Booklists

Mac has become a coolhunter for a popular webspace and won an all-expenses-paid trip to New York. His job is to find the Next Big Thing or be sent home. Mac gets taken to The Hive, where innovative kids are creating things way more cutting edge than anything you can buy. And, they're about to test an invention that could change the world. Mac has found the coolest thing in NYC but he's not allowed to tell a soul.

Mac's just crashed the latest prototype of his flying bike in front of the whole school. So, when the creators of Coolhunters tell him he's an Innovator, Mac thinks they're crazy. He lives in an old bus and doesn't have a TV, let alone a mobile. But, Tony and Speed suggest he compete to become the Australian coolhunter. But, hunting cool isn't easy and Mac's opponent will do just about anything to get the gig.

Luke lives in Australia with his mother and stepfather, Sam. Lulach lives in 9th century Scotland with his mother and stepfather, Macbeth. Knowing Macbeth to be a peaceful king, Luke wonders why Shakespeare made him a villain.

Chas finds a crashed German bomber plane with a machine gun intact. During 1941, he and his friends believe that they can help the war effort in England.

An estranged father applies for the job of housekeeper to his children.

Like Mike and Lisdalia, this book deals with the issues of adolescence with the added complication of living within two cultures. Maddie is a Vietnamese Australian.

Maddie and her mother are to be evicted from their home in the grounds of the Delamore's big house. Maddie and Delia Delamore take the dog for a walk. They enter an alley to find a gang of kidnappers waiting, with surprising results.

In a futuristic Tasmania, where our sun is dying, an alien appears who may be able to help.

Sophie and Josh Newman flee to Paris with Flamel and Scatty, with Dr Dee on their heels. Dee enlists the help of Niccolo Machiavelli to capture them, whilst Sophie learns Fire Magic and Josh seeks one who can awaken his powers.

Students at the Magisterium are supposed to be safe. Under the watchful eyes of the mages, they are taught to use magic to bring order to a chaotic world. But, now, the chaos is fighting back. After the shocking death of one of their classmates, Call, Tamara and Aaron must use the powerful magic they've been taught and risk their lives to track down the killer. But, magic is dangerous. In the wrong hands, it could bring terrible destruction and reveal the deadliest secret of all.

Callum Hunt's summer break isn't typical, especially when he discovers that his dad might be trying to destroy both him and his companion, Havoc, a wolf. Call escapes to the magical world of the Magisterium but the Alkahest, a copper gauntlet capable of separating magicians from their magic, has been stolen. In their search, Call and his friends attract some dangerous foes and discover an even more dangerous truth.

Think you know magic? Think again. The final instalment of the epic series from bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. A generation ago, powerful mage Constantine Madden came close to achieving what no magician had ever achieved: the ability to bring back the dead. He didn't succeed . . . but he did find a way to keep himself alive, inside a young child named Callum Hunt. Facing up to what he is, Callum has battled chaos and evil across four years of magical training at the Magisterium, eventually defeating the armies of chaos in an epic battle. It came at a cost. Now, triumphant and heartbroken, Callum Hunt has just about had enough, and is ready to complete his training. But the evil Callum faced has not given up just yet . . .

Most people would do anything to get into the Magisterium and learn about the world of magic. But, not Callum. He's been told his whole life that he should never trust a magician, so he tries his best to do his worst - but fails at failing.

A generation ago, Constantine Madden came close to achieving what no magician had ever achieved: the ability to bring back the dead. He didn't succeeed . . . but he did find a way to keep himself alive, inside a young child named Callum Hunt. Now Call is one of the most feared and reviled students in the history of the Magisterium, thought to be responsible for a devastating death and an ever-present threat of war. As a result, Call has been imprisoned and interrogated. Everyone wants to know what Constantine was up to -- and how he lives on. But Call has no idea. It is only when he's broken out of prison that the full potential of Constantine's plan is suddenly in his hands . . . and he must decide what to do with his power. In this spellbinding fourth book of the Magisterium, bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare take us beyond the realm of the living, and into the dangers of the dead.

Mulan has been drilled in martial arts to fight the duel of her life - but what if her sworn enemy is also her secret love? A heart-thumping retelling that brings a much-loved heroine to life.

Mahtab's family live in Herat in Afghanistan amongst the ever present Taliban. They decide to leave everything they hold dear behind and journey secretly to Australia via Pakistan and Indonesia. This is an amazing story of struggle and hope for a better future.

Ally and Cat have been friends for ever. Each girl plays their part in the friendship, but when Ally wants to make decisions to pursue interests different to Cat, problems arise. In the pick-a-path format, you make decisions for Ally and follow the story from one storyline to the next.

Sixth grade was so much easier for Danielle. All her friends were in the same room and she knew what to expect from her life. But now that she's in seventh grade, she's in a new middle school, her friends are in different classes and forming new cliques and she is completely lost. When Danielle inherits a magical sketchbook from her eccentric great aunt Elma, she draws Madison, an ideal best friend that springs to life right off the page! But even when you create a best friend, it's not easy navigating the ups and downs of relationships and before long Danielle and Madison are not exactly seeing eye-to-eye.

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

When Luke goes missing, his friends are dragged into the terrifying world of Malice, the underground comic. The evil Tall Jake takes children into a fantasy world where they can really die. It takes heroes like Seth and the loyalty of Kady to survive the violent, brutal comic-book pages. Be prepared to be very scared.

In the closing, catastrophic stages of Sri Lanka's civil war, Malini and her sister are separated from their parents, who are forced to act as human shields. Malini and Banni travel inland, through jungles and unsafe territories, seeking refuge with their grandfather in his village.They will need to stay alert for soldiers from all sides and work out who to trust.

Max Jones, country detective, is determined to uncover the truth about Possum, the town hermit.

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.

Fanny Price, a talented but unwanted guest at Mansfield Park, relies on her uncle Sir Thomas' protection to avoid being cast out by her cruel relatives. When Sir Thomas dies in a suspicious accident, Fanny discovers evidence of murder, but revealing it could cost her everything. Pressured by her friend and secret love Edmund to stay quiet, Fanny chooses instead to seek justice. Her investigation pulls her into the Bertram family's shadowy art business and the dazzling world of London society, complicated further by the arrival of the charming Crawfords and their bold proposal. With unexpected help from Lizzie Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, Fanny uncovers secrets that change everything, about the family, the murder, and herself. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Little street urchin ShaoShu has always wanted to belong. His small size makes him an easy target. This little 'mouse' always needs to find a place to hide. When he is befriended by Hok and Ying, he thinks he has found a new family, and eagerly tags along as they continue on their travels, not knowing that his new friends are the most wanted criminals in China.

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

Maphead, an alien boy, has the ability to produce maps of anywhere across his face.

Quinn Freeman may have won the race around the world, but when a new enemy appears he must travel beyond the edge of the map once more. Quinn is back! He finished his race around the world and is living a quiet life on the family farm, until he discovers that the King's enemies want to capture him. Quinn is forced to go on the run, taking to the high seas once more. Can he survive when he is double-crossed and left for dead?

Quinn, Ash, Zain and the crew of the Libertas are racing against the clock to get back to Verdania before the King's deadline. Quinn is trying to complete the first map of the whole world, while Zain must bring back enough treasure to satisfy the King. And, they're trying to win the race to the end of the world while enemies are trying to stop them from getting back at all.

Farm boy turned reluctant adventurer, Quinn, continues his voyage into the unknown, as the race to map the world continues. When the Libertas docks in an exotic jungle port, Quinn is captured by the ruthless Gelynion explorer, Juan Forden. On board Forden's ship, the Black Hawk, Quinn struggles to outwit his captors, makes new enemies and unexpected allies, and encounters bloodthirsty pirates.

The King wants a map of the world. But, everyone knows that if you sail too far in either direction, you would fall off the edge into the jaws of a fire-breathing dragon. With reluctant adventurers, a ship captained by a slave and a mysterious sea monster, Quinn has a fight on his hands just to survive.

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

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

The fictionalised diary of an adolescent Maria Antoinette beginning shortly before her arranged betrothal to Louis Auguste, the future and last king of France. Her diary includes descriptions of life at Versaille and an epilogue concludes the story.

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

Mariel is a young mousemaid who finds protection at Redwall Abbey after being caught in a sea storm. Mariel has no idea of her identity, which turns out to be vital in the battle against the evil sea rats.

When the strange creatures begin to appear in Mossflower Woods, it is clear that evil is abroad. A kidnapping and a cunning raid to steal the beautiful Redwall tapestry confirm the worst, that Redwall is under threat.

Raised on rival colonies on Mars, each long ago abandoned by Earth, Dee and Holt have been brought up to hate even the idea of each other. But when a mysterious object crash lands on a far flung plain, they both set out to investigate. Stranded in a hostile landscape, Dee and Holt must work together to survive while unpicking the web of lies they have both been told about their planet.

Tristan is heading to Mars, part of the colonising first fleet from Earth. He and his girlfriend, Izzy, are reality television stars for a reason - like their namesakes, Tristan and Isolde, their love story is destined for heartache. But it is the mysterious sabotage, aboard the spaceships hurtling towards Mars, that offers the most captivating aspect of the plot.

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

Badrang the Tyrant has his eyes set on ruling over his own empire and will do anything to make sure that his ultimate fantasy is fulfilled. Little does he realise that the quiet, nameless mouse he is holding captive will one day grow to be the legendary Martin the Warrior.

After surviving a shipwreck in 1766, Billy Marvel finds work in a London theatre. His family flourishes for generations as brilliant actors until 1900, when young Leontes Marvel is banished from the stage. Nearly a century later, Joseph Jarvis runs away from school and seeks refuge with an eccentric uncle in London. A gripping adventure and an intriguing invitation to decipher how the two narratives interconnect.

Mary, the young Scottish Queen, is sent a diary from her mother in which she records her experiences living at the court of France's King Henry II as she awaits her marriage to Henry's son, Francis.

Beka and her partner, Tunstall, are put on the biggest case of their lives. They are on the trail of kidnapping evil-doers who murder anyone that gets in their way or possesses any information about them or their organisation. Murder and treason are afoot, and Beka will be dealing with greedy nobles, a rising religious cult and a hunt throughout the kingdom that will either make her career, or end her life.

Cassia believes that Society provides only the best for its citizens. Everything and everyone is regulated, allocated and sharing is not permitted. Cassia is seventeen and excited about attending her Match Banquet, where she will learn the identity of her perfect Match. But, Cassia falls in love with another and is determined to make her own choices.

When Lexie sees Shane for the first time, she's blown away. Not only by the way he plays football (although that is great), but by his looks, and how he's not like the other boys. Best of all, he feels the same way about her. Electricity at first sight.

A collection of short stories about friendship.

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.

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

Slagar, the Fox is bent on revenge and determined to bring death and destruction to Redwall Abbey. His cunning and cowardly plan is to steal the Redwall children and Mattimeo, Matthias's son, is to be the biggest prize of all.

Mawson is seen undeniably for his leadership in this exciting and dramatic set of events that take place over a year when he and 18 others embark on a scientific expedition of observations measuring meteorological conditions mapping routes discovering new lands, learning valuable lessons for survival against the howling blasting winds of Cape Denison on the Antarctic continent. They are punished to within an inch of their lives. After months hunkered in their huts built as diligently as their ubiquitous penguins building their nests, until after a winter that nothing prepares them for sledging can begin. In 5 separate sledging parties they suffer blizzard and subzero temperatures forging into the unknown Magnetic south. Displaying skills of inventiveness, repurposing and rejigging, keeping safe and a sense of humour they face the ancient land whose willful and unpredictable character was determined long ago.

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.

Max Ride and her best friends are up against a deadly force that's racing across the globe. And Fang, Max's best friend and soulmate, is gone He's creating his own gang that will replace everyone, including Max. But, with Dylan ready and willing to fight by her side, Max can no longer deny that his incredible intensity draws her in. Soon, Max, Dylan and the rest of their friends will have to join forces with Fang for an explosive showdown in Paris that's unlike anything you've ever imagined.

Angel says that Fang will be the first to die, and Angel is never wrong. Fang is Max's friend, her soul mate, her partner in leading her flock of winged children. Life without Fang is unimaginable. When Dylan, a newly created winged boy is introduced into the flock, their world is upended yet again. Raised in a lab like the others, Dylan was designed to be Max's perfect other half. Thus unfolds a battle of perfection versus passion that terrifies, twists and turns. Meanwhile, the apocalypse is coming.

Max and her flock of virtually indestructible part-human, part-bird hybrids must rescue her human mum who has been kidnapped by a criminal mastermind, with an elaborate plan to wreak worldwide, ecological catastrophe. But, in order to rescue her, fourteen year old Max and the five members of her flock must team up with the US Navy to determine why millions of fish are dying off the coast of Hawaii.

As Maximum Ride boldly navigates a post-apocalyptic world, she and her broken flock are roaming the earth, searching for answers to what happened. All will be revealed in this last spectacular ride.

Maximum Ride and her faithful friends stand ready to face the two greatest threats that humankind has ever known. And this time, the enemy truly can't be stopped. The danger mounts just as Dylan has finally worked his way into Max's heart and just as her beloved Fang unexpectedly returns to the flock. An explosive confrontation between the two boys with a claim to Max's heart ensues, and the entire world hangs in the balance.

Max and her winged flock face their ultimate enemy and discover their original purpose to defeat a sinister experiment to re-engineer a select population into a scientifically superior master race and terminate the rest. Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel have always worked together but now they are torn apart, living in hiding and captivity, across the globe from one another so defeating the forces will be very difficult.

In a flying fight with the Erasers, Fang is injured so seriously that Max and the flock take him to hospital. With wings and avian DNA, it's obvious he's not a normal human and the FBI is called. The lead agent takes the flock home to her farm, where they live a normal life for the first time and begin to search for their birth parents. Then, everything falls apart and the flock of six face betrayal and extreme danger.

Fourteen year old Max and her adopted family, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy and Angel, were created as experiments in a lab and are genetically enhanced enabling them to fly. Jeb, a sympathetic scientist, helped them to escape and they are on the run from part-human, part-wolf predators, called Erasers, who have orders to kill them so that the world will never know they existed.

Max and the five other members of the flock, who can fly, are asked to help a group of environmental scientists studying the effects of global warming. The expedition seems a perfect combination of adventure, activism and escaping government forces who are watching them. But, even in Antarctica, Max is an irresistible target in constant danger. For whoever controls her powers could also control the world.

Liam O'Connor should have died at sea in 1912. Maddy Carter should have died on a plane in 2010. Sal Vikram should have died in a fire in 2026. But all three have been given a second chance - to work for an agency that no one knows exists. Its purpose: to prevent time travel destroying history . . . When Maddy finally unlocks fragments of the secret that Becks has been holding on to, the TimeRiders start to piece together their true purpose. Racing through time to connect the clues, the team discover a Mayan tribe and an ancient relic provides a vital link to the past and future.

Maybe Gabriek, Anya and Felix will escape the revenge Gogol's brother Zliv intends. Maybe they will evade a lynch mob still angry at the displaced Jews. Maybe Felix's medical abilities will provide the solution for a better new life on the other side of the world. Maybe Felix will have to leave his friends behind.

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.

Welcome to Florence, 1517, a world of intrigue, opulence, secrets, and murder. The Medici family rules the city from their seat of wealth, but the people of Florence remember the few decades they spent as a Republic, free from the Medicis and their puppet Pope, Leo X. Sharp-witted seventeen-year-old con-woman Rosa Cellini has plans for the Pope and the Medicis - and, more specifically, the mountain of indulgence money they've been extorting from the people of Tuscany. To pull off the Renaissance's greatest robbery, she'll recruit a team of capable misfits. Old secrets resurface and tensions in the gang flare as the authorities draw closer and the Medicis' noose pulls tighter around Tuscany itself. What began as a robbery becomes a bid to save Florence from certain destruction - if Rosa and company don't destroy each other first.

'Mystery plague rocks Europe' and 'Beckett kicks bucket' are feature articles in this wonderful newspaper crammed full of historically accurate references. Homestores catalogue, spot the difference competitions and a personal column also included.

A lifeless body. One of many in the waters of the Mediterranean. Precarious boats navigate the waters of the sea, from south to north. And more often than not, it is not only hope that drowns. With eloquent and devastating imagery, the creator of the multi-award-winning book The Island again asks us to examine our responses to the plight of refugees. How long will we remain silent witnesses?

Sophie lives with her mum and sister on a horse stud and we immediately discover that her life has been dramatically impacted by an accident involving her sister and dad a year earlier. Then a boy gets added to the narrative mix and a hurricane gives us the perfect setting for tension and adventure in this coming of age story.

Four years have passed since Evvy left the streets of Chammur to begin her training as a stone mage. At fourteen, she's unhappy to be on a new journey with her mentor, prickly green mage Rosethorn, who has been called to the Battle Islands to determine why the plants and animals there are dying.

A new perspective on the ANZAC tradition and the implications of war on different generations.

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

Tanmar's older brother is dead, her mum's gone away and her dad avoids talking about the things that really matter. Plagued by nightmares about her brother, Tamar has no interest in school or friends. When she discovers an old handwritten sheet of music and plays the tune, Tamar meets gifted violinist, Nathaniel, a man from her house's past. She is unwittingly drawn into a journey through time and music.

When a piece of glass angel smashes in front of him, Chris doesn't take any notice. Not even when a stranger tells him it's a warning. But, when Chris and his girlfriend are trapped on the moors, strange things start to happen.

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

Includes five long stories and a novella. A girl is sent across the world to discover her destiny in the dark tunnels of the Metro. Another seeks a lost sister in a park where winter lasts forever. A young man fulfils a dying wish. A mother works magic to summon a princess for her son. A man seeks an ending to his story. An old man goes in search of his shadow. This is a world of desire and transformation, the real and the not real.

Thirteen-year-old Mia lives on a bush block in the Pilbara, where she assists her mother's work as a vet and equine therapist. Although she is used to the seasonal cyclones that threaten the West Australian coast, nothing can prepare her for the ferocity of Cyclone Veronica when she finds herself home alone and needing to protect their property and the animals she loves. A compelling story of one girl's experience of 2019's Cyclone Veronica in Western Australia.

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

A very personal story about the loss of a loved one. It speaks to everyone whether they have experienced grief or not.

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.

It's a dog-eat-dog world, and Rafe Khatchadorian is just trying to live in it. Life in middle school is finally starting to seem bearable until Rafe spots his grandmother standing in the free-meal line at the local soup kitchen.To help earn some money for the family, Rafe concocts a brilliant plan, a dog-walking business that soon turns into a huge money-making neighbourhood empire. He'll even have extra cash to buy his own WormHole Deluxe Multi-Platform GameBox. That is, until two terrible twins launch the Great Dog War by sabotaging Rafe's flyers and stealing his customers. Plus, his bratty kid sister Georgia has skipped a grade so now she's in all of Rafe's classes. Throw a kid a bone.

After the worst year of his life, Rafe thinks he's it made in seventh grade. He's been accepted to art school and imagines a maths-free zone. But, It's more competitive than he expected and to score big in class, he needs to find a way to turn his boring life into the inspiration for a work of art. But, when his newest mission uncovers family secrets, he has to decide if he's ready to have his world turned upside down.

It's fair to say that Rafe's recent trip Down Under could not easily be called a success. In Australia, he and his Mom were forced to flee a pack of bloodthirsty zombies after the 'performance piece' by Rafe and The Outsiders traumatised Shark Bay. Yet, when Rafe receives an offer to attend an all-expenses paid campout in the Northern Territory, he takes precisely six seconds to agree.

Just when school was at its suckiest, things take a turn for the better when a cool, mysterious new girl shows up. Not only that, she actually wants to be my friend! But, you guessed it, things aren't that simple. And when Hollywood suddenly rolls into Hills Village, things get weird very fast. Somehow, unbelievably, I, Rafe Katchadorian, am in the movie business.

When I was told we were going to London to study Living History, I thought they were joking. But, here I am, Rafe Khatchadorian, global jetsetter. Now, all I need to do is find a way of avoiding the school bully, getting Jeanne Galletta to talk to me, and trying not to get lost in London. But, things are never that simple. So, fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight because this could be a very bumpy flight.

Rafe Khatchadorian is ready for a fun summer at camp until he finds out it's a school camp. Luckily, Rafe easily makes friends with his troublemaking cabin mates and bunkmate, a boy nicknamed Booger-Eater, who puts up with endless teasing from the other kids. Rafe soon realises there is more to a person than a nickname.

Rafe heads back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, where he's forced to take 'special' classes. He finds himself joining the school's football team, alongside his main tormenter, Miller the Killer. But, Rafe has grand plans for a better year: He decides to start a super-secret art project that's sure to rock the school. Then, if he manages to make a play to save his team, Rafe might have to deal wit something new, popularity.

When Rafe becomes the unlikely benefactor of a will, it's not all good news. Sure, he gets another free trip Down Under but he also has to go to school while he's in Sydney. Blergh. And not just any school . . . St Mungo's is the snobbiest of snobby establishments and you can bet your bottom dollar that Rafe won't quite fit in. Chaos ensues and Rafe is, once again, in the middle of a very big mess. Can he tidy this one up, or will he be sent packing with another black mark against the Khatchadorian name?

Georgia plans to excel at Hills Village Middle School in all the places her troublemaking brother failed. She's bet him that she'll become one of the most popular girls. But Rafe left a big mark and no one will give Georgia a chance. Rafe has sneakily signed up her band to play at the school dance, and she's terrified to embarrass herself in front of the snooty Princesses who run the school and the boy who's caught her eye. Will she be able to overcome her fears and win her bet with Rafe.

Life is finally starting to look up for everyone's favourite troublemaker, Rafe Khatchadorian. No bullying, zero girl dramas and rising grades. And, when Rafe wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Australia, he can't quite believe his luck. That is, until his dreams of beaches, surfer chicks and cuddly koala bears go horribly wrong. Australia isn't exactly the island paradise Rafe imagined. And, nobody mentioned the zombies.

Rafe is heading back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, the site of the worst years of his life. Rafe will repeat a year unless he can prove himself on an outdoor survival excursion, complete with dangerous white-water rafting, dizzying rock climbing and military style counsellors. But so far this is easy. Rafe and the rest of the pack of 'delinquent' trainees are forced to cooperate as they prepare for their final test.

Rafe has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he's got a plan for the best year ever, if he can pull it off. With his best friend awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's Code of Conduct. Chewing gum in class, running in the hallway, pulling the fire alarm. But when Rafe's game starts to catch up with him, he'll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he's finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he's been avoiding.

The Khatchadorian kids are an opinionated duo and they don't exactly see eye to eye. But, when wild-card Rafe and mostly-straight-laced Georgia go at it, the only thing more fun than their ranting is getting to join in. Their back-and-forth banter covers a range of topics,from bullying to cafeteria food to school dress codes. There's room for readers to share their own points of view.

This is the story from World War I of Guy Haydon and his horse, Midnight, as they enlist with the army, travel across the world and play a starring role in a great cavalry charge.

In the city of Agora, anything can be bought and sold. Even children are possessions until their twelfth birthday. Mark has been sold by his father, and Lily, an orphan from birth, has bartered for her life. Thrown together, they face an existence of poverty and servitude, unless they can find a way to break free. But, unbeknown to Mark and Lily, they are being watched by the ruler of the city.

Twig, the young sky pirate captain who had dared to sail over the Edge, returned with his memory shattered and his crew flung far and wide. But, to recover his memory and take action, Twig must first find his lost crew. This means a dangerous journey back into the Deepwoods and beyond.

Two gypsy boys, carrying a secret bundle, are fleeing through a war-ravaged countryside during the night and come across a small zoo, untouched by the war. The animals are in need of hope, as are the boys.

A courageous bear and a bold boy find themselves in a magical forest full of faeries. Unfortunately, the bear ends up in a dungeon but he devises a clever escape, and goes into battle to save the monarch. This wordless picture book, a companion to The boy, the bear, the baron, the bard, is loosely based on Shakespeare's play, A midsummer night's dream.

In 14th century England, Alyce is taken from a life on the streets to be an apprentice to a village midwife.

Australia's greatest river system now and then, with many stories about the people who lived on or in the Murray Valley. Includes archaeological finds, Aboriginal legends, riverboat traders and dam engineers.

Mike and his mother have moved from Melbourne to live in Sydney's west. Mike soon wishes they had never left. At school, he becomes the victim of a bully, Shane and meets Riny, a neighbour with a secret success story.

Millie's artist mum needs a change but Millie isn't so keen. When they move, Millie must start Year 7 in a new school. Fitting in and making friends is hard but Millie is a very special girl and mum's love interest, the new boyfriend, helps.

Thirteen year old Y-Tin is an elephant trainer. His life revolves around Lady and the other elephants in their small herd. But, this is Vietnam in 1975 and, now that the American forces are gone, the North Vietnamese threaten the Dega people of the Central Highlands. When the feared attack comes, Y-Tin is captured. He must risk his life and save his elephants by fleeing into the jungle.

Torrad discovers that he has an affinity with animals that allows him to control their minds. However, is his power strong enough to thwart the evil Psykhan's attempt to dominate human minds and become the ruler of Quentaris?

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.

Lisa wants to be a hero just like her big sister, Opal, more than anything in the world. So when a mysterious adventurer called Braun turns up in town, claiming that he knows how to defeat The Warden, Lisa jumps at the chance to join him on an epic quest in the End. Can Opal, Lisa and Braun work together to battle mobs, find The Warden and survive?

Ben Harvester doesn't make friends easily, preferring to spend his time and his talent for drawing in graveyards. It is in one such cemetery that Ben discovers another of his gifts, the ability to see the newly-dead. He is drawn into a battle of good against evil, with grotesque creatures seemingly gaining the ascendency, while Ben is both the cause of the trouble and also its solution.

Men and women prove their worth in this exciting adventure. Minna, a Briton and a blacksmith's daughter, raises a sickly foal, commandeered by her brother, Cerdic, when he joins the soldiers. As bloodthirsty pirates plan to waylay the tiny Roman outpost, Cerdic and Minna risk all so that she can find reinforcements to save all their lives and that of her beloved defender, Theo.

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.

Tamsin must travel to the mysterious world of Avalon where she survives. Tamsin makes her way back into the mortal world however she discovers that she is cursed. Tamsin must break the curse before it breaks her.

Keith's parents have become morose because of the grey, English weather. Keith intends to cheer them up with a trip to tropical, northern Australia.

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

Mackenzie's world has been turned upside down with the disappearance of her mother following a scientific journey photographing bats in Panama. Her father's sudden and rash decision for Mackenzie to join him in searching for Maggie where she was last seen becomes even more unsettling when he becomes ill and Mackenzie must decide what to do when she comes across some potentially helpful information.

Suitable for mature readers. We follow the growing relationship between a young pickpocket and 'the creature', as together they pursue the elusive Dr Frankenstein. Set in 1800s London.

Arthur Penhaligon is not supposed to be a hero. He is, in fact, supposed to die an early death, but he is saved by a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. Arthur is safe but his world is not and Arthur must do what he can.

Maria discovers a group of Lilliputians and must protect them from her governess and a cunning vicar.

The Ravens sorority are witches. They need to protect themselves and their secret. After the last semester's disaster, they are determined to restore the balance and get back to being the ruling sorority on campus. When magic starts to go wrong, and a rival sorority is gaining power, their future could be in jeopardy. Scarlett, Vivi and their sisters need to protect their coven and Westerly from an unknown evil.

Seventeen-year-old Kay left her sleepy hometown after the devastating death of her friend, Ivy. But when her parents go on holiday without her, Kay is forced to come back to stay with her cousin. And her return comes with a bang. Because when Kay arrives, it's to find an anonymous letter on her bed. The letter tells her that there will be a thrill on Tuesday, a wreckage on Wednesday, treachery on Thursday, a fire on Friday, sabotage on Saturday, a stabbing on Sunday and her murder on Monday. And if Kay can't figure out who is behind the threats, the worst day of the week is about to get deadly.

Maloa is a young monk trained in Monkey style Kung Fu. Maloa loves joking around but now finds himself all alone in the woods and being hunted by hostile soldiers. Suddenly, his life is not as much fun as it used to be.

The year is 2425. Centuries after a catastrophic meteor collision, nature has retaken the earth. In a small town in what was once England, young Ocean Mooney and the monkey-owning Duke Smiff have just dug up a 400 year-old tablet computer. Meanwhile, in the present day, Thomas Reeve and his genius cousin Kylie create the Time Tablet - a device which they hope will allow them to communicate with the future. But when the Time Tablet malfunctions live on television, Thomas and Kylie are sucked into the year 2425 - and have only 24 hours to return home, and save the future of humanity...

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.

Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill. But tonight is different. Tonight when he wakes, there is a monster at his window. it wants something from Conor. It wants the truth.

Ellie Marsden was born into the legendary Lovinger acting dynasty. Grandmother of the infamous Lottie Lovinger as a child Ellie shared the screen with Lottie playing the child monster in a cult indie horror movie. The experience left her traumatised and estranged from family members. Now 17, Ellie has returned home to Hobart as Lottie is dying and Ellie wants to make peace with her before it's too late. Ellie meets Riya, a young film buff who leads a feminist horror film club. Is this someone she could show her true self to and at last come to terms with her family's legacy. LISTEN ON BOOK BITES! You can listen to Danielle Binks read the first chapter of this book on the PRC's Book bites podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or The Arts Unit website! Copy and paste this URL into your browser to start listening! https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/listen-the-arts-unit/literature-and-language-arts/book-bites/7-9-book-list#the-monster-of-her-age-danielle-binks

On a school visit to a nuclear power plant, Cameron Reilly and other students are killed by an explosion, created by a mad scientist to gather more subjects for genetic experimentation. Cameron and the others are physically altered, with scavenged body parts and bionic implants, to create an army of superhuman soldiers.

All 16-year-old Connor is trying to do is avoid his ex-best friend when he stumbles upon a trapdoor to a secret chamber under his school. But when Sally Rodgers breaks into the same secret chamber looking for an ancient being, things take an unexpected turn and Connor's life will never be the same again. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

It's the Great Depression, and Abilene and her dad have moved around a lot, just trying to survive. Abilene is sent to stay in Manifest, a small town in Kansas, where her dad lived as a boy. When Abilene discovers a box of mementos under the floorboards, she begins to solve many mysteries about her Dad's past and the town of Manifest, and to come to terms with her own personal questions.

The Moon is the only natural satellite of the Earth and, since prehistoric times, it has been an object of fascination. Even after man has walked on the moon, it has retained its romantic appeal. The fortieth anniversary of the Moon landing provides an opportunity to look at that historic journey and to view the Moon from historic, scientific, artistic, literary and musical angles.

Short stories with twisted endings and horror themes including The hitchhiker, The sound of murder, Burned, Flight, Howard's end, The elevator, The phone goes dead, Twist cottage and The shortest horror story ever written.

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

As thirteen year old Bosnian refugee, Raiko, trains with an Aboriginal mate, Jay, his Olympic dream quickly draws both the local doctor and soccer coach to his side.

A prequel to Redwall. Martin, the warrior, finds himself trespassing on the land of Verdagua, king of a thousand eyes and embroiled in a battle between good and evil against Verdagua's ruthless daughter, Tsarmina.

A moving tale of secrets and survival bound together by the power of music. When Lesley is sent to interview world-renowned violinist Paulo Levi, she is told that she can ask him anything at all -- except the Mozart question and that presents no problem at all because she has no idea of what that means.

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

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

The Baron of Muddle Earth's only hope is an incompetent wizard, a boy, his dog, a cynical budgerigar, a not-very -big ogre and an intrepid silver teaspoon. Anything could happen in the land of pink, stinky hogs and exploding gas frogs.

Jim Liddell is different from other thirteen year old boys, living in a world of imagination. He takes home the class pet, a mudlark called Mudlark. Its escape teaches Jim some lessons and helps him come to terms with his mother's death.

Orphaned twelve-year-old Hattie travels to the remote and mist-shrouded Fens to live with her Egypt-obsessed aunt and uncle. It is 1873 in England. Her aunt hosts ancient Egyptian mummy-unwrapping parties in London, aided by the mysterious and sinister Ravens. When the mummy supply unexpectedly runs out, the family embarks on a perilous and illegal search for more, a thousand miles up the Nile.

Colonel Protheroe, the much-loathed magistrate of St Mary Mead, has been found shot through the head. It isn't his murder that raises eyebrows, it's the scandalous secrets his death exposes. Miss Marple has her work cut out to find the right trail to the killer who obviously has something to hide. Beautifully illustrated by Norma.

When the wife of the expedition leader of a large archaeological dig in Mesopotamia starts receiving letters from her dead husband, she is terrified. When she turns up dead in a room that nobody could have entered, it is up to Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, and the nurse to find the answer. Beautifully illustrated by Chandre.

13 year old Grace loves her new charity shop coat. It is perfect! Except for one tiny thing. When she wears it, she sees visions of the previous owner's life....and their murder! Grace and her best friend, Suzy, decide to investigate but digging up the past reveals secrets some people want kept hidden. Can Grace solve a fifty-year-old murder or will she become the killer's next victim?

This is what happens when you put a pair of unemployed teenagers in charge of a murder investigation. What we lack in investigative skills we make up for in free time. Heidi's meant to be having the time of her life on exchange in Switzerland, but instead she's cold, alone and on an involuntary dairy-free diet. So when she hears the news of her brother Felix's death, she's quick to jump on the first plane home to Perth. To be completely honest, Felix wasn't that much of a brother, so Heidi's not that sad - but she's not exactly happy either. Thanks to an epic betrayal by her (ex) best friend and (ex) boyfriend, Heidi has absolutely nothing to do and no one to talk to. No one, that is, except Patrick, the wisecracking younger brother of Felix's widow, who convinces her that they need to investigate her brother's mysterious demise. Can Heidi and Patrick get to the bottom of Felix's death - and do they really want to?

When Ben's Dad leaves home, Ben and his Mum move to the country to find a better life. Their neighbour, Luke, bullies Ben remorselessly about his city ways and his pet crow, Joe. When Luke threatens to hurt Joe, the crows take their own revenge.

The murder of a wealthy widow in a small English village leads Hercule Poirot into a strange mystery involving a determined, curious spinster, the local doctor and a wide range of suspects. All have possible motives and mysterious, sinister relationships. Beautifully illustrated by Bruno Lachard.

By the time Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, receives Monsieur Renauld's urgent plea, the millionaire has been stabbed to death and is lying in a newly dug grave on the golf links adjoining his estate. The suspects are many - the ignored wife, the embittered son and the demanding mistress. The police think they have the culprit but Poirot begs to differ. Beautifully illustrated by Marc Piskic.

Sally Jones is not only a loyal friend, she's an extraordinary individual. In overalls or in a maharaja's turban, this unique gorilla moves among humans without speaking but understanding everything. She and the Chief are devoted comrades who operate a cargo boat. A job they are offered pays big bucks, but the deal ends badly, and the Chief is falsely convicted of murder. For Sally Jones this is the start of a harrowing quest for survival and to clear the Chief's name. Powerful forces are working against her, and they will do anything to protect their secrets.

Like her father and mother, Merrith is apprenticed to become an assassin with the Murderers' Guild. But, Merrith is hopeless with a dagger and sword, inept at mixing poison and doesn't want to kill people. Her talent seems to lie elsewhere.

Heloise lives with her godmother in an isolated cottage and, next door, is a sinister museum dedicated to the memory of Mary Child. Visitors enter it with a smile but depart with fear in their eyes. When Heloise finds a doll under the floorboards, she keeps it against her godmother's advice. That's when the delicate truce between Heloise and her godmother begins to unravel.

Rosa goes to the Ballarat goldfields with her parents in 1854, during the lead up to the Eureka Stockade. She keeps a daily journal of her experiences - a fresh and interesting minutiae of daily life on the goldfields.

As the horrors of the First World War are drawing to a close, an influenza pandemic has arisen that will kill more people around the world than the Great War. Charlotte McKenzie, assisting the doctor, finds herself experiencing first hand the effects of this devastating disease. This is Charlotte's diary, written in post World War I Melbourne in 1918.

Billy Shanghai Hamilton has been snatched by pirates in the Torres Strait and forced to work on a pearling boat. Greed for pearls drives men mad and the seas are full of danger. Soon Billy is fighting for survival in a dangerous world of assassins, treasure hunters, deep-sea diving, underworld crime and mutiny.

A fictionalised account of the devastation wrought by Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve, 1974. Fourteen year old Ryan shares his perspective of life in Darwin with stories of his family life, his friendships and his first girlfriend.

Jack McLaren, a fourteen year old, is offered a mechanics apprenticeship in Longreach, Queensland. He gets to travel north with two World War 1 pilots in a model T Ford, finding the best route for an air race. The beginning of QANTAS.

Victor March is 14 years old and looking for adventure. He lies about his age and enlists in the 10th Battalion to fight in the Great War. He is among the first soldiers to land at Anzac Cove in 1915 and his world will forever change.

During World War II, Archie's two brothers are fighting the Japanese in the jungles of New Guinea. In his diary, Archie records how Townsville becomes a base for the pacific campaign, as the Australian coastline reels under Japanese bombs. Archie also records his own battle against the local bully.

Adventures on the high seas for an accidental stowaway with a mysterious and frightening past. But, it is yet to be established if the stowaway is Jules, or Julienne.

Kitty wrote her diary living in the slums of the Rocks in 1900. She describes the harsh experiences of her surroundings and details of life in early twentieth century Sydney.

The Taliban in Afghanistan are seeking out young boys to become fighters. Fourteen year old Ali is smuggled out on a small boat. After a gruelling journey, Ali is rescued and transferred to Woomera Detention Centre in the Australian desert.

Life in the early days at Sydney Cove is told through the diary of a young girl.

David Bellamy is afraid. He fears the strange new land of New South Wales, its inhabitants and its wild creatures. He fears his relatives who have taken him in and the swearing, cursing Governor Bligh. And then, on Anniversary Day, 26th January, 1808, David and his new friends, Kitty and Ralph, are on the streets of Sydney Town when the military march on Government House.

Mary is ten when she begins to write in her diary. She documents her life as an Aboriginal child who was taken from her natural parents and raised by a non-Aboriginal foster family. Mary doesn't fit in and starts to question why.

The author's life on the island of Corfu with his family and an assortment of animals.

"What happens when your closest family are the prime suspects in a murder mystery? Spending a weekend visiting her step-grandmother and hanging out with relatives at the family farm isn't 14 year-old Ruth's idea of fun, especially when there is no internet or phone reception, and there is the added complication of trying to suppress her crush on her sort-of-cousin 15 year-old Dylan. But when the sudden and suspicious death of step-grandmother GG keeps the extended family trapped at the farmhouse, it gives Ruth and Dylan a chance to solve the murder mystery themselves." LISTEN ON BOOK BITES! You can listen to Kate Emery read the first chapter of this book on the PRC's Book bites podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or The Arts Unit website! Copy and paste this URL into your browser to start listening! https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/listen-the-arts-unit/literature-and-language-arts/book-bites/7-9-book-list#my-family-and-other-suspects-kate-emery

From the shores of Anzac Cove and beyond, the Gallipoli peninsula was the place where thousands of men fought, suffered, endured or died during the eight months of occupation in 1915. For each of them, their nurses and their families, Gallipoli means something different.

When a boy has bullies, a scary monster lurking about at night, and a strange noise outside his window to contend with, the last thing he expects is for a little green tree frog to be his saviour. But he names the frog Girragundji and together they learn how to be brave and face the world together.

Mina empties her thoughts, stories and dreams into her notebook, creating an extraordinary journal of her transition from school to homeschool and of life in her neighbourhood. Prequel to Skellig, also on 7-9 booklist,

Will Thompson is a bit of a misfit. He verges on dyslexia, provokes numerous family problems and has something of a bizarre view of life. He rises to a degree of fame, if not notoriety, when he and two of his friends take on the state to stop the closing of the Goongara Learning Centre.

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

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.

Since the death of his sister, Rose, in a terrorist attack, life for ten year old Jamie has been torn apart. A move to the country with his dad and older sister only increases Jamie's torment. His father mourns through alcohol and a wild rage against the killers. Jamie is bullied at his new school and yearns for his absent mother. Jamie knows he should feel sadder but he barely remembers his sister.

Sixth-grader artist Ash, who has been in foster care most of her life, struggles with an ancestral tree assignment, but soon discovers the true meaning of family.

Jenkin Lloyd is fourteen and about to embark on the adventure of his life when he goes off to war, as an archer, for King Henry V to fight against the 60,000 strong French troups at Agincourt. Jenkin knows there is not much chance of surviving the day.

Amelia Earhart was the first female aviator to cross the Atlantic. This courageous pilot disappeared in terrible weather conditions after flying out of Australia. She believed women must attempt the same challenges as men.

When the potato blight strikes Ireland, fourteen year old Phyllis McCormack goes into service to help feed her family.

Now Paul Lelaud has turned fourteen years old, he can escape from his Nazi sympathising teacher, Monsieur Armignac. He desperately wants to do something to free France of the Germans so his Uncle Maurice takes him into the French Resistance.

Thomas Morris thinks something mysterious is going on in Bunbury. The telegrams he delivers carry cryptic messages and strangers are acting in odd ways. Tom writes down his exciting adventures as he becomes part of a mysterious and amazing plot.

Peter is the son of a merchant sailor during the Second World War whose father survives a bombing by a German U-Boat. This motivates Peter to be more actively involved in the English war effort.

Kitty is a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) nurse stationed at Standhaven military hospital. She doesn't know if she has it in her to nurse the young wounded soldiers coming in from France but they desperately need her help.

From the True Stories series, here are tales of hidden treasure and lost temples deep in the rainforests.

The keepers of the Eilean Mor lighthouse all disappeared without a trace. Find out what secrets the lighthouse hides in this picture book for older readers.

Aboard the luxurious Blue Train running from London to the Riviera, a pampered millionaire's daughter, Ruth Kettering, is found murdered and her expensive jewels stolen. There is talk of the infamous jewel thief, the Marquis, but Poirot's suspicion falls closer to home and Ruth's unhappy marriage. The Belgian detective is not to be trifled with. Beautifully illustrated by Marc Piskic.

After a frightening car accident, Izzy's mum is in a coma. Her family is in pieces. Her best friend at school has dumped her. And her nightmares are haunted by a shadowy man stealing all the colours from her world. She's trying so hard to be brave, but Izzy thinks everything is her fault. Then she meets her new neighbour, Toby, paralysed after a skateboarding accident, and together they find a nest of cygnets who need rescuing. Particularly the odd one out, called Spike. Will saving Spike save Izzy? Will she and Toby solve the mystery of the colour thief and bring hope and happiness back to Izzy's life? Written with insight, compassion and empathy - an authentic story about real life and how to survive it.

Shey can't resist exploring the locked room in Uncle Ruben's house. Looking through a pair of antique opera glasses, Shey is transported to a strange land depicted in one of Ruben's paintings where there are lots of clues to be followed.