Booklists

When Greer MacDonald is one of a select few invited to a weekend of hunting, shooting and fishing at historic Longcross Hall by the mysterious Henry De Walencourt she cannot believe her luck but things may not all be what they seem. It does not take long for the students to realise that there is something more sinister afoot at Longcross than simply the dark corridors and animal heads hanging in every room. In fact their very lives might be at stake! A thriller full of twists and turns for lovers of The Hunger Games. Includes mature themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

There are three kinds of people in Janna's world: 1. Saints, the people who do all the heavy lifting in the world, the do gooders. Moving things forward, fighting the good fight. . 2. Misfits, people who don't belong. Like the way Janna doesn't fit into her Dad's brand-new family or in the leftover one composed of Mom and her older brother. 3. Monsters. Well, monsters wearing saint masks. Like the monster at her mosque. People think he's holy, untouchable, but nobody has seen under the mask. Except Janna. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Hunter's mum thinks the road trip up the Queensland coast will bring the family closer, now that his stepdad and baby brother are part of the mix. But, with tension and secrets sizzling beneath the happy family facade, the trip becomes Hunter's worst nightmare. The further away from home he gets, the more he can't shake thoughts of the accident that took his dad away. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Sassycat is lightning fast and beautiful but, so conceited. She places her human carer, Rebecca, in great danger of being possessed by evil ghosts. Sassycat must stop thwarting the local pets and become a team player to protect Rebecca. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

An extraordinary graphic novel that confronts raw grief visually and through the words of Blue Baker, devestated at the loss of his father and offended by the patronising support he is offered. Blue's grief is angry and violent and inconsolable. Strangely though Blue does find relief from his suffering and the record of his journey is here. Strong language and images used in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Abbie is a very engaging, six year old, orphan orang-utan on the final leg of an odyssey that will see her reintroduced to her Kalamantan home. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In Germany, in World War II, Jenny's father is taken prisoner by the Americans and her brother is killed. When the mother of her Jewish friend, Rafael, is taken by the Gestapo Jenny's family hides him. The story traces the dangers facing Jenny and Rafael, and their eventual escape. Adult themes, violence, coarse language. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Solving the maze was supposed to be the end and Thomas was sure he would get his life back. But burned and baked, the earth is a wasteland and people are driven made by an infection knows as the flare and Thomas and the gladers must face another trial. Includes some violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Life for Kit Lovell has not been easy. She never knew her father, a renowned sea captain who drowned after his ship sank. Kit's grandmother dies and she and her mother are evicted from their home in England. When Kit's mother agrees to marry a man she has never met, they embark on a treacherous and monotonous journey to the far flung colony of South Australia. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In a perfect world, what is there left to fear? In a world where disease, war and crime have been eliminated, the only way to die is to be randomly gleaned (killed) by professional scythes. Citra and Rowan are 16 year old teenagers who have been selected to be scythes' apprentices, and despite wanting nothing to do with the vocation, they must learn the art of gleaning and understand the necessity of what they do. Only one of them will be chosen as a scythe's apprentice and as Citra and Rowan come up against a terrifyingly corrupt Scythedom, it becomes clear that the winning apprentice's first task will be to glean the loser. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Leslie is a normal, healthy, well-adjusted fourteen year old going to a good school. She has a great friend and her mother loves her to the moon and back. But, something is wrong and Leslie would be happy if only she was thinner. A very candid disclosure of the story of a young girl in the grip of anorexia nervosa, of the fight she had to conquer her problems and a subtle insight into her particular circumstances. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Sophia is smart, like genius-calculator-brain smart. But there are some things no amount of genius can prepare you for, and the messiness of real life is one of them. When everything she knows is falling apart, how can she crack the puzzle of what to do with her life? Joshua spends his time honing magic tricks and planning how to win Sophia's heart. But when your best trick is making schoolwork disappear, how do you possibly romance a genius? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10, and above.

Cricket Karlsson is going to become an artist just like her aunt, who loves cheese and art and always speaks her mind. Not like Cricket's mother, who is dieting and sighs at everything. But now Aunt Frannie has lost her joy and Cricket's best friend has dumped her for the horse girls. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

For the past three years, Grace Blakely has been desperate to find out the truth about her mother s murder. But, the truth has only made her a target. The only way to put the past to rest is for Grace to kill it once and for all. On Embassy Row, power can make you a victor or a victim. Love can turn you into a fool or a fugitive, and family can lead you forward or bury you deep. Trust is a luxury and death is a real threat. Grace must be very careful about which secrets she brings to light. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Eleven-year-old Alex wants to launch his iPod into space, so that other life forms will know, from his audio recordings, what life on Earth is really like. With a troubled home life and lots of questions about family and the meaning of life, Alex sets out on a remarkable road trip to find the answers he is searching for. From Colorado to New Mexico, Las Vegas to LA, Alex meets a host of new friends who help him answer the big questions. Questions like who is out there, where do I come from, and how can I be brave. Life for Alex will never be the same.Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In a world of glittering gowns and jewels, the selection is the chance of a lifetime, for any girl to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon. America is chosen to meet him and all of her plans to wed her secret love start to crumble. Some adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Living in a walled city where every aspect of life is controlled, Teddy is unable to pursue her creative passions for risk of being Sanitised. When truths are revealed, Teddy finds herself living in a city under the city. A darker world where creativity is embraced but survival is everything. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Seven percent of Ro Devereux is a fast paced romance which follows Ro a creator of a app called MASH. The app becomes an overnight success but Ro is forced to partner with Miller (her ex best-friend) A story about loss, family dynamics and living your dreams. This book is a 21st Century look on life on socials! Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Every millennium, one age ends and another age dawns...and whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers is able to call the great Dragon God from the sea and be granted one wish. The time is near and the pieces of the Scroll are desperately sought by those who would demand ultimate power. A humble, peasant girl holds the first scrap of the Scroll, a girl with a dangerous secret. Demons have burned Yumeko's home to the ground, killing the master who trained her to hide and use her kitsune shape-shifting powers. She escapes the temple and is thrust into the path of a mysterious samurai, Kage Tasumi of the Shadow Clan. Yumeko realises quickly that he is under orders to find the scroll she carries...and to kill anything or anyone in order to do so, but she needs his help. Will her tricky kitsune ways be enough to keep her safe? A wish will be granted and a new age will dawn. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

A warrior princess risking her throne to end a lifelong war. A young enemy soldier questioning his role in a game of life and death. If they join forces under the shadow of a new threat, will they survive to lead the resistance? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

After their dramatic escape from Vardean prison, Cayder and his friends leap into the unknown, tumbling headlong out of Telene and into the strange and mysterious world beyond the veil. Leta - who grew up believing a world of dark fairytales existed on the other side of the veil - finds that the truth is more magical, and terrifying, than she could ever have imagined. And it's the worst possible place to discover your boyfriend has been mortally wounded. Meanwhile, Cayder and Elenora learn that both this world and their own are teetering on the brink of destruction. Still reeling from Elenora's betrayal, Cayder must overcome his feelings and work with her to prevent an apocalypse. They have to make it home, and to do so they will need the help of their old enemy, Dr Bueter - as well as old friends they thought were lost forever. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 or above.

Treachery, betrayal, greed and racism played out in a mythical, fantastical, medieval kingdom. Ora must confront the King's terrible secret, related to the pervasive Quickwater Lake. A lake, black and deadly as night, that demands sacrifice. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Any two books from this series may be read as Challenge books and up to five more can be read as personal choice books. Go to the online booklists for the PRC ID of the individual books in this series.

London society supplied many inspirational ingredients for William Shakespeare, helping him become one of the greatest writers of the English language. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Shaping the Fractured Self showcases twenty-eight of Australia's finest poets who happen to live with chronic illness and pain. The autobiographical short essays, in conjunction with the three poems from each of the poets, capture the body in trauma in its many and varied moods. Because those who live with chronic illness and pain experience shifts in their relationship to it on a yearly, monthly or daily basis, so do the words they use to describe it. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Rafi's engagement party is the talk of the feeds. Her dress is spectacular and her fiance, Col Palafox, is charming. But Rafi and Col are both prisoners - with bomb collars around their necks. Surveillance dust records their every move, tracks every glance. And there will be deadly consequences if Rafi's father realises that it's Frey who stayed behind in Shreve, while Rafi escaped with the rebels. With help from the rebels, Frey and Col must try to reach the neighbouring city of Paz, where they hope to be safe. But Frey and Rafi's father has destructive plans even for the City of Peace. When the dust settles after the disaster he initiates, will Frey be able to find a way to survive? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Kethlun Warder is a journeyman glass-blower mage with rare and uncontrolled lightning magic powers. Several mage combine their powers to try to solve a murder in this mystery fantasy. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Evie is out of options. She must comply with the Affinity Project and obey their rules, play their deadly games, and give up Jamie. Her losses keep growing. When she decides to help a small group of Shields trying to affect change, Evie finds herself in the firing line. Counsellor Knox is intent on revealing her secrets and shackling her to the Affinity Project for life. To protect her family, Evie must betray those closest to her. Book 3 in the Spark trilogy. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

June, Bette and Gigi have given their all to dance at New York's most elite ballet school. Now they are competing one final time for a spot at the prestigious American Ballet Company. With the stakes higher than ever, these girls have everything to lose... and even the nice girls are no longer playing nice. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In a post-apocalyptic world, Nailer scavenges for copper wire by crawling into the wrecks of ancient oil tankers that line the beaches of America's Gulf Coast. It's dirty, dangerous work. After a hurricane, Nailer finds the wreck of a clipper ship, filled with valuable goods that could make him rich. Amid the wreckage, a girl clings to life and Nailer is her only hope. He must make a choice. Includes violence. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

At fourteen, Pip's life is finally his own. His domineering dad is focusing on big brother, Nick, and Pip's climbing, his passion in life, is going one way up. Beneath the tranquil surface, however, currents are stirring. On the traditional McLeod first hunting trip, Pip faces a dramatic choice and discovers what it means to confront issues of life and death. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

The swimmer, the rebel and the nerd. Ryan, Harley and Miles live different lives, have different interests and keep different secrets. All they have in common is their shared, best friend, Isaac. They were his sidekicks. But, now, Isaac has gone. A mature and challenging book. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Siggy learns the pitfalls of alcohol abuse and not considering the consequences before embarking on what looks like a good idea at the time. Growing up in a sleepy coastal town full of characters, with the girl he loves only a long bike ride away, Siggy is on a quest for the perfect girlfriend. He also has to survive the cool kids at school and build family ties with a mum, an arty sister and a potential stepfather. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Maybelline Chen isn't the Chinese Taiwanese American daughter her mother expects her to be. Her brother Danny, on the other hand, has just been admitted to Princeton University, but secretly struggles with depression, and when he dies by suicide, May's world is shattered. In the aftermath, racist accusations are hurled forcing May to challenge the ugly stereotypes. Who gets to tell our stories and who gets silenced? There are always consequences. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

It's 2027 and the human race is dying. Plants, animals and humans have been infected by spores from space and become part of a vast alien intelligence. When 16-year-old Callie discovers her little sister Gracie has been infected, she flees with Gracie to the Zone to avoid termination by the ruthless officers of Quarantine. What Callie finds in the Zone will alter her irrevocably, and send her on a journey to the stars and beyond. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Tamsin Lark is a hollower. In search of treasure, she breaks into the ancient crypts of dark sorceresses. Now, rumours are swirling about a powerful ring from Arthurian legend, a ring that could free her brother, Cabell, from a curse. But they aren't the only ones who covet it... Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

An unconscious stranger, possessing his own magical chantments, has infiltrated Antaris. He throws Calwyn's world into chaos, leading her on a journey of discovery in this fantasy saga set in extraordinary lands. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

'The discovery of a sorcerous map leads left-handed bookseller Merlin into great danger, requiring a desperate rescue attempt from his sister, the right handed bookseller Vivian, and art student Susan Arkshaw who is still struggling to deal with her own recently discovered magical heritage. The map takes the trio out of this world to a place maintained by deadly sorcery and guarded by monstrous living statues. To unravel the secrets of a murderous Ancient Sovereign, the booksellers must investigate centuries of disappearances and deaths.

Raina Petree is crushing her senior year, until her boyfriend dumps her, the drama club (basically) dumps her, the college of her dreams slips away, and her arch-nemesis triumphs. Things aren't much better for Millie Goodwin. Her father treats her like a servant, and the all-boy Mock Trial team votes her out, even after she spent the last three years helping to build its success. But then, an advice columnist unexpectedly helps Raina find new purpose in a pair of knitting needles and a politically active local yarn store. This leads to an unlikely meeting in the girls' bathroom, where Raina inspires Millie to start a rival team. The two join together and recruit four other angry girls to not only take on Mock Trial, but to smash the patriarchy in the process.

Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Wylan, Mathias and Nina are an unlikely band of misfits who agree to take on a ridiculously impossible mission. Their journey is gripping and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Can they achieve the impossible? Will they make it out alive? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Makepeace Lightfoot lives during harsh times. During the English Civil War she has to travel to live with her paternal family after the death of her mother. Makepeace has inherited more than most from her father's family. She has to learn to defend herself from ghosts. The struggle to make a life for herself in 17th century England with strict religious rules could be the hardest struggle of all. Usually read by students in Year 9, 10 and above.

Friendship can be found in the unlikeliest of places. After her mother's death, Sky leaves her city life to move in with her aunt and uncle in a small Australian town. Life in a new place isn't easy, and Sky finds comfort in the friendship of a stray dog she meets along the way. But her new friends at school are another story, and as Sky struggles to fit in, she finds herself doing things that go against everything she believes in. When Sky stumbles on a case of animal cruelty, she is forced to question what's really important to her and who she wants to be. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

It's not like any other day because on the other side of the world, nuclear missiles are detonated. When Fin wakes in his home in the Blue Mountains the next morning, it is dark, cold and snowing. There is no internet, no phone, no power and no parents. As the outage continues for days and then weeks, Fin and his brother struggle to survive and grow desperate. Contains mature themes and some language in context. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In a future where wild beasts, humans and mechanical beings battle for control, two children, Mei and Rom, on opposite sides of the earth, connect through a mysterious journal that comes alive to reveal a powerful primal force and a frightening destiny. Mei and Rom must work together to overcome evil. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Defeated, crushed, and driven almost to extinction, the remnants of the human race are trapped on a planet that is constantly attacked by mysterious alien starfighters. Spensa, a teenage girl living among them, longs to be a pilot. When she discovers the wreckage of an ancient ship, she realizes this dream might be possible - assuming she can repair the ship, navigate flight school, and (perhaps most importantly) persuade the strange machine to help her. Because this ship, uniquely, appears to have a soul. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

No props. No music. No costumes. Just you, your words and a mic-you've got two minutes to make the crowd scream your name. Miles Merrill, spoken word artist and founder of Australian Poetry Slam, and award-winning teacher Narcisa Nozica will take you from novice to spoken word superstar in no time. Twenty years after Merrill introduced poetry slams to Australia, there's a national competition with a live audience of 20,000 people! With tips from stars of the Australian poetry slam scene, including bestselling author Maxine Beneba Clarke, this book will inspire you to slam your own poetry, Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

It is five years later, and Kestrel's people have been enslaved. It is a strange set of circumstances that will lead to the overthrow of the Mastery. Sometimes violent and cruel but always compelling. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Theodore 'Armpit' Johnson is determined to finish school, save money and become a respected member of society again. He may be the victim, the perpetrator or the hero of a violent crime in this amusing, sensitive and highly suspenseful story. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Grace cares about two things: performing magic and her cantankerous grandmother. Magic gives Grace the chance to forget the hard things in her life. When her grandmother finds out she is dying Grace moves in to help. She must draw on all her magical abilities to not just survive but learn to thrive. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The Administration has taken control of the country, and everything has changed for the city's homeless youth. Now they are forced to work in the Towers with no hope of escape. 17-year-old Ally works long, hard hours in the laundry and is resigned to her fate. She can even cope with the cruelty of the guards, because living in the Towers is still better than the tunnels where she used to live. But as lavish birthday preparations are in full swing for the Tower's charismatic overseer, Ally's boyfriend Bon, vanishes without a trace. In her desperate search to find him, Ally is caught up in a deadly plot by the Administration. And now she wasn't answers. What has happened to Bon? And why did he leave behind a drawing of a moth? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

When the Kingdom of Winter was conquered, its citizens were enslaved and left without magic or a monarch. Eight survivors are their only hope. Meira, orphaned during Winter's defeat, is training to be a warrior, and is desperately in love with Mather, her best friend and future king. She would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again. When an ancient locket that can restore Winter's magic is discovered, Meira desperately wants to find it. But, in a world of evil magic and dangerous politics, the mission doesn't go as planned. Usually read by Years 9, 10 or 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.

With Angra trying to break through her mental defences, Meira desperately needs to learn to control her own magic. Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to find Meira, and, finally, tell her how he really feels. Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together, or lose everything. Final book in the trilogy. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The Winterians are free and Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Primoria's lost and powerful chasm of magic is unearthed, Theron sees this find as an opportunity. But, Meira fears the danger that so much magic poses. When the king sends them on a mission to discover the chasm's secrets, Meira plans to garner support to keep the chasm shut, even if it means clashing with Theron. As the web of power and deception pulls tighter, Meira begins to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter but for the world. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Arriving in unfamiliar territory, Ash finds his stepbrother Bly living with Mona, her dog, a goat and an isolated community who call themselves the Canaries. They've been abandoned by society through a sickness no one understands. When Ash falls ill too, the doctor's response is, "it's all in your mind". But Ash uncovers something much bigger: the sickness of the world. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

There is a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss. It's not an easy thing to do and Arthur Dent thinks he's the only human who's been able to master this nifty little trick - until he meets Fenchurch, the girl of his dreams. Fenchurch knows how the world could be made a good and happy place. Unfortunately she's forgotten. Convinced that the secret lies within God's Final Message to His Creation they go in search of it. And in a dramatic break with tradition - actually find it... Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Marina's face is shockingly scarred. She has not spoken since her father threw acid at her mother, hitting Marina instead. As part of a writing assignment, she has to keep a journal. In it, she deals realistically with her post-traumatic stress. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Zoe Kelly is starting a new phase of her life. High school was a mess of bullying and autistic masking that left her burnt out. Now, with an internship at an online media company, Zoe is taking her first steps on the road to her dream career. When her article about her non-existent love life goes viral, 18 year old Zoe is overwhelmed and more than a little surprised by the response. But with a deadline for her next piece looming and a list of romantic contenders from the past, she is hoping that one of those old sparks will turn into a new flame. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Charley Goddard goes to fight in the American Civil War. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year - before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people - I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that's all over now. Now there's Solitaire. And Michael Holden. I don't know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don't care about Michael Holden. I really don't. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 above. This novel depicts a number of mental health issues including depression, eating disorders and OCD. Please refer to the author's website for information about potentially triggering ideas and content.

September, 1982: Three months after the showdown with Simon Gutmunsson in St Elizabeths Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Emma Lewis has retreated to college life in Ohio, and the support of her family and her therapist. But Emma has a unique gift for hunting killers, and the FBI wants her back. Travis Bell is on track to make a career in law enforcement. But the FBI unit's latest case is testing all his skills, and in Emma's absence, Travis has accepted help from Kristin Gutmunsson, Simon's eccentric twin sister, to track a dangerous new target. Compelled to prevent more tragedy, Emma reaches out once more to Simon Gutmunsson to save the copycat's next victims -- but as always, Simon knows more than he's telling... Can Emma and Travis conquer a killer in the most horrifying situation they've ever faced? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

This collection of poetry begins with a gentle petition of the reader to fill their hearts with poetry; to look within themselves, take the time to be silent, and listen to what they hear. This message continues throughout the poems as Thakur candidly shares her experiences as a Black woman and daughter of migrants living in the United Kingdom. In the poems is a proud daughter, mother, poet, and believer. She shares poems exploring the profound connections between people, and also the ways people can be careless with each other. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10, or above.

For as long as A can remember, life has meant waking up in a different person's body every day, forced to live as that person until the day ended. A always thought there wasn't anyone else who had a life like this. But A was wrong. There are others. A has already been wrestling with powerful feelings of love and loneliness. Now comes an understanding of the extremes that love and loneliness can lead to --and what it's like to discover that you are not alone in the world. In Someday, David Levithan takes readers further into the lives of A, Rhiannon, Nathan, and the person they may think they know as Reverend Poole, exploring more deeply the questions at the core of Every Day and Another Day: What is a soul? And what makes us human? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Tired of her responsibilities as the Bellman in Jurisfiction, literary sleuth, Thursday Next, packs up her son, Friday, to return to Swindon. Accompanied by the Danish prince, Hamlet, she finds herself coping with outlaw fictioneer, Yorrick Kaine, anti-Danish sentiment, the return of Swindon's patron saint and a seminal croquet tournament. Sophisticated writing and humour, some coarse language. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

A troubled girl struggles with a life she doesn't recognise. The boy who poses as her little brother tries to help her unravel the mystery of whether she is possessed, imprisoned or mentally ill. Slowly, the events that led to this terrible trauma, the result of a violent assault, are unravelled as aspects of the harrowing experience are explored. Some very strong language, used in context, may offend some readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In the Birmingham slums. the outcast gangs are creating a new kind of music, with pounding rhythms and wild guitars. Seventeen year old Astor is trained in classical music but, when her life plummets from riches to rags, there is only one way to survive. Charismatic Verrol, once her servant, is now her partner in crime. He could be so much more, if only he'd reveal his past. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Evie doesn't have a choice. One day, she's an ordinary girl, grieving for her dead mother. The next day, she's a Shield, the result of a decades-old experiment gone wrong, bound by DNA to defend her best friend from an unknown killer. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or 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.

Fern Marlow is alone, datawiped and in hiding. Her mobie says she's Delia Greene, a refuse sorter. Every day, she queues to work, to earn enough to stay alive. She dreams of the past and the life she's meant to be living, for those wealthy enough or lucky enough to be genetically designed. Her rescuers said her former life was a lie. They said they'd come back for her but they haven't. Fern doesn't know who to trust or believe. To save herself, Fern must answer the one question she can't face. Usually read by Years 9, 10 or above.

"Special Circumstances": The words have sent chills down Tally's spine since her days as a repellent, rebellious ugly. Ordinary pretties might live their whole lives without meeting a Special. But Tally's never been ordinary. And now she's been turned into one of them: a superamped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid. The strength, the speed, and the clarity and focus of her thinking feel better than anything Tally can remember. Most of the time. One tiny corner of her heart still remembers something more. Still, it's easy to tune that out -- until Tally's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programmed to complete. Either way, Tally's world will never be the same. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Raised in a magic family, in a magic community, The son of the most powerful wizard faces an unspeakable challenge. His magic is fading. Can the mysterious stranger in town help him, or is she a spy trying to bring down the entire city. Usually read by students in Year 9, 10 & above.

A sequel to, The Barrumbi kids, in which a trip to Barrumbi changes everything. Dale is warned in a dream that his brother, Sean, is in danger. He doesn't know that what happens to Sean will have a devastating effect on the whole community. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Spud is angry since her mother died. She is befriended by an old woman who helps her with her grief. A family drama that deals with relationships, friendship and loneliness. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Aiza has always dreamt of becoming a Knight. It's the highest military honour in the once-great Bayt-Sajji Empire, and as a member of the subjugated Ornu people, Knighthood is her only path to full citizenship. Ravaged by famine and mounting tensions, Bayt-Sajji finds itself on the brink of war once again, so Aiza can finally enlist in the competitive Squire training program. It's not how she imagined it, though. Aiza must navigate new friendships, rivalries, and rigorous training under the unyielding General Hende, all while hiding her Ornu background. As the pressure mounts, Aiza realizes that the "greater good" that Bayt-Sajji's military promises might not include her, and that the recruits might be in greater danger than she ever imagined. In this breathtaking and timely story, Aiza will have to choose, once and for all: loyalty to her heart and heritage, or loyalty to the Empire. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Alice's parents are having problems and she has the lead in the school play. Can her friends help her to get over her stage fright? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose is like no other 'lady' of her time. Living in London during the 1880s, she would rather sneak out to her forbidden uncle's laboratory to study forensic medicine than drink tea and discuss what is considered more polite conversation with whoever her father believes she should be socialising with. When Jack the Ripper brutally strikes, Audrey Rose and her uncle are thrown into the case, but things just don't add up. Does she know the killer? Can Audrey Rose stop him, or will her meddling put her right in line to be the next victim? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clones Wars, and before she re-appeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally, her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance... Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Neither here nor there, but long ago... Loulie al-Nazari is the Midnight Merchant: a thief who, with the help of her jinn bodyguard, hunts and sells illegal magic. When she saves the life of a cowardly prince, she draws the attention of his powerful father, the sultan, who blackmails her into finding an ancient lamp that has the power to revive the barren land, at the cost of sacrificing all jinn. With no choice but to obey or be executed, Loulie journeys with the sultan's oldest son to find the artifact. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 & above

Winter Young is a global pop sensation. Everybody wants tickets to see him. That's why a top-secret government organisation thinks he'll make the perfect spy. His target is infamous business tycoon and bad guy Eli Morrison. Because Morrison's daughter has just one birthday wish: a private concert with Winter Young. Winter must use his stardom to crack his target's inner circle and bring Morrison down. With him will be expert spy Sydney - and she is convinced Winter doesn't have what it takes. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Alice has been twelve for a long time. Ever since she was assaulted, something inside her is broken. She has acquired brain injury and her words are slow and slurred. Alice writes poems to express what she can't say and leaves them in unexpected places for others to read. Sixteen year old Manny, once a child soldier back in his country, appears to be adapting to his new life. He has a poem and knows it off by heart. Alice and Manny weren't meant to meet each other. Mature read. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

All her life, Spensa has dreamed of becoming a pilot. Of proving she's a hero like her father. She made it to the sky, but the truths she learned about her father were crushing. Spensa is sure there's more to the story. And she's sure that whatever happened to her father in his starship could happen to her. When she made it outside the protective shell of her planet, she heard the stars - and it was terrifying. Everything Spensa has been taught about her world is a lie. But Spensa also discovered a few other things about herself - and she'll travel to the end of the galaxy to save humankind if she needs to. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Cinderella is about a girl who was bullied; Stepsister is about the bully. We all root for the victims, we want to see them triumph. But what about the bullies? Is there hope for them? Can a mean girl change? Can she find her own happily ever after? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

While still on her quest to track down and destroy the Beforetime weapon machines, Elspeth Gordie is captured by her old enemies, the Herder Faction. While incarcerated, she learns of a vicious plot to destroy the West Coast by plague. She must track down the deadly plague carrier to prevent a catastrophe. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

School is over forever and Tiff is hoping her work experience will lead to a job. Driving lessons aren't going too well, Reggie is sick and her best friend has some big news. All of this at the same time as a boy is actually wanting to get to know the real Tiff. Some adult concepts. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Evie is a Shield, designed to kill in order to protect, and the Affinity Project have finally come for her. But, Evie isn't ready for the sinister organisation to take control of her life, her body and her mind. She isn't ready to follow their rules about who may live and who must die, not when it condemns the innocent. She has one option. Risk losing everything and everyone, including Jamie, and run. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Briar, a plant mage, accompanies his teacher to a barren land to help the farmers. While there he discovers the magical potential of a street urchin. Together, they fight rival street gangs and a wicked, noble woman. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Summer Change is set in Townsville and follows Shae who has her family holiday cancelled with no explanation forcing her to spend the summer with her cousins. Shae is trying to solve the mystery about what her parents are keeping from her. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 or above.

Natasha: I'm a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Daniel: I've always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents' high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Cosmo is a fourteen year old boy of the third millennium living in an institute for parentally challenged boys. There are only three ways out and Cosmo is running out of time. But, rescue by a motley crew of kids presents new dangers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

That blonde boy can really surf. Ellie's move ends her relationship with Jamie and leads to a complete change in interests. She is redefining herself as a surfer with a new love interest. Her prowess as a beginner could be due to her dancing or the good genes she has inherited from her mum. Ella learns to cope with being the new kid, with the ex and the potential boyfriend meeting up, and with the adults in her life. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Jose's life is turned upside down when a hurricane hits his tiny village in Honduras, causing mudslides which bury the town. He works against all odds to provide hope and leadership, and to help his family and neighbours survive. Some harrowing scenes. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Two strangers with new powers take to the dance floor at the Zeroes' underground nightclub. The Zeroes pursue them, only to discover that they're fleeing an even more sinister power-wielder, Swarm. If they are to stay safe, the Zeroes must learn all they can about this dangerous new player. But, each of the Zeroes has their own issues to deal with. It's up to Flicker to pick up the reins and lead the Zeroes into a terrifying showdown. Sequel to Zeroes. Mature themes. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 or above.

Issues of racism, love and family grief will appeal to more mature readers. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

This is the thrilling true story of the life of Russian composer Dimitri Shostakovitch and the millions of Russians who lived during a time of great upheaval, horror and hardship at the hands of two of history's cruellest dictators; Stalin and Hitler. At a time of great despair, Shostakovitch' seventh symphony would become a symbol of great hope, and the story of how it comes to be shared with the world is nearly too incredible to be believed. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.