characters is a joy to read and a book that is difficult to forget. Contains mature themes, usually read by student in Years 9,10 or above.

'Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States and the first African-American president. This memoir has been adapted for young adults and explores family, race and identity. It is a revealing portrait of a young Black man asking questions about self discovery and belonging, long before he became one of the most important voices in America. The son of a white American mother and a Black Kenyan father, Obama was born in Hawaii, where he lived until he was six when he moved with his mother and stepfather to Indonesia. At twelve he returned to Hawaii to live with his Grandparents. Obama explores the challenges of high school and college, living in New York, becoming a community organiser in Chigago and travelling to Kenya. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 or above.

On an expedition to discover what happened on Earth a thousand years ago, what the new generation will find will threaten their survival and raise questions about what it means to be human and civilised. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

A Year 8 student and a Year 10 student meet with Aboriginal AFL players at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to interview them about their profession as elite footballers. Topics include training, racism in sport, rewards and coaching.

Ken's ambition was to be a comic-book artist using lifelike drawings and real stories. When he wakes from a dream, one of his characters claims to have imagined him. Ken must find who is the dreamer and who was the dream. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

When fiery Maud Mary Flynn is adopted, she leaves Barbary Asylum with high hopes of being cherished. Little does she know that the sisters who have adopted her require her for their family business, a shadowy extortion racket of the early 19th century that uses spiritualism to fleece the susceptible and tragic. Into this web stumbles Mrs Lambert, grieving mother of a drowned child.

Yet another adventure for Arthur Penhaligon in his quest to find the third part of the Will and face the forces of the Trustees. During his adventure, he encounters a variety of creatures and enlists the help of a number of friends.

A duck strikes up an unusual and unlikely friendship with Death.

Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. When until Will takes a job at the local fast food joint, she meets Private School Bo -- a hot former jock. Will is unsurprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back. Instead of finding new heights of self-assurance in her relationship with Bo, Will starts to doubt herself. So she sets out to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant -- along with several other unlikely candidates -- to show the world that she deserves to be up there as much as any twiggy girl does. Along the way, she'll shock the hell out of Clover City -- and maybe herself most of all. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway. Crucial to this plan is to bring back her high school's spring musical, but when Riley takes her mom's car without permission, she's grounded and stuck with the worst punishment: spending her after-school hours working at her dad's game shop. Riley can't waste her time working when she has a musical to save, so she convinces Nathan - a nerdy teen employee - to cover her shifts and, in exchange, she'll flirt with him to make his gamer-girl crush jealous. But Riley didn't realize that meant joining Nathan's Dungeons & Dragons game... or that role playing would be so fun. Soon, Riley starts to think that flirting with Nathan doesn't require as much acting as she would've thought...

Cecilia grew up on a farm, with her six brothers, in rural Queensland. She despised her neighbours, the Kapernicky girls. When Cecilia returns as an adult, secrets which were deeply buried come to the surface. Contains adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Shows the reality and horror of children dying of starvation. Fourteen artists focus on different aspects of the suffering, deprivation and starkness of the life and death of a starving child. Proceeds go to 'Save the Children'.