Booklists

Dylan Alcott has never let his disability get in the way of what he wanted to achieve. His family treated him no differently to any other kid, and it was the best thing they ever did. Growing up, Dylan always had a positive attitude to life. So when he discovered sport, he'd have a go at anything and could always be found at the centre of the action, giving his best and playing to win. Then he tried wheelchair basketball and tennis and was hooked. Fast forward ten years or so, and the now three-time Paralympic gold medallist, Order of Australia recipient, world No 1 tennis champion, Logie winner and philanthropist combines elite sport with a love for music. But Dylan's greatest passion is changing the way those with disabilities are perceived, and to inspire young people - whether they have disabilities or are able-bodied - to achieve their dreams. It's a passion that drives him every day of his life. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Abraham Lincoln is fondly remembered as an American President with an unwavering sense of justice and willingness to fight for his beliefs. Follow Lincoln's journey from humble beginnings as a poor Illinois rail splitter to his election as America's 16th President, and into the dark days of the Civil War leading to his tragic assassination.

In June 2018 the Thai soccer team the Wild Boars went on a walk into a cave after practice. After unexpected rains, they became trapped deep in the cave system, unable to escape, with no communication to the outside world, no food and no fresh water. For 17 days they remained in the caves as an international cave diving team, including the authors, Australians Richard Harris and Craig Challen worked on a plan to rescue the team. With the lives of the soccer team and the rescuers in danger, they built trust and showed incredible resilience to rescue each member of the team.

This fascinating biography details the life and achievements of Albert Einstein, a scientist and mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of physics. Einstein's famous Theory of Relativity changed the world's understanding of space and created a whole new kind of science to study cosmology.

Albert Einstein's name is synonymous with genius. He revolutionised the way we understand the universe and paved the way for diverse technology such as lasers, cell phones, electron microscopes and DVD players. Follow Einstein's journey from his childhood through to his groundbreaking writings that won him the Nobel Prize.

Inspired by his nearly-deaf mother and a father who developed a 'visible alphabet' of all the possible sounds a human can make, Alexander Graham Bell spent most of his life trying to improve the way people communicated. His most famous invention, the telephone, has made him one of the most well-known names of all time.

Amelia Earhart's sense of daring was evident from a very young age. She knew the risks of flying but was eager to promote women's abilities and to contribute to the world around her. She became the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic. Her sudden disappearance over the Pacific remains one of aviation's most haunting, unsolved mysteries.

In 1901, Robert Scott made his first trip to Antarctica. This is the incredible story of Scott's adventures and the animals he saw along the way.

Anne Frank is a young Jewish girl in Germany when Adolf Hitler rose to power and began his program to eradicate Jewish people. Anne and her family are forced to take refuge in a small annexe for two years.

Loads of information are packed into each title of this series about world inventors and innovative thinkers, including time lines, sidebars, a glossary, maps, rare photographs, and world-class writing that makes these books accessible and dramatic.

With a third of Australians born and around half with one parent born overseas, migration stories are a crucial part of our national experience. In her verse novel, Ask No Questions, Eva Collins writes spare affecting lines about her own experience as a teenager when her parents decided to emigrate from Poland to Australia. She captures the loss and gain, grief and celebration with great poignancy. Simply written but deeply moving, Ask No Questions is accessible poetry that is particularly suited for young adult readers.

Her friends live in fancy houses and their parents can afford to send them to the best summer camps. Vera's single mother can't afford that sort of luxury, but there's one summer camp in her price range - Russian summer camp. Vera is sure she's found the one place she can fit in, but camp is far from what she imagined. And nothing could prepare her for all the "cool girl" drama, endless Russian history lessons, and outhouses straight out of nightmares!

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerising storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it - in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations - and whose story inspires us to do the same. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

What's important is our story, our whole story, including those moments when we feel a little vulnerable . . . Michelle Robinson started life sharing a bedroom with her older brother Craig, in their family's upstairs apartment in her great-aunt's house. Her parents, Fraser and Marian, poured their love and energy into their children. She would go on to become Michelle Obama, the inspirational First Lady of the United States of America. Now adapted for younger readers, with new photographs and a new introduction from Michelle Obama herself, this memoir tells a very personal, and completely inspiring, story of how, through hard work and determination, the girl from the South Side of Chicago built an extraordinary life. Usually read by students inn years 9, 10, or above.

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

In 1995, Bill Gates launched Microsoft Windows, a computer program now used by people at work and at play all around the world. As head of Microsoft, he is the richest man in the world and aims to be the largest benefactor in history.

By thirteen, Mariatu had experienced rape, genital mutilation, an unwanted pregnancy and witnessed the horrors of war in Sierra Leone. Both her hands were amputated when she was captured by rebel soldiers. Her honest and unembellished account of her life is inspiring with its hope for a better future and the great love that the survivors share. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The story of Mother Mary MacKillop told from the perspective of MacKillop reminiscing on her death bed. The book details her life, from growing up in poverty in the Australian outback and the inspirations behind her decision to join the Convent and establish the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph.

BLAKWORK is a powerful collection of memoir, reportage, fiction, satire and critique through which the themes of great loss and the desire for a different future, emerge. Through her innovative and powerful poetic voice, Whittaker merges her own personal experiences with her research into Australian history and political decisions, to create a fearless and unsparing portrayal of the Australia presented through other interpretations; a portrayal that challenges the readers' understanding and invites them to rethink the identity and place projected onto the traditional custodians of the land. Usually read by students in year 9, 10 and above.

In 2012, Combat Engineer Curtis McGrath was serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan when, in the line of duty, he stepped on a land mine. Just months later, Curtis was up and walking on prosthetic legs, motivated by the opportunity to march with his unit in their welcome-home ceremony. Kayaking gave him a new sense of purpose and a year later, Curtis captained the Australian team at the inaugural Invictus Games in London, founded by Prince Harry for wounded, injured or ill veterans. Then, within four years of his injury, Curtis won gold at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Now a ten-time world champion gold medallist, Curtis is passionate about the power of sport to transform lives, he's ready at last to share his extraordinary story, and how he has approached every setback and challenge with courage, resilience, humour and grit. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

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.

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

Beginning in rural Poland, Leon Leyson's family's horrendous journey was similar to thousands of others, but what set his fate apart was his father's chance employment in the factory of Oskar Schindler, who is credited with saving up to 1200 Jews. The youngest person on Schindler's list, Leon describes how, despite the deprivation of food, clothing and general living conditions, this provided a small flicker of hope.

Having fled conscription and survived time alone in Istanbul, ten year old Abbas arrives in England to start a new life. His troubles have only just begun. Abbas' violent cousin sends him to boarding school, where he blossoms. But, Abbas is threatened with deportation and forced to work at night to repay his cousin. At thirteen, Abbas is homeless. But, he is determined to survive and continue his education. Based on true events.

Roald Dahl recounts his life as a child, growing up in England.

After playing two hundred and forty-one games for his beloved Sydney Swans, Brett Kirk played his final game of AFL in 2010. Many know him as the courageous co-captain who helped his team win the grand final in 2005. What many people don't know is how he came to be such a tireless captain, honest teammate and admired role model, in both life and sport. Brett with his wife, Hayley, speaks about his life, and the challenges and triumphs that made him.

When thirteen-year-old Lora tells her parents that she wants to join Premier Castro's army of young literacy teachers, her mother screeches to high heaven, and her father roars like a lion. Lora has barely been outside of Havana - why would she throw away her life in a remote shack with no electricity, sleeping on a hammock in somebody's kitchen? But Lora is stubborn: didn't her parents teach her to share what she has with someone in need? Surprisingly, Lora's abuela takes her side, even as she makes Lora promise to come home if things get too hard. But how will Lora know for sure when that time has come?

Brontide is a coming of age story about four boys and their lot in life. Recounted through storytelling sessions at their school over a period of five days, these boys chronicle their lives. They are at times demanding, occasionally rude, always funny and unexpectedly profound. The boys like to challenge themselves and the rules, and soon realise that not everything goes to plan. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

This is a tennis story. It is a family story. It is a teamwork story. It is the story of how Ash Barty got to be who she is today. It is her story about the power and joy of doing that thing you love and seeing where it can take you. This book reflects on her whole tennis journey, from the first time she picked up a racquet to packing her bag after winning the Australian Open in 2022. It explains how she worked through self-doubt, homesickness and a break from the sport to realise her tennis dreams, winning Wimbledon and ranking number 1 in the world. Ash is hoping her story will inspire you to follow your dreams.

Discover how Charles Darwin changed the world through science. This book explores why his discoveries went against the teachings of the Church in England. How Darwin learnt about animals and their change and evolution to survive. How Darwin's discoveries have changed our understanding of the world around us forever.

The plight of a young girl who, because of traditional Chinese beliefs, is rejected by her family at birth.

Christopher Columbus made the voyage that, for better and worse, changed history. Born in the bustling port city of Genoa, Italy, Columbus fell in love with the sea and spent his youth learning all he could about steering and navigating a ship. Dreaming of wealth and fame, he believed he could find a new route to the Indies by sailing westward.

At once daring, clever, smart, rich, determined and rash, Cleopatra is one of history's most fascinating figures. Find out about the traditions and infighting of the Ptolemy Dynasty into which she was born, the role of women in ancient Egypt and how she ascended to, and maintained her place, on the throne.

In 1987, Cola Bilkuei, a young boy from Sudan, was forcibly recruited into the Sudan People's Liberation Army. In a military training camp, Cola and hundreds of other children were systematically brutalised to turn them into child soldiers to fight a savage civil war. The book recounts his harrowing, fourteen year journey through seven African countries to reach Australia as a refugee. Some strong language in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Tom Daley captured the hearts of the nation with his unforgettable medal-winning performance in the London 2012 Olympics. At the 2020 Games in Tokyo, he triumphed to win gold and became the most decorated British diver of all time. In this deeply personal book, Tom explores the experiences that have shaped him and the qualities to which he owes his contentment and success; from the resilience he developed competing at world-class level, to the courage he discovered while reclaiming the narrative around his identity, and the perspective that family life has brought him. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above

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.

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.

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.

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.

Emma Reynolds shines a spotlight on sixteen incredible youth activists from around the world who are fighting to protect the planet and all life on Earth. From Autumn Peltier campaigning for clean water to Edgar Edmund Tarimo turning plastic waste into building materials-and many more-these inspiring true stories highlight the importance of taking charge and creating change.

'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.

A tireless worker, skilful negotiator, bold spokesperson for the rights of all mankind, Eleanor Roosevelt remains one of the world's most admired women. Stepping in to keep her husband's political career alive while he battled the effects of polio, Eleanor transformed the role of First Lady from figurehead to activist.

With great photos and information, this book tells of the journey of a shy country boy who became the undisputed king of rock 'n' roll.

En Pointe is the real-life story of how an aspiring ballerina became an inspiring young actor after overcoming a life-threatening illness. Miracles really can happen, even if they're not the ones you asked for. This book contains references to medical procedures and mental health themes, and is usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

The story of Sally Dingo's husband, Ernie, and his mob written for children.

As a young man, Fidel Castro dreamt of a free and independent Cuba. He led a band of guerilla fighters to overthrow Cuba's dictator. His new government made sure all the people could read and write.

The autobiographical highs and lows of a creative human's life in the world are captured in a collection of personal comics. Go on a journey of self discovery and appreciation with Noelle Stevenson. Usually read by students in year 9, 10 and above.

No tragedy and no challenge has proved too hard for Susan Alberti. The woman from the working-class suburbs has battled boardrooms, courts, lymphoma and adult diabetes; and, was one of the driving forces behind the AFL's move into women's football. This is a story of passion, generosity and a woman who will inspire you to take on the seemingly impossible and triumph.

22 Australian Test players , past and present , talk about the road from their backyards to the baggy green. More than just a chat with the game's best players, (male and female), this is a conversation about Australian cricket. At the heart is the baggy green. This book is about the importance of generosity, sportsmanship, perseverance and community to help achieve personal goals in life, as much as sport.

The uplifting, classic story of A B Facey's life growing up at the time of Federation, going to Gallipoli and later, living in rural Western Australia.

Franklin D Roosevelt was the only four-term President in American history and the man who fearlessly guided the United States through both the Great Depression and the Second World War. Although partially paralysed by polio, he persevered and became a powerful leader during a difficult period in USA's history.

From slave to freedom fighter, Douglass was America's first great civil rights leader. He overcame the physical, mental and legal chains of slavery to become one of America's greatest champions for human rights. It is said that his life was proof that when black people could read and write about injustices, they would have the power to end slavery.

In this collective anthology created by students from two different countries, students show empathy and compassion. Kinglake had one day of fire disaster and Kabul has endured thirty years of war, but the students find common courage and hope.

This fascinating biography details the life and achievements of Galileo Galilei, an artist and scientist who made significant contributions to so many fields of science that he is known as the father of modern science. Galileo developed the process of investigation of the natural world, called the scientific method, that the world's scientists still follow today.

Trace the journey of genius Albert Einstein, from his birth, through his schooling, his research and going to America. Find out about his major scientific discoveries including his theory of relativity, which won him the Nobel Prize.

He was the first President of the brand-new United States. This biography covers both the personal and the private, during Washington's Virginia childhood, through his days as a soldier and general and his inauguration. It reveals his views on governmental power and the abolition of slavery, and separates fascinating truth from well-worn legend.

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.

Lucy always knew that her idea of Prince Charming was different to that of other girls. And then she meets Kaelyn online and everything starts to make sense. Maybe her Prince Charming is a girl. An inspiring and uplifting memoir about falling in love and finding yourself.

254 days, 12,700 kilometres, sea sickness, sharks, crocodiles and ocean. Bonnie Hancock broke numerous records on her fastest ever circumnavigation by paddle around Australia but that wasn't the achievement she is most proud of. Testing the limits of her mental and physical toughness, she learned what it means to overcome adversity and how important teamwork and perspective truly are. What looks distressing from the rocky shore or storm-tossed waves can be inspiring when you look to the heavens. The Girl Who Touched the Stars is a love story, a travelogue and an exhilarating exploration of human ambition coming face to face with the beauty and power of nature. But most of all it's a lesson in overcoming self-doubt, trusting others and finding your true self. Bonnie demonstrates vividly and honestly the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of reaching for the stars.

Mayim Bialik talks about what it means to grow up - puberty, friends, education, stress - no topic is off limits. In her friendly voice, she talks about what her tween and teen years were like and how to handle your own struggles through these changes.

Following on from Dahl's childhood experiences, explored in his autobiography, Boy, this book tells the hilarious and true stories of his experiences working for Shell Oil in Africa and becoming a fighter pilot during World War II. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Good night stories for rebel girls reinvents fairy tales, inspiring children with the stories of 100 heroic women from Elizabeth I to Serena Williams.

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.

The personal stories of twelve ordinary people, so concerned about climate change that they altered their lives to do something about it. Some were involved behind the scenes, researching or writing, while others decided to go public in campaigns, blockades, rallies and a hunger strike. They come from all walks of life. There's a nurse, a musician, an insurance broker, a teacher, a lawyer and a vet.

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.

Called the Moses of her people for leading slaves northward to freedom, Harriet Tubman successfully escaped in her twenties and put herself in constant danger to help other slaves achieve liberty. When the Civil War began, this freedom fighter spied for the Union and became the first American woman to plan and direct a battle.

With seemingly impossible escapes and incredible feats of illusion, Harry Houdini lived a life so fantastic that it seems almost too amazing even for fiction. Beyond his on-stage magic, Houdini was an airplane pioneer, movie star and debunker of frauds. One of his greatest tricks was hanging by his ankles, wrapped in a straightjacket, and freeing himself in less than three minutes.

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.

Hatshepsut was the eldest daughter of Tuthmosis I, a pharaoh who ruled Egypt. Her mother was Queen Ahmose. Explore the mystery surrounding her life and her reign. You can decide if she was a strong ruling pharaoh or a power-hungry princess.

Helen Keller lived in darkness and silence but she dazzled the world with her accomplishments. Find out about the illness that destroyed her sight and hearing, her explosive first meeting with her teacher, her struggle to become the first blind/deaf student ever awarded a degree from Radcliffe College and her life as a writer, lecturer and world traveller.

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.

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.

Before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of professionals worked as 'Human Computers', calculating the flight paths that would enable these historic achievements. Among these were a coterie of bright, talented African-American women. Segregated from their white counterparts, these women used pencil and paper to write the equations that would launch rockets, and astronauts, into space. Moving from World War II through NASA's golden age, touching on the civil rights era, the Space Race, the Cold War, and the women'sd rights movement, 'Hidden Figures' interweaves a rich history of mankind's greatest adventure with the intimate stories of five courageous women whose work forever changed the world.

Michaela DePrince grew up in war-torn Sierra Leone, witnessing shocking atrocities. When her father is killed and her mother dies of famine, Michaela is sent to an orphanage. She is adopted by an American couple but life isn't without difficulties. When Michaela begins ballet lessons, she faces racism and prejudice, and has to fight for a place amongst the ballet elite to become an international ballet star.

When the Taliban took control in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. On her way home from school, fifteen year old Malala was shot in the head by a member of the Taliban. She survived and began her extraordinary journey. Malala has become a global symbol of peaceful protest, the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Alan Marshall's classic autobiography shows how someone who contracted polio at the age of six, in 1908, and was permanently crippled can still lead a fulfilling life.

The harrowing, true story of Laura Wolff, a survivor of the holocaust and one of Schindler's women, who lost all her family but found love and friendship during her terrible experience in German concentration camps. Contains adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Stan Walker is one of Aotearoa's most famous singers. But nothing ever came easy for Stan. What were the chances of success for a kid whose parents had both been in jail? Whose world had been filled with drugs and violence and things no kid should even know about? In this young readers' edition of his bestselling autobiography, follow Stan's journey of overcoming impossible odds to achieve his dreams and make peace with his past. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, and above.

This is the story of Dujuan Hoosan, a 10-year-old Arrernte and Garawa boy. A wise, funny, cheeky boy. A healer. Out bush, his healing power (Ngangkere) is calm and straight. But in town, it's wobbly and wild, like a snake. He's in trouble at school, and with the police. He thinks there's something wrong with him. Dujuan's family knows what to do: they send him to live out bush, to learn the ways of the old people, and the history that runs straight into all Aboriginal people. So he can be proud of himself.

This is the story of Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica and the memorable characters, who with a band of shaggy ponies and savage dogs, follow a man they trust into the unknown. Battling storms at sea, impenetrable pack ice, man-eating whales, crevasses, blizzards, bad food, extreme temperatures, and equal measures of hunger, agony and snow blindness, the team pushes on against all odds. But will the weather hold? Will their rations be adequate? How will they know when they get there? And who invited the Norwegians?

To show off the beauty below the waves, pioneering oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau, developed new diving technology and innovative ways to photograph underwater life. His films opened our eyes to an unknown and spectacular marine universe and enlightened us about the complexity of the oceans' ecology, and the need to preserve it.

Joan of Arc's courage, eloquence and martyrdom make her an enduring inspiration. Find out about her childhood in war-torn France and how she helped a king win his rightful crown. She fell into British hands and suffered an unjust trial for heresy but, eventually, her reputation was gloriously and posthumously restored.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy is the youngest man ever to be elected President of the United States. Youthful, charming and articulate, he symbolised hope and optimism in a time of turmoil. His presidency lasted less than three years, due to an assassin's bullet which killed him.

As a young Brisbane kid, Johnathan Thurston was written off as too skinny, too slow and too wild to play rugby league professionally. But he defied the odds to become one of the game's greatest players. In this young readers' edition of his bestselling autobiography, follow his journey from his debut with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2003, to State of Origin star, and to total legend of the game.

Discover the fascinating life of Leonardo Da Vinci and his many interests and talents. From the Mona Lisa to his flying machines, Da Vinci's work includes some of the most famous, and quirky, pieces in history.

In November 1805, after a perilous trek across North America, William Clark and Meriwether Lewis finally spotted the Pacific Ocean. It was a triumphant, hard-won victory, after risking death by starvation, wild animals, poor weather and hostile Native American tribes.

The Earth is the most remarkable life-support system imaginable, constructed over millions of years. As biodiversity has declined the planet's stability has also. To restore our planet, we must restore biodiversity. We must rewind the world.

The inspirational sailing adventure of Jesse Martin's solo voyage around the world.

The world is changing for two girls in China is the 1970s. Da Qin and her sister live in the city of Wuhan with their parents. When their country's leader, Chairman Mao, dies, new opportunities begin to emerge. The sisters soon learn that their childhood will be much different than the upbringing their parents experienced. Eight short stories-based on the author's own life- give readers a unique look at what it was like to grow up in China during this important time in history.

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was a small boy when white supremacists firebombed his family home. Such terrifying moments, along with years of daily racist insults and barriers, shaped Malcolm's life, transforming him into one of the most articulate and rousing black nationalist leaders of all time.

Engaging biography of a young, Chinese peasant boy who, at the age of eleven, was taken from his school and family to be trained as a classical dancer in Beijing.

Yvonne Edwards, a highly respected Aboriginal artist and community leader, was just six years old when the first bombs of the nuclear tests at Maralinga were detonated in Australia in 1956. The tests continued until 1963 and their consequences profoundly affected her family and the community.

Marian Anderson's majestic voice mesmerised the nation but her courage in confronting racism was equally inspirational. She became the first African-American to record spirituals for a major recording company. In 1939, she was banned from singing in Washington's Constitution Hall and made history by performing for 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial.

Through her discovery of radium, Marie Curie changed not only the course of science but the course of the world. She was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize and a PhD in physics. Find out about the importance of Marie's work and the tragic consequences of the dangerous radioactive materials she was researching.

Martin Luther King Jr became the driving force of the civil rights movement when he led a black boycott of the city's bus lines. He brought hope that, rather than two Americas, one black and one white, there would be a united country with justice for all. His life came to a tragic end in 1968 when an assassin fatally shot him.

He risked the great unknown and became the first man to reach the North Pole. But, it took decades to overcome the racism and give African-American explorer, Matthew Henson, rightful recognition for his extraordinary achievements. This is the story of Henson's dramatic, groundbreaking life.

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.

You may have heard of Joan of Arc. She had a short but inspirational life, fighting for freedom during the One Hundred Years War between France and England. She was a farm girl who became the leader of an army of men. Joan had an unflinching faith in God and in herself, and was prepared to risk everything for freedom and independence. She became the patron saint of France.

AFLW player Tayla Harris was at work on the footy field when she kicked a goal. A photo of the kick, taken by Michael Wilson, showcased her incredible ability and was posted online. What happened next was an extraordinary turning point in Tayla's life. The photo quickly became iconic as Tayla stood strong against the online trolls. This is the inspiring story of Tayla's stellar sporting career and her hard-earned advice for navigating the ups and downs of social media.

Shakespeare has never been out of fashion. In his lifetime, he was incredibly successful and, after his death, Shakespeare's works were published to the world. This is a new interpretation of Shakespeare's stages, a play on words, which sheds light on the colourful and exuberant world of Shakespeare's life and times. You won't find the sainted genius, solemn with quill and ink-stained hand. High of brow he may have been, but never high-brow. Shakespeare was in the thick of it.

What use is music your body can't hold, that can't take you from this world? Each of these poems is a portrait of someone with or reputed to have had Marfan Syndrome. Many of the poems emerge out of personal interviews, while others are portraits of public figures: Abraham Lincoln, Akhenaten, Mary Queen of Scots , Edith Sitwell, Niccolo Paganini, John Tavener, Sergei Rachmaninov, and Robert Johnson, among others. Usually read by students in Year 9, 10 & above.

An autobiography of three generations of Sally Morgan's Aboriginal family that traces her search for identity. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Jade Hameister is a truly remarkable Australian. At fourteen she decided on a goal: To be the youngest person in history to complete the Polar Hat-Trick. In this book you will be taken on her journey as she travels through polar lands hostile to human life and accomplishes something truly remarkable. An inspirational true story that might very well change your perspective on the limits on what is possible.

In the 1930s, Australian Nancy Wake was a young woman enjoying a bohemian life in Paris. After witnessing an horrific scene of Nazi violence, Nancy decided to help rid Europe of the Nazis. What began as a courier job became a highly successful escape network for Allied soldiers, perfectly camouflaged by Nancy's high-society life in Marseille. A compelling story. Coarse language may offend some readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Natalie Imbruglia is an internationally renowned singer and songwriter, who has won many music industry awards.

The tale of Ned Kelly told as never before. Readers will enjoy not only the tale of the Kelly Gang and those who sought to imprison them but the faithful recreation of historical landscape on which this most amazing of stories was played out. Beautiful full colour illustrations bring the story to life and the addition of period newspaper clips make this a valuable study for readers of all ages with an interest in bushrangers or Australian history.

Neil Armstrong was America's rocket man, the first person to set foot on the moon and turn science fiction into amazing reality. He studied aeronautical engineering, won medals as a fighter pilot, tried out the X-15 experimental rocket plane and become one of the elite few chosen to be a NASA astronaut.

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.

It is the time of the Iran Iraq war and nine year old Abbas must urgently leave Tehran, because the army has lowered the recruiting age to eight. With his parents forced to remain in Iran, Abbas is alone in Istanbul, with minimal funds and no Turkish language, waiting for a visa to England. He relies on his intelligence, gut instincts and resilience to survive his dire circumstances. A memoir.

Throughout his life, Picasso took risks, experimented and pushed the boundaries. Like his art, his life was full of passion. Whether painting, producing sculptures or working with ceramics, he produced some of the greatest art of the twentieth century.

From the lessons of a high-performance athlete's career to appreciating the small things in life - this inspiring illustrated book, for fans of Ellyse Perry, features stories and reflections from her childhood and career on the themes of dreaming, belief, work, resilience, acceptance, opportunity, balance and perseverance - and their importance in everything we do.Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Discover how Rachel Carson changed the world through Science. How she discovered that chemicals were changing the natural world. What she did to warn people about the poisoning of our planet. Why she loved the natural world and what she thought it could teach us. How her discoveries have changed our understanding of the world around us forever.

The little-known story of Reg Saunders, the first indigenous Australian to become an officer in the Army. He survived the World War II battlefields in the Middle East, North Africa, Greece, Crete and New Guinea, and excelled as a military leader. Find out how war transformed a determined young man, born in 1920 from country Victoria, into a war hero. Reg went on to serve with distinction in the Korean War and become a pioneering figure for indigenous rights. He died in 1990. A graphic novel.

For sixteen years, Sam Thaiday has entertained Broncos, Queensland Origin and Australian fans, both on and off the field. This book tells his story. With his trademark humour and honesty, Sam reveals his roots as a Townsville boy and a die-hard Cowboys fan, his family connections to the Torres Strait, how his Mum taught him to pass and tackle, and all the ups and downs of a career playing the game he loves. Including advice for setting and reaching goals, handling setbacks, and finding what really matters in life, Rise: The Sam Thaiday Story (Young Readers' Edition) is a must-read for any young league fan, regardless who they barrack for.

The fascinating life story of the famous author, Roald Dahl, who has thrilled young readers with his fanciful and imaginative books. Timelines, websites and further reading help paint a complete portrait of the writer, his successes and tragedies.

She wouldn't get up, refusing to relinquish her seat for a white man. With that simple, courageous act, Rosa Parks struck a blow against injustice. She showed what one person, without guns or violence, could do to change the course of history. Her arrest mobilised the black community for a citywide bus boycott that led to a landmark Supreme Court decision.

The first part of Sally Morgan's My Place, presented as Sally's story of her school days, her family, growing up, going to university and trying to discover her place.

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.

In 1914, Shackleton set out to chart the Antarctic continent. It was a journey fraught with setbacks and challenges. The ship, Endurance, becomes locked in the ice and when it begins to sink the men are forced to make camp on the ice floes. These are unstable subject to cracking and separating. The crew must journey through perilous conditions to find safety and the security of land. Battling hunger, exhaustion and fluctuating weather conditions the crew finally make it to Elephant Island where the crew separate in the hope of bringing help to rescue them. But with WW1 raging this proves challenging. An inspiring journey of perseverance, hope and courage.

Shaping the Fractured Self showcases twenty-eight of Australia's finest poets who happen to live with chronic illness and pain. The autobiographical short essays, in conjunction with the three poems from each of the poets, capture the body in trauma in its many and varied moods. Because those who live with chronic illness and pain experience shifts in their relationship to it on a yearly, monthly or daily basis, so do the words they use to describe it. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Discover how Sir Isaac Newton changed the world through Science. Find out what he learnt about gravity. Why his 'laws of motion' are so important to us. How he came up with a new type of maths. How his discoveries have changed our understanding of the world around us forever.

Follow the highs and lows of Cate and Bronte Campbell's long journey towards Olympic glory. Gain insight into their motivation, mental toughness, and the balance between life and elite-level swimming.

Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But, one night after Girl Scouts, she trips and falls, severely injuring her front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery and embarrassing headgear. And, on top of all that, there's a major earthquake, boy confusion and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. A graphic novel.

From the family farm at the age of 6, to the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army, to Law school in Western Sydney, Deng Adut has undertaken a remarkable journey. Songs of A War Boy is his story, filled with adventure, heart break, and bloodshed, but also with resilience, compassion, and persistence. Deng recounts his experiences as a child soldier in Sudan, and his fight for education and for justice in Australia. A powerful, important book, this memoir is a must read for every Australian.

Let's stand up and applaud the young Aussies who are using their voices and talents to change our world for the better. From soccer star Sam Kerr, conservationist Bindi Irwin, entertainer Jessica Mauboy to gender equality advocate Caitlin Figueiredo, this is a book about young people, for everyone. Through activism, innovation, giving back and leading by example, these inspirational young Australians are building a brighter tomorrow for us all. Brought to life by colourful portrait illustrations, from local artists, this book showcases emerging Aussie talent, motivates with inspirational praise and encourages readers to take action to create positive social change. The future is bright!

Stephen Hawking's career was intrinsically tied to his impact on society. He wrote his book, A Brief History of Time, to explain physics not to just scientists, but to anyone who was interested. It made him one of the most famous scientists in the world. Later in his life, as a sufferer of ALS, Hawking became an inspirational story of living with disability, and chasing your dreams regardless. This colourfully illustrated, beautifully designed biography will captivate young readers and teach them what Hawking learned about black holes and time, how he discovered how the universe began, and why he believed that humans must live on other planets. Through his life, it gives an insight into how Hawking's discoveries have changed our understanding of the world around us forever!

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.

Steve Jobs was a tinkerer. He was also rebellious, did not follow rules and dropped out of college after one semester. At twenty one, he started Apple Computer in his parents' garage and it became the world's most valuable company. Jobs became the tastemaker of a generation, creating products that we now can't live without, while revolutionising the music, phone and tablet computer industries in the process. A graphic biography.

100 stories, with fun illustrations, about men and boys who have done something unusual or unexpected to make the world a better place. A beautiful and inspiring collection of stories about boys who changed the world without killing a single dragon or saving a single princess.

Boys will be boys and girls will be girls? Not in this book. More extraordinary true stories of amazing Boys and Girls, Women and Men, who broke the mould and changed the world for the better. Have the courage to be yourself, and your dreams might come true....

This is the thrilling true story of the life of Russian composer Dimitri Shostakovitch and the millions of Russians who lived during a time of great upheaval, horror and hardship at the hands of two of history's cruellest dictators; Stalin and Hitler. At a time of great despair, Shostakovitch' seventh symphony would become a symbol of great hope, and the story of how it comes to be shared with the world is nearly too incredible to be believed. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

This biography traces five generations of an Australian Italian family. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten ""relocation centers,"" hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard. They Called Us Enemy is George Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future. What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide? When the world is against you, what can one person do?

Written by Corey Tutt, author of The First Scientists, this book features the profiles of 80 Blakfellas who are doing deadly things across sport, art, activism and science, through to politics, education and literature. It showcases the careers and Corey's personal stories of First Nations People who have done great things in their respective fields, including Professor Marcia Langton, Miranda Tapsell, Tony Armstrong, Dr Anita Heiss, Danzal Baker (Baker Boy), Adam Goodes and Blak Douglas.

Thomas Edison created the incandescent light bulb and illuminated the world with electricity. That was just one of his many groundbreaking inventions which changed entertainment, industry and everyday life. From a lonely, inquisitive boy who carried out lots of experiments, he became an enterprising and imaginative inventor.

One of the great thinkers of all time, Thomas Jefferson helped shape America in its early years. He was the third President of the United States and is famous for writing the Declaration of Independence. He was also a scientist, inventor, farming pioneer and educator.

As Lisa and Sol board the luxury ship MS St Louis in Hamburg Germany, they know they are heading for a safer place; a place where Jews don't have to wear a star or sit on a yellow bench. The passengers are optimistic for their fresh start in Cuba, but Hitler's propaganda has reached the country before them. The mood of the passengers darkens as their fate becomes less certain.

Adam Gilchrist is one of the greatest wicketkeepers in cricket history. He grew up in NSW, played State cricket for Perth, loved the Adelaide oval the most and finished his cricket career in India.

A young girl tells the story of her family during the Great Depression in Northern England. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Robert Hoge was born with a giant tumor on his forehead, severly distorted facial features, and legs that were twisted and useless. His mother was so horrified she initially refused to look at her son, let alone bring him home. But home he went, to a life that was, against all odds, filled with joy, optimism, and general boyhood naughtiness. Ugly is Robert's account of his life, from his birth to the arrival of his own daughter. It's a story of an extraordinary person living an ordinary life, which given the incredible hardships he had to overcome, is possibly his greatest achievement of all. Usually read by students in year 9, 10 and above.

It's 1965, and an old Tattersalls barrel starts rolling marbles to randomly conscript young Australian men to fight in the war in Vietnam. Melbourne housewife Jean McLean is outraged, as are her artist friends Clif and Marlene Pugh, who live in the country with their wombat, Hooper. Determined to wreck the system, Jean forms the Save Our Sons movement's Victorian branch, and she and her supporters take to the streets to protest. Meanwhile, in the small country town of Katunga, Bill Cantwell joins the Australian Army, and in Saigon, young Mai Ho is writing letters to South Vietnamese soldiers from her school desk. And when Hooper's call-up papers arrive, he mysteriously goes underground... Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Turia Pitt is living proof that, with the right mindset, we truly can achieve anything. This is her story. Told against the backdrop of a never-ending series of impressive physical feats, not least her incredible recovery after the fire - this book unmasks the real Turia: funny, fierce, intelligent, flawed. Featuring new material about confidence, goal-setting, happiness and her latest challenge, motherhood. The novel shines a light on the grace, humour and inner-stell that gets Turia through each day

Born in Africa around 1753, Phillis Wheatley was kidnapped and shipped as a slave to America. Her family, her name and her language were taken from her. Phillis's first poem was published when she was fourteen years old.

The story of Jack McPee, an itinerant station and mine worker, from the Pilbara region of Australia.Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Glenyse, an aboriginal Australian, is forcibly taken from her parents and raised in a strict Catholic institution. At seventeen, she's sent to work as a domestic on a rich, West Australian farm where she's treated very harshly. Housed in a dirty garage, fed inferior food after cooking sumptuous meals for the family to eat in their luxurious dining room, given unfamiliar tasks with no instruction, Glenyse is debased and humiliated.

Follow in Greta Thunberg's footsteps and join the global mission to save our planet from the effects of climate change.

In this powerful and emotional book, Nobel Peace Prize winner and activist Malala Yousafzai shares various stories of displacement, including her own. Part memoir, part communal storytelling, the book introduces readers to some of the incredible girls Malala has met on her many journeys and lets each tell her story -- girls who have lost their community, relatives and often the only world they've ever known, but have not lost hope, with dreams for a better, safer world. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

This is an introduction to Shakespeare's life and work, and his theatre, The Globe, which was reconstructed in London.

An overview of the life and plays of this famous poet and playwright.

Welcome to my story. I didn't learn a lot in school, not in the classroom, anyway. But I learned a lot from life. "Always remember you're as good as anybody else", Vince's mother, Kate, often told him. And he was, becoming a champion footballer and premiership-winning coach. But change was in the air, and Vince wanted to help make life better for his people too. At every step, Vince found light in the darkness, the friendly face in the crowd, the small moments that make the world go round. Welcome to the wonder of little things. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 or above.

Join Eddie Woo, award winning teacher and star of the Woo-tube channel) as he tells us how he came to love maths. Eddie mingles anecdotes with facts to bring the world of maths to life and make it fun, even for the most sceptical maths student. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In 1903, on the windy dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the dream of humans to fly finally came true. Two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, were former bicycle mechanics who built their first toy plane, a rubber-band powered rotary when they were just children. They finally solved the flying problems that had grounded so many others.

At twenty-one, Yassmin worked on a remote Australian oil and gas rig. She was the only woman and certainly the only Sudanese born Muslim woman. When she was two, Yassmin moved to Brisbane and has been tackling barriers ever since. She founded Youth Without Borders, helping young people to work for positive change in their communities. This is the story of how she got there, where she's going and how she wants the world to change. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In 1939, Sylvia is four years old when the Germans invade Poland and her family is forced into the Lodz ghetto, with more than a quarter of a million other Jews. Only twelve children survived the ghetto, and Sylvia was one of them. Her niece, the author, writes Sylvia's story in non-rhyming verse, using Sylvia's voice and perspectives.

A moving account of a young girl's life in Hiroshima in 1945. Through her diary, 13 year old Yoko documents life in Japan, a country on the brink of defeat at the end of the Second World War. Yoko is keen to do her duty and her daily accounts of life reveal the austerity and hardship, the extreme food shortages and rationing. It also shows the courage of those who died and survived the war and bombing of Hiroshima.

This is a book for people who want to be awesome at something, but aren't sure how. Written by a two-time Olympian, who admits he wasn't born sporty, this book explains how to become successful at anything, it doesn't matter where you start or who you are. This is an exciting, uplifting, encouraging, inspiring, and amusing book that every student will enjoy. What are your dreams? What do you want to be awesome at? Read this book and discover how you can be the best version of yourself.

Tells of the life of Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors, responsible for the phonograph, the first medium for recording music, motion pictures and the light bulb. Edison's life and work are of interest, especially as he was profoundly deaf.