Booklists

Navigating school is difficult at the best of times, but Amelia has found herself branded with the worst nickname, Maggot. In her attempt to prove her classmates wrong and get away from her nickname and become popular, Amelia makes an even worse blunder.

In New Zealand during World War ll, eleven year old Bert desperately wants the war to continue so that he can join up and use guns. An abandoned derelict bakery becomes a prospective bomb shelter for the family and Bert enjoys his role in setting it up. But, when the shelter becomes home to a deserter, Bert soon learns that the secrets and danger of war don't always stay at the front line.

Henni is looking forward to the Easter holiday at Cauldron Bay with her best friend, Zev, and some of the younger kids from Stella Street. She becomes jealous when her beach holiday is invaded by troubled teenager, Tara.

Les Darcy, who lived from 31 October 1895 - 24 May 1917, was an Australian boxer. Though he was a middleweight, he held both the Australian Heavyweight and the Middleweight Championship titles in 1916 and has passed into Australian folk lore.

Reluctantly taken to the diggings in California during the goldrush, Lucy wants to go back home to New England.

While lying in the hospital in a place called Kansas, Princess Dorthea of Emerald struggles to regain her memory of the events that propelled her out of the land of Story - and to remember how to get home. Meanwhile, in Story, Rexi, with the help of Excalibur, continues to gain confidence in writing her own tale as she fights to save the land from the Wicked Witch. But as is always the case with evil villains, she is not to be underestimated. Can Dorthea and Rexi save their home while protecting the prince they both love from getting caught in the crossfire?

Do you want to be the boss and earn your own money? Get ready to go on an epic money adventure. Full of great ideas, tips and real life examples from kids who have set up their own business, you will learn fast easy ways to put money in your pocket and be a real life superhero.

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.

Barnaby Grimes is a tick-tock lad, running errands in his city, day and night, and high-stacking around the rooftops in search of new mysteries to solve. In this first adventure, Barnaby is swept up in a world of crooked doctors, poor and ill-advised patients, strange tonics and very expensive furs.

In Dickensian times, people were terrified of being buried alive, so they were left in their coffin with a wire, attached to a bell, tied to the little finger. Anyone still alive could wiggle their finger to summon help. One night, Barnaby takes a shortcut through a graveyard and is horrified to hear the tinkling of little bells.

Barnaby Grimes delivers letters and packages all over London. In the competitive world of early photography, the rewards are immense but so are the risks. After an experiment goes disastrously wrong, Barnaby finds himself on the trail of a mad chemist with a talent for disappearing into thin air.

After collecting a strange parcel from a deserted ship in the fog of the docks and delivering it to the local schoolmaster, Barnaby thinks he's earned a moment to sit on the rooftops and eat his favourite pasty. But, he soon realises that all is not well at the school.

Dale and Tomias, live in the outback. They have a deep love for the wild, ancient land that is their home and move easily between their Aboriginal and white cultures, until someone turns up to spoil their last year at the community school.

When Bartlett, Jacques le Grand and Gozo emerge from the Margoulis Caverns into daylight and the heat of the stonefields, little do they realise that they are about to embark on a wonderful adventure.

Bartlett and his companions are on an expedition to discover what lies beyond the great Gircassian Rift. They look down on a huge expanse of trees and young Gozo sees - or does he - a flash of white.

The first adventure of Bartlett. The young queen is sent presents from every corner of her seven kingdom's but not the present she wants. Bartlett, the explorer, is the man to help her.

Stranded on a volcanic island, Bartlett and his companions find people under the sway of the Machan, the holder of the true book. They have five days to unravel the riddle before they must climb the volcano and never come back.

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

Indiana Pacer, Chris Mullin, introduces this fascinating new guide to basketball. He draws on his wealth of experience in America's National Basketball Association to show beginners all aspects of the game.

Returning home from his lavish eighteenth birthday party, Bruce Wayne stops a criminal's getaway - disobeying the police and crashing his car during the chase. Sentenced to community service in Gotham City's Arkham Asylum, he encounters some of the the city's most dangerous and mentally disturbed criminals. Among these, Bruce meets the intriguing Madeleine who has ties to the Nightwalker gang that is terrorizing Gotham City. She's a mystery Bruce has to unravel but can he trust her? The Nightwalkers target the rich, and Bruce's name is next on their list.

A teenager is conscripted into the Vietnam War. He has to decide whether he will go, or whether he will dodge the draft by seeking asylum in Canada. The story also considers the effects of earlier wars on other members of the family and their influence on the younger characters.

A lifesize statue of two warriors is accidentally uncovered beneath the Old Tree Questhouse. In trying to learn more about it, Nisha unwittingly gives it powers, which will almost bring about the destruction of Quentaris.

Barry Blacker is desperate to join the army like his older brother Jack, who is in a Japanese POW camp. He practises drills on the family farm in Cowra and spies on the Japanese prisoners in the camp nearby. When some of the prisoners escape, Barry's attempt to be a hero has devastating consequences.

One hero lost in a raging tsunami. One sign pointing to a deadly battle. One day left until the end of...everything. With Sydney plunged into underwater chaos, the DARE winners are suspected of being responsible. After escaping from security officers, they must race to their final destination- Felix Scott's mega-ship Infinite Horizon- and decode one last deadly sign. If they don't get this right, then it's game over- not just for them, but for the whole world. The DARE winners will have to use their wits to stop The Signmaker. But after a mind-blowing secret is revealed in Antarctica, they're in for a heart-stopping final face-to-face battle with a unimaginable enemy. Who will live and who will die?

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!

Jasper Robinson-Woods is not okay - his name is too long, his mum has an annoying boyfriend, he never sees his dad, and he can't sleep because of a terrifying nightmare. Oh, and to top it off, his goldfish is dying. Jasper is overwhelmed with bad thoughts. Are they a sign of disaster to come? The only place he feels safe is in the tree in his front yard. But then the unimaginable happens: his nightmare comes to life and everything spirals out of control. Jasper decides it's finally time to face his nightmare.

Twins Lenis and Missy Clemens have found their freedom aboard the airship, Hiryu. In their search for the mercenary Karasu, Missy must decide whether the safety of an entire nation is more important than her own sense of right and wrong. The bizarre connection that binds the twins begins to unravel and, when they meet a young boy from the past, the twins must decide to embrace their destiny or be torn forever apart.

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.

In 1947, Bilal is shields his dying father from the truth about the violence that is threatening India and their formerly peaceful community. With determination and help from friends, Bilal persuades others to collude with him in this deception, even printing false pages of the local newspaper. Bilal just wants his father to die in peace but that means Bilal has a complicated relationship with the truth.

There are truths you can only tell a stranger, and this friendship is the strangest. Ollie and Moritz are best friends, but they can never meet, because if they ever did, one of them will most certainly die. As recluses from society, they develop a fierce bond through letters that become a lifeline. But when Moritz reveals the key to their shared, disturbing past, their friendship faces a test neither one of them expected.

When his mother dies, Paddy runs away from school and stows on a ship sailing to Australia. In his new land, Paddy is willing to try anything and has many jobs until he finally discovers what he really wants to do.

Find out how Prince Siddhartha grew in knowledge and enlightenment to become Buddha, one of the greatest religious influences on the world.

In 1985, Kirrali Lewis, a young Aboriginal teenager, leaves her home town in rural Victoria to begin a law degree in Melbourne. Adopted at birth by a white family, Kirrali doesn't question her cultural roots until a series of life-changing events force her to face up to her true identify. Her decision to search for her biological parents sparks off a political awakening that no one sees coming, least of all Kirrali.

The Bee-man is happy with his lot until he learns from a Junior Sorcerer that he was once something else and has been transformed. But what was he? The Bee-man sets out on a quest to discover the answer.

Grace was supposed to be spending schoolies with her friends, but they have become a little too judgemental for her liking, so she tags along with her brother Casper and his friends, Noah and Elsie. On their first night away, they meet Sierra, a mysterious girl with an interesting idea. She thinks that they should go and camp on an uninhabited island. The gang agrees, and the island time is one of interesting discoveries for all of them.

It all begins with a question: Where did we begin? Oliver Jeffers explores fire first, and the early humans who controlled that fire and grew brains and started to do things with them. A thought provoking look at what guides us and where we came from.

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.

Getting your first phone is a big moment - this illustrated guide empowers young people aged 9-13 to navigate the online world with awareness, responsibility and confidence.

Bee isn't about to change just because her dad is going to remarry. However, when Jazz starts living with dad earlier than expected, Bee knows things will change whether she likes it or not. An unlikely source helps her come to terms with the situation.

Rosalind wants to talk, she really does, but the only place she can is home. At school or anywhere in public, no matter how badly she wants to, her words get stuck and refuse to come out. Unsurprisingly, this has had a big impact on her life and as a consequence, she has no friends. You can imagine how tough it is for her, then, when she starts in Year 7 at Manor High. Pretty much instantly she is the target of bullies and her life becomes even more miserable than it already was. But a new therapist, and her little brother's total faith in her, lead Rosalind to becoming Miss Nobody - an online voice for the nobodies, the victims, the sad kids. And, at first, this seems to be a real step forward in her fight to be 'normal'. But then Miss Nobody's fame starts to morph into something more sinister. Is Miss Nobody actually just as much of a bully as the real bullies?

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.

Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orleans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orleans, the people are born gray, they are born damned, and only with the help of a Belle and her talents can they transform and be made beautiful. But it's not enough for Camellia to be just a Belle. She wants to be the favourite, the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orleans to live in the royal palace, to tend to the royal family and their court, to be recognised as the most talented Belle in the land. But once Camellia and her Belle sisters arrive at court, it becomes clear that being the favourite is not everything she always dreamed it would be. Behind the gilded palace walls live dark secrets, and Camellia soon learns that the very essence of her existence is a lie, that her powers are far greater, and could be more dangerous, than she ever imagined.

Vicious Foxwolf, a fox who long ago discovered the body of a wolf and skinned it to wear as his own, is holding Mariel and Dandin captive. The pair are at the mercy of the evil despot and have only one hope of survival.

A novelisation of the film screen play in which a young Indian girl's talent for soccer is discovered. The issues, of cultural expectations of girls and the problems of living between two cultures, are raised.

Nisha is a young, untrained fire magician in the beguiling city of Quentaris. Nisha is troubled by her erratic powers. While trying to harness them, she stumbles into the city beneath the city - Lower Quentaris

Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents. He was a scientist who experimented with electricity, a diplomat who served as envoy to France and negotiated peace with England, a mapmaker, printer and writer. He signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and established America's first hospital.

Benny and Babe are unlikely friends who decide to go into business together, but they need to avoid the bullying of Furty Howlin. Their business of scavenging fishing tackle leads to a very dangerous encounter.

When Kristen discovers that her tennis hero, Maggie Stephenson, is playing in a tournament at her tennis club, she is desperate to be chosen as one of the ballgirls. But, her arch rival, Sally, looks set to sabotage Kristen's chances of appearing on centre court and to steal the guy that she likes a lot.

Short, succinct prose writing by 16 to 20 year olds that are culturally rich, authentic anthems of youth searching their lives through people, places and events around them, conversations clicking between the now and then of lives and the world they know.

When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked -- and thrilled. After all, she's grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king's attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

Thirteen year old Nate Foster doesn't enjoy his life. He is nothing like his sporty brother, his strict parents seem to be close to divorce and he's bullied about his weight and sexuality (Nate is currently undecided). With his love of Broadway musicals, Nate grabs a chance to escape when he hears about an audition. As his naive plan disintegrates, Nate stays just one step ahead of disaster while keeping his sense of humour.

Ana Moon's best friend Bea has been taken by someone or something. Ana's world has changed. Her house looks different and her parents are acting weird. This is not her world, she has fallen into another universe. The only person who knows her, the real her, is Malik, a boy she met on the train a few hours ago. The mysterious Malik and his Pathfinder friends offer to help Ana travel across seven different versions of Earth to get Bea back. But it won't be easy as Ana finds herself at the centre of a war to control the multiverse and unlock the seventh world and all of its power.

Inspired by the true story of Muslims who saved the lives of Jewish children in the Second World War. in 1942, in the Grand Mosque in Paris, 11-year-old Ruben is hiding from the Nazis. Already thousands of Jewish children have disappeared. But when the Mosque is raided, Ruben is forced to flee.

Abandoned at birth in the perilous Deepwoods, Twig is brought up by woodtrolls. One night, Twig does what has never been done before, he strays from the path. He finds a nightmare world, but is driven on to discover his true identity.

If you love numbers, want to love numbers or just love to laugh and learn about the wonderful life we live, then this numbers book is for you. Discover primes, Pi, perfect numbers and how many ribs an elephant has.

Poirot, the Belgian detective, again finds himself plunged into a world of intrigue when an uninvited stranger, coated in dust from head to foot and with a gaunt face, stands staring at him and then collapses in his doorway. Poirot must uncover the truth and solve the mystery of the piece of paper the stranger clutched with figure 4s scribbled over it. Beautifully illustrated by Alain Paillou.

Thirteen year old Oskari is sent into the Finnish wilderness, armed only with a bow and arrow, to survive in an ancient test of manhood. But, he stumbles upon an escape pod from a burning airliner. Terrorists have shot down the President of the United States. To survive, this improbable duo must trust each other and become a team capable of overcoming the danger that is imminent.

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.

Billy doesn't think or act his age. His memories of his days as a Chelsea striker and his interests keep him younger than he seems.

Rage is desperate to find the healing magic that will save her mother. Her quest leads her to Valley, a strange, dark place where witches and wizards lurk.

A young Aboriginal boy is travelling back to his home on the mission to attend the funeral of a cousin.

A guide to everything that biology is about, from things we know, to things we don't know yet. This book explores the fascinating world of biology - the study of all life, from tiny bacteria to plants, animals and entire ecosystems. Discover how living things behave and interact, and the amazing ways they adapt to the world around them. Find out how life on Earth began, how it has changed, and what living things might look like in millennia to come. Take a closer look at cells - the building blocks of life itself - and the vital role they play. Through a mix of diagrams, infographics, comic strips and clear, engaging text, this book shows readers what the study of biology is about, how much it covers, and why you might want to study it further yourself. It investigates some of the big issues that biologists are grappling with today, from preventing the spread of ever-evolving diseases to saving animals and plants from extinction.

Birdie and her dad love being up in the sky in their Tiger Moth plane, Peggybelle. That is, until a terrible accident makes it a matter of life and death, and Birdie finds herself flying the plane alone.

Year 6 schoolgirls must deal with issues of bullying.

A gripping story of two boys whose lives are anything but carefree. Pascal and Kojo work on a cocoa plantation in West Africa and they desperately want to get back to their homes to see if their families are still alive. Global social issues of child soldiers and child labour are sensitively and realistically portrayed.

This stage adaptation of Gleitzman's novel explores disabilities, friendship and families.

Ebony Marshall is in her final year of high school. She can't wait to leave quiet, little Dainsfield, where she's known only as Black due to her name. But, there's another reason. Everyone says Black is cursed. Three friends have died in tragic accidents. Now, it's easier to be on her own. When her formal date ends up in intensive care, the gibes and rejection escalate. Black is in danger. She has to fight for her life, find help when uncertain of who to trust, and strike out at the superstition and hysteria.

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 evil death-lord Arawn is threatening the peaceful land of Prydain. Taran, the pig-keeper and hero of the Chronicles, must help find and destroy Arawn's powerful black cauldron, which creates an army of warriors who cannot be killed as they have no life. Taran must overcome the huntsman of Annuvin and the enchantresses, Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch, to fulfil his mission and protect Prydain.

Set in The Rocks, Sydney, in the early 20th century. When Frankie first meets his new neighbour, Mickey Collins, he's not sure what to make of the scruffy, tough-talking ratbag. But, when he forms a gang, Mickey soon proves he's quick on his feet and good in a fight.

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.

Offers historical insights, without glorification, into the life of the outlaw as told by characters present at the various events in Ned's life. Supported by archival photographs, press clippings and quotes from correspondence and other documents.

Blackthorn's greatest desire, to become a Trahern warrior, is dangling within her reach. But, she must embark on a treacherous mission, deep into enemy territory, to infiltrate the Doane camp. She must locate the stolen daughter of Esil but the stakes are higher than she could ever imagine. As the mission takes a sinister twist, Blackthorn's instincts are put to the ultimate test.

Alyana is determined, despite being female, despite being so young, to become a great Trahern warrior. When her father dies, leaving her orphaned, she flees the constraints of her religious uncle's household and lives rough and wild, hunting and fighting in the great forest. Then her worst fears are realised. It is far worse to be captured by her enemies, the Doane, than endure her previous loneliness and isolation.

Lana Torres has always dreamt of playing for her native Puerto Rico in the Blazewrath Games, a dangerous relay of dragon riders fighting and racing for glory. When the cup is jeopardised by the Sire, a legendary dragon cursed into human form, Lana finds herself navigating an International conspiracy and a world that's deadlier than her beloved sport.

London is being bombed and children are evacuated to the country. Since his parents died, Martin can't stand being mothered and so he heads back to the city. But, London is not what he remembers, it's in flames and Martin is in danger.

Saffie Grundig decides to find out about her older sister, Ruby, and the secrets she is keeping. What's really going on at the sleazy Comedy House where Ruby has a cleaning job. Saffie, assisted by retired TV actor, Sarge, begins her investigations.

Fourteen year old Fletcher Smith is a sports private Investigator, working out of the Institute in Canberra. With his adult side-kick, Frank, he takes on a case to solve the kidnap of football coach, Kelvin Hunt.

Beka Cooper is finally a Dog, a fully fledged member of the Provost's Guard, dedicated to keeping peace in Corus's streets. Delving deep into the gambling world, it won't be enough for Beka be her usual terrier self. She'll have to learn from Achoo to sniff out the criminals and to be a Bloodhound.

It is the 1940s and for Columba and Hilda the war seems a long way away until Ellery appears at their school, unable to speak any English. Curiosity spurs Columba's search for knowledge and understanding counterbalancing Hilda's unquestioning nationalism as the war edges ever closer to Australia's shores. The sudden appearance of the blue cat brings with it an aura of mystery and uncertainty culminating in a dramatic journey to Luna Park.

A doctor turns detective to solve a mystery around the cholera epidemic in London, 1854.

John and Phillipa must retrieve the Solomon Grimoire, an object that gives its user power over all djinns. They travel from New York to Istanbul, only to walk straight into a sinister trap. John must embark on an epic journey and still may not be able to save Phillipa. This text includes representations that may be contrary to some religious beliefs.

Snook joins his father on a tuna fishing expedition and disaster strikes.

Ash is drooling over a guitar when he meets Charlie Novak. One jam session later and Charlie convinces Ash to play in his band and Erin to be the keyboard player. Erin thinks Charlie is a fruit loop, with his weird hair and hyperactive rantings. Besides, she's a classical pianist and it'll never work.

A sophisticated picture book in which a young artist goes in search of a particular shade of blue, the blue of his dreams.

Living in the desert country of Damar, shared by the Homelanders and the secretive magical Hillfolk, orphaned Harry Crewe is kidnapped by Corlath, the Hillfolk king. He intends to train her in the arts of war until she is a match for any of his men.

Five siblings find themselves in a dizzying new world after falling through a mysterious cobalt window one December morning. Can it be real? Or are the group stuck in a bizarre collective dream?

Abel Jackson is passionate about diving and is a natural in the water. Every day, he helps his mother earn their living from the sea and the land. It's hard work but Abel has the bush and the sky and the bay to himself. Until the day he meets Blueback, the fish that changes his life.

The man in the photo is so blurry it's impossible to make out what he really looks like. The Diamond Brothers - Tim, the world's worst private detective, and his wise-cracking younger brother Nick - have been hired to find the blurred man.

Highly informative, pocket-sized fact book on human anatomy and physiology. Contains an index, glossary, websites and reference section.

Sam comes from a family of boggle hunters, although he is unaware of this when he is sent to stay with his English relatives. Computer games are Sam's passion and he cannot believe his eyes when he receives an invitation to become part of the role-playing game, 'Grim's castle'. Parallel stories ensue with Sam being led through a dangerous game and cousin Jenny searching for her missing parents. Fantasy and magic weave throughout this exciting quest.

There is a wealth of dinosaur information in this book, as well as accounts of the palaeontologists who made many of the famous discoveries.

When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother from the dead, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means that she's a bone witch. She puts all her energy into becoming an asha. But dark forces are encroaching, and in the face of danger, Tea will have to make a difficult choice about how to use her power.

A chunky book, jammed full of fascinating, whacky and absurd facts and information, with a list for every day of the year. Useful information like seven objects to use as a paperweight; twenty characters more famous than their inventors; and, four runners-up who became more famous than the person who won.

Fantasy tales of make-believe appear before your eyes.

Will's sister, Estelle, has turned into a teenager and transformed the house into a war zone.

Taran, a lowly Assistant Pig-Keeper, longs for adventure. When the magical pig, Hen Wen, disappears, Taran embarks on a death-defying quest to save her from the evil Horned King. His perilous adventures bring Taran new friends, an irritable dwarf, an impulsive bard, a strange hairy beast and the hot-headed Princess Eilonwy. Together, they face many dangers.

Inspiration for poets of all ages lies within these pages.

Jimbo and his friend, Charlie, suspect there is something not right about two of their teachers. They get too close to the truth when Charlie is abducted. Jimbo enlists the help of his death-metal music loving, dark eyeliner-wearing sister to track Charlie down and discover the truth.

Borderlands- Riding te Slipstream is an anthology for readers young and old. It features over forty short stories and poems by some of Australia's best-loved authors, including Ursula Dubosarsky, Steven Herrick, Leigh Hobbs, Barry Jonsberg, Sophie Masson and Shaun Tan. Illustrated by quirky artist Anne Ryan, this unique collection spans a kaleidoscope of genres and themes.

Things have never been easy for Antonio, but now it seems like the war will never end. So when Antonio is caught up in the dangerous world of freedom fighters and spies, will it change his life or destroy him?

When Pierrot becomes an orphan, he must leave Paris to live with Aunt Beatrix, a servant in a household at the top of the German mountains. This is no ordinary time. It is 1935 and the Second World War is fast approaching. And, this is no ordinary house, it is the Berghof, Adolf Hitler's home. Pierrot is thrown into an increasingly dangerous world of terror, secrets and betrayal, from which he may never be able to escape.

Eleven year old Dan Hope has a list of things he wants to come true. He wants his sister, Ninja Grace, to go to university at the North Pole and only come back once a year. He wants his dog, Charles Scalleybones the First, to stop eating the planets from his solar system mobile and throwing them up on the carpet. He want to help Sherlock Holmes solve his most daring mystery yet. But, most of all, he wants his dad to love him.

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.

Cymbeline Igloo doesn't know how to swim. He has NEVER been swimming. Ever. His mother won't let him near the water and he doesn't know why. After he tries (and fails) to swim on his own, he realises there is a bigger mystery to be solved. Cymbeline and his friends work together to find out why his mum has never taken him near the water.

Rodney has powers to be a 'switcher' who can travel between parallel worlds. One world is highly developed and the other is almost medieval. The story follows the adventures across both worlds.

When a young troll named Hawthorn is stolen from Fairyland by the Red Wind, he becomes a changeling-a human boy-in the strange city of Chicago, a place no less bizarre and magical than Fairyland. Left with a human family, Hawthorn struggles with his troll nature and his changeling fate, while attending school and learning about human kindnesses - and un-kindnesses.

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.

A dramatic tale, told in pictures, about a London boy who goes through a window to get back his soccer ball only to find himself in the middle of a Shakespearian production. In his efforts to escape, he is chased by the bard and joined by a bear.

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

Theo Brain is the world's youngest super sleuth and he is on the trail of a missing truck driver who has driven into a mountain tunnel and completely disappeared. Theo lives in Switzerland where holes are going missing from the cheese and cows are starting to fly. Strange creatures appear from alternative universes and Theo is forced to intervene to stop a total outbreak of silliness.

It would take a very special person to crack the computer systems of the White House. Someone like Sam Wilson, brilliant teenage computer hacker. But, Sam's obsession is about to lead him into a world of espionage and intrigue, of cybercrime and imminent war.

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.

Matt is having trouble on the football field. Real trouble. All the enjoyment has been sucked out of the game that was once his whole life and now his body seems to be seizing up. He is tired all the time and overwhelmed by thoughts that leave him sure he's second rate. Which is when Matt meets Cliff, an abandoned puppy that needs saving. Perhaps together, they can help each other discover how to be brave.

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.

To find freedom, you must leave behind everything you've ever known. It is 1825. You and Ma have survived on the streets of London ever since the soldiers took Da away and you fled Ireland. Now, with Ma gone too, you find yourself facing life-and-death choices at every turn. Can you carry a secret treasure across the ocean and finally be reunited with Da? You'll be asked to betray your friends, survive storms at sea and attacks by bushrangers, and trust thieves. At every turn, the choice is yours. How far will you go for freedom?

Growing up with the famous Bali surf at his back door, sixteen year old Taj had an idyllic childhood, until ten years ago when his father was arrested for smuggling drugs. He's been on death row in Bali's infamous Kerobokan Prison ever since, leaving Taj in a weird limbo. When an execution date is set, Taj is left with one course of action, bust his dad out of jail and hightail it back to Australia. What follows is the desperate, dangerous rid of a father and son on the run. As events unravel and time runs out, Taj uncovers startling truths about his family, his girlfriend and the stranger he is rapidly falling for.

Jessie and Leslie are close friends who create a magical world for themselves, until a tragedy happens.

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?

All Gianna Zales wants to do is compete at the cross-country finals, but there is something standing in her way- a science project. She has less than a week to collect and document twenty-five leaves, and she'll lose her spot on the team if she can't pull it off. With a forgetful grandmother, a hearse-driving father, a mean-girl running rival, and new feelings toward her best friend, Gianna wishes life would just leave her alone to finish the project. Can Gianna Z get the stroke of brilliance she needs to make it all work out?

The demand: bring back Cerberus, the new technology that's only whispered about in the furthest reaches of cyberspace. Drawn into the shady world of black-hat hacking and industrial espionage, Dom will need every skill he's learnt to complete this instalment. How can Dom steal something that doesn't exist. Failure is not an option.

Unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner. Eragon must now make choices, choices that will take him across the Empire and beyond, and involve unimaginable sacrifice.

1000's of Facts & Figures about Earth, space animals, the body, technology & more revealed in pictures.

Brothers, Suresh and Sandeep, end up as street kids in a city far from their home village. They become glass collectors, searching through the rubbish dumps and dirty alleys to find glass to sell in order to survive. But, when Suresh realises his younger brother isn't coping as well as he thought, he must find a way to save Sandeep and himself from a terrible fate.

Broody McHottiepants is our brooding YA hero and he has decided to write a book about how to become a main character. He certainly seems to know every trick in the YA novelist's trade. But his evil ex-girlfriend, Blondie DeMeani, has sneakily added her own two cents worth within the pages of his book to keep him honest. This is part guide book, part clever exploration of all the YA tropes.

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 a battle of Skandians vs Temujai, the brotherband are facing their most formidable enemy yet. The Heron brotherband are home in Skandia - but their usually peaceful country is in danger. The Temujai have never given up on their ambition to claim Skandia for their own. The ruthless warriors from the Eastern Steppes waited a number of years after the Skandians thwarted them last time - with the help of the legendary Rangers of Araluen - but now they're on the move. The Skandians are concentrating their defences on the one pass through the mountains, and they're ready for battle - but what if the Temujai can find another way down to the coast? Erak sends Hal and his crew to investigate. And stop the Temujai - whatever it takes.

King Duncan has a mission for the Heron brotherband. An assassination attempt on his daughter was foiled but the killers won't be satisfied until they have completed their task. The Herons team up with Ranger Gilan to track the killers across the deserts of Arrida and infiltrate their mountain lair. But, a seaside battle is looming and the Herons are called upon to help an old friend of Araluen in his fight.

When the Heron brotherband become the Skandian duty ship to the Kingdom of Araluen, they're excited at the challenges ahead. The Herons eagerly set off for the trip - with an unexpected new crew member aboard. An enemy from their past returns, throwing the Herons into a quest to free captured Araluans from the slave market in Socorro. Even with the help of an Araluan Ranger, the task may be too much.

Stig is contesting the annual Maktig competition to decide Skandias greatest warrior. But an unexpected visitor arrives with a request Stig, Hal and the brotherband cannot refuse, a rescue mission of epic proportions. Pirates have kidnapped the son of the Empress of Byzantos, a city-state far to the south. The brotherband sets sail to recover the boy, only to find that the pirates fortress seems impenetrable, sitting atop towering cliffs above the deep lagoon, the caldera, of a volcanic crater.

In a massive storm, the Brotherband crew are blown onto land so far west that Hal can't recognise it from any of his maps. Eerily, the locals are nowhere in sight, yet the Herons have a feeling they're being watched. When a massive bear appears, advancing on two children, the crew rescues them and the local Mawagansett tribe finally reveal themselves. But, the peace is short-lived. The Ghostfaces, a ruthless, warlike tribe are returning to steal and destroy. The Herons gear up to help their new friends repel an invasion.

The Heron brotherband must undertake a long and dangerous river journey to hunt their prey. But even if they survive the journey, are they ready to confront Zavac in his lair?

The Heron brotherband are on the trail of Zavac and his pirates, but they are in a well-fortified position, taking over a town. The Herons must drive out the invaders, by devising a fool-proof plan.

Hal finds himself the leader of a team of outcasts called a brotherband, enduring months of gruelling training in seamanship, weapons and battle tactics to become a Skandian warrior.

Pirates have stolen the Skandians' best ship and it's up to Hal and the Heron brotherband to find them in the unputdownable ninth adventure in the New York Times bestselling series. Outnumbered but determined, the Herons are ready for action. The scene is set for an epic battle at sea . . . For years now, the Skandians have been the guardians of the Stormwhite Sea, stopping piracy wherever they find it. But there are some who don't like the Skandians' new role. When their enemies strike at the heart of Hallasholm, damaging every ship and stealing the pride of the fleet, there is one hope. Hal's ship, the newly rebuilt Heron, was being repaired so the attackers didn't find her. Hal and the Heron brotherband - along with the Oberjarl, Erak - set off to find Wolfwind. But when they discover the thieves are using Wolfwind to plunder ships and towns and blame the Skandians, Hal realises the pirates have a more sinister plan.

Melody and Marshall are cousins whose family is torn apart when war is declared between the North and South factions of the Union. Melody's father and uncle both go to war but they enlist on opposing sides. Marshall assists his father by acting as a spy while Melody helps her father. Both sides are presented.

The twins, Tennyson and Bronte, are very different in how they approach the world. This is best seen by the different reactions both have to the large, brooding and mysterious Brewster. While many in the school believe he is a dark and dangerous menace, Bronte befriends him and they begin dating. This is how both siblings notice the horrible scars on Brewster and suspect he is being abused at home. The truth is far stranger.

In a world where humans live alongside elves, dwarves, werewolves and ogres, Bruno Trask accidentally gets hold of one of the Dark Lady's jewels. He finds himself on the run from the world's most famous, rich and influential Elf. Fast and satirical.

Max, the talking buffalope, has an enquiring mind, a keen sense of humour, and a grumpy disposition. Orphaned by the villainous Neruvians, sold off as a slave to the callous Berundians, he escapes into the wilderness, is attacked by vicious lupers, and rescued in the nick of time by the jester, Alexander Darke. Alexander is young and fairly unsuccessful. Done out in a costume of many colours, he totes his caravan around, entertaining people with (mostly bad) jokes. Max settles in with Alexander and his elvish wife, Sarah. He makes himself indispensable and the partnership prospers. Word gets around, and a Royal Command Performance is arranged. They are top of the bill. But everything that can go wrong goes wrong.... hilarously. The hitherto lugubrious King Cletus is enchanted. Stars overnight, they see off their arch-rival, the bad comic Jonathan Jolly.

While his irresponsible, actress mother lives a jolly life, Angus is literally left holding the babies, his younger siblings. It's a bit much for an eleven year old. Humour masks the adult themes in this story that is suitable for mature readers.

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.

Fourteen very different stories in this collection cover topics such as x-ray vision, senility and coping with braces.

This book includes three stories, The shortest horror story every written, The monkey's ear and Burnt.

Dive into the world of business with this lively introduction, whether you want to be an entrepreneur or a smarter consumer. With bright, infographic pictures, it describes how to start your own business, manage your money and beat the competition and explains global supply chains and interest rates. Includes links to websites to find out more.

The boys of a small Polish village are used to the occupying Russian soldiers, but this fragile peace is shattered when a German plane drops a bomb on the school house and signals the coming invasion. The discovery of a soldier's discarded button begins a contest between the friends to get the best button and become king. This contest gets more and more daring as the intensity of battle for the village increases.

Isaac Itkin can't get away from his thoughts. As a lonely twelve-year-old kid with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), everything from studying to looking in the mirror becomes a battle between him and a swarm of unhelpful thoughts. The strict therapy his mother insists on doesn't seem to be working, but when a group of friends invites him to join their after-school role-playing game, the thoughts feel a little less loud, and the world feels a little brighter. But Isaac's therapist says that exposure to games can have negative effects on kids with OCD, and when his grades slip, his helicopter mother won't let him play anymore. Now Isaac needs to find a way to prove to himself, to his mother, and to the world that the way to quiet the noise in his head may have been inside him all along.

An anthology for reciters of poetry.

Lucy works as a serving maid for Dr Dee, court magician and consultant to Queen Elizabeth 1. In return for saving the Queen's life, Lucy is told that she is to work as a spy for Her Grace. When Lucy hears unexplained cries in the house, she suspects Dr Dee of foul deeds to make money and curry favour with the Queen.