Booklists

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

Star This title also appears on the 9plus booklist.

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

ID Title Author  
21614
400 minutes of danger
Ten nail- biting, fast-paced short stories will both fascinate and terrify you. During each full forty minute count down, the dangerous situations play out right down to the last crucial moment. Find out who will live and who will die.
ISBN 9781760158798
Series Minutes of danger series (3 books)
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2016
Heath, Jack
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1741
500 minutes of danger
Ten stories. Ten dangerous situations. Ten brave kids. Fifty minutes to escape.
ISBN 9781743816493
Series Minutes of danger series (3 books)
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2017
Heath, Jack
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15540
Across the wall
A collection of thirteen short stories providing an eclectic mix of Garth Nix's writing spanning several years. Included are an Old Kingdom story, an Arthurian legend, a war story, a western, a traditional tale with a twist and a very funny, choose-your-own-adventure spoof.
ISBN 9781741147018
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2005
Nix, Garth
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42
Amazing and bizarre - ten wonderfully weird stories
A collection of ten, strange stories, including one about a person who swam so much, he grew fins.
ISBN 9780440407058
Publisher Yearling, 1992
Matthews, Penny (comp)
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4150
Begin, end, begin: A #loveOzYA anthology
Bestsellers. Award-winners. Superstars. This anthology has them all. With brilliantly entertaining short stories from beloved young adult authors Amie Kaufman, Melissa Keil, Will Kostakis, Ellie Marney, Jaclyn Moriarty, Michael Pryor, Alice Pung, Gabrielle Tozer, Lili Wilkinson and Danielle Binks, this all-new collection will show the world exactly how much there is to love about Aussie YA.
ISBN 9781460752319
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2017
Binks, Danielle (ed)
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751053

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Bill Bailey's remarkable guide to happiness
From paddle-boarding down the Thames in a Santa hat, to wild swimming in a glacial river, Bill considers the exhilaration of the outdoors, as well as the quieter pleasures of clearing out your moth-eaten grey t-shirts. He attempts to see beyond the mumbo-jumbo of the wellness industry and aims for the heart of real joy and contentment - and how we can all achieve it. This collection of funny, meditative and thoughtful essays seeks out simplicity and clarity as a corrective to the endless background noise of anxiety-inducing news chatter. Whether it's whooping aloud while cycling through a pine forest, putting pen to paper, or immersing yourself in music, Bill's guide to happiness is an antidote to the frenetic whirl of modern life. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781529412451
Publisher Quercus Children's Books, 2020
Bailey, Bill & Magee, Joe (ill)
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723896

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Black enough: stories of being young and black in America
Black is...sisters navigating their relationship at summer camp in Portland, Oregon, as written by Renee Watson. Black is... three friends walking back from the community pool talking about nothing and everything, in a story by Jason Reynolds. Black is... Nic Stone's high-class beauty dating a boy her momma would never approve of. Black is... two girls kissing in Justina Ireland's story set in Maryland. Black is urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more -- because there are countless ways to be Black enough. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780062698735
Publisher Balzer & Bray, 2020
Zoboi, Ibi (ed)
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687566

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Book that made me, The
The Book That Made Me is a celebration of the books that influenced some of the most acclaimed authors from Australia and the world. A perfect collection of personal stories from fantastic authors such as Markus Zusak, Jaclyn Moriarty, Shaun Tan, Mal Peet, Ambelin Kwaymullina, Simon French, Fiona Wood, Simmone Howell, Bernard Beckett, Ursula Dubosarsky, Rachael Craw, Sue Lawson, Felicity Castagna, Benjamin Law, Cath Crowley, Kate Constable, James Roy, Alison Croggon, Will Kostakis and Randa Abdel-Fattah. What stories inspired them, and made them who they are today? Read this book and find out! Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781922244888
Publisher Walker Books, 2016
Ridge, Judith (ed)
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614652
Buried moon, The: And other tales of bright young women
All of the seven tales in this collection have one thing in common. They are stories of young women who face darkness and danger, but who prevail against the odds because of the brightness of their spirit and the strength of their resolve. The Moon is saved from the bog by the courage of those who love her bright light... Fenella stays silent for seven years and weaves cloth from nettles to save her brothers... Nastia must learn to survive alone in the land of the midnight sun... Jiayang, daughter of the Emperor of China, devises an impossible quest for her unwanted suitors...Jennet holds fast to her beloved, despite the cruel enchantments the Faery Queen casts upon him... Sofiya outwits the Tsar and so wins his love and respect... Molly Whuppie outwits a giant and saves her sisters... These stories of bright young women will remind readers of their own inner radiance, which gives them power to illuminate the whole world.
ISBN 9780648400004
Publisher Serenity Press, 2019
Forsyth, Kate & Carrington, Lorena (ill)
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62
Buried secrets
Fourteen very different stories in this collection cover topics such as x-ray vision, senility and coping with braces.
ISBN 9780091827489
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 1996
Harris, Christine
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123766
Burnt
This book includes three stories, The shortest horror story every written, The monkey's ear and Burnt.
ISBN 9781841213682
Series Horowitz horror series (7 of 8)
Publisher Orchard Books, 2002
Horowitz, Anthony
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77

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Champion & other stories, The
Helen Sykes has combined a selection of stories by some of Australia's best-known authors. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781875695621
Publisher Phoenix Education, 2003
Sykes, Helen (ed)
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9347
Changing stories
A collection of different versions of folk and fairy stories designed to encourage secondary students to consider different points of view and the ways stories can change over time.
ISBN 9781875136018
Publisher Chalkface Press, 1990
Mellor, Bronwyn & Hemming, Judith & Leggett, Jane
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81219
Crime and detection
Includes nine amazing stories from serial murderers such as the Yorkshire Ripper to art forgers, kidnappers and Great Train Robbers.
ISBN 9780746088340
Series Usborne true stories series (9 of 18)
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2008
Harvey, Gill
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20123

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Dark dreams: Australian refugee stories
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.
ISBN 9781862546295
Publisher Wakefield Press, 2004
Dechian, Sonja (ed) & Millar, Heather (ed) & Sallis, Eva (ed)
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599692
Doctor Who: Thirteen doctors 13 stories
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.
ISBN 9780241356173
Publisher Puffin UK, 2019
Various
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18827

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Doctor Who: Time Lord fairy tales
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.
ISBN 9781405920025
Publisher Puffin UK, 2015
Richards, Justin & Wardle, David (ill)
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1506
Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde
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.
ISBN 9780439295758
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2002
Stevenson, Robert Louis
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7725

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Eat the sky, drink the ocean
A collection of science fiction and fantasy writing, including six graphic stories, showcasing twenty exciting writers and artists from India and Australia. Dive into these stories and see how girls cope with the dangers of worlds gone mad. Every story is a journey and each story has its own magic. Includes some violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781743319789
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2015
Murray, Kirsty (ed) & Dhar, Payal (ed) & Anita Roy (ed)
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660475

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End and other beginnings, The: Stories from the future
Within this masterful collection, each setting is more strange and wonderful than the last, brimming with new technologies. Yet for all of the advances in these futuristic lands, the people must still confront deeply human problems. In these six short stories, Veronica Roth reaches into the unknown and draws forth something startlingly familiar and profoundly beautiful. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780008347772
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2019
Roth, Veronica
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124

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Family: a collection of short stories
Sixteen stories, which centre round family life, are written by well-known and unknown writers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781863303019
Publisher Hodder Headline Australia Pty Ltd, 1994
Nieuwenhuizen, Agnes
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129383
Fires: ten tales of dramatic blazes in history
Ten short stories about some of the worst fires in history, two with a strong environmental content. They include fires from the great fire in London in 1666 to the fire of the Chenobyl nuclear disaster in 1986.
ISBN 9780143302186
Publisher Penguin, 2004
Lloyd Kyi, Tanya
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9346
Foot in the grave
Eight handsome, ambiguous pictures provide inspiration for eight creepy ghost and horror stories. Includes a cautionary tale for anyone who has been unkind to a younger sibling.
ISBN 9780670841691
Publisher Viking Children's, 1992
Aiken, Joan
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23253
Free: stories celebrating human rights
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Amnesty International, this engaging book contains a great collection of entertaining and thought-provoking stories. Each story relates directly to one of the thirty articles about individual rights and responsibilities that make up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
ISBN 9781406318302
Publisher Walker Books, 2009
Amnesty International
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21630
Girl from the Great Sandy Desert, The
Twenty short stories that tell the story of Mana, a young Walmajarri girl growing up in the Great Sandy Desert. The harshness of the landscape, the importance of water, how hunting was carried out, the complexity of family relationships and the obligations of kinship are captured at a time before European settlement dramatically changed the traditional way of life. Includes a Walmajarri pronunciation guide and language glossary.
ISBN 9781922142054
Publisher Magabala Books, 2015
Chuguna, Jukuna Mona & Lowe, Pat & Street, Mervyn (ill)
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689108
Good dog
This is a book for anyone who has loved a dog and known their love in return. It uses real life situations to show how a dog can improve our mental and physical health as well as our quality of life. With each story, it becomes more and more obvious how dogs can support us, comfort us and even save our lives. Drawing on science, research and in depth personal interviews, this book demonstrates that the dog-human bond is the most extraordinary cross-species friendship on the planet.
ISBN 9781460758892
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2020
Leaver, Kate
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186

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Goodbye and hello
Diverse stories about family ties and personal experiences, written by Australian and Irish authors. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780140360578
Publisher Penguin, 1993
Corcoran, Clodagh & Tyrrell, Margot (ed.)
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5924

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Green monkey dreams
Within this series of short stories you will never be sure where reality ends and imagination begins. Paths are travelled by a variety of seekers, a boy searches for his true name, a beast discovers hope and a group of pilgrims is led by a song on a ancient journey. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781742379470
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2012
Carmody, Isobelle
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176
Gripping war stories
This is a compilation of ten stories about the human response to war, with settings such as the Falklands, Sarajevo and Jerusalem.
ISBN 9780552545266
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 1999
Bradman, Tony
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3761
Gris Grimly's tales from the Brothers Grimm
A beautifully bound and illustrated collection of some of the more unusual tales from The Brothers Grimm alongside the much-loved classics. With a translation by Margaret Hunt that pulls no punches, these retellings are as original as you will find, opening a magical world of fairy tales and folk lore to inspire imaginations and readers of all ages and generations. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780062352330
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, UK, 2016
Grimm, Jacob & Grimm, Wilhelm (collected) & Grimly, Gris (ill)
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622492

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Growing up Aboriginal in Australia
What is it like to grow up Aboriginal in Australia? This anthology, compiled by award-winning author Anita Heiss, attempts to showcase as many diverse voices, experiences and stories as possible in order to answer that question. Each account reveals, to some degree, the impacts of invasion and colonisation - on language, on country, on ways of life, and on how people are treated daily in the community, the education system, the workplace and friendship groups. Accounts from well-known authors and high-profile identities sit alongside newly discovered voices of all ages, with experiences spanning coastal and desert regions, cities and remote communities. All of them speak to the heart - sometimes calling for empathy, oftentimes challenging stereotypes, always demanding respect. This groundbreaking anthology aims to enlighten, inspire and educate about the lives of Aboriginal people in Australia today. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781863959810
Publisher Black Inc, 2018
Heiss, Anita (ed)
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641039

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Growing up African in Australia
People of African descent have been in Australia for at least 200 years, having arrived here in many different ways- directly from the continent; via the Caribbean, the Americas and the United Kingdom; making the journey to Australia over one generation, or several. What is it like to grow up African in Australia? This anthology showcases diverse voices, experiences and stories in order to answer that question. Accounts from well-known authors and high-profile cultural and sporting identities sit alongside newly discovered voices of all ages, with experiences spanning regions, cities and generations. All of the pieces call for understanding, oftentimes challenging stereotypes, always demanding respect. Growing Up African aims to defy, question or shed light on the many stereotypes that currently exist about the vibrant extended African community in Australia. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781760640934
Publisher Black Ink Press, 2019
Beneba Clarke, Maxine & Yussuf, Ahmed & Magan, Magan (eds)
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2083
Happy prince, The and other stories
A collection of Wilde's classic stories that include The Selfish Giant and The Happy Prince. The story of the statue of a once pleasure-loving Prince who, with the help of a once selfish swallow, helps the poor and suffering people in their distress.
ISBN 9781853261237
Publisher Wordsworth Editions Ltd, 2002
Wilde, Oscar
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846234

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Hometown haunts
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.
ISBN 9781743058640
Publisher Wakefield Press, 2021
Nwosu, Poppy (ed)
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15994
Horowitz Horror
Short stories with twisted endings and horror themes including Bath night, Killer camera, Light moves, The night bus, Harriet's horrible dream, Scared, A career in computer games, The man with the yellow face and The monkey's ear.
ISBN 9780399244896
Series Horowitz horror series (1 of 8)
Publisher Philomel Books, 2006
Horowitz, Anthony
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Horowitz horror 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 Horowitz horror series (8 books)
Horowitz, Anthony
No book cover.
13164
Killer camera
Includes two macabre and twisted tales. Killer camera, in which everything Jamie photographs either breaks or dies, and Night moves, where Henry's new computer has a life of its own and gambles with the lives of others.
ISBN 9781841213668
Series Horowitz horror series (3 of 8)
Publisher Orchard Books, 2002
Horowitz, Anthony
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628030

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Kindred: 12 queer #loveozya stories
What does it mean to be queer? What does it mean to be human? In this powerful #LoveOzYA collection, twelve of Australia's finest writers from the LGBTQ+ community explore the stories of family, friends, lovers and strangers, and the connections that form us. This inclusive and intersectional #OwnVoices anthology for teen readers features work from writers of diverse genders, sexualities and identities, including writers who identify as First Nations, people of colour or disabled. With short stories by bestsellers, award winners and newcomers to young adult fiction including Jax Jacki Brown, Claire G Coleman, Michael Earp, Alison Evans, Erin Gough, Benjamin Law, Omar Sakr, Christos Tsiolkas, Ellen van Neerven, Marlee Jane Ward, Jen Wilde and Nevo Zisin. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781760651039
Publisher Walker Books, 2019
Earp, Michael (ed)
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7059
Legends of Moonie Jarl, The
The book tells the stories of the Butchulla people, the Indigenous people of Fraser Island and the Fraser Coast, Queensland. Published in 1964, it was the first Aboriginal children's book to be published and was written and designed by Butchulla siblings Moonie Jarl (Wilf Reeves) and Wandi (Olga Miller), both of whom have since passed away. The Legends of Moonie Jarl gives a deeper understanding and appreciation of Butchulla culture among the broader community, and contributes to community pride locally.
ISBN 9780992478049
Publisher Indigenous Literacy Foundation, 2014
Jarls, Moonie (Wilf Reeves) & Wandi (Miller, Olga) (ill)
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9281
Life bytes
A compilation of prize-winning stories from the annual ""Tim Winton Young Writers Competition"".
ISBN 9781863683821
Publisher Fremantle Press, 2002
Evans, Alwyn (ed.)
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18662

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Loop
Sophisticated, simply well-written short stories that would appeal to both boys and girls dealing with mature themes including life choices, complex relationships and even time travel. Some strong language in context, may offend some readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780702235894
Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2006
Caswell, Brian
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239
Love me, love me not
This is a collection of short stories about the ups and downs of adolescence.
ISBN 9780140368208
Publisher Penguin, 1995
Gleeson, Libby
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251
Mates and other stories
A collection of short stories about friendship.
ISBN 9781862911420
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 1992
Baillie, Allan
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566592

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Meet me at the intersection
Meet Me at the Intersection is an anthology of short fiction, memoir and poetry by authors who are First Nations, People of Colour, LGBTIQA+ or living with disability. The focus of the anthology is on Australian life as seen through each author's unique, and seldom heard, perspective. With works by Ellen van Neerven, Graham Akhurst, Kyle Lynch, Ezekiel Kwaymullina, Olivia Muscat, Mimi Lee, Jessica Walton, Kelly Gardiner, Rafeif Ismail, Yvette Walker, Amra Pajalic, Melanie Rodriga, Omar Sakr, Wendy Chen, Jordi Kerr, Rebecca Lim, Michelle Aung Thin and Alice Pung, this anthology is designed to challenge the dominant, homogenous story of privilege and power that rarely admits "outsider" voices. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781925591705
Publisher Fremantle Press, 2018
Lim, Rebecca & Kwaymullina, Amberlin (ed)
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6144
Metro winds
Includes five long stories and a novella. A girl is sent across the world to discover her destiny in the dark tunnels of the Metro. Another seeks a lost sister in a park where winter lasts forever. A young man fulfils a dying wish. A mother works magic to summon a princess for her son. A man seeks an ending to his story. An old man goes in search of his shadow. This is a world of desire and transformation, the real and the not real.
ISBN 9781865084442
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2012
Carmody, Isobelle
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Minutes of danger 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 Minutes of danger series (3 books)
Heath, Jack
No book cover.
17543
More Horowitz horror
Short stories with twisted endings and horror themes including The hitchhiker, The sound of murder, Burned, Flight, Howard's end, The elevator, The phone goes dead, Twist cottage and The shortest horror story ever written.
ISBN 9780399245190
Series Horowitz horror series (2 of 8)
Publisher Philomel Books, 2007
Horowitz, Anthony
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13912
Night bus, The
Three stories in one book - The night bus, The hitchhiker and The man with the yellow face - including the scariest passengers on the Halloween night bus, the hitchhiker harbouring the deadly secret and the mysterious man replacing Peter in Peter's passport photo.
ISBN 9781841213729
Series Horowitz horror series (4 of 8)
Publisher Orchard Books, 2002
Horowitz, Anthony
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6903

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Norse mythology
In Norse Mythology, Gaiman takes the Norse myths and gives them new life; from the genesis of the legendary nine worlds, he delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants, and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin's son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of a giant, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781408886809
Publisher Bloomsbury, 2017
Gaiman, Neil
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707956
Odd 1s out, The: The first sequel
An original collection of stories from YouTube sensation James Rallison, filled with funny stories including: - The upside of the robot uprising - Questionable pizza toppings - Strange yet completely reasonable fears - Inventions that don't exist, but should
ISBN 9781760973377
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2020
Rallison, James
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687398
On hope
In On Hope, one of the lead organisers of the Australian Climate strike, 17-year-old Daisy Jeffrey shows how ordinary people are fighting back and demanding we address climate change to help save our planet. Daisy was at the centre of a movement that joined people together to drive change. She reveals what prompted the action, what she and her friends believe and why she is choosing hope over indifference and standing up to speak truth to power.
ISBN 9780733644665
Publisher Hachette Australia, 2020
Jeffrey, Daisy
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17035
Phone goes dead, The
Includes two macabre and twisted stories, The phone goes dead, in which David seems to have a hotline to heaven and hell, and Bath night, in which the Victorian bath tub presents Isabel with more of a blood bath than a bubble bath.
ISBN 9781841213644
Series Horowitz horror series (5 of 8)
Publisher Orchard Books, 2002
Horowitz, Anthony
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322
Rain stones
A collection of five inspiring and thought-provoking stories. Two stories have a fantasy theme and the others have a more conventional approach.
ISBN 9780207171246
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 1992
French, Jackie
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1153
Reaching out, messages of hope
Children around the world have very different experiences of family and potential. Through poems, illustrations, novel excerpts and short stories 28 of the very best children's authors convey the obstacles that many face and strive to overcome with varying levels of success. Conceived and edited by a fifteen year old Australian school girl, this book demonstrates the power of the individual in making a difference.
ISBN 9780733331923
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2013
Kennedy, Mariah (ed)
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574205
Rejected princesses: tales of history's boldest heroines, hellions and heretics
Well-behaved women seldom make history. Good thing these women are far from well behaved . . . Rejected Princesses pays homage to an awesome collection of strong, fierce, and yes, sometimes weird, women: warrior queens, soldiers, villains, spies, revolutionaries, and more who refused to behave and meekly accept their place. An entertaining mix of biography, imagery, and humor, this thoroughly researched exploration salutes these awesome women drawn from both historical and fantastical realms, including real life, literature, mythology, and folklore. Each profile features an eye-catching image of both heroic and villainous women in command from across history and around the world, from a princess pirate in fifth century Denmark, to a rebel preacher in 1630s Boston, to a bloodthirsty Hungarian countess, and a former prostitute who commanded a fleet of more than 70,000 men on China's seas.
ISBN 9780062405371
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2016
Porath, Jason
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3656
Ride the wild wind: the golden pony and other stories
Stories about horses with some told by the horse. The collection includes the story of the first horse tamed by a young girl, King Arthur's horse and the special relationship between a boy and stallion.
ISBN 9780207198304
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2002
French, Jackie
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9436
Road to Camelot, The
Short stories from a range of authors using characters from the life and times of the legendary King Arthur. Each tells the story of a turning point or magical moment in the early life of that character and the consequence for the future.
ISBN 9781740518017
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2002
Masson, Sophie (ed.)
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7819
Rust: a collection of short stories
Twelve short, engaging stories send readers on some humorous, tough and thought provoking journeys. The stories suit a wide range of reading abilities.
ISBN 9781876603014
Publisher Futuretrack Australia, 2005
Maekivi, Charles
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10177
Santa Claus in Baghdad and other stories about teens in the Arab world
Eight short stories that provide a window into the little known world of teenagers growing up in different parts of the Arab world, including Iraq, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
ISBN 9780253220042
Publisher Indiana University Press, 2008
Marston, Ella
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17210
Scared
Three sinister stories with chilling twists, including Scared, where the countryside hates Gary as much as he hates it; A career in computer games, in which Kevin's computer seems to break all the rules, and Howard's end, that might be heaven or hell.
ISBN 9781841213705
Series Horowitz horror series (6 of 8)
Publisher Orchard Books, 2002
Horowitz, Anthony
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59854
Sea adventures
A collection of true maritime adventures across the seven seas with maps of the voyages. Contains the true life stories of danger, daring and saltwater including Francis Drake's first voyage across the Pacific Ocean.
ISBN 9780794521950
Series Usborne true stories series (16 of 18)
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2008
Brook, Henry
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351
Shakespeare stories
Twelve of William Shakespeare's most famous plays are presented in narrative form.
ISBN 9780140389388
Publisher Puffin Australia, 1997
Garfield, Leon
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22815
Short
A collection of short stories and poems in which to dip in and out. Some of Australia and New Zealand's best known writers and illustrators for children are featured as well as contributions from young people.
ISBN 9781742030340
Publisher Black Dog Books, 2008
Wilkinson, Lili (ed)
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22754
Short and scary
A range of authors and illustrators, both well known or not, present stories, poems and illustrations on the huge range of things which scare them, from freaky fairies to technology taking over.
ISBN 9781742031330
Publisher Black Dog Books, 2010
Tayleur, Karen (ed)
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11353
Singing for Mrs Pettigrew, a story-maker's journey
A number of Michael Morpurgo's beautifully written short stories, each one preceded by insights from the author relating to the background of the story and how he came to write it.
ISBN 9781406300765
Publisher Walker Books, 2006
Morpurgo, Michael
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Skulduggery Pleasant 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 Skulduggery Pleasant series (13 books)
Landy, Derek
No book cover.
782501
Skulduggery Pleasant: Apocalypse kings
A brand new Skulduggery Pleasant novella for World Book Day: a hilarious and thrilling standalone story in the internationally bestselling series - perfect for new readers, and essential for Skulduggery fans! Three ancient gods are freed from their prison with only one desire: to destroy the planet and everyone on it. To save us all, Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain must go undercover in a Dublin school. Skulduggery has to blend in with the teaching staff, while Valkyrie has to pass for an ordinary schoolgirl. Above all else, no matter what happens, they both must act completely and utterly normal. We are so dead.
ISBN 9780008447441
Series Skulduggery Pleasant series (13 books)
Publisher HarperCollins Children's Books, 2021
Landy, Derek
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16792
Skulduggery Pleasant: Armageddon outta here
Smash the glass, climb through the window and enter the world of Skulduggery Pleasant with this complete story collection. After all, doors are for people without imagination.
ISBN 9780007559527
Series Skulduggery Pleasant series (13 books)
Publisher HarperCollins Children's Books, 2015
Landy, Derek
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389
Stradbroke dreamtime
The two halves of this book combine to bring together a collection of Dreaming stories and stories reminiscent of the author's childhood on Stradbroke Island.
ISBN 9780207198656
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 1999
Nunukul, Oodgeroo (Walker, Kath)
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653180
Take the shot
Bug has a secret. Actually, he has lots of secrets. Number one: He has formed a basketball team at his new school based on a giant lie. Number two: his parents do not know he is playing basketball again. Number three: his new team mates have no idea he isn't allowed to play and they definitely do not know why. Bug will do anything to keep his secrets, keep his new team and keep his life from falling apart. No one can know the biggest secret of all.....
ISBN 9781925712957
Publisher Affirm Press, 2019
White, Susan
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6124
Tales from the inner city
World-renowned artist Shaun Tan applies his unique imagination to a reflection on the nature of humans and animals, and our urban coexistence. From crocodile to frog, tiger to bee, this is a dark and surreal exploration of the perennial love and destruction we feel and inflict - of how animals can save us, and how our lives are forever entwined, for better or for worse.
ISBN 9781760523534
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2018
Tan, Shaun
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9286
Tales of ancient Egypt
These stories, legends from ancient Egypt, are of gods, magic and adventure, including the great myths of Amen-Ra of Isis.
ISBN 9780140367164
Publisher Puffin UK, 1995
Green, Roger Lancelyn
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111111

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Taste of cockroach, A
Well-written, easily read short stories for young adults using simple, effective language to tackle mature themes like war and relationships including racial prejudice. Contains language that may offend some readers. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780143003373
Publisher Penguin, 2005
Baillie, Allan
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9903
Thirteen
Thirteen short stories about being thirteen years old written by thirteen different authors. Includes spoilt birthday parties, peer pressure, embarrassing parents, finding your identity and being true to yourself.
ISBN 9781843628354
Publisher Orchard Books, 2005
McLay, John (ed)
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409

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This book is haunted
Stories of ghostly fiction. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781863307567
Publisher Hodder Headline Australia Pty Ltd, 1996
McRobbie, David
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110934

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Top stories 1
Sixteen short and very varied stories from modern fairy tales, comic essays and complex tales using poetic language. Mature themes and fantastic endings make for some great reads. Strong language used in context might offend some readers. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781740818384
Publisher Harcourt Education Australia, 2007
Various
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6636
Tortall and other lands: a collection of tales
A collection of eleven tales from the land of Tortall, featuring both previously unknown characters and old friends.
ISBN 9781862919167
Publisher Omnibus Books, 2011
Pierce, Tamora
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7468
Tough stuff
Stories of children famous for their talent, fortunes, protests, rebellion, prayers, heroism or just for hanging on through oppression and war, such as a young Genghis Khan, a seventeen year old maths professor, the wolf girls and a chess genius.
ISBN 9781864489293
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 1999
Murray, Kirsty
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17585
True stories of the First World War
Short stories examining the mysteries, misconceptions, tragedies and the personal costs of the First World War. A well-written book giving young readers a sense of the past in the context of one of the bloodiest battles ever fought. A great read and ideal for reluctant readers.
ISBN 9780746088326
Series Usborne true stories series (5 of 18)
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2007
Dowswell, Paul
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17586
True stories of the Second World War
Epic naval encounters between titanic warships, monumental battles involving hundreds of thousands of men and duels between lone snipers facing almost certain death. Dramatic and real life tales examine the tragedies and personal costs of the Second World War. For those who survived, it would remain the most intense and vivid experience of their lives.
ISBN 9780746088210
Series Usborne true stories series (6 of 18)
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2007
Dowswell, Paul
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62610
Trust me
An assortment of short stories and poems from 50 Australian authors, poets and illustrators. The contents are sorted by genre so, as the mood takes you, dip into adventure, horror, romance, crime, thriller, fantasy, science fiction, humour, historical or poetry. Try something new and discover an author, poet or writing style that you may not have considered before.
ISBN 9781876462574
Publisher Ford Street Publishing, 2008
Collins, Paul (ed)
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102510
Twist Cottage
Two spooky stories including one about Twist Cottage, where all the previous owners have died in mysterious circumstances, and Harriet's horrible dream, the story of Harriet who is having a nightmare and doesn't seem to be able to wake up.
ISBN 9781841213743
Series Horowitz horror series (8 of 8)
Publisher Orchard Books, 2002
Horowitz, Anthony
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Usborne true stories 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 Usborne true stories series (18 books)
Various
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19020

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Written portraits
Written Portraits is a national writing competition that showcases young Australian writing, providing young writers with the opportunity to express inner feelings and emotions associated with being a teenager. The theme of this anthology is portrait at home. The short stories in this powerful anthology are all written by teenagers who are from a range of backgrounds. Each story expresses the sense of belonging or displacement to home, place or others. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780987599810
Publisher Green Olive Press, 2013
Forming circles
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4728
Yellowcake
Ten fanciful short stories offer vibrant snapshots of life. Each story is unique, covering a range of time periods and places, with weird and wonderful characters.
ISBN 9781742374789
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2011
Lanagan, Margo
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9282
Young Oxford book of aliens, The
An excellent collection of classic and modern stories which speculate about the nature of aliens.
ISBN 9780192781772
Publisher Oxford University Press, 2000
Pepper, Dennis
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