Booklists

Challenge Level : K-2 Challenge Level : 3-4 Challenge Level : 5-6 Challenge Level : 7-9 Challenge Level : 9plus

Hash This title is usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

ID Title Author  
655264

Hash
Racing in the rain (young readers edition)
Enzo knows he is different from other dogs. Most dogs love to chase cars, but Enzo longs to race them.He learns about racing and the world around him by watching TV and by listening to the words of his best friend, Denny, an up-and-coming race car driver, and Denny's daughter, Zoe, his constant companion. Enzo finds that life is just like being on the racetrack-it isn't simply about going fast.Applying the rules of racing to his world, Enzo takes on his family's challenges and emerges a hero. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780062935076
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2019
Stein, Garth
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13281

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Racing the moon
In 1930s Glebe, Joe Riley has to be creative to make pocket money. He's watched his dad keep ahead of the law and he's sure that he can too. When his parents send him to a Catholic boarding school, Joe is homesick and lonely. He meets the darker side of human nature and is at odds with the school, especially Brother Felix. Expelled, Joe is sent to a reform school where life is tough. But, through working the land, Joe eventually finds inner strength, peace and true freedom. Mature themes. Usually read by Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781743316351
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2014
Morgan, Michelle
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804527

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Radio silence
What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong? Frances has always been a study machine with one goal, elite university. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret - not even the person she is on the inside. But when Frances meets Aled, the shy genius behind her favourite podcast, she discovers a new freedom. Then the podcast goes viral and the fragile trust between them is broken. Caught between who she was and who she longs to be, Frances' dreams come crashing down. Suffocating with guilt, she knows that she has to confront her past - She has to confess why Carys disappeared. Meanwhile at uni, Aled is alone, fighting even darker secrets. It's only by facing up to your fears that you can overcome them. And it's only by being your true self that you can find happiness. Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780007559244
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2016
Oseman, Alice
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11838

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Raven's gate
Matt thinks he has trouble when the police catch him for a not so petty crime but that is nothing compared to when he is rescued by a supposedly do-gooding guardian. The darkest, black magic is unleashed and Matt begins to understand that he is not only different, but that it is up to him, alone, to escape the torture of these cruel, violent, supernatural forces and to stop them. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781844286195
Series Power of Five series (1 of 8)
Publisher Walker Books, 2005
Horowitz, Anthony
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63242

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Raven's gate: the graphic novel
Sent to Yorkshire on a rehabilitation programme, Matt finds himself in the midst of a conspiracy of witchcraft and murder, and that he, alone, stands between the forces of evil and the annihilation of humanity. Featuring striking, high-contrast black-and-white art, this distinctive graphic novel captures the requisite brooding atmosphere. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781406306477
Series Power of Five series (8 books)
Publisher Walker Books, 2010
Topics / Graphic novels /
Horowitz, Anthony & Lee, Tony (adapt) & O'Connor, Lee (ill) & Reardon, Dom (ill)
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6941

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Ready player one
It's 2044, and the world has become an ugly place. We're out of oil. We've wrecked the climate. Famine, poverty, and disease are widespread. Wade Watts escapes this depressing reality by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia where you can be anything you want to be. And like most of humanity, Wade is obsessed by the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this alternate reality- OASIS founder James Halliday, who dies with no heir, has promised that control of the OASIS will go to the person who can solve the riddles he has left scattered throughout it. For years, millions have struggled to attain this prize. And then Wade stumbles onto the key to the first puzzle. Suddenly, he finds himself pitted against thousands of competitors in a desperate race to claim the ultimate prize, a chase that soon takes on terrifying real-world dimensions. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780099560432
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2012
Cline, Ernest
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3606

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Realms of the gods, The
Daine and her mentor are about to be killed when Daine's parents, who are gods, sweep the pair up into their domain. They are saved, but both Daine and Numair want to return to mortal regions to help their country fight against the deadly foes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780679882916
Series The Immortals quartet series (4 of 4)
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 1998
Pierce, Tamora
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35091

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Rebel
When she died and came back as a Reboot, Wren 178 thought she'd left her human side behind. Then, Callum 22 came along and changed everything. Now, they have both escaped the Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation, ready to start a peaceful life. But, Micah 163, who runs the reservation, has darker plans to wipe out the humans. All of them. Some violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781743316702
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2014
Tintera, Amy
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1402

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Reboot
After she was shot dead, Wren Connolly came back to life in 178 minutes as a Reboot, stronger, faster, able to heal and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are on return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot around. Callum 22 is slow and pesky but he makes Wren feel alive. When ordered to eliminate Callum, Wren risks her life to save him. Some violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781743315507
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2013
Tintera, Amy
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6869

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Reckless
The love of an older brother and a girlfriend must be strong enough to overcome terrifying obstacles or Will is lost to them forever. This is Jacob's story, he is familiar with this treacherous, violent land full of intrigue, power-lust, violence, cruelty, fear, dangerous liaisons and dark secrets. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781905294855
Publisher Chicken House, 2010
Funke, Cornelia
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94547

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Red cardigan, The
Evie sees things. She's wary of the other kids at school- she doesn't want them to see her drawings or know how different she is...what would they say? She tries hard to block it all out and pretends to be normal, just like every one else. But a missing girl is trying to tell Evie something. A girl who is very persistent, who will not give up. A girl who once wore the red cardigan Evie now wears. As much as she tries, Evie can no longer ignore the question that demands an answer...who is the girl in the red cardigan? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780759320291
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2004
Burke, J. C.
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70369

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Red haze: Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam
A balanced view of the Vietnam War is presented but it does not tell the whole story, nor does it pretend to. For mature students, the book has evocative and harrowing descriptions of war, the role of the allied soldiers and the tactics of the Vietcong. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781876372958
Publisher Black Dog Books, 2006
Davidson, Leon
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54719

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Red necklace, The
Yann Margoza, a gypsy boy with supernatural gifts, raised by a dwarf, Tetu, is pursued by the sinister, truly-evil Count Kalliovski who holds half the French aristocracy in his power. Yann meets Sidonie, the unloved daughter of the Marquis of Villeduval. Suddenly, all their lives, present, past and future are intertwined against the momentum and violence of the French Revolution. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781842556344
Publisher Orion, 2008
Gardner, Sally
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6518

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Red Queen
The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite with god-like superpowers. When Mare Barrow begins work in the Silver Palace, she discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power. This is a world of betrayal, lies and danger. Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781409155843
Publisher Orion, 2015
Aveyard, Victoria
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18692

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Red shoe, The
For three sisters growing up in Australia in the 1950s, the news is full of the Petrov affair and spies. Their ordinary lives are juxtaposed with their parents' marriage, their father's attempted suicide and the big events of the adult world. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781741142853
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2006
Dubosarsky, Ursula
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4250

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Reign of shadows
Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok's lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna's survival depends on the world believing she is dead. But that doesn't stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized. With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 & above.
ISBN 9780062377654
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2017
Jordan, Sophie
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8128

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Rest of us just live here, The
It's not easy when the Chosen One goes to your school. The one who fights the zombies or the soul-eating ghosts or whatever new thing there is. Mikey just wants to graduate and find the courage to ask Henna out before school gets blown up, again. Sometimes, there are problems bigger than this week's end of the world and you have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life. Mature themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781406331165
Publisher Walker Books, 2015
Ness, Patrick
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3630

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Restaurant at the end of the universe, The
If you've done six impossible things this morning, why not round it off with breakfast at Milliways, the Restaurant at the end of the Universe? Which is exactly what Arthur Dent and the crew of the Heart of Gold plan to do. There's just the small matter of escaping the Vogons, avoiding being taken to the most totally evil world in the Galaxy and teaching a space ship how to make a proper cup of tea. And did anyone actually make a reservation? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781529034530
Series Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy series (2 of 5)
Publisher Pan MacMillan, 1984
Adams, Douglas
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70992

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Richard III
Set in medieval times, Richard III seizes the English crown by plotting the murders of his brother, his nephew and niece, the sons of his brother King Edward IV and poisoning his own wife. A scheming and seductive rogue is portrayed in one of the bloodiest chapters of the British monarchy. Graphic novel llustrated by Patrick Warren. Graphic (Manga) novel with authentic Shakespearean text. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780955285639
Series Manga Shakespeare series (4 of 9)
Publisher SelfMadeHero, 2007
Topics / Graphic novels /
Shakespeare, William & Appignanesi, Richard (adapt)
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6077

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Richard III
Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is determined to gain the crown of England from his brother, the Yorkist King Edward IV. He woos the widow, Lady Ann at the funeral of her father-in-law, King Henry VI. She yields to his advances and marries him. Usually read by Students in Years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780521735568
Series Shakespeare original plays mature reads (15 books)
Publisher Cambridge University Press, 2009
Shakespeare, William & Lull, Janis (ed)
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328

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Rift
Vaughan gets caught up with an evil Pastor who has created division in his town. He desperately wants to belong. In fact, Vaughan wants to gain entry to the gang so badly he is willing to accept their terrifying challenge. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780733608797
Publisher Hodder Headline Australia Pty Ltd, 2002
Hathorn Libby
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587800

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Rift, The
When the Rift opens, death follows. For generations, the Rangers of Black Water Island have protected its sacred creatures from the horrors released by the powerful Rift. Cal West, an apprentice Ranger with rare gifts, fights daily to prove he belongs with the other rangers. Meg Archer, an old friend, returns to Black Water Island after nine years only to discover that the Island is facing a new threat that no one is prepared for. Can Meg and Cal fight their darkest fears to save the Island from disaster? Usually read by students in Year 9, 10 & above.
ISBN 9781760650025
Publisher Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd, 2018
Craw, Rachael
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846219

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Righteous, The
Only half-fey Arjun Desai can cross the realms to the Sylvan Vale to find a healer who can save his dear friend Odette. Leaving the tare between the realms open, he is oblivious to the fact that Pippa has observed his departure and followed him through in her quest to find Celine. The dangerous, duplicitous world on the other side of the gateway is no place for a sheltered mortal, especially one who is engaged and confused by feelings for a half-fey. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781529368413
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton, 2021
Ahdieh, Renee
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1940

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River charm, The
Millie lives in the bush with her mother and sister when, with the help of an old charm, she gains access to the past. There we meet Charlotte Atkinson, whose family is in danger of losing their beloved home, as well as their lives, due to marauding convicts, bushrangers and an abusive stepfather. The law is against Charlotte and her mother, but they're determined to survive. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781742757124
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2013
Murrell, Belinda
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684601

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River of royal blood, A
Born a princess but with a magick so frightening no-one can teach you how to use it. Born into a world that you could one day rule as queen, however to do so you will need to fight your sister in a battle to death. This is Eva's life. if she is to be Queen she needs to master her dangerous magick and kill her sister or be killed herself. Will her mother the Queen support her or her sister, will her absent father be her ally or her sister's? Can Eva trust the strange fairy hunter who has offered to tutor her in her magick and who is the khimaer prince who has appeared to 'protect her' and what can she do about her growing feelings towards him. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780525518587
Publisher Penguin Random House Australia, 2019
Joy, Amanda
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Road to winter series
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.
Series Road to winter series (3 books)
Smith, Mark
No book cover.
2769

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Road to winter, The
Since a deadly virus and the ensuing violence wiped out his parents and his community, Finn and his loyal dog have survived two winters on the rugged coast. He avoids the Wilders, a dangerous gang, led by the ruthless Ramage. But, when Rose runs onto the beach, she needs Finn's help. She is a Siley, an asylum seeker, who has escaped from Ramage. Rose is desperate and sick, and her younger sister is still missing in the bush. Ramage wants them back, at any cost. Challenging read. Usually read by Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781925355123
Series Road to winter series (1 of 3)
Publisher Text Publishing Co, 2016
Smith, Mark
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846124

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Road tripping with Pearl Nash
The summer is finally here, and Pearl Nash is on a mission to save her slowly disintegrating friendship with a whirlwind end-of-year road trip. However, suddenly Pearl ends up stuck in the middle of the desert beside Obi Okocha, a boy with an irritating attitude. Add a breakdown, multiple arguments, an AWOL nana and a kiss; the perfect ingredients for a perfect disaster. Or is it? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781743058435
Publisher Wakefield Press, 2021
Nwosu, Poppy
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6135

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Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet fall in love at a party. But they come from families which hate each other. They are sure they will not be allowed to marry. Nevertheless, helped by Friar Laurence, they marry in secret instead. Unfortunately, before their wedding night Romeo kills Juliet's cousin in a duel, and in the morning he is forced to leave her. If he ever returns to the city, he will be put to death. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781107615403
Series Shakespeare original plays mature reads (15 books)
Publisher Cambridge University Press, 2014
Shakespeare, William & Smith, Robert (ed) & Gibson, Rex (ed) & Wienand, Vicki (ed)
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3696

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Romeo and Juliet: graphic novel
Shakespeare's most famous love story of revenge, violence and tragedy. Romeo, a rock star, falls in love with Juliet and Verona becomes a street in Tokyo's highly fashionable Shibuya district. The star-crossed lovers are caught up in a feud between two Yakuza, Japanese mafia, families which erupts into violence and killing. Graphic (Manga) novel with authentic Shakespearean text. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780955285608
Series Manga Shakespeare series (1 of 9)
Publisher SelfMadeHero, 2007
Shakespeare, William & Appignanesi, Richard (adapt)
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846165

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Roxy
Isaac and Ivy are siblings and close in age yet seem to be on very different paths. Ivy is often in trouble and struggles to focus while Isaac is motivated and responsible and in control. A series of events bring both siblings to the attention of Addi and Roxy, pharmaceuticals become gods meddling in the affairs of humans. Both drugs offer so much to the brother and sister, but they will also demand something in return. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781406392128
Publisher Walker Books, 2021
Shusterman, Neal & Shusterman, Jarrod
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42921

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Ruined
Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents' brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped. But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera's borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781760290641
Series Ruined series (1 of 3)
Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2016
Tintera, Amy
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Ruined series
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.
Series Ruined series (3 books)
Tintera, Amy
No book cover.
9232

Hash
Rumble fish
Fourteen year old, Rusty-James, runs one of the meanest gangs in his neighbourhood. His reputation remains safe because his brother is the widely-feared Motorcycle Boy, but his brother is a peace-loving loner, unlike Rusty-James. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780141312538
Publisher Penguin, 2002
Hinton, S E
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660725

Hash
Run, rebel
"I am restless, my feet need to fly." Amber is trapped - by her father's rules, by his expectations, by her own fears. Now she's ready to fight - for her mother, for her sister, for herself. Freedom always comes at a price. Run, Rebel is a trailblazing verse novel that thunders with rhythm, heart and soul - perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan, Elizabeth Acevedo and Rupi Kaur. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780241411421
Publisher Penguin, 2020
Mann, Manjeet
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26825

Hash
Runemarks
Young Maddy Smith is despised and feared because of her runemark, showing she has magic powers. Since the war which destroyed the Norse Gods, the Order has taken hold, decreeing all magic should be banned. Maddy is befriended by a mysterious old man who asks her to journey into the earth to bring back the Whisperer, an oracle which foreshadows amazing changes to the balance between Worlds. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780552555753
Publisher Corgi Books, 2007
Harris, Joanne
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3855

Hash
Running from the tiger
Eleven year old Ebony has a secret, one not be shared with anyone. The eldest of three, soon to be four, children, Ebony has a difficult second role after school, looking after her siblings, farm chores such as chopping wood and gathering the cow manure, all at the forceful directive of her father. Every so often the roaring, terrifying tiger that dwells within her father springs to the surface leaving the rest of the family nowhere to hide and Ebony becomes protector of her sisters, becoming the target of his vocal and physical abuse. It is only through a new friendship when Teena arrives at the school, that Ebony sees a way of dealing with the tiger. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780994501066
Publisher Empowering Resources, 2016
Darlison, Aleesah
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15366

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Running man, The
When a young artistic boy is asked to draw a portrait of his neighbour, a disabled Vietnam veteran, the neighbours gossip. An uneasy relationship begins to unfold, one that will force the boy and the veteran to confront their darkest secrets, secrets of violence and abuse. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781862915756
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2004
Bauer, Michael Gerard
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1019884

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Ruthless vows
The war is far from over. Roman is missing, lost behind enemy lines, with no memory of his past, or Iris. He begins to write again, but this time for the enemy. When a strange letter arrives through his wardrobe door he strikes up a correspondence with a penpal who is both mysterious and familiar. As their connection deepens, the two of them will risk everything to change the tides of the war. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780008588236
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2024
Ross, Rebecca
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1019779

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Ryan and Avery
When a blue-haired boy (Ryan) meets a pink-haired boy (Avery) at a dance - a queer prom - both feel an inexplicable but powerful connection. Follow them through their first ten dates as they bridge their initial shyness and fall in love - through snowstorms, groundings, meeting parents (Avery's) and not (Ryan's), cast parties, heartbreak, and every day and date in between. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780008655686
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2023
Levithan, David
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