Booklists

A classic story of slavery and a runaway boy's exploits. Huckleberry Finn had a tough life with his drunken father until an adventure with Tom Sawyer changed everything. When Huck's dad returns and kidnaps him, he must escape down the Mississippi River with a runaway slave, Jim. They face trouble at every turn, from floods and gunfights to armed bandits and the long arm of the law. Through it all, the friends stick together.

Out of his smoke-filled rooms in Baker Street stalks a figure who causes criminals to quake in their boots and rush from their dens of iniquity. This collection of twelve mysteries reveals the clever mind of the brilliant consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, as he works with his sidekick, Dr Watson.

On the banks of the Mississippi, Tom Sawyer and his friends seek out adventure at every turn. One fateful night, they witness a murder and the boys swear never to reveal their secret. They run away to be pirates and search for hidden treasure. But, Tom gets trapped in a cave with the murderer.

One evening, while relaxing at his gentleman's club, Phileas Fogg rashly bets that he can travel the entire globe in 80 days. The unflappable Englishman is determined not to lose this extraordinary wager as he sets off for Dover with his not so cool-headed, French manservant, Passepartout.

You might think you know these stories, but you are wrong. You don't know them at all. Twelve fairytales have been re-imagined with a modern twist - imagine if Red Riding Hood was the hunter, not the hunted. What if Sleeping Beauty was a Prince instead of a Princess? These twelve dangerous tales reveal truths full of triumph and warning and truths that explore life and death.

Black Beauty is a handsome, sweet-tempered colt with a strong spirit. As a young colt, he is free to gallop in the fresh meadows with his beloved mother and their kind master. But, when his owners are forced to sell him, Black Beauty goes from a life of comfort and kindness to one of hard labour and cruelty. But, Black Beauty is brave, with an unbreakable spirit and will.

The Globe Theatre is delighted to announce a new season of Mr. William Shakespeare's plays. See As You Like It, Antony and Cleopatra, Richard III, Twelfth Night, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing. Each play is presented in dramatic comic-strip form, including Mr Shakespeare's own dialogue and the riotous remarks of the audience.

Buck is a family pet and life is good in Santa Clara Valley, where he spends his days eating and sleeping in the golden sunshine. But, one day, a treacherous act of betrayal leads to his kidnap, and he is forced into a life of toil and danger as a sledge dog in the harsh and freezing cold Yukon, Buck must fight for his survival. This is a classic story of cruelty, kindness and survival in a harsh environment.

It is the 24th of December and mean, old Ebenezer Scrooge sits in his freezing office, refusing to acknowledge that it's Christmas. But, that night, the miser has a terrifying visitor, his dead business partner, Marley, who comes to warn that the ghosts from Scrooge's past, present and future are about to arrive.

A classic story of three young sailors, sole survivors of a wreck, who discover the enchanting beauties of the South Pacific. They learn how to live on their tropical paradise but then they are swept into adventures with bloodthirsty pirates.

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

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

In 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.

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

Rose's guardian, Uncle Alec, makes her eat healthy things like oatmeal, and even tries to get her to give up her pretty dresses for drab, sensible clothes. Rose doesn't think she will ever get used to her uncle's crazy notions and all her noisy relatives.

In this classic story, a young girl is exploring how to lead the life she wishes while she is expected to conform in a Melbourne, all girls' school of the 1880s.

Good Wives is the sequel to Little Women, and sees Beth, Amy, Meg and Jo embarking on married life.

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.

A country boy becomes a ship's doctor travelling to strange lands like Lilliput, the land of midgets. First published in 1726, captions explain historical facts to help modern readers. Also see, Jonathan Swift's Gulliver by Martin Jenkins, PRC ID 2055.

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.

A graphic re-telling of Shakespeare's classic historical play. Henry, a proud and wilful monarch, defies Rome's ban on divorce to marry the beguiling Anne Boleyn. Despite attempts to sway the Pope by Cardinal Wolsley, England's powerful Lord Chancellor, the Catholic Church plunges into chaos, signalling the beginning of the Church of England. Anne, the new queen, gives birth to a girl who will become England's most famous monarch - Elizabeth I.

In this classic story, hobbits are small but heroic people who live in The Shire in Middle Earth. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives in Bag End, goes on a quest with the wizard, Gandalf.

Following the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, Sherlock Holmes is on the case, intent on finding out the truth behind the family's curse and the existence of the terrifying Hound of the Baskervilles. The new heir, Henry Baskerville, has already been warned against claiming his inheritance, will he be the next to fall prey to the family's curse or will Holmes be able to crack the case before there is more death? Based on the most famous of all Holmes' cases this graphic novel captures the terror and suspense surrounding the Hound and the curse that continues to hunt the Baskervilles.

The original splendid classic with detailed historical information and beautiful illustrations. The story of Esmeralda, the dark-eyed gypsy beauty and Quasimodo, the hunchbacked, bell-ringer of Notre-Dame.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that London's first female solicitor in possession of the details of a deadly crime, must be in want of a suspect. The tenacious Lizzie Bennet has earned her place at Longbourn, her father's law firm. Her work keeps her busy, but luckily it gives her plenty of reasons to consult (and steal occasional kisses) with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a stern but secretly softhearted solicitor at Pemberley. Lizzie is hired to investigate a deadly warehouse fire and to find the mysterious woman who was spotted at the scene moments before the flames took hold. But when the case leads to the sitting room of a woman Darcy once proposed marriage to, the delicate balance between personal and professional in their relationship is threatened. Questions of the future are cast aside when the prime suspect is murdered and Lizzie's own life is threatened. As the body count rises and their suspicions about what was really going on in the warehouse grow, the pressure is on for Lizzie and Darcy to uncover the truth.

When two wealthy young men move to the neighbourhood, Mrs Bennet -- mother to five unmarried daughters -- is thrilled. Surely it is only a matter of time before one of her girls is snapped up! But the course of love does not always run smooth. While Jane and Mr Bingley seem destined for one another, there are those who would wish it otherwise; while Elizabeth and Mr Darcy do not seem destined for one another, somehow their paths must always cross. Then there are Lydia and Kitty, the silliest and vainest of the Bennet sisters, keen to attract the wickedly attractive Mr Wickham and his military comrades. Love is in the air - but where will it all end??

Only nine when she is orphaned and sent to live with an unloving aunt, Jane spends miserable, lonely years at boarding school before becoming a governess in the home of a mysterious man. A classic story.

The adventures of the boys from the school and more of the story of the March family, set at Plumfield School, run by Jo and her husband on the lines of her husband's theories of education.

An ancient book is opened by the eccentric Professor Lidenbrock and his life, and that of his nephew, Axel, is changed for ever. An old piece of paper has tumbled from the book, a priceless parchment that will lead them on a terrifying journey to find what lies at the centre of the Earth.

In this classic story, Mowgli, the human child lost in the jungle, escapes the vicious jaws of the growling tiger, Shere Khan, and is adopted by Father Wolf and the pack. Lovable old Baloo the Bear and Bagheera the Panther teach Mowgli the law of the jungle and his extraordinary adventures begin.

When young David Balfour's father dies and leaves him in poverty, he tracks down his Uncle Ebenezer to seek his inheritance. But, his uncle is a mean, nasty man with a dark family secret. David finds himself in terrible danger when he is kidnapped and taken prisoner on board a ship bound for slavery.

Kim is an eleven year old Irish boy who is orphaned and lives amongst the poor on the streets in India.

When Arthur releases the sword in the stone, he and his brave knights undertake many quests, including the search for the Holy Grail. Lots of adventures involving damsels in distress, fierce jousts, sword fights, battles, tournaments and miracles.

The segments cover the classic tales of King Arthur and his origin; Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake; Morgan le Fay; Guinevere and the round table; Sir Lancelot of the Lake; Sir Lancelot's First Quest thwarting a dragon; Princess Elaine; Sir Galahad, the son of Sir Lancelot; 'Camelot; and the Grail Quests of Sir Lancelot, Sir Percival and Sir Galahad.

The adventures of the boys from the school and more of the story of the March family, set at Plumfield School, run by Jo and her husband on the lines of her husband's theories of education.

The classic story of the four March sisters, growing up in a close, American family during the Civil War. Even though money is short, times are tough and their father is away at war, the girls' infectious sense of fun sweeps everyone up in their adventures. Through sisterly squabbles, their happy times and sad ones too, the sisters discover that growing up is sometimes very hard to do.

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.

Bendy, whose family runs a scrivener's shop, solves the mystery when the master printer, William Caxton, fails to receive the paper shipped to him aboard the cargo ship, Madalena. A classic about the Caxton printing press.

Any three titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

A tale of young Bassanio, who, in order to win the love of fair Portia, entangles his dearest friend, Antonio, in a dangerous bargain with the moneylender, Shylock. Only Bassanio's heartfelt efforts and a clever intervention by Portia will save Antonio from paying Shylock 'a pound of flesh'. Graphic novel with authentic Shakespearean text.

Enjoy Shakespeare without the hard work! Two former Children's Laureates bring Shakespeare to life in this accessible and handy guide to the best bits of the bard.

A queer retelling of Jane Austin's Emma. This novel is a mix of if Emma and Clueless had a queer cousin. Evan Horowitz is obsessed with three things in life: makeup, social media, and matchmaking! When shy new girl, Natalia, starts at his school, Evan begins work on his newest and most ambitious matchmaking project yet. Who better than him to give her a push in the right direction? With so many matches to choose from and Natalia hopelessly clueless when it comes to love, it's not long before Evan sets his plan into motion (much against the better judgment of his best friend, Davi). But he takes things too far, creating a web of drama that spirals out of his control. Can he learn to put the people closest to him before his misguided ambition? Or will he lose them, and his chance at romance, too?

Take your place in the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's day to see seven of his best-loved plays in performance. Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, The Winter's Tale and The Tempest are all brought life in comic-strip versions, which include the bard's own dialogue and the rowdy remarks of the audience.

Written in 1816, this is the basis of Tchaikovsky's ballet. In this edition, the classic story of a sinister toymaker and a boy and a girl doll that come to life is presented with beautiful illustrations and detailed historical information.

Following the fortunes of Odysseus as he returns from the Trojan Wars, this classic tale from Greek mythology was written almost three thousand years ago.

Written in 1840, this is the classic story of Little Nell and her grandfather who inhabit a shadowy world.

When orphan, Oliver Twist, asks nasty Mr Bumble for more food, he has to flee the workhouse for the streets of London. There, he meets the Artful Dodger, who leads him to Fagin and his gang of pickpockets. When a thieving mission goes wrong, Oliver narrowly avoids prison and finds himself in the care of kind Mr Brownlow. But Fagin and the brutal Bill Sikes are determined to drag Oliver back.

A picture book retelling the classic tales by Charles Dickens. Stories included are Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield and A Christmas Carol.

Fourteen year old Abigail finds herself transported back to Sydney's Rocks area in the nineteenth century when she follows a mysterious girl, who appeared during a scary game with other children in the neighbourhood.

Seven of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous and best love stories and poems are collected here in one handsomely illustrated graphic novel for young readers. Poe's classic works have been skilfully adapted to the graphic format in a way that will entrance and terrify a young generation of horror fans without losing their original atmosphere and thought provoking depth. Poems including The Raven are presented in their entirety.

The classic story of an English sailor marooned on a desert island for nearly thirty years.

The world seemed a beautiful and friendly place, and fulfillment of her brightest dreams appeared to be possible for Rose. Of course this could not last, and disappointment was inevitable, as life presents all its highs and lows.

Get ready for a terrifying spin on some of literature's most beloved tales-no story is safe! From Captain Hook's run-in with dark magic to Sherlock Holmes narrowly escaping graveyard spirits to a happily never after for Cinderella, this horror anthology is anything but a bedtime story. In this terrifying new collection for young readers, the best-loved stories from the literary canon are revisited and reimagined with a deadly twist by some of the top authors working in middle grade today. Featuring tales from authors Jonathan Maberry and Kelley Armstrong, Carlos Hernandez, Lisa Morton, Maurice Broaddus, and many others, this collection will haunt you long after you turn the last page.

When eighteen-year-old aspiring scientist Elinor Dashwood discovers her beloved father slumped over the desk of his office study, she knows his death means dire straits for the Dashwood women. To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate-including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father's partner and protégé-to their half-brother and his haughty wife, who waste no time in forcing the Dashwoods out of their home and into a cramped apartment on London's Barton Street. But before they go, the Dashwood sisters make a startling discovery that points to foul play, and the killer might be family. Obviously, the girls must investigate. It could be dangerous; it could ruin their reputations; and most importantly, it won't bring back their father. But if the Dashwood sisters can combine their talents and bring their father's murderer to justice, it may bring them all some comfort-and it might even lead to love.

Any two books from this series may be read as Challenge books and up to five more can be read as personal choice books. Go to the online booklists for the PRC ID of the individual books in this series.

Twelve of William Shakespeare's most famous plays are presented in narrative form.

It's 1928 and the glitz and glam of show business in pre-Depression era New York City is in full swing. The lights are bright for financiers and those who entertain them, and life seems good in the big city. But, in one house, a little girl is sent away by her cold, ruthless stepmother. She does not return until it's too late. The market has crashed, her father is gone and her stepmother is even more desperate for wealth and attention.

Titania, the Fairy Queen, and Oberon, King of Fairies, fall into a quarrel about who should have charge of a little changeling boy. Oberon and his servant, Puck, cast a spell which causes Titania to fall magically in love with Nick Bottom, a weaver who has been given the head of a donkey. Oberon sees the error of his ways and seeks a way to reverse the spell and restore harmony.

The iconic ballet Swan Lake, the tragic love story of a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer, has been revered for more than a century. In this atmospheric adaptation, Anne Spudvilas reimagines the classic tale of passion, betrayal and heartbreak in the dramatic riverscape of the Murray-Darling.

Following a wild and raging storm, the Swiss family Robinson is stranded at sea. The thundering waves have swept them off to a tropical island, where a new life, with many dangers and delights, awaits them.

Abandoned to his fate when his English parents die in the African jungle, a baby boy is rescued and reared by a loving ape, foster mother. Tarzan grows into a mighty warrior, becoming leader of his tribe of apes, until he encounters humans for the first time.

Lennie is leaving the security of life at home to attend a day school in Sydney. She is full of excitement but life outside her secure house with her younger sisters throws up all sorts of challenges, She finds a best friend in Mabel Jones, a fellow pupil and begins to develop her talents as a writer. A charming tale of life as a teenage girl in Sydney in the late 1800's.

A very ordinary boy. Nobody noticed him, he was just like everyone else. But Fred knew he was different. He just didn't know quite how different. And when he did.... Well, what then?

Katy Carr is untidy, tall and gangling, planning for the day when she will be beautiful and beloved. She is also very disobedient resulting in a terrible accident that threatens her daydreams and hopes for the future. Katy courageously overcomes her difficulties.

Charles Dickens is one of the world's greatest novelists whose stories have been translated and adapted into plays, films, cartoons, musicals and television dramas. An engaging and witty exploration of the man behind the pen, what inspired him and four of his best-known novels; Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations and David Copperfield.

In this timeless classic, Rat, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad of Toad Hall have rollicking adventures along the riverbank and in the Wild Wood.

King Leontes of Sicilia begs his childhood friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia, to extend his visit to Sicilia. Polixenes protests that he has been away from his kingdom for nine months, but after Leontes's pregnant wife, Hermione, pleads with him he relents and agrees to stay a little longer. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 & above.