Booklists

Saffy and Rose have a near death experience on the moors involving a party balloon. Indigo is trying to sort out everybody's love life including his own. More importantly, Caddy has found true love and is about to marry and live happily ever after. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Eleven year old Seymour meets Angie, who is older and beautiful, a dream girl. Seymour is unaware that Angie is a drug addict. Their friendship, and the revelation of this secret, changes both their lives. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Set in the panic and confusion of a wartime attack, two boys from different cultures must rely on each other to survive in the desert. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

An historical, political thriller set in Melbourne during the Depression in the 1930s. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

An intense story about the developing, close relationship between Justin, an Australian boy, and Rudi, a sensitive boy from Austria. Their emotional interdependence causes trouble in their peer group as others question the nature of the relationship. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Moa has spent his life toiling on the Frontier sugar cane plantation fearing the vicious whips the overseers. When he hears of an uprising, he is ready to be a cane warrior and fight to free his people. He is still only a boy and will have to confront terrifying tasks to survive and succeed. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show. Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father. When the sisters' long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend. Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Simon Snow might be the worst Chosen One ever, at least according to his roommate, Baz. And Baz might be evil and a vampire, but he could also be right. Most of the time, Simon can't make his wand work, he mostly can't find his mentor, and there's a magic-eating monster causing mayhem. Baz would be loving it, except he hasn't even bothered to come back to school for the final year. Carry On is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. You think you've read this book before, but you haven't. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In Austen's society, there are two outcomes to love. Either your heart is broken or your love is returned leading to a lifetime of child-bearing and preserve-making. Find out whether Jane Austen ever met her real life Mr Darcey. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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

For eighteen years, the world has been divided into the magically Gifted and the non-magical Ashkind. Rose Elmsworth's identity is far more dangerous. At fifteen, she has earned herself a place alongside her father in the Department, a brutal law-enforcement organisation, run by the Gifted to control the Ashkind. But, an old enemy is threatening to start a catastrophic war and Rose faces a challenging choice and a test of her loyalties. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Nothing's been the same for Beth Teller since she died. Her dad, a detective, is the only one who can see and hear her - and he's drowning in grief. But now they have a mystery to solve together. Who is Isobel Catching, and what's her connection to the fire that killed a man? What happened to the people who haven't been seen since the fire? As Beth unravels the mystery, she finds a shocking story lurking beneath the surface of a small town, and a friendship that lasts beyond one life and into another. Told in two unforgettable voices, this gripping novel interweaves themes of grief, colonial history, violence, love and family. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

I know quite a lot about people. Let's start with you. Obviously, I know where you live. I know where you are right now. I know where you buy your clothes and where you eat for lunch. I know what all your fandoms are, who your OTPs are and where you wish you could go on vacation. Lots of people have gadgets that pretend to be an AI. Those gadgets are listening all the time, day and night to everything people say around it. They're not really AIs. But if they listen to you, then so can I. I know you all so well. And sometimes... Sometimes I wish somebody knew me. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

When the Bat's away, the Cat will play. It's time to see how many lives this cat really has . . . Two years after escaping Gotham City's slums, Selina Kyle returns as the mysterious and wealthy Holly Vanderhees. She quickly discovers that with Batman off on a vital mission, Batwing is left to hold back the tide of notorious criminals. Gotham City is ripe for the taking. Meanwhile, Luke Fox wants to prove he has what it takes to help people in his role as Batwing. He targets a new thief on the prowl who seems cleverer than most. She has teamed up with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, and together they are wreaking havoc. This Catwoman may be Batwing's undoing. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free. However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He's determined to find out what happened and tie off some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

This story follows two very different battles for independence, that of slave girl, Isabel, and the American War of Independence. Presents a realistic view of prejudice and slavery in 18th century America and includes some violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

It's an ordinary morning at school in rural Kashmir when the silence of dawn prayers is ripped apart by gunfire. Freedom Fighters are raiding his village and Rafiq is the first boy to cross the chalkline into a life of brutality and violence. Rafiq's memory of his family has been all but obliterated by his forced training, indoctrination and terrorist actions and is unrecognisable as the boy who left the village. Includes violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Helen Sykes has combined a selection of stories by some of Australia's best-known authors. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Laura has premonitions and senses what is about to happen. She is encouraged to 'change over' and become a witch so that she can help save her brother from an evil spirit. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Merrick Hilton has done a runner. On his postie bike. With his swag and a need to clear his head before the HSC. He plays his parents and hits the road. But there's no telling how he'll handle life's potholes when things don't go as planned. Thankfully Victor - an old bloke he meets on the road - knows a bit about broken postie bikes, and broken hearts. Will Victor, Merrick, and the dog survive road-kill, the kindness of strangers, a rave, mindless violence and unexpected romance? There's only one way to find out. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

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

Sam is thirteen and has recently moved from Sydney to Melbourne with her high powered, busy parents. She has started at a new school and feels lonely and isolated. Sam logs onto chat rooms for company and begins a friendship with Chatman, a charming seventeen year old. But, Chatman is not what he seems and the developing friendship takes a sinister turn. Addresses contemporary problems associated with the anonymity of chat rooms and internet predators. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Under the orders of a ruthless king, anyone with powers was targeted and killed, leaving Zelie without a mother and her people without hope. Only a few people remain with the power to use magic, and they must remain hidden. Zelie is one such person. Now she has a chance to bring back magic to her people and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zelie must learn to harness her powers and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

A true account of the author's time spent as a prisoner in Belsen concentration camp, 1943-1945. The fear and uncertainty of the time are depicted simply, focusing on the positives not just the horrors associated with this period and place. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

What happens when you've saved the world and now you have to go back to being an ordinary person? What happens if saving the world has left you with significant trauma and you find ordinary life hard to live? What happens if 15 years after saving the world the evil reappears and you are called upon once more to be the hero? Can you do it all again? Are you strong enough? Are you sane enough? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Thirteen year old Vladimir Tod is half human and half vampire. Only two people know his secret, his best friend, Henry, and his mother's friend, Nelly, who raised him after the death of his parents in a mysterious house fire. Vlad finds his father's diary and realises that his parents were murdered, and that he may be next in line. Includes vampiric violence. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

By the start of the second book, Vlad knows that the strange newcomer to town, Otis, was really a vampire and also his uncle. Otis has gone away, leaving Vlad to practise his increasing vampiric skills. Life at Bathory High School has its downsides but Vlad still has his best friend, Henry, to watch his back. Includes vampiric violence. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Vlad has just discovered he may be the Pravus, destined to rule over vampires. Life at Bathory High School is getting complicated. D'Ablo wants his father's journal and he is being stalked by Ignatius, a bounty hunter, who seeks his death. As well, Vlad's best friend, Henry, is angry and backing away from him. Vampiric violence included. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Vladimir discovers that it will be his reluctant destiny to wreak havoc on humans. Life at Bathory High School becomes more complicated as Eddie Poe attempts to 'out' Vlad as a vampire in the school newspaper. Vlad is gaining super strength and is the target of Dorian, a powerful vampire, and D'Ablo who wishes to usurp his position. Includes vampiric violence. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In the final book in this series, Vlad Tod is about to turn eighteen and his destiny as Pravus awaits him. He is determined to use his powers for good, in defiance of a prophecy which foretells a massacre at his hands. Although not all the characters emerge unscathed, readers will enjoy the suspense and action. Includes vampiric violence. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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

Clary Fray is dragged deeper into New York's terrifying underworld of werewolves, demons and the mysterious Shadowhunters. Discovering the truth about her past was only the start and now the fate of the world rests on Clary's shoulders. She must master her new-found powers and control her feelings for a boy who can never be more than a friend. Graphic violence relating to humans, vampires and werewolves. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

It's after dark in New York and Clary Fray is seeing things. She has witnessed a stabbing but the victim vanishes. Clary discovers she can see supernatural beings that no one else can. She is drawn into an invisible war between ancient forces and the secretive Shadowhunters. She learns that her mother is mysteriously connected to these strange events. Graphic violence relating to humans, vampires and werewolves. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Simon is having trouble adjusting to his new life as a vampire, especially now that he hardly sees Clary, who is caught up in training to be a Shadowhunter. Simon decides he needs a break and heads out of the city, only to discover that sinister events are following him. Realising that the war they thought they'd won might not yet be over, Simon has to call on his Shadowhunter friends to save the day. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Amid the chaos of war, the Shadowhunters must decide whether to fight with or against the vampires, werewolves and other Downworlders. Jace and Clary's feelings have deepened and they must decide whether to pursue the love that they know is forbidden. Includes graphic violence relating to humans, vampires and werewolves. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons? When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned... Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith's magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace's soul. Shea is willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

A woman takes her only child to live in seclusion so that he should be spared the terrible things that happen in life. She cares for him and is happy. But, one moonless night she dies. The art is sombre but highly original. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In a dead-end town like Barwen, sixteen year old Clancy feels like a freak. She has a dysfunctional family, a real interest in Nature Club and a big crush on the local hot girl. Then, her dad is involved in a smash that kills two teenagers and the family must deal with the hostile town. Clancy meets someone who might become a friend and Sasha starts to show what may be a romantic interest. This is the summer when Clancy has to figure out just who she is. Adult themes, language. Usually read by years 9, 10 or above.

Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people... In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal's office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash. Separated by distance - and Papi's secrets - the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered. And then, when it seems like they've lost everything of their father, they learn of each other. In a dual narrative novel in verse that brims with both grief and love, award-winning and bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Miss Tessa Gray, tricked into the clutches of the Dark Sisters preparing her for an evil destiny with The Magister, begins a nightmarish adventure as she tries to rescue her weak brother, Nate. Set in a 19th century London world of vampires, warlocks, shadowhunters and terror, where nothing is as it seems. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street, and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends. With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray. Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Will and Jem, will do anything to save her. As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain's clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army? The tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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.

Daja, a smith-mage, and her teacher spend the winter in Kugisko. A series of fires suggest the work of an arsonist and Daja is impressed by the heroic efforts of the firefighter, Bennet; but Daja's world is about to be turned upside-down. 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

A fragile peace. An apocryphal warning. Chaos waiting in the heart of the storm. With his dying words, H - Jacob's final connection to his grandfather Abe's secret life - entrusts Jacob with a mission: Deliver newly contacted peculiar Noor Pradesh to an operative known only as V. Noor is being hunted. She is the subject of an ancient prophecy, one that foretells a looming apocalypse. Save Noor, save the future of all peculiardom. But with only a few bewildering clues to follow, time is running out. With enemies behind him and the unknown ahead, Jacob Portman's story continues as he takes a brave leap forward into The Conference of the Birds, the newest installment of the beloved, #1 bestselling Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

A collection of fifteen monologues, written for students to be able to use in solo performances. Each monologue quickly establishes character, mood and themes relevant to students. In turn funny, confronting, surprising and touching. Some language and adult concepts. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Mileva's family tree includes resistance fighters and patriots, and she was raised on the values of brotherhood and unity. Marko was born into a family where love is earned, not given, and was branded early on as a troublemaker and a lost cause. Despite their differences, the two grow to become best friends. Yet as the 1990s approach, Yugoslavia begins to crumble and ethnic tensions arise. No longer inseparable, their different cultural backgrounds force Mileva and Marko apart. Through tragic events Mileva struggles to make sense of her identity as she attempts to salvage all that is left of the life and love she once had. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In 1941, Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete, expecting to meet little resistance from the Allies. But, they were mistaken. Australian, New Zealand and Greek soldiers, and the people of Crete, battled for ten days and the bonds between the Anzac and the Cretans have lasted for generations. War violence included. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

For McKay, living on the South Crongton council estate has become even tougher since his mum died. His dad is working all hours, his brother rides the streets at night, tempting trouble. And, after an heroic but misguided mission to help a girl, McKay is facing a crazy ex-boyfriend, power-tripping hood-rats and a violent gangster. He never asked for trouble. During one mad night of adventure and danger, McKay will find out who his true friends are and what it means to stick with family. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Luke is interested in guns and hunting but it is the emotional crossfire between his divorced parents that has him trapped. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

How do you go from living a perfectly normal suburban life with your family to finding out your mother was once married to a powerful and violent warlord fairy and your sister is half fairy too? What happens when you are taken away to live with this man's family in the fairy world - how do you survive when you have no fairy powers or qualities to protect you. What happens when you meet the dangerous and cruel Prince of Fairies who seems to particularly resent you living in his world? And can you ever grow to love the man who is your father in the fairy world. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Natalie is living proof that love is a scam. She's traumatised by her parents' failed marriage and overwhelmed by her grandmother's expectations of good Lebanese girls - marriage, motherhood and exceptional tabouli-making skills. When her best friend decides to get hitched to a guy in the motherland, Nat's not exactly thrilled by the mammoth task before her: juggling cultural traditions, extra bridesmaid dresses and super-judgemental relatives. And to top it off there's the annoyingly good-looking best man and his constant need to mansplain all of the things. Natalie is in for the trip of her life. But can she save her friend from the cult of romance, without falling in love herself? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Fleur's recurring nightmare is being hunted through a dark forest by a sinister archer. When her mother inherits a fabulous book collection, they travel to France together. They are in the heart of King Arthur country, steeped with mystery and hidden wealth. Fleur meets Remy, the boy of her dreams, and it's love at first sight. But, Fleur's nightmare is just about to begin. Strong language in context and mature themes. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

How can maths help you to kick the perfect penalty goal, win an argument, impress your friends and spot fake news? With easy-to-understand maths logic, simple psychology and engaging anecdotes from her own life, mathematician Lily Serna shows us that maths can unlock the secrets of the universe. She wants to help all of us - especially the maths phobic - embrace the maths that surrounds us and solve the most common problems of modern living - all without making us learn a single formula. Well, maybe just one or two friendly ones . . Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Spensa's life as a Defiant Defense Force pilot has been far from ordinary. She proved herself one of the best starfighters in the human enclave of Detritus and she saved her people from extermination at the hands of the Krell - the enigmatic alien species that has been holding them captive for decades. What's more, she traveled light-years from home as an undercover spy to infiltrate the Superiority, where she learned of the galaxy beyond her small, desolate planet home. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above. Now, the Superiority - the governing galactic alliance bent on dominating all human life - has started a galaxy-wide war. And Spensa has seen the weapons they plan to use to end it: the Delvers. Ancient, mysterious alien forces that can wipe out entire planetary systems in an instant. Spensa knows that no matter how many pilots the DDF has, there is no defeating this predator. "