Booklists

Noah is in love with his online best friend. Which is a huge problem, for the following reasons- 1. His crush has no idea. 2. Noah only knows him as his gaming avatar. 3. There's zero chance they'll ever meet in real life. So, when Noah sees an opportunity to secretly meet his crush, he takes it. Even though he'll have to join the cast of a local production of Chicago with his self-obsessed mother. Even though he'll need to lie to his best (and only) friend. And even though he'll have to sing and dance in front of actual people. Because love is worth the risk. And, really, what could possibly go wrong? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

In a Year 9 boarding school dormitory, introspective Laura pours out her observations of friends, family, her frustrations and successes, her thoughts and feelings in her writing. She also befriends Marina who readers met in 'So much to tell you'. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Centuries ago, the royal family of Adria was killed. But, Grace Blakely knows the truth, there was one survivor, and that blood runs through her veins. The truth may cause a revolution and some are desperate to keep it a secret. To save herself, her family and the boy she loves, Grace must outmanoeuvre her foes and cut through the web of lies, despite the risks. If she wins, Grace will inherit a throne. If she loses, she will inherit the fate of all the dead princesses who came before her. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The door creaks open and standing in the entrance is my absolute worst nightmare. Perfect hair, perfect teeth, perfect brain. Perfect sneer. Evelyn Tait. Taking Down Evelyn Tait is a story about family, friends and embracing who you are. Even if that person is kind of weird. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Sixteen-year-old Jake Livingston sees dead people. Jake can't decide what's worse: being a medium, forced to watch the dead play out their last living moments on a loop, or being at the mercy of racist teachers as one of the few Black students at St Clair Prep. Both are a living nightmare. And now life as a medium is getting worse, as a powerful, vengeful ghost targets Jake, High school has become a different kind of survival game - one Jake is not sure he can win. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

A beautifully illustrated and innovative book, full of fanciful whimsy that takes us to a place where we might think about ourselves and our society. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Before Miss Peregrine gave them a home, the story of peculiars was written in the Tales. Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars. A fork-tongued princess. The origins of the first ymbryne. These are but a few of the truly brilliant stories in Tales of the Peculiar - known to hide information about the peculiar world - first introduced by Ransom Riggs in his Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series. Riggs now invites you to share his secrets of peculiar history, with a collection of original stories, as collected and annotated by Millard Nullings, ward of Miss Peregrine and scholar of all things peculiar. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Set in Chile, this political thriller takes the reader on a physical and emotional journey into a military coup. A powerful and disturbing novel about one boy's attempt to reveal the abuse of power and torture used by the state. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Baptista Minola has two daughters that he wants to find husbands for. His younger daughter, Bianca, is sweet and quiet. There are many men who want to marry her. His older daughter, Katharina, is known for being wild and angry, and Baptista is worried no one will marry her. However, Baptista announces that Bianca cannot get married until Katharina gets married. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 & above.

This biography traces five generations of an Australian Italian family. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Ben comes upon Taronga Zoo which seems unaffected by a nuclear holocaust, or is it? Ben and his Aboriginal friend, Ellie, are aware that decisions they make may have huge implications for the future. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Well-written, easily read short stories for young adults using simple, effective language to tackle mature themes like war and relationships including racial prejudice. Contains language that may offend some readers. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Tansy is a laundry-maid with a fear of the dark. Skir is a Priest-King who lacks the powers he's supposed to have and Perrin is a swordsman with a gift that gives him power over animals. They become unlikely travelling companions, on the run. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Years from when they escaped the sinister tombs of Atuan as a feisty high priestess and a powerful wizard, she is a simple, farmer's widow and he is a broken, old man mourning the powers that are lost to him. Now they must join forces again but this time to help a physically and emotionally scarred child whose destiny has not yet been revealed. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Prospero, robbed of his dukedom, has been marooned for many years on a wild island with his daughter, Miranda. He applies his magic skills to contrive a shipwreck and take revenge on his usurping brother and the faction who exiled him. But, it is the power of love that finally triumphs. Graphic (Manga) novel with authentic Shakespearean text. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

The Tempest opens in the midst of a storm, as a ship containing the king of Naples and his party struggles to stay afloat. On land, Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, watch the storm envelop the ship. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 & above.

Hopewell Shakespeare craves adventure and he joins the crew of a notorious buccaneer hunting for the Lost Island of the Lord of Alchemists where dreams come true. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

When Calwyn learns that Darrow has been infected, she begins a desperate race through the frozen forests. She must find the answers in time to heal him and have the courage to embrace the dark magic to save Tremaris. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Mac's mother is dying of cancer. Mac attempts to make friends and settle into school life. His promise to swim with his mother and the dolphins becomes an insurmountable nightmare. Help comes from an unexpected source. Some coarse language. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When Theodora is fourteen, her father has a mysterious vision and leaves his family to live with his first wife. Theodora's grandfather is a Holocaust survivor. Complex themes, past and present tensions tell the story of a family falling apart. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Hekja's simple but happy life changes dramatically when her village is raided by Vikings and she is captured. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

After losing her best friend, Piper Rhodes changes schools, determined that she and her final year will be different. Then, she meets West, the school captain and star soccer player. Despite Piper's fear of losing everything again, they fall in love, without Piper ever speaking one word to him. She suffers from anxiety, specifically Selective Mutism, an inability to speak to anyone outside her immediate family. A terrible accident forces Piper to confront some big decisions. A mature read, usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

It's the early 1990s and all Gemma can think about is looking perfect for her first school formal. Gemma's brother Billy - New York's up and coming hair and make-up artist - has made her the ultimate promise: he's returning home especially to 'create magic' on her and two friends for their end-of-year formal. Gemma's best friend, Andrea, is convinced it'll be their moment to shine; Gemma hopes it's the night Ralph will finally notice her.But when Billy arrives home from New York, Gemma's life becomes complicated. Her family's been keeping secrets; friendships are forged and broken; and suddenly the length of her formal dress is the least of her worries. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Stories of ghostly fiction. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Sixteen-year-old Nate McKee is doing his best to be invisible. He's worried about a lot of things: how his dad treats Nance and his twin half-brothers; the hydro crop in his bedroom; his reckless friend, Merrick. Nate hangs out at the local youth centre and fills his notebooks with things he can't say. But when some of his pages are stolen, and his words are graffitied at the centre, Nate realises he has allies. He might be able to make a difference, change his life, and claim his future. Or can he? This is How We Change the Ending is raw and real, funny and heartbreaking - a story about what it takes to fight back when you're not a hero. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Teenage musician Rafael is sent to a Nazi concentration camp in World War II, where he pushes music to the side in his effort to just survive. 30 years later in Canada, he has a small family, where his daughter Annie struggles to find her place in the countryside. Another 30 years later, in Australia, Joe is uncertain about himself, his future and whether music fits in with him. Includes mature themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

When a lone soldier, Cole, arrives with news of Lachlan Agatta's death, all hope seems lost for Catarina. Her father was the world's leading geneticist, and humanity's best hope of beating a devastating virus. Then, hidden beneath Cole's genehacked enhancements she finds a message of hope: Lachlan created a vaccine. Only she can find and decrypt it, if she can unravel the clues he left for her. The closer she gets, the more she finds herself at risk from Cartaxus, a shadowy organisation with a stranglehold on the world's genetic tech. But it's too late to turn back. There are three billion lives at stake, two people who can save them, and one final secret that Cat must unlock. A secret that will change everything. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The festive season isn't always happy for Tori Spring and her brother Charlie. And this year's going to be harder than most. "I used to think that difficult was better than boring, but I know better now - I'm not going to think about the past few months, about Charlie and me, and all of the sad. I'm going to block it all out Just for today."Happy Christmas, " I say." Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

The world is at war. Sixteen-year-old Hilly is desperate to do something useful to the war effort, to help the boys on the front lines. So when she sees the poster recruiting for the Australian Women's Land Army, she jumps at the chance to make a difference. Traveling to farms across Queensland, Hilly encounters backbreaking work, adversity and romance, and may find she's capable of more than she thought possible. She is one of those girls with grit. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Beck, short for Beethoven, is the son of world famous ex-pianist Ida Magdalena Keverich. A stroke has left her without the ability to play, and so she places all her hopes, expectations, and efforts into turning her son into a musical prodigy. To Beck this has meant a life of emotional and physical neglect. He has no fitting clothes and struggles to find food to feed his younger sister. Beck's mother, the maestro, has a violent temper and Beck often comes to school with bruises and other signs of injury. In meeting August, a girl from his school, who is in many ways his exact opposite, Beck learns that life and music do not have to entail the suffering he is used to. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Follow the lives of two school friends who choose to follow different paths through life. The story begins in rural Australia in 1959 and moves into the past and the future. Ruth's undeclared love for an elusive and mysterious boy shapes her entire lifetime. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Liv's older brother needs round-the-clock care after accidentally shooting himself. Liv knows Jonah is still inside his broken body, but she might just be the only person to see that. Jonah's injury changed a lot for their family. Everyone had to change bedrooms. Liv and Jonah's mum is suing Jonah's best friend Clay's parents. And Live hasn't spoken to Clay since the accident, even though he just lives across the street. Liv won't give up, though - not on Jonah, and not on Clay. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

A disturbing but insightful collection of views from Israeli and Palestinian children, young adults who are surrounded by war. With honesty, they describe their life, families and feelings about the conflict and violence, and their hopes for the future. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

A collection of three hauntingly beautiful novellas. In the most harrowing of times, it takes a ferocious strength not only to survive but to stand up for those who cannot fight their own battles. The characters in these stories face impossible missions, and the hardest of all may be protecting the last flicker of hope in a seemingly endless night. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

It's been a year since Rowan went off-grid. Hunted by the Scythedom, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. Citra, meanwhile, is forging her path as Scythe Anastasia, gleaning with compassion. However, conflict within the Scythedom is growing by the day, and when Citra's life is threatened, it becomes clear that there is a truly terrifying plot afoot. The Thunderhead observes everything, and it does not like what it sees. Will it intervene? Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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

Soldier Otto Hundebis defies Death but walks a dangerous path. A half beast half man gives him shoes and dice which lead him deep into a web of dark magic and mystery. He meets the beautiful Safire, pure of heart and spirit, the scheming Mistress Jabber and the terrifying Lady of the Nail. He learns the powers of the tinderbox and the wolves, whose master he becomes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet-star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever. When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

In the 1930s in Alabama, a black man is charged with the rape of a white girl. The explosion of racial hatred that follows is viewed through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, whose father, Atticus, defends the man. The conscience of a town, steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy, is pricked by Atticus' stamina as he struggles for justice. Some adult themes; usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Henni and Leo unravel a mystery around the holiday house Henni so enjoyed staying in at Cauldron Bay. Henni finds herself in great danger as she tries to discover what happened to the Schmidt family. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

The inspiring story of the Australian soldiers who held Tobruk in the Second World War. Even tanks and bombers could not conquer the spirit of these diggers. An illustrated, accurate and human account of the war and the people involved. It gives a face and personality to both the famous and powerful, and the brave foot soldiers. Very strong language used in context. A mature read that is not for the faint-hearted. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Toby Lolness may be only one and a half millimetres tall but he is involved in a huge and harrowing fight for his life and the safety of his family. A thrilling tale of state control, betrayal, cruelty, heroism, friendship and survival in a violent, miniature world that is not for the faint-hearted. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Toby's world is under greater threat than ever before. A giant crater has been dug right into the centre of the Tree, moss and lichen invade the branches, and one tyrant controls it all. Leo Blue, once Toby's best friend, now his worst enemy, is holding Elisha prisoner and mercilessly hunting the Grass People. But returning after several years among the Grass People, Toby will fight back. And this time, he's not alone. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

t's been three years since Rowan and Citra disappeared; since Scythe Goddard came into power; since the Thunderhead closed itself off to everyone but Grayson Tolliver. In this pulse-pounding finale to Neal Shusterman's internationally bestselling trilogy, constitutions are tested and old friends are brought back from the dead. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.

Tenar, chosen as the high priestess to the ancient and nameless powers of the earth, is now known as Arha, the Eaten One. It is her rightful duty to defend the labyrinth tombs of Atuan but when Ged Sparrowhawk comes to steal their greatest treasure, the ring of Erreth-Akbe, his tales of magic and a brighter world seduce Tenar into risking everything to escape. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

The first book in the Tomorrow series. A group of teenagers return from a camping trip to find their town invaded and their parents imprisoned. They must mature quickly, deal with teenage angst and become combative to ensure their own survival. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Sixteen short and very varied stories from modern fairy tales, comic essays and complex tales using poetic language. Mature themes and fantastic endings make for some great reads. Strong language used in context might offend some readers. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Deklan 'Dek' Archer and his mates arrive at school to a tense atmosphere. 'Old Mate', Mr Henry, who has lived in town for a long time, has been found murdered. He had been selling grog on the black market for years. To add to these worries, the Year 12s, who were on camp, are now missing. The police think there is a link between the missing students and the murder. Dek and his friends are torn. Dek and Willum, his best mate, have an important football match that evening - professional recruiters are in town. Neither wants to let their coach down but they feel they must search for their friends. Deklan's grandfather, a renowned tracker with certain otherworld gifts turns up, and expects him to go bush. This choice will change Dek's life and family forever. A journey that moves deep in to an ancient landscape uncovers secrets, and the past, which is never far away, continues to call them. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 or above.

From the brilliantly bent imagination of Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus comes a ripsnorter of an adventure. Jim Sturges is a typical teen, with an embarrassingly overprotective dad, a best mate called 'Tubby' and a huge crush on a girl who doesn't seem to know he exists. Until the day a 45 year old mystery resurfaces to threaten the lives of everyone in his apparently sleepy town. Children are going missing again, and it is up to Jim Jnr to team up with a band of unlikely heroes to battle the monsters of the night. Monsters with very dangerous appetites. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Two young friends are on opposite sides of a violent struggle between the workers at the mill, who have been driven to desperation by deprivation, and the owners of the mills trying to build successful businesses using modern technology. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

The life of a Romani family living in squalor in an abandoned shack. Lilli is removed from her large family by a wealthy old woman who helps to civilise her. But, there's an ongoing battle seemingly for possession of Lilli's very soul. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Spit, the barefoot grandson of old Fyfe, has other ideas for his future after his grandfather dies and the town wants Spit to go into an orphanage. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Best friends have become enemies. Lovers have become strangers. And deciding whose side you're on could be the difference between life and death. For Eve and Lemon, discovering the truth about themselves - and each other - was too much for their friendship to take. But with the country on the brink of a new world war - this time between the BioMaas swarm at CityHive and Daedalus's army at Megopolis - loyalties will be pushed to the brink, unlikely alliances will form and with them, betrayals. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above

When Aster's brother dies, everything changes. Instead of marriage, she is sent to the high school in her brother's place. Aster is excited but, as a Christian, she is unprepared for the difficulties of attending a Muslim school in Pakistan. When Aster is accused of blasphemy, she is taken to jail. A social justice lawyer defends her and Aster's cousin starts an online campaign to free her. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Living with anxiety and OCD is enough but when Daisy, her Best and Most Fearless Friend, brings her on a mission to find a fugitive billionaire things are about to get even more complicated. To find Russell Pickett, Aza must enter the world of his geeky, but maybe kind-of-cute son, Davis. But the chances of a first kiss, and maybe even a first love, could send Aza into a spiral of anxiety... A perfect coming-of-age novel filled with love, mystery and Star Wars fan-fiction. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Duke Orsino of Illyria is in love with Olivia, but his advances are rejected. A shipwrecked Viola arrives on his shores, and with the help of a Captain, disguises herself as a boy, calling herself Cesario, and enters Orsino's service. Orsino takes to Cesario, and sends 'him' to woo Olivia for him. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 & above.

Lily's family life is in turmoil. Her uncertainty regarding her developing relationship with Dash, concerns about her infirm grandfather, her brother's homosexuality and a possible move away from New York all combine, causing Lily to give up on Christmas, usually her favourite time of year. No matter how hard Dash tries their relationship seems to be disintegrating. With a crisis of confidence Lily sees only one course of action left to her. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

The story of Muhammad Ali, formerly Cassius Clay, a legendary hero who was an American prize-winning boxer and heavyweight champion of the world. This rap version of Ali's life includes his religion, his marriages and graphic descriptions of his brutal fights with examples of his provoking and inflammatory language. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

When her mother remarries, Isabella Swan moves to sunless Forks in Washington to join her father. On her first day at school, Bella is drawn to the incredibly beautiful Edward Cullen, not knowing that he and his family are vampires. They try not to prey on humans but Bella is particularly irresistible. Bella soon realises that falling in love with a vampire can be extremely dangerous. 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.

A young girl tells the story of her family during the Great Depression in Northern England. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.