Booklists

A gripping read that tells the tale of children kidnapped and forced to become participants in a bizarre circus.

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

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Prior is missing three things: a mother, a father and a voice. Her only companions are the ghouls she sees and her mother's journal, which captured a mind in turmoil. Until she receives a letter from an uncle she's never met, summoning her to his estate - Gallant. But when she arrives, she discovers her uncle is dead and the estate is empty, save for her cousin Matthew and the servants. Gallant is a house of secrets. Olivia searches for answers about her family, her past, she discovers a dark reflection of everything she knew, an ancient realm where ghosts take form and the dark master sits waiting for her... Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

At Gallipoli, in 1915, the courageous ANZACs faced the brave Turks in the First World War. Instead of adventure and glory, they meet the sheer brutality of war. Emotional quotes about separation from family, harrowing experiences and loss of friends.

In graphic novel format, the truth about the assault on Gallipoli in 1915 is revealed. Rather than being a botched attack, planned by indifferent British generals, the Gallipoli campaign was carefully thought out and included an amphibious attack on the beach by ANZAC officers.

Ash is used to taking hits on the field for his high school football team - until he takes one that doesn't just impact his body, but his whole reality. It starts with one small shift, but with every game, every hit, Ash finds himself pushed through a succession of universes almost-but-not-really like his own, until the small shifts in reality become significant shifts in Ash's own identity. As Ash experiences life from other perspectives, he starts to question the world he thought he knew, as well as the ones he finds himself catapulted into. For better or worse, the one thing Ash knows is that he's got to find a way to put things back.

Three children pool their resources to buy a strange looking board game. As they begin the game, each child disappears inside it.

Jamie is a sixteen year old maths whiz. His wild, older sister, Summerlee, has dropped out of school. Tensions at home run high. With Jamie's help, Summerlee wins millions in a lottery and cuts all ties with the family. But, money can cause big trouble. When their younger sister is kidnapped for a ransom, Jamie thinks he can use game theory, the strategy of predicting an opponent's actions, to outfox the kidnapper and get Phoebe back. It's a very risky strategy. Mature themes and language. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Inhabitants of a video game world, Tark and Zyra, are plunged into adventures involving dragons, princelings, magic, robots and laser weapons. Outside, as teenagers John and Tina, their lives are almost as exciting as they must help to save their world.

A boy tries to fit into American society after he has grown up in India. The story concerns the death of a parent and details a traditional Indian cremation.

Let's get this straight - ghosts are everywhere. And they're dangerous. This is why my family has hunted them for hundreds of years. The Marin family run a two-man operation in inner-city Melbourne. Anton has the ghost-sight, but his father does not. Theirs is a gentle approach to ghost hunting. Rani Cross, combat-skilled ghost hunter from the Company of the Righteous, is all about the slashing. Anton and Rani don't see eye to eye - but with a massive spike in violent ghost manifestations, they must find a way to work together. And what with all the blindingly terrifying brushes with death, Anton must use his gap year to decide if he really wants in on the whole ghost-hunting biz...

When sixteen-year-old Yin Mitchell is abducted, the news reverberates through the whole Year Ten class at Balmoral Ladies College. As the hours tick by, the girls know the chance of Yin being found alive is becoming smaller and smaller. Everyone is affected by Yin's disappearance - even scholarship student Chloe, who usually stays out of Balmoral dramas, is drawn into the maelstrom. And when she begins to form an uneasy alliance with Natalia, the queen of Year Ten, things get even more complicated. 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.

While visiting Stonehenge, a young woman accidentally falls back in time to the year 1347. She becomes actively involved in the life of the people, trying to change things for the better leading to trouble and adventure. Also published as 'The guardian of the gate'.

The great chief matriarch is dying and has no heir. Drawing her last breath, she gives a final decree that, upon her death, there will be a contest to decide the one truly worthy to rule in her place. The rich, the strong, the wise and the powerful put forward their names in the hope of being chosen. When the night comes, only fifty souls are summoned. Fifty souls bound to the same fate. But, this is no ordinary trial. And, so begins the first task. Graphic novel.

Hanna, the commander's pampered daughter, and Nik, the reluctant member of a crime family, are struggling with life aboard the space station. When an elite strike team invades, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home from alien predators. And, there's a malfunction in the station's wormhole. Soon, Hanna and Nik are fighting to survive. The fate of everyone on the Hypatia, and possibly in the known universe, is in their hands. Mature read. Usually read by Years 9, 10 or above.

A thrilling sci-fi in which Noah, and sixty-four members of his class are trapped in a computer simulation called Project Nemesis. There are no rules, except survival. The desperate survivors form into groups as the world rapidly descends into chaos and violence. Min and Noah, former friends, are now adversaries in the most deadly of games, where the consequences are more real than any of them know. Usually read by students in Year 9, 10 and above.

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

Jim Bloggs, a lavatory assistant, is dissatisfied with his life and wishes to rise above his station, if only he had more education. Encouraged by his wife, Hilda, he explores options such as being a cowboy. He finally settles on being a highwayman but not everyone sees his trusty steed, and his quest to rob the rich and give to the poor, in a positive light.

Eric is involved with a big experiment in Switzerland, looking to explore the earliest moment of the universe. But, there is a group of people who don't think this experiment should go ahead and are planning to sabotage the Grand Switch-on. Will they suceed? Whose side is Reeper on this time? And why does he want to speak to Annie and George so desperately?

George and Annie are off on another cosmic adventure inspired by the Mars Expedition in the fifth book of the George's Secret Key series from Stephen and Lucy Hawking. George and his best friend, Annie, have been selected as junior astronauts for a program that trains young people for a future trip to Mars. This is everything they've ever wanted -- and now they get to be a part of up-to-the minute space discoveries and meet a bunch of new friends who are as fascinated by the universe as they are. But when they arrive at space camp, George and Annie quickly learn that strange things are happening -- on Earth as well as up in the skies. Mysterious space missions are happening in secret, and the astronaut training they're undertaking gets scarier and scarier...

George and Annie are off on another cosmic adventure to figure out why strange things are happening on Earth in the fourth book of the George's Secret Key series from Stephen and Lucy Hawking. George and his best friend Annie haven't had any space adventures for a while and they're missing the excitement. But not for long, because seriously strange things have started happening. Banks are handing out free money, supermarkets aren't able to charge for their produce so people are getting free food, and aircrafts are refusing to fly. It looks like the world's biggest and best computers have all been hacked. And no one knows why... It's up to George and Annie to travel further into space than ever before in order to find out what--or who--is behind it.

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

Annie, aided by the research of her father, Eric (factual essays by Professor Stephen Hawking) and a computer genius, Emmett, travels to the edge of the galaxy. She is collecting a series of treasure hunt clues to unravel a mystery, which has been instigated by supposed alien interference of a robot probe on Mars.

When George's pet pig breaks through the fence into the garden next door, George meets his new neighbours, Annie and her scientist father, Eric. George discovers a secret key that opens up a whole new way of looking at the world, from outer space.

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.

Learn to code five fun computer games in this essential beginner's guide for kids using the popular programming languages HTML and JavaScript. From Mario to Minecraft, discover the basic concepts behind computer games such as loops, ticks, scores, graphics and AI. Then follow the easy step-by-step Game Builds, and learn how to code five ground-breaking games, including Noughts and Crosses, Snake and Table Tennis. Short and simple explanations are given alongside examples of code and there is a supporting website if you get stuck.

Get even follows four high school students , Bree, Olivia, Kitty and Margot who have nothing in common however someone wants to get revenge on them. This fast pace revenge story has lots of twists and turns and chapter cliffhangers.

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.

Stacey and Laney are twins - mirror images of each other - and yet they're as different as the sun and moon. Stacey works hard at school, determined to get out of their small town. Laney skips school and sneaks out of the house to meet her boyfriend. But when Laney disappears one night, Stacey can't believe she's just run off without telling her. As the days pass and Laney doesn't return, Stacey starts dreaming of her twin. The dreams are dark and terrifying, difficult to understand and hard to shake, but at least they tell Stacey one key thing - Laney is alive. It's hard for Stacey to know what's real and what's imagined and even harder to know who to trust. All she knows for sure is that Laney needs her help. Stacey is the only one who can find her sister. Will she find her in time? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Froggy traces his family history with the ghostly help of Tad, who perished in the smallpox epidemic of 1881.

When seventeen year old Jed Kelly turns up at Drinkwater Station, claiming to be the great-granddaughter of Matilda Thompson's dying husband, she has no evidence and won't even reveal her real name. Badly-wounded Vietnam War veteran, Nicholas, is haunted by ghosts and his changed life. As Jed settles in to life on the Station, she feels part of a real family for the first time. Her secrets remain hidden, for now. Set during the turbulence of the late 1960s, a time of hippies, anti-war demonstrations and Australia's vital role in the unforgettable first moon walk.

Brendan finds himself accompanied by a ghost who communicates through his computer, further complicating his adolescent life. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

An aeroplane is discovered in the Amazon jungle. Will Jaeger; The Hunter, lead's a team of elite special forces on a desperate race which uncovers secrets and a conspiracy from Nazi Germany during World War Two. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Winter is coming. Souls' Night draws near. Eostra, the Eagle Owl Mage, holds the clans in the grip of terror. Torak must leave the Forest and seek her lair in the Mountain of Ghosts, while Renn faces an agonizing decision. Wolf, their faithful pack-brother, must overcome wrenching grief. And in the final battle against the forces of darkness, Torak will make the most shattering choice of all.

Ann-Marie has to move to rural England and leave her dog, Maudie, behind. As she frets for her dog, Ann -Marie becomes involved with a ghostly story involving a sad child, separated from her dog too.

This is the life story of Matilda. Her isolated childhood and her quest with her father to find the most beautiful thing in the world; her unusual marriage to Feather, part sprite part wild man, that promised true happiness and the loss that she suffered when she had to let him go. This book is part enchanting fable and part love story.

The story of a girl and a horse. Callie has always wanted a pony of her own, when she is asked to look after Oscar she is delighted. But Oscar bites and kicks and is difficult to ride. Then, one day Callie meets Sarah who knows all about horses.

Orrec discovers he has inherited a power that he cannot control. It is the gift of undoing. His best friend Gry has the gift of calling animals. This is a story of friendship and problem-solving in an exciting and imaginary land. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Gilgamesh's story retold by Gil, himself, is a gripping blend of narrative, fantasy, history and myth, dating from around 2000 BC. It follows his quest for everlasting life which pits him against Enki the Shag and takes him to the end of the world.

Is Gilbert real or a ghost? Martin doesn't much care - at least he is helping to distract his brother from his illness. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Paris, 1889: The world is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. In this city, no one keeps tabs on secrets better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier, Severin Montagnet-Alarie. But when the all-powerful society, the Order of Babel, seeks him out for help, Severin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance. To find the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Severin will need help from a band of experts: an engineer with a debt to pay, a historian who can't yet go home, a dancer with a sinister past and a brother in all but blood, who might care too much. Together, they'll have to use their wits and knowledge to hunt the artefact through the dark and glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the world, but only if they can stay alive.

Much has changed in the sky-city of Quentaris. With the Archon dead, dark forces have come into play. New faces are appearing, familiar ones vanishing, and the horrid Florian has claimed the throne. Then, as Quentaris slips quietly through a vortex into the watery world of the Yarka, Tab Vidler and her friends suddenly realise they are the city's only hope.

Eva has been famous since before she was born. Every milestone, her first word, her first tantrum are all recorded and uploaded online for the whole world to see. All because her parents overshare her entire life on their super successful internet channel. And now they have posted about her first period. She has had enough. Enough of the stupid outfits, constant teasing at school and no privacy ever. She is taking back control of her life, even if it means taking down her own parents.

It is 1919 and World War I casts its shadow across Australia, particularly for orphaned sixteen-year-old Flinty McAlpine. The man Flinty loves returned from war so changed and distant. Her brother Andy 'gone with cattle', leaving Flinty in charge of their younger brother and sister and with the threat of eviction from the farm she loves. A brumby muster held under the watchful eye of the legendary Clancy of the Overflow offers hope.

Twenty short stories that tell the story of Mana, a young Walmajarri girl growing up in the Great Sandy Desert. The harshness of the landscape, the importance of water, how hunting was carried out, the complexity of family relationships and the obligations of kinship are captured at a time before European settlement dramatically changed the traditional way of life. Includes a Walmajarri pronunciation guide and language glossary.

An intriguing summer adventure where thirteen year old Beau meets wild, irrepressible Lelee, a girl from the sea. Together with Beau's younger sister, they search in their boat for a box believed to contain a fortune, but smugglers are looking too. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

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

Lu and Minyi have always known their places as princesses of the empire - Lu, her father's favourite, is destined to be the first female emperor, while Minyi, her mother's favourite, is resigned to live in her shadow. When their father names their male cousin Set as heir, their lives will never be the same again. Betrayal, manipulation and unlikely alliances plague the royal sisters. While Lu fights to reclaim her birthright, Minyi's hidden powers are awakened. The effect could be cataclysmic. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In a Victorian farming community, Emmie's mother takes on Bertha to help with the chores and the two girls become friends. Emmie discovers Bertha's terrible secrets and their lives intertwine. Based on true events and containing adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

September is a twelve-year-old girl, Somewhat Grown and Somewhat Heartless, and she longs for adventure. So when a Green Wind and a Leopard of Little Breezes invite her to Fairyland - well, of course, she accepts (mightn't you?). When she gets there, she finds a land crushed by the iron rule of a villainous Marquess - she soon discovers that she alone holds the key to restoring order. As September forges her way through Fairyland, with a book-loving dragon and a boy named Saturday by her side, she makes many friends and mistakes. But while she loses her shadow, her shoe and her way, she finds adventure, courage, a rather special Spoon, and a lot more besides...

In the kingdom of Fairyland-Below, preparations are underway for the annual Revels...but aboveground, the creatures of Fairyland are in no mood for a party. It has been a long time since young September bid farewell to Fairyland, and she is excited to see it again; but upon her return she is shocked to find that her friends have been losing their shadows, and therefore their magic, to the kingdom of Fairyland-Below... It spells certain disaster and September won't stand for it. Determined to make amends, she travels down into the underworld where, among creatures of ice and moonlight, she encounters a face she recognizes all too well: Halloween, the Hollow Queen. Only then does September realize what she must do to save Fairyland from slipping into the mundane world forever.

Quite by accident, September has been crowned as Queen of Fairyland - but she inherits a Kingdom in chaos. The magic of a Dodo's egg has brought every King, Queen, or Marquess of Fairyland back to life, each with a fair and good claim on the throne, each with their own schemes and plots and horrible, hilarious, hungry histories. In order to make sense of it all, and to save their friend from a job she doesn't want, A-Through-L and Saturday devise a Royal Race, a Monarckical Marathon, in which every outlandish would-be ruler of Fairyland will chase the Stoat of Arms across the whole of the nation - and the first to seize the poor beast will seize the crown. Caught up in the madness are the changelings Hawthorn and Tamburlaine, the combat wombat Blunderbuss, the gramophone Scratch, the Green Wind, and September's parents, who have crossed the universe to find their daughter...

September misses Fairyland and her friends Ell, the Wyverary, and the boy Saturday. She longs to leave the routines of home and embark on a new adventure. Little does she know that this time, she will be spirited away to the moon, reunited with her friends, and find herself faced with saving Fairyland from a moon-Yeti with great and mysterious powers.

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

Matthew sets off alone to find Aboriginal rock paintings that he knows are hidden in Goanna Gorge. When Matthew realises he is lost, the strange, wild country seems to mock him with its secrets until he meets the girl with no name.

The butterfly is a symbol of transformation. It reminds us that we are all able to change. We can make choices and we are in control. We can choose to replace the messages that shout 'You are not enough' - not hot enough, thin enough, talented enough, popular enough. This story encourages girls to question the limiting messages our culture keeps pushing: that a girl's greatest worth is her looks, and beauty comes in only one size and shape. It inspires and empowers girls to find their strength and be true to their own hearts and minds.

A young British boy called Bill narrowly survives the sinking of his yacht in a huge storm off the coast of Morocco. After many days alone at sea in a small boat he rescues another survivor, clinging for her life to a barrel. She is a girl called Aya, from the nomadic Berber tribe, whose migrant ship was destroyed by the same storm. Through endless days, a mere speck on the vast, empty sea - hungry, sunburned, and with no idea what will happen next - Aya recounts the tales of Shahrazad of the Arabian Nights, who told 1001 stories to quell the murderous desire of the Persian King. As hope of rescue begins to fade, from Aya's tales of magic, brave heroes, wily thieves, greedy kings and cruel sultans, they find the strength they need to stay alive.

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

For as long as history has been recorded, girls haven't had much of a look in amongst all the great men we remember. But that doesn't mean they weren't there. And it doesn't mean that they didn't achieve great things, come up with wonderful inventions or win battles. Read the history of her-story.

The first Scorpions Under 14 Girls team from the Westpark Football Club has just been announced and this is their very first game. The Scorpions are up against the match-ready competition, the Eastvale Ravens. You can steer the Scorpions to victory by choosing what happens in the game in this choose your own adventure story!

The Westpark Scorpions are back for a second season. They have a new coach and some new players. Will they be victorious this year? In this choose-your-own adventure, it's up to you!

The haunting story centers on twelve-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community.

In Cairo, fifteen year old Aaron makes a living gathering garbage. But, Aaron has dreams of a better life, which includes Rachel who looks after the ponies that pull the stinking garbage carts. Aaron's skill at sorting glass is the only thing that keeps him alive. His mother is dead and his stepfather and stepbrother bully him. Aaron makes a choice that changes his life. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

Mare Barrow has Silver ability, the power to control lightning. As she makes her escape from Maven, the prince and friend who betrayed her, Mare discovers she is not the only one of her kind. Pursued by Maven, Mare sets out to recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. But, Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. Sequel to The red queen. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In a future world where death and illness have become eliminated by a benevolent AI, the only death which the human race knows comes through the order of Scythes. Highly trained and held to a high moral code, these men and women have few boundaries. However, they are still human and are susceptible to corruption and ego. This is a collection of stories about the various Scythes and their good, bad, and absurd moments as bringers of death.

A collection of stories about young women's experiences and dilemmas growing up as Lebanese Muslims in Australia. Humorous and empathetic insight into one of our diverse cultural groups, explaining customs and breaking down stereotypes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

After a somewhat disastrous first day in a new high school, Sasha finds herself in the tight and caring friendship circle with Abby, Brit and Christine. Together they form a tight and supportive unit. The girls become united in their frustration at the lack of sanitary products in their school bathrooms, and the lack of interest in their call for support. Rallied by Abby, the girls try to get their cause noticed, but it might go a little too far.

Football can be traced to ancient times. Read how the rules have changed, when football was banned and where football was played. The index will help you find when world cups were held and who played and about FIFA and famous players.

Kitty hates her mum's boyfriend, whom she calls Goggle-eyes. Yet, when he leaves, Kitty finds that she misses him.

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

Australia's gold rushes of the nineteenth century produced tremendous wealth and population growth for the struggling Australian colonies. People from all walks of life made the perilous journey to the goldfields, returning either fabulously wealthy or demoralised and broke. It was a time of huge political, social and cultural change. Includes diaries, journals, letters, official reports, newspaper articles of the time. A challenging read. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

Eleven little school girls are taken on an unexpected field trip to the gardens and they meet a poet. What follows is inexplicable and a shocking scandal. Will they tell what they know.

Lirael is no longer a shy Second Assistant Librarian, she's now the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, with a new hand, one of gilded steel and Charter Magic. When she discovers Nicholas Sayre lying unconscious, she uses her powers to save him. But the attack has left Nicholas tainted with Free Magic, so together they embark on a dangerous journey to seek help at Lirael's childhood home, the Clayr's Glacier. Ferin, a young woman from the distant North, is travelling to meet them, bearing a warning from Lirael's long-dead mother about the Witch With No Face. But who is the Witch, and what is she planning? Lirael must save the Old Kingdom from this great danger- and it must be forestalled not only in the living world but also in the cold, remorseless river of Death.

As an Aztec maiden, Itacate is destined to a lifetime of submission and domestic drudgery until the Spanish invaders come and violently turn her world of savage blood sacrifices and cultural boundaries upside down. Her strength of character, great skill in her father's profession and her love for a young invader help her endure tragedy and hardship in a harsh adult world. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Two years on Nathaniel is fourteen and has a responsible position in Whitehall. He is very pleased with his progress until he has to track down the perpetuators of a series of violent occurrences in London. They are widely believed to be the work of members of the mysterious Resistance who are working to remove the magicians from government. However, Nathaniel isn't so sure and he needs Bartimaeus's help.

Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek's throne as Prince of Austria and, finally, fall in love. But, their ship, the Leviathan, continues to detour farther away from the heart of the war and the crown. And, a potential relationship would be a lot easier if Alek knew Deryn was a girl, and if they weren't technically enemies. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

This is a book for anyone who has loved a dog and known their love in return. It uses real life situations to show how a dog can improve our mental and physical health as well as our quality of life. With each story, it becomes more and more obvious how dogs can support us, comfort us and even save our lives. Drawing on science, research and in depth personal interviews, this book demonstrates that the dog-human bond is the most extraordinary cross-species friendship on the planet.

Agatha has always been made to feel different because of the condition she was born with. Despite this, she patrols the sea wall with pride, even though there are some in her clan who question her right to be there. Jaimie is selected to be different. The clan choose a life path for him that may make him an outcast. He is a reluctant Angler, full of self doubt and afraid of the sea. When disaster strikes, the pair must embark on a terrifying journey to a land where forgotten magic and dark secrets lurk in every shadow. Everything has been taken from them What will they do to get it back?

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

According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (the world's only completely accurate book of prophecies, written in 1655, before she exploded), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner. So the armies of Good and Evil are amassing, Atlantis is rising, frogs are falling, tempers are flaring. Everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan. Except a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon - both of whom have lived amongst Earth's mortals since The Beginning and have grown rather fond of the lifestyle - are not actually looking forward to the coming Rapture. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Pierre wanted to be a good son. He wanted to be a good soldier. But the whole world was at war, and he couldn't be both.

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

Diverse stories about family ties and personal experiences, written by Australian and Irish authors. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Two years ago, Bridge, Tabitha and Emily made a pact never to fight, ever. Now, in high school, they are still friends but things are changing. Bridge meets Sherm, Emily is getting lots of attention from Patrick and Tab wants to save the world. A plan that quickly spirals out of control threatens their friendship.

My name is Johannes and this is the story of how an evil ogre named Hitler swallowed Frau Marks, Helga and I. But we survived. Now we need to learn how to live, and love again. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

William is evacuated to the countryside during the bombing of English cities in World War II. Mr Tom takes him in and turns his sad life around.

With news of the death of her father on a distant battlefield, 14-year-old Angelique Lacroix must grow up very quickly to take care of her mother and her farm so that her brother who is also away fighting, has something to return to. The only way to do that however, is to travel across war-torn France with her flock of Toulouse geese. She learns heartbreaking but valuable lessons along the way about the nature of human beings when pushed to the brink of survival, and what she is prepared to personally sacrifice to save the ones she loves.

In the near future, all communication devices are linked to individual users, no-one can use an electronic item belonging to someone else. The worst possible fate is to lose that link and become a disconnect. If you can't connect with your friends, you might as well cease to exist.

In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other on an island prison where women must fight to survive. Serina has spent her whole life preparing to become a Grace - selected to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining example of the perfect woman. But her headstrong and rebellious younger sister has a dangerous secret, and one wrong move could cost both sisters everything. Can Serina fight? And will Nomi win? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

A debut YA verse novel about what happens when the paths of a young busking violinist and an aspiring street artist collide during a pandemic. Set in one of the most locked-down cities in the world - Melbourne, 2020.

Raised as a boy, twelve year old Grayson has never felt comfortable in her own skin and longs to be able to express her true gender identity. She is a loner, eating her lunch in the library, trying to avoid the class bullies. Home is not much better. Although she has lived with her aunt, uncle and two cousins for years, she isn't close to them. They don't know the real Grayson. No one does. But, when Grayson impulsively signs up for school play tryouts and then auditions for the leading role, things begin to change.

It's school holidays and Gracey is coming home to Cunningham, a remote country town. Everything looks different, even frightening. When her brother, Dougy, finds three aboriginal bones, a chain of events causes Gracey to reconnect with her Aboriginal heritage. Includes coarse language and adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Gracie Faltrain is back and she couldn't be happier. Her team won the Championships, she scored a few goals and a boyfriend, as well. Just as she's settling down to a new season of soccer, the stakes are raised. Coach has entered the team in the Firsts - a boys only league. To prove herself, Gracie has to fight harder than ever before. The other teams will do anything to keep her out of the game, and if she makes it, they'll do anything to see her lose. But Gracie is sick of losing. She's sick of seeing friends, like Martin and Alyce, unhappy. Gracie decides it's time to take control and even the score for everyone, on and off the field.

Lucy is in love with Shadow, a mysterious graffiti artist. Ed thought he was in love with Lucy, until she broke his nose. Dylan loves Daisy, but throwing eggs at her probably wasn't the best way to show it. An intense and exhilarating twenty-four hours in the lives of four teenagers on the verge of adulthood and of finding out just who they are, and who they want to be. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Three friends seem to be on the verge of juvenile delinquency, terrorising an old woman who then comes to their aid when one of them is threatened.

Pearl and Vally Cole live in a bookshop. And not just any bookshop. In 1893, Cole's Book Arcade in Melbourne is the grandest bookshop in the world, brimming with every curiosity imaginable. Each day brings fresh delights for the siblings: voice-changing sweets, talking parrots, a new story written just for them by their eccentric father. When Pearl and Vally learn that Pa has risked the Arcade - and himself - in a shocking deal with the mysterious Obscurosmith, the siblings hatch a plan. Soon they are swept into a dangerous game with impossibly high stakes: defeat seven challenges by the stroke of midnight and both the Arcade and their father will be restored. But if they fail Pearl and Vally won't just lose Pa - they'll forget that he and the Arcade ever existed.

Jess is intrigued with her grandmother's life as a buffer girl in a cutlery shop in Sheffield.

As volcanoes begin erupting all over the world, spilling golden lava, the twins must go on a hunt for the wicked djinn who wants to rob the grave of the great Genghis Khan.

Bod appears to be a very normal boy, except that Bod is short for Nobody Owens, and Mr and Mrs Owens are not his real parents. Since babyhood, he has been raised and educated by ghosts trying to protect him from the mysterious Jack who has already brutally stabbed Bod's whole family. No one is to be trusted. For mature readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

The first volume of a glorious two-volume, four-colour graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning novel The Graveyard Book. Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place - he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings - such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead?

The second volume of a glorious two-volume, four-colour graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning novel The Graveyard Book. Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place - he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings - such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead?

So many ghosts are haunting the streets of Melbourne. When a plague of Lingerers, Moaners, Thugs and Weepers descend, Anton Marin and Rani need to work overtime to keep the people safe and send the ghosts on their way. When his long lost Aunt reappears through a portal to the Elsewhere, Anton is unsure if he can trust her, even more so when he realises her connection to the blood thirsty Trespassers, The ragged Sisters.

The biographies of twenty-three remarkable and diverse women who started on the paths to their exceptional lives while they were still girls.

In the waters where Australia meets the vast Pacific Ocean, grows the world's most famous reef. Schools of fish dart among the colourful corals, octopuses hide in dark corners and sharks patrol the clear waters above. Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef. In this stunning, illustrated guide, discover the plants and animals that live in this vast underwater trove.

It's a great escape, but will Peter survive it? When Peter's family leaves for a trip across the border, he stays behind. So when the government builds a wall through the city, guarded by soldiers, tanks and ferocious dogs, he's trapped. Everyone says he might never see his family again. But Peter has a courageous plan

Nicki Greenberg's adaptation of The Great Gatsby brings to life the grand and crumpled dreams of F. Scott Fitzgerald's unforgettable characters. In the exquisitely realised setting of 1920s New York, a throng of fantastical creatures play out the drama, the wry humour and the tragedy of the novel. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Grammar comes alive with stylistic images and typography. A visual journey through the world of grammar, with explanations of the rules and structures we use every day.

It's the first day of Grade Ten, and Winifred is going to reinvent herself. Now that her two best (and only) friends have transferred to a private school, Win must navigate high school on her own. Luckily, she isn't alone for long. In art class, she meets Oscar and April. They don't look or act like the typical teenagers in her town: they're creative, a little rebellious and seem comfortable in their own skin in a way that Win can only dream of. But even though Winifred is breaking out of her shell, there's one secret she can't bear to admit to April and Oscar, or even to herself - and this lie threatens everything. Win needs to face her own truths, but she doesn't need to do it alone. Through the healing power of clandestine sleepovers, op-shopping and zine publishing, Win finds and accepts what it means to be herself. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Very funny and historically accurate look at life in ancient Greece, set out in a newspaper layout.

The brothers are hired to investigate a death threat made to world-famous pop singer and actress, Minerva. However, the Greek celebrity seems to have plenty of enemies so it is hard to prove who actually wants her dead.

Within this series of short stories you will never be sure where reality ends and imagination begins. Paths are travelled by a variety of seekers, a boy searches for his true name, a beast discovers hope and a group of pilgrims is led by a song on a ancient journey. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Hester, Theo and Gabrielle have absolutely nothing in common. Their families come from completely different walks of life. But when Gabrielle develops the ability to grow plants from her skin, the three find themselves thrown together as part of the global "Greenfingers" project. Together they have to fight the corporations who want to harness these powers for money and work together to create a Green Rising.

Astrid is popular, clever and an environmental activist. Hiro is rude, resentful, and doesn't see the point of school. When they meet, Hiro's wrangling shopping trolleys and doesn't recognise Astrid, who's wearing a lobster suit to highlight a threatened species. She wants to change the world, he wants to survive it. But, ultimately, both believe that the world needs to be saved from itself. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

The Drew children combine with Great-Uncle Merry and Will Stanton to seek the Greenwitch and locate the stolen grail.

Will Stanton, visiting in Wales, is on a desperate quest to find the golden harp and to awaken the ancient Sleepers.

A boy writes a story about a symbolic Greylands to explain his mother's mental illness and her eventual death. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Erin Vincent's parents are killed in a terriblecar crash when she is just fourteen. The book recollects how Erin, her seventeen year old sister and three year old brother are left to cope on their own. A really powerful book that gives an honest account of being a teenager, and dealing with usual teenage concerns and real emotions in the aftermath of losing both parents.

Arthur Penhaligon's quest is to find the second piece of the Will and face the force of the lower house. He must save himself and the world. Arthur must embark on a number of underground escapades and he is racing the clock.

This is a compilation of ten stories about the human response to war, with settings such as the Falklands, Sarajevo and Jerusalem.

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.

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

People of African descent have been in Australia for at least 200 years, having arrived here in many different ways- directly from the continent; via the Caribbean, the Americas and the United Kingdom; making the journey to Australia over one generation, or several. What is it like to grow up African in Australia? This anthology showcases diverse voices, experiences and stories in order to answer that question. Accounts from well-known authors and high-profile cultural and sporting identities sit alongside newly discovered voices of all ages, with experiences spanning regions, cities and generations. All of the pieces call for understanding, oftentimes challenging stereotypes, always demanding respect. Growing Up African aims to defy, question or shed light on the many stereotypes that currently exist about the vibrant extended African community in Australia. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Fifteen year old Khalid isn't too excited about visiting his family in Pakistan but his Mum and Dad want him to go with them. For Khalid, a living nightmare begins. He is kidnapped and forced to go to a place no teenager should ever see, a place where torture and terror are considered normal. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

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

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.