Booklists

On a dark winter night, a ghost walks the ramparts of Elsinore Castle in Denmark. Discovered first by a pair of watchmen, then by the scholar Horatio, the ghost resembles the recently deceased King Hamlet, whose brother Claudius has inherited the throne and married the king's widow, Queen Gertrude. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

It is 2017. Climate change has devastated the Earth which is now a cyberworld in constant dread of war. Denmark has grown prosperous but the King has recently died. Young Prince Hamlet's grief over his father's death turns to something far darker when the ghost of his father appears to him. Graphic (Manga) novel with authentic Shakespearean text. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

A girl, who is mad about motor bikes, finds happiness in a run-down bike shop. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She has only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire - neither Offred's nor that of the two men on which her future hangs. This book contains potentially confronting mature themes and content, and is usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country. But all of that changed in November 1938, when he was beaten, arrested and taken to a concentration camp. Over the next seven years, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors every day, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, then on a Nazi death march. He lost family, friends, his country. Because he survived, Eddie made the vow to smile every day. He pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story, sharing his wisdom and living his best possible life. He now believes he is the 'happiest man on earth'. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Anh Do, comedian and television personality, arrived in Australia as a baby in a boat full of desperate family members who suffered the perils of the sea. A mother's sacrifice, a father's heroism and their adventures in a new land are inspiring. Some strong language used in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Liobhan has always dreamed of being a Swan Island warrior. She is a talented musician with exceptional strength and fighting skills which make her the perfect candidate to be a warrior bard and spy. Whilst posing as travelling musicians, Liobhan and her brother Brocc, must find a precious harp that is an ancient symbol of kingship. If the harp is not played at the upcoming coronation the heir will not be accepted and the kingdom will be thrown into turmoil. They can trust no one. Is there a political plot to stop the prince from becoming King or is there something else, something otherworldly at work here? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Harper Hunter doesn't know how it came to this. Her tennis dreams are collapsing: her coach says she doesn't have what it takes to make it in the world of professional tennis. Her new doubles partner is moody, mysterious and angry at the world. What is he hiding? She is in love with Jacob, but he is her sister's boyfriend. Or, he was. Harper could never betray Aria with Jacob, could she? As Harper's heart and dreams pull her in different directions, she has to figure out exactly what she wants. And just how hard she's willing to fight to get it. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

A mystery surrounds Harry's late father, a Vietnam veteran. Grandfather knows but he won't say, and no-one in Harry's family wants to have anything to do with Grandpa. Harry spends a lot of time recording Grandpa's memories of heroic action in World War ll. After Grandpa addresses Harry's class at school, the mystery is solved, leaving Harry devastated. Some adult themes and coarse language in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Seventeen-year-old Sophie hates Monday mornings, socks worn with sandals, and having to strategise like she's a battle sergeant every time she asks her parents if she can go out. But she especially hates being stereotyped because she's Lebanese. When New Guy, Shehadie Goldsmith, is alienated at her Lebanese school because his dad's Australian, she hates the way it makes her feel. Like she's just as prejudiced as everyone else. Like she could make a difference if she stopped pretending she's invisible. Like the attraction between them might be too strong to fight... But hate is such a strong word... Can Sophie find the strength to speak out - even if it means going against everything she's been brought up to believe? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Suburban Australia. Sweltering heat. A three bedroom blonde-brick house, a family of five with a beaten-up Ford Falcon. Vegemite on toast. Maxine Beneba Clarke's life is just like all the other Aussie kids on her street. Except for one, glaring, inescapably obvious thing. A challenging read. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Sixteen-year-old Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs. The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community. It could also get her killed. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl's struggle for justice. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

The city is split in two by warring factions, either side of the river. When Nik saves a stranger from the debris, she keeps repeating the word 'havoc'. As he delves further, Nik uncovers a complex web of power, fear and betrayal that enwraps the city. He also learns more about his parents, finds out who he can trust and is forced to make an impossible choice. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

A quick-fix guide to general knowledge and trivia. Everything you needed to know, and maybe didn't even know to ask, explained with wit and clarity. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Steven's obsession with Avery leads him into what seems to be a childish game. It is, in fact, a very dangerous game. The players include Steven's unsuspecting friend, Tala, Connor, who is rumoured to have been in juvenile detention and may be a dealer, and his sister, Jade, a very hostile goth, and Avery. Their journey of self-realisation has unexpected outcomes. Mature themes and strong language in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Tea, a bone witch who can resurrect the dead, is done with her self-imposed exile. She now possesses all seven bezoars she needs to revive the powerful daeva. With the help of these terrible monsters, she can finally enact her revenge against the royals who wronged her and took the life of her one true love. Alliances and allegiances are shifting, and danger lurks in and out of the kingdom. But Tea's heart is set on vengeance, even if it turns her against her now-estranged brother, who supports her enemies. War is brewing, and when dark magic is at play, no one is safe. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Juno and her family arrive at their new home But, when Hera senses danger, they move back to New Plymouth and Fairlands School. Juno is reluctant to return to Fairlands, where Hilto's son goes, and where the handsome Ivor makes her uncomfortable and confused. When Hera is taken by mysterious strangers, Juno must use her special mind powers to save her sister. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Three women from very different backgrounds meet on the long sea voyage from their homeland of England to Sydney. They quickly bond in an unlikely friendship. Indulged and wealthy, Kat Fitzhubert, has been sold in an arranged marriage to someone in the new colony. Lady Viola Montefiore is a dark skinned lady that her family has kept hidden and then shipped to the new colony. Titiana Boot is as broad as a carthorse and as useful. Jackie French defies the myth of colonial women in the 1850s as merely wives, servants, or petty thieves. Instead she portrays them as businesswomen, farmers, bushrangers and illegal brewers. All of this happens as the convict colony reinvents itself into a land of gold rushes and illusive riches. 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 left hand corner of the screen.

Nick and Charlie are best friends. Nick knows Charlie's gay, and Charlie is sure that Nick isn't. But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is discovering all kinds of things about his friends, his family ... and himself. Heartstopper is about friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Nick's even found the courage to come out to his mum. But coming out isn't just something that happens once - there's Nick's older brother, and a school trip to Paris, not to mention all the other friends and family - and life can be hard, even with someone who loves you by your side. As their feelings get more serious, Charlie and Nick will need each other more than ever before. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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

"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.

'The full-colour Heartstopper Yearbook is packed full of exclusive content from the Heartstopper universe - including never-before-seen illustrations, an exclusive mini-comic, a look back at Alice's Heartstopper artwork over the years, character profiles, trivia, and insights into her creative process - all narrated by a cartoon version of Alice herself. By the winner of the YA Book Prize, Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

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.

Heartstream: The app that allows you to feel everything. Amy Becker is a star. She's used Heartstream to broadcast every moment of her mother's illness. It's the realest, rawest reality TV imaginable, and it's everywhere. On the day of her mother's funeral, she goes home to find a fan of hers in the kitchen. The woman has rigged the house, and herself with explosives - and she's been waiting to talk to Amy for a very long time. Amy is about to discover just how far true obsession can go. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Pete and his dad are running from the secret service. Pete is confused about his life and his dad's behaviour but knows they must hide when they hear a helicopter. A sensitive and empathetic story of mental illness. Adult themes and strong language. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

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

Felipe is fat. And he doesn't need anyone to remind him, which is, of course, what everyone does. He's been waiting for summer: a break from the classmates who tease him incessantly. His plans include catching up on TV, finishing his TBR pile, and watching YouTube tutorials. But then Felipe's mom invites Caio, the neighbour kid from apartment 57, to spend 15 days with them while his parents are on vacation. Felipe is distraught because A) he's had a crush on Caio since, well, for ever, and B) Felipe has a list of body image insecurities and absolutely NO idea how he's going to entertain his neighbour for two full weeks. Suddenly, the days ahead of him that once promised rest and relaxation end up bringing a whirlwind of feelings, forcing Felipe to dive head-first into every unresolved issue he has had with himself - but maybe, just maybe, he'll manage to win over Caio, too. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Samuel Johnson and Hilde Hinton, along with their late sister, Connie, have raised more than ten million dollars for cancer research. In this book, they have written a collection of simple stories about ordinary Australians who have faced extraordinary circumstances. All of these regular people, people you would meet on the street, have found reasons to stay positive and focused on believing in the power of kindness and positive thinking. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

When World War II is declared in 1939, Peter and his friend, Tony, put their ages up and enlist in the Australian army. Written as diary entries, giving a gripping and informative insight into their experiences in the Middle East, particularly at Tobruk. Provides a clear picture of the challenges and horrors of war. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

A witty and dry account of a teenage boy's struggle to get by in his teenage years and his quest for normalcy. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

When Melati Nelson wins a scholarship to an elite Melbourne high school, she buries her bad girl past. But after the school unfairly punishes her, a defiant Mel steals a diary from the school counsellor's office, only to discover a coded cry for help. The diary belongs to Devi, a young Indonesian girl who is being held by traffickers. Mel races against the clock, in a desperate journey that takes her from Melbourne to Java, to work out Devi's identity and where she's being held. Before long the pieces fall into place and Mel must put her own life on the line to save a girl she's never met. A gripping and original novel that explores privilege, responsibility, and the difficult and dangerous choices we are sometimes forced to make.

Ash and Benjamin are thieves. They find stolen artefacts and return them to their owners. When they try to rescue Alice B from the only place in the world who know more than the CIA, they encounter assassins, huge swimming pools and Ghosts. Includes violence. 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.

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

September 3, 1940. Ten peculiar children flee an army of deadly monsters. And only one person can help them - but she's trapped in the body of a bird. The extraordinary journey that began in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children continues as Jacob Portman and his newfound friends journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. There, they hope to find a cure for their beloved headmistress, Miss Peregrine. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. And before Jacob can deliver the peculiar children to safety, he must make an important decision about his love for Emma Bloom. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Tracing the clashes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the Europeans who tried to move them from their land. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

This #LoveOzYA anthology - the first to focus entirely on horror - unites a stellar cast of Australia's finest YA authors with talented new and emerging voices, including two graphic artists. The stories in this wide-ranging collection dig deep and go hard. While some are straight-up terrifying rollercoaster rides, others are psychologically rooted in our society's deepest fears and concerns: acceptance and fitting in, love and loss, desire and temptation, and the terror of a world threatened by catastrophic change -- and even collapse. From body horror to the supernatural, hauntings to transformations, and the everyday evil of humans to menacing outside forces, Hometown Haunts will have you glued to your chair... until you leap out of it! Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Rudra is an Indian-Australian boy at a crossroads, poised to step into the world of adulthood and to discover his cultural heritage and how that might truly define him. A wonderful exploration of dual heritage, cultural identity, family and the power of storytelling. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

A friendship between a young adolescent girl called Possum and Olga, a Dutch World War II refugee, reveals past and present histories, connections and relationships. Grief and loss are sensitively handled and resolved. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Alexa, the headstrong teenage daughter of a landowning family in 475 England, dreams of breeding fine horses. When she meets Artorius, a boy who dreams of victory, fighting the barbarians from horseback, Alexa finds allies to help extricate herself from her mother's plans. She finds herself in an uncertain, bloodthirsty world, where life has little value when measured against power and wealth. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The thing I remember is that the chemist floor had a large, black scuff near the counter. I don't remember the knife. I remember something cold on my neck, which could have been a knife, or it could just have been his long, cold fingers. But it was the scuff I remember best. Adult themes require a mature reader. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

The sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville is blamed on a fearsome, ghostly hound that has haunted his family for generations. When the famed detective, Sherlock Holmes, is engaged to ensure the safety of the Baskerville heir, Dr Watson is surprised that his friend is dismissive of the matter. Watson is dispatched alone to the wild moors and, in the cold night, a savage and bestial howl can be heard. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

A gang of children robs houses. Gunna, a member of the gang, finds that one of the houses draws him back and that it is for a reason. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they're likely to bring about the end of days. But the children aren't the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Two tales twist together at 203 Liberty Street, Newtown. In 1985, sixteen year old Evie and her family move into a new home, which appears to be haunted. Evie dreams of running footsteps, shouting voices and loud banging. Fifty years previously, during the Great Depression, Lizzie and her family live at number 203. Her family faces eviction and the local communist movement barricades the house. The final chapters reveal the connections between the past and the present. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

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

Biz knows how to float. She has her people, posse, her mum and the twins. She has Grace. And she has her dad, who tells her about the little kid she was, and who shouldn't be here but is. So Biz doesn't tell anyone anything. Not about her dark, runaway thoughts, not about kissing Grace or noticing Jasper, the new boy. And she doesn't tell anyone about her dad. Because her dad died when she was seven. And Biz knows how to float, right there on the surface - normal okay regular fine. This book explores issues of mental health. It is usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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.

It's the brightest day of summer and it's dark outside. It's dark in your house, dark in your room, and dark in your heart. You feel like the darkness is going to split you apart. This book deals with issues of grief, suicide and healing. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

With every step down the road, and every bus stop he passes, Isaac moves further from his father and a life of fear. When he is given a chance by a kind cafe owner, Isaac feels he may have a chance at a new life. He decides that he will trade kindness for kindness with those he encounters as a way forward from the cruelty he has left behind. 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.

A terrifying reality TV show selects twelve boys and twelve girls, forcing them to compete live. There is only one rule, kill or be killed. Katniss is horrified when her younger, gentle sister is selected and volunteers in her place. She faces violent events that she does not believe she can survive. Includes cruelty and violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games, a terrifying fatal reality TV show. However, the Capitol want revenge for her trickery and change the rules so that she must compete for a second time. There will be twice as many opponents, all having won past games. Includes cruelty, violence and adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Katniss Everdeen has survived the deadly arena of the Hunger Games but, in retaliation for her rescue, President Snow has ordered the destruction of District 12. A new and deadly battle has begun. Some violent scenes are graphically described, requiring more mature readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

In Thalia's world, there is no more food and no need for food, as everyone takes medication to ward off hunger. Her parents both work for the company that developed the drugs society consumes to quell any food cravings, and they live a life of privilege as a result. When Thalia meets a boy who is part of an underground movement to bring food back, she realizes that there is an entire world outside her own. She also starts to feel hunger, and so does the boy. Are the meds no longer working? Together, they set out to find the only thing that will quell their hunger: real food. It's a journey that will change everything Thalia thought she knew. But can a "privy" like her ever truly be part of a revolution? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.