Secret Warriors Princess Lolas Random Acts of Kindness

The Cave of Aaaaah! Murphy and David Diaz, which follows baby animals as they chronicle what they see in the natural world. Little, Brown twinkles with The Star Thief by Lindsey Becker, a debut middle-grade fantasy about a crew of sailors intent on capturing the constellations; Shine! Mission Moon by Drew Brockington, first in a new graphic novel series starring an elite group of cat astronauts on a mission to save the world. The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman, the true story of the relationship between the painter and his art dealer sibling; and Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios, about a girl whose friends help her leave an abusive relationship.

Imprint raids the fridge for Sleepover Surprise by Suzanne Selfors, in which Leilani, who longs to be popular, finds friendship among the least cool kids in school; Everywhere, Wonder by Matthew Swanson, illustrated by Robbi Behr, spotlighting a boy and his dog who travel the world seeing wonders of all sorts; Fix-It Friends: Priddy Books greets the season with the following early concept books by Roger Priddy: Hindle, a spelling-and vocabulary-filled road trip across the U. Month9 beams into Station Fosaan by Dee Garretson, in which a teen boy with authority issues must save his people from a malevolent alien race; Of the Trees by E.

Tantrum clears things up with Uncertain Summer by Jessica Lee Anderson, a story about a boy and his friends who spend the summer trying to prove the existence of Bigfoot in order to win a contest, but end up finding much more; and The Tick Tock Man by R. Clark, set in a world where everything is made of clock parts. National Geographic maps out spring with Motor Girls by Sue Macy, which delves into the first generation of motor girls who drove cars for fun, profit, and to make a statement about the evolving role of women; This Book Stinks! Peachtree leaps into spring with Prince Ribbit by Jonathan Emmett, illus.

Cartoon Network steps into spring with licensed books in various formats from the following TV properties: Untitled Fiction by Stacia Deutsch, the first in a middle-grade book series in partnership with organization Girls Who Code, starring four girls who join a coding club, become friends, and solve a coding mystery.

Watkins, in which Raybot befriends a tiny robot he finds abandoned in the junkyard; and three additions to the Mad Libs line. Polis rumbles into spring with Thunder Road by Ted Dawe, which finds roommates Devon and Trace participating in a dangerous street race; The Boy She Left Behind by Gregg Olsen, second in the Vengeance thriller series; and City of Angels by Kristi Belcamino, the story of a destitute teenager investigating the disappearance of a girl in s Los Angeles. Moondance blows out the candles for Happy Birthday to You by Colleen Madden, a picture book version of the traditional song with additional lyrics and a sound button that plays the original song; Hey Diddle Diddle by Joe Rhatigan, illus.

Knopf colors its spring list with Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley, about two old friends who after a falling out find their way back to each other when they work in a bookstore and exchange letters between the pages of books; 10 Things I Can See from Here by Carrie Mac, featuring Maeve, who struggles with anxiety and who falls in love with a fearless girl; Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves, first in a YA trilogy set in a world where social prestige hinges on a trifecta of blood, money; and magic; How to Raise a Mom by Jean Reagan, illus.

The Commerce Comet by Jonah Winter, illus. Ripple Grove Press advances with Graduation Day by Piotr Parda, the wordless story of a girl who does something beautiful after being bullied at school; and Mr. Tanner by Harry Chapin, illus. Second Story offers The Pain Eater , in which Maddy plans to use a class writing assignment to reveal the rape that she has not been able to tell anyone about. Cartwheel hops into spring with Snuggle Bunny by Kate Dopirak, illus. Griffin, in which Preston stumbles on a governmente experiment that would make prison permanent for teenage criminals; The Impossible Clue by Sarah Rubin, featuring math-whiz Alice who is trying to crack the case of a missing scientist; and Sound of Whales by Kerr Thomson, a YA thriller set on a Scottish island.

David Fickling Books flies high with The Icarus Show by Sally Christie featuring Alex, who finds a feather in his school bag accompanied by a note promising that a boy will fly; The Wrong Train by Jeremy de Quidt, in which a boy is told chilling tales to pass the time in a deserted train station; Lesser Spotted Animals by Martin Brown, a nonfiction book introducing unusual creatures; and Wild Lily by K. Peyton, the story of a scruffy, confident girl growing up in the shadow of an English manor and its young heir.

The Golden Lion by Mike Maihack, the continued exploits of Cleopatra as she heads to a freezing planet to locate a star with immeasurable energy. Dodo by Nicholas John Frith, spotlighting the friendship between a girl and a doughnut-loving bird; and Wordplay by Adam Lehrhaupt, illus. Scholastic Nonfiction checks its battery life for Go Gaming! Scholastic Paperbacks scares up Monster Itch 1: Piranha who want to lose their bad reputations and be heroes; and Enchanted Pony Academy 1 by Lisa Ann Scott, the launch of a series about magical pony friends.

Atheneum turns on the light for One Shadow on the Wall by Leah Henderson, a debut novel set in contemporary Senegal and laced with magical realism about a boy who struggles to keep the promise he made to his dying father; Antoinette by Kelly DiPucchio, illus. Caitlin Dlouhy Books goes undercover with Olivia the Spy by Ian Falconer, starring the beloved picture book pig who is eavesdropping for details about her birthday; Priscilla Gorilla by Barbara Bottner, illus. Aladdin steps up to the plate for Baseball Genius by Tim Green and Derek Jeter, spotlighting an average kid with way-above-average talent for predicting baseball pitches; The Unwanteds Quests 1: Rapunzel by Chloe Perkins, illus.

Varian, sixth in the Changers series about four kids who can transform into mythological animals; and tie-in titles to each of the following media properties: Teletubbies, Smurfs, and PJ Masks. Soho Teen gets goosebumps with Unearthly Things by Michelle Gagnon, a gothic retelling of Jane Eyre set in the high society of modern-day San Francisco; and The Free by Lauren McLaughlin, in which Isaac unexpectedly finds redemption in a support group of other convicts in juvenile detention and the literary journal they start for their fellow inmates.

Jabberwocky crafts a spring list with The Wordsmith by Patricia Forde, the Irish Book Award winner set in the city of Ark where language is limited to a box of cards containing only words; The Dragon Hunters by James Russell, illus.

Dino Riders by Will Dare, launching a chapter book series about taming dragons in a wild frontier; Out of Bounds: The Soccer Sisters by Andrea Montalbano, the kick-off to a series featuring a group of friends and the lessons they learn via their love of the game; and Okefenokee by Nancy Cavanaugh, in which Elsie and her new dog Huck help catch hog bandits who have been stealing form local families. Case of the Stinky Stench by Josh Funk, illus. Starscape gets wrapped up in Tut: Hoover, featuring King Tut, who takes the form of an immortal eighth-grader living in Washington, D.

Tor Teen sets up the whetstone for The Sword and the Dagger by Robert Cochran, a historical adventure featuring a Christian princess and a Muslim assassin traveling to the court of Genghis Khan; To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough, in which a teen girl uses forensic science to solve the cold case murder of her mother; Roar by Cora Carmack, set in a land shaped by magical storms; Refuge for Masterminds by Kathleen Baldwin, a new entry to the Stranje House series that finds Lady Jane saving a brash American inventor from an ambush by minions of Napoleon; and Seeker by Veronica Rossi, returning to the world of Riders as Daryn leads the riders against Samrael, the last surviving demon.

Tundra rolls in with The Fog by Kyo Maclear, illus. Zondervan pledges an oath with For Love and Honour by Jody Hedlund, in which a wealthy noblewoman and a desperate knight who harbor secrets that could doom their love and lives. Blink charts a course with Toward a Secret Sky by Heather Maclean, blending romance, thrills and the history behind a secret city beneath London and the highlands of Scotland; The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill, in which year-old Piper searches the dark underbelly of s Chicago to find her missing best friend; and It Started with Goodbye by Christina June, featuring Tatum who weathers some tough circumstances to try and start a graphic design business and get a first date with her crush.

Zonderkidz welcomes spring with Hello Stars! To subscribe, click here. Simply close and relaunch your preferred browser to log-in. If you have questions or need assistance setting up your account please email pw pubservice. Mia must find the courage to follow her heart in Alaska. All about Anna and Harriet and Christopher and me Disasters seem to happen when Anna goes to visit her cousins every Saturday. All in the blue unclouded weather A collection of interlinked stories set in the late s in an Australian country town which focus on the four young Melling sisters.

Each story links the girls and their friends together in a variety of domestic events and problems. The stories present a nostalgic feel for the post-war years. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above. All the colours of paradise Since his arrival at the Kingdom of Silk, Perry Angel has learned a lot about love. Apart from dressing up as Superman, Perry's favourite thing is drawing. But, then, something happens and Perrry's friends are worried he might never draw again.

Mr Kadri from the Colour Patch Cafe understands that, sometimes, there are no words to describe feelings and announces a new category in the annual art exhibition. All too much Samira wants to do well, her parents want her to do well, her teachers want her to do well, but the pressure is starting to tell. Can her friends rescue her when it all gets too much? All we know All Arkie knows is that things are changing, the vacant block of land is being built on and everyone is talking about going to high school.

Always Jack Jack's life is pretty good until things get complicated. Nanna is getting wobblier, his face goes red when he thinks about Anna and Mum and Rob's wedding is taking over the world. Then, his Mum gets breast cancer and the world starts spinning while his mum and family go through the whole experience of her illness.

Amazing mind of Alice Makin, The Twelve year old Alice Makin is living in a tiny flat in post-war London where many people's homes have been destroyed. Reggie and the man he calls his grandfather come to live upstairs. Alice and Reggie become friends and realise that they share a special talent for making things that they think happen. This is not their only connection and as the story unfolds Alice learns about who she really is. Amber amulet, The Twelve-year-old Liam McKenzie patrols his suburban neighbourhood as the Masked Avenger - a superhero with powers so potent not even he can fully comprehend their extent.

Along with his sidekick, Richie the Powerbeagle, he protects the people of Franklin Street from chaos, mayhem, evil and low tyre pressure - but can he save them from sadness? Amina's father is betrayed and arrested. His artwork is seen as 'un-Islamic' and Amina no longer knows who she can trust. Food is scarce, her mother is pregnant and her grandmother ill. Amina must find a way to survive. Angel creek There are only two things that Jelly likes about the new house on Rosemary Street, the old apricot tree and the creek over the back fence.

One night, Jelly and her cousins spot something in the creek's dark waters. At first, they think it's a bird but it's a baby angel with a broken wing. Jelly decides to keep it. But, she soon discovers that you can't just take something from where it belongs and expect that it won't be missed. Angela and Diabola Angela is the angelic twin and Diabola is the opposite, a pair of twins who can drive their normal parents, the Cuthbertson-Joneses, to distraction. Angela is perfect but, that Diabola, she could just be wicked or she may be a genius. Anna and the swallow man On 6 November , Anna's father had to go away for a few hours.

He left shortly after eleven o'clock and did not come back again. Seven year old Anna is locked out of the apartment and alone. She is hungry and scared, and unsure who she can trust or who she can turn to. Anne of Green Gables Adopted by an elderly brother and his spinster sister who live on a Canadian island, Anne delights in her new life and friends in this enduring classic.

Anne of Green Gables series Any two 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. 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. Another night in Mullet Town Life for Jonah and Manx means fishing for mullet at the lake, watching their school mates party on Friday night and wishing they had the courage to talk to Ella and Rachel.

But, their lakeside town is being sold off and, now, life doesn't seem so simple. Manx holds a grudge against the wealthy blow-ins from the city and Jonah just wants his parents to stop arguing. One memorable night at the lake will change everything. Ant colony, The A strange assortment of misfits and losers live at number Runaway Sam has disappeared there, Bohemia's mum is between boyfriends again and Old Isabel acts like she owns the place. The owner, Sleezy Steve, is always trying to squeeze in one more tenant.

Maybe their concern for Bohemia, the most caring of them all, can teach these people to care. Strong language used in context and adult themes. Apple tart of hope, The Oscar Dunleavy, who used to make the world's most perfect apple tarts, is missing, presumed dead.

No one seems too surprised, except for Meg, his best friend, and his little brother Stevie. Surrounded by grief and confusion, Meg and Stevie are determined to find out what happened to Oscar, and together they learn about loyalty and friendship and the power of never giving up hope. Applesauce weather When the first apple falls from the tree, siblings Faith and Peter know that it is applesauce weather. And that means that Uncle Arthur should be here.

It seems like he needs a little more time to grieve. This is the first year without Aunt Lucy after all. This is a heartfelt tale about the strength and love of family and the power of a good story. Perry has a brain condition that can cause him to become distressed and behave in inappropriate ways, and after the death of their father, Justine has become his sole carer. This trip will mark a shift in their relationship, towards independence, and an opportunity for their absent mother to atone for past mistakes.

Ariki and the giant shark Ariki is not like the other children on Turtle Island. She belongs heart and soul to the sea, where she plays all day with the dolphins and turtles. One day, a giant shark appears and the fishermen are too afraid to go out. Without fish the people will starve - and only Ariki can save the day! Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe Aristotle is angry and self-doubting, with a brother in prison. Dante is self-assured, with an unusual way of viewing the world. They would seem to have nothing in common.

But, as the loners spend time together, a special bond develops. Through their friendship, Ari and Dante learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be. Adult themes and language. Arnie Avery Lately, nothing is going right for thirteen year old Arnie. Ever since it happened, his family, especially his mother, has been behaving strangely. At school, he is accused of cheating and now Jacko has challenged him to a fight.

He has to get his life sorted out and deal with what happened. Ash princess Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Fire Queen, was murdered before her eyes. On that day, the Kaiser took Theodosia's family, her land, and her name. Theo was crowned Ash Princess - a title of shame to bear in her new life as a prisoner. For ten years Theo has been a captive in her own palace. She's endured the relentless abuse and ridicule of the Kaiser and his court.

She is powerless, surviving in her new world only by burying the girl she was deep inside. Then, one night the Kaiser forces her to do the unthinkable. With blood on her hands and all hope of reclaiming her throne lost, she realizes that surviving is no longer enough. But she does have a weapon: And power isn't always won on the battlefield.

At Ardilla Jen returns to Ardilla, a well-loved, old holiday home, and struggles to understand the changing relationships between families and friends. A companion book to Wonder. Indonesia Indonesia is the world's largest island country, with 17, islands, of which about 6, are inhabited. Find out what life is like in Indonesia.

Discover Indonesia's ethnic diversity and how people live, work and play. Learn about the events that shaped this fascinating country. Bad beginning, The After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children must depend on each other and their wits to outsmart a distant relative who is determined to use any means necessary to get their fortune. A story of misery. Bad girls Mandy has been picked on at school for as long as she can remember. She can't believe it when cheeky, daring Tanya wants to be her friend. But, Mum thinks Tanya is not a suitable friend and, when Tanya shoplifts, there is trouble ahead.

Bakehouse, The In New Zealand during World War ll, eleven year old Bert desperately wants the war to continue so that he can join up and use guns. An abandoned derelict bakery becomes a prospective bomb shelter for the family and Bert enjoys his role in setting it up. But, when the shelter becomes home to a deserter, Bert soon learns that the secrets and danger of war don't always stay at the front line.

She becomes jealous when her beach holiday is invaded by troubled teenager, Tara. Ballet shoes Three orphaned sisters are sent to ballet school for training and are determined to make their name famous. Barlay Sometimes, grown-ups tell scary stories to teach kids a lesson. And, sometimes, those scary stories turn out to be true. Sarah, Jay and Rene find out the hard way what sort of tale their Nan's Woordatj story is when they wander off into the bush, despite her warnings.

Battle boy series Easy to read adventures that time travel to some of the most intereting historical events to meet real people. Any two 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. Battle fatigue A teenager is conscripted into the Vietnam War. He has to decide whether he will go, or whether he will dodge the draft by seeking asylum in Canada. The story also considers the effects of earlier wars on other members of the family and their influence on the younger characters.

Battle of the jade horse Battle of the Jade Horse Author: Alison Lloyd Hu and Ren are friends during the second century in China. Their families come from different social classes and each must make choices that may hurt their friendship. How will their friendship be able to survive? Beach sports car When Annie's dad promises her a beach sports car, she imagines a bright red hotrod with racing car stripes. But, it will take a lot of work to turn Dad's battered old bomb into the car of Annie's dreams.

Then again, hard work can sometimes make the rewards seem so much sweeter. Beast Eleven year old Jamie, a fearful boy, confronts his biggest fear, the class bully. Through his ordeal, he comes to realise that, while magic can't stop bad things from happening, intelligence and courage can. Beast of Hushing Wood, The Ziggy Truegood feels a threatening presence in her tiny town of Hushing Wood, which is deepened by a recurring nightmare she has. When Raffi, an exotic young boy, and his grandfather come to town Ziggy's fears intensify.

Unfortunately, her own wise and knowledgeable grandfather is ill, unable to help her. She wonders are the pair there to save her or to hunt her? Beatle meets Destiny Beatle normally doesn't go out on Friday the thirteenth but this is an exception. And, then, there's the attractive girl wearing sunglasses and reading a book. Not only is her name Destiny but her surname is McCartney, and since his real name is John Lennon, and for a whole lot of other spooky reasons, it seems destined that they will be together.

But Beatle already has a girlfriend. Some language in context. Usually read by student in Years 9,10 or above. Beautiful lie, A In , Bilal is shields his dying father from the truth about the violence that is threatening India and their formerly peaceful community. With determination and help from friends, Bilal persuades others to collude with him in this deception, even printing false pages of the local newspaper.

Bilal just wants his father to die in peace but that means Bilal has a complicated relationship with the truth. Beautiful mess Since Ava lost Kelly, things haven't been going so well. Even before she gets thrown out of school for shouting at the principal, there's the simmering rage and all the weird destructive choices. The only thing going right for Ava is her job at Magic Kebab. Which is where she meets Gideon. Skinny, shy, anxious Gideon.

A mad poet and collector of vinyl records with an aversion to social media. He lives in his head. She lives in her grief. The only people who can help them move on with their lives are each other. Beautiful monster Tessa needs to be perfect, the perfect daughter, with the perfect marks and the perfect body. But, there is a fine line between being in control and being controlled, in Tessa's effort to achieve perfection.

Contains mature themes and some language in context. Beauty is in the walking, The Everyone thinks they know what Jacob O'Leary can and can't do, and they're not shy about telling him either. But, no one, not even Jacob, knows what he's truly capable of. When a shocking and mystifying crime leaves his small country town reeling, and fingers start pointing at a young Muslim boy at his school, Jacob is convinced the police have accused the wrong guy.

He's determined to prove it, and himself, to everyone. Challenging book; usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above. Because of you Tiny is an eighteen-year-old girl living on the streets of Sydney, running from her small-town past. She finds short-term accommodation at Hope Lane - a shelter for the homeless - where she meets Nola, a high school student on volunteer placement.

Both girls share their love of words through the Hope Lane writing group. Can they share their secrets, too? Because you'll never meet me There are truths you can only tell a stranger, and this friendship is the strangest. Ollie and Moritz are best friends, but they can never meet, because if they ever did, one of them will most certainly die. As recluses from society, they develop a fierce bond through letters that become a lifeline. But when Moritz reveals the key to their shared, disturbing past, their friendship faces a test neither one of them expected.

Becoming Aurora Sixteen year old Rory Aurora is at the crossroads in her life. While her gang plans its next move in a racially motivated turf war, Rory refuses to reveal their names and takes the rap for an attack on the local immigrant community. She is sentenced to community care in an aged care facility. There, she meets resident and ex-boxer Jack, an encounter that leads her to Essam, a young migrant boxer, who will challenge her prejudices and force her to address the mistakes of her past.

Usually read by Years 9, 10 or above. Adopted at birth by a white family, Kirrali doesn't question her cultural roots until a series of life-changing events force her to face up to her true identify. Her decision to search for her biological parents sparks off a political awakening that no one sees coming, least of all Kirrali. Been here all along Gideon always had a plan. His plans include running for class president, leading the yearbook committee and having his choice of colleges.

They do not include falling head over heels for his best friend and next-door neighbour, Kyle. Kyle finally feels like he has a handle on life. He has a wonderful girlfriend, a best friend willing to debate the finer points of Lord of the Rings and social acceptance as captain. Then both Ruby and Gideon start acting weird Before you forget Year Twelve is not off to a good start for Amelia. Art is her world, but her art teacher hates everything she does; her best friend has stopped talking to her; her mother and father may as well be living in separate houses; and her father is slowly forgetting everything.

Beginner's guide to revenge, The At just thirteen, Romola has changed school five times and always has trouble making friends. By chance, she meets Sebastian and they help each other resolve some serious feelings of injustice. Romola is having trouble with some friends who are being mean to her and Sebastian is missing his dad. If someone did something very hurtful to you and you had a perfect way to pay them back, would you do it? Romola and Sebastian have to make just such a decision.

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Being Bee Bee isn't about to change just because her dad is going to remarry. However, when Jazz starts living with dad earlier than expected, Bee knows things will change whether she likes it or not. An unlikely source helps her come to terms with the situation. Being Bindy This is what happens when your worst enemy, who used to be your best friend, threatens to become your sister.

Bindy makes some tough decisions as she faces adolescence and the problems caused by her parents' new relationships. Being here Sixteen year old Carly is interviewing Leah Cartwright for her local history project. Leah resists, determined to tell her own story of a lonely child on an isolated farm, whose only escape is in the world of books. Carly is drawn into the story about Leah's present, past, secrets, an unlikely boy who changes everything, and a rich imagination that rescues her from a grim reality. Includes some violence and adult themes. Being Jack Jack is in Year 6 now and still loves his photography, surfing and crazy family.

Things are going well for him, particularly at school where he isn't bullied any more. But, he notices that his best friend, Christopher, is starting to miss school, hiding out and avoiding everyone. When a football match turns ugly and Jack and Christopher witness some unfair dirty play, they know that, again, the bullying has to stop. Any two books from this series may be read as Challenge books; up to five more can be read as personal choice books. See Series lists for individual titles. Better Nate than ever Thirteen year old Nate Foster doesn't enjoy his life.

He is nothing like his sporty brother, his strict parents seem to be close to divorce and he's bullied about his weight and sexuality Nate is currently undecided. With his love of Broadway musicals, Nate grabs a chance to escape when he hears about an audition. As his naive plan disintegrates, Nate stays just one step ahead of disaster while keeping his sense of humour. Between the lives Sabine is an eighteen year old caught between two lives. Her life in Wellesey is the almost perfect world, a place of glamorous friends, all you could want and a doting boyfriend.

Her other life in Roxbury is less than perfect and here she is considered by many as a rebel, out of place. Every twenty-four hours on the stroke of midnight, Sabine moves between worlds. Beyond the bright sea Crow was just a baby when she was tied into a boat and pushed out to sea. When she washes up onto a tiny island, there are just 3 clues to her origin; a birthmark in the shape of a feather, a ruby ring and a sea-soaked letter with just a few cryptic words remaining.

Crow will set out on a remarkable treasure hunt, and discover what it truly means to be a family. Big dry, The With each year of drought the heat became worse. The lawns and crops withered and died. Buildings began to crumble and collapse, and more people left the city. George and his little brother, Beeper, become worried when their father fails to return from a trip to town for food and fuel. Fear for the safety of their dad quickly becomes a fight for their own survival in the hot and brutal conditions.

Bill rules Bill and Matty are the best of friends and neighbours which leads to exciting adventures and, sometimes, more than a little trouble. When Bill learns that his father is coming home from jail, his world is tipped upside down. Worries start to mount but Matty has an idea to help Bill. But life doesn't always go according to plan. Billie and the parent plan Billie's mum is getting married to a bald, old man.

Billie doesn't fit in with her uncool stepfather and her posh stepsister and would rather live with her best mate, Archie. A funny book about Billie's valiant attempts to resist her new family. Billionaire boy Joe Spud is the richest twelve year old because his father reinvented toilet paper and became rich. He owns a racing car and a crocodile, but the one thing he can't buy is a friend.

When he changes schools, he encounters twin bullies, a greedy lunch lady and new friends. Binna Binna man, The A young Aboriginal boy is travelling back to his home on the mission to attend the funeral of a cousin. Birdie in the sky Birdie and her dad love being up in the sky in their Tiger Moth plane, Peggybelle. That is, until a terrible accident makes it a matter of life and death, and Birdie finds herself flying the plane alone.

Birds of a feather Year 6 schoolgirls must deal with issues of bullying. Illustrations by Quentin Blake add a lovely dimension. Bit of a hero, A Tom is finding it hard to come to terms with the death of his father, a firefighter, who lost his life trying to save a child. Life just gets worse when a bully joins his class at school and Mum meets a new man. Tom wonders whether he can find the courage within himself to stand up to the bully, and to accept the many changes in his life. Bitter chocolate A gripping story of two boys whose lives are anything but carefree.

Pascal and Kojo work on a cocoa plantation in West Africa and they desperately want to get back to their homes to see if their families are still alive. Global social issues of child soldiers and child labour are sensitively and realistically portrayed. When a powerful weapon is stolen, the three of them must battle through sixteenth-century Japan and present-day New York to stop a power-hungry shogun from destroying the city.

Betrayal and the testing of friendships combine in a battle for world supremacy. Black warrior Everyone close to Roxy has been cursed and the monster Tigon has been unleashed on her hometown. Lanternwood's only hope is for the ninja and samurai clans to join forces. Among the chaos, Roxy can't shake the urge to find the father she has never met.

Black water When Farren's father goes missing at sea, all he wants is for his older brother to come home from the war in Gallipoli. But, when Danny returns, he has changed from the person Farren remembers. This is a story of two brothers' struggle to make their way in a difficult world. Mature themes and very strong language used in context throughout.

Bleakboy and Hunter stand out in the rain Some things are too big for a boy to solve. Eleven year old Jesse is tackling many problems in life, especially fitting in to a new school. He must confront the school bully and try to come to terms with many other issues like whaling, poverty in Africa and, of course, parents.

Luckily, he meets Kate who has curly black hair, braces, an infectious smile and needs Jesse's help. Blossom Lottie is excited when a lost little girl arrives on her doorstep. Lottie, who only has Uncle Bobby in the world has always wanted a sister. Blossom isn't like other kids. She doesn't speak and is obsessed with her flower, refusing to go anywhere without it.

Everything changes when Blossom gets sick and is taken away to hospital. Lottie with her friends must do whatever it takes to rescue her. Blue noise Ash is drooling over a guitar when he meets Charlie Novak. One jam session later and Charlie convinces Ash to play in his band and Erin to be the keyboard player. Erin thinks Charlie is a fruit loop, with his weird hair and hyperactive rantings.

Besides, she's a classical pianist and it'll never work. Blueberry pancakes forever Winter has fallen in the world of story and Tuesday's typewriter lies silent. Far away in the Peppermint Forest, Vivienne fears she will never again feel the touch of the sun. When the mysterious Loddon appears in Vivienne's treehouse, he brings terrible danger. Without warning, Tuesday is swept up into the world of story as she has never seen it before. In this forbidding and unfamiliar place, and without her beloved dog, Tuesday becomes Loddon's captive and has to muster all her resources to survive.

Bob Livy has visited her maternal grandmother before, on her farm outside of Melbourne, Victoria - but, she was only five years old then, and she can't seem to remember much. Her grandmother shows her around, reminding her of all the fun they had last time she stayed, but only Livy seems to recall a 'wrong chicken' Bone sparrow, The Ten year old Subhi is a Rohingya asylum seeker, born in an Australian permanent detention centre, Life behind the fences is all he has ever known and Subhi needs the stories of others to build memories. One night, Jimmie appears from the other side of the wires, bringing a bone sparrow necklace and a notebook, written by her dead mother.

As their tales unfold, Subhi and Jimmie might find a way to freedom but not until each of them has been braver than ever before. Bone witch, The When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother from the dead, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means that she's a bone witch. She puts all her energy into becoming an asha. But dark forces are encroaching, and in the face of danger, Tea will have to make a difficult choice about how to use her power.

Book of everything, The Thomas escapes from hypocrisy and domestic violence with wild imaginings and sightings of Jesus. A deeply moving story of a Dutch family, ruled by a violent, bible-wielding father, who survive because of a special child and some very, strong women. Book of the banshee, The Will's sister, Estelle, has turned into a teenager and transformed the house into a war zone.

Book thief, The It is in Nazi Germany. Death has never been busier and will become busier still. Liesel has just buried her brother when she picks up a book, partially hidden in the snow by his graveside. This is her first act of book thievery and the beginning of a love affair with books and words. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jewish man in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up and closed down. A sombre theme that includes some violence. Boss of the pool Required to accompany her mother, who works at a hostel for the disabled, Shelley is more than a little unhappy.

Eventually, she chooses to teach Ben, who is mentally disabled and very fearful of the water, how to swim. Boundless sublime, The Ruby's younger brother has died and her family is torn apart. Ruby feels his death so personally that she has shut herself off from her usual world. When she meets Fox, an idiosyncratic but gentle loner, Ruby is drawn into his special, little community. Fox seems to understand what she's going through and offers her a chance to find peace. But, Ruby discovers that he lives in a terrifying, secretive cult community that is far from the ideal world she expected.

Boy at the top of mountain, The When Pierrot becomes an orphan, he must leave Paris to live with Aunt Beatrix, a servant in a household at the top of the German mountains.

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This is no ordinary time. It is and the Second World War is fast approaching. And, this is no ordinary house, it is the Berghof, Adolf Hitler's home. Pierrot is thrown into an increasingly dangerous world of terror, secrets and betrayal, from which he may never be able to escape. He wants his sister, Ninja Grace, to go to university at the North Pole and only come back once a year. He wants his dog, Charles Scalleybones the First, to stop eating the planets from his solar system mobile and throwing them up on the carpet.

He want to help Sherlock Holmes solve his most daring mystery yet. But, most of all, he wants his dad to love him. Boy who sailed ocean in an armchair, The Eleven year old Becket Rumsey is all at sea. In the middle of the night, his dad has run away with him and his brother, Billy. They've left everything behind, including their almost-mum, Pearl, who gives great hugs. Their father tells them they need not contact Pearl, not even to say goodbye, and that they're starting at a new school after their holiday.

Becket just wants is his family to be whole again. With lots of stories, one thousand paper cranes and a snail, Beckett is determined to make his wish come true. Boys without names Eleven year old Gopal and his family leave their rural Indian village to find work in the big city, Mumbai. When a stranger promises Gopal a job, he jumps at the offer.

But Gopal has been deceived. In a stuffy sweatshop, he and other boys are forced to work for no money, little food and without talking. Late one night, when Gopal shares kahanis, or stories, he realises that storytelling may help their survival, and escape. Bravo Billy Thirteen year old Billy is passionate about his guitar and his favourite band. Freedom finders, The To find freedom, you must leave behind everything you've ever known. You and Ma have survived on the streets of London ever since the soldiers took Da away and you fled Ireland.

Now, with Ma gone too, you find yourself facing life-and-death choices at every turn. Can you carry a secret treasure across the ocean and finally be reunited with Da? You'll be asked to betray your friends, survive storms at sea and attacks by bushrangers, and trust thieves.

At every turn, the choice is yours. How far will you go for freedom? Bridge to Terabithia Jessie and Leslie are close friends who create a magical world for themselves, until a tragedy happens. Bridge to Wiseman's Cove, A Karl and his wild young brother are taken in by their aunt, after their mother abandons them. Bridget, a new Australian During the Irish potato famine, Bridget's family has been turned out of their home and their only refuge is the workhouse, where living conditions are hard and the food sparse.

For Bridget and her sister, Maeve, their one chance is to take a ship to a new country and become Australians. They must survive the journey then face the many challenges that await them in a new, far away land. Brief history of Montmaray, A Sophie, the diarist, is sixteen and lives in a crumbling castle on the tiny island kingdom of Montmaray with her tomboy sister, her nearly perfect cousin and the completely mad King.

The war woes of Europe rage about them, sometimes terrifyingly touching their lives, as they struggle to survive. With love interests, humour, suspense and secrets. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above. Brigadista year, My When thirteen-year-old Lora tells her parents that she wants to join Premier Castro's army of young literacy teachers, her mother screeches to high heaven, and her father roars like a lion.

Lora has barely been outside of Havana - why would she throw away her life in a remote shack with no electricity, sleeping on a hammock in somebody's kitchen? But Lora is stubborn: Surprisingly, Lora's abuela takes her side, even as she makes Lora promise to come home if things get too hard. But how will Lora know for sure when that time has come? Brilliant fall of Gianna Z. She has less than a week to collect and document twenty-five leaves, and she'll lose her spot on the team if she can't pull it off. With a forgetful grandmother, a hearse-driving father, a mean-girl running rival, and new feelings toward her best friend, Gianna wishes life would just leave her alone to finish the project.

Can Gianna Z get the stroke of brilliance she needs to make it all work out? Bring it on Sarah loves to crack jokes, but no one at her new school is laughing, not even her first day buddy Hanh. Even worse, no one at Milsborough West Primary surfs and that's Sarah's favourite thing in the world! Sarah is a big fan of Aussie Rules football, but she has never played. Will coach Shawna let Sarah join the Flyers and be part of the team?

Bro What happens when you mix teenage boys, a fight club and ethnic rivalries? Romeo Makhlouf knows the rules. Stick with your own kind. Don't dob on your mates or your enemies. But even unwritten rules are made for breaking. Brocky's bananagram Matt Brock and his friend write a message on a banana which is to be shipped out from his dad's plantation.

What a surprise when they receive a reply. Broken glass Brothers, Suresh and Sandeep, end up as street kids in a city far from their home village. They become glass collectors, searching through the rubbish dumps and dirty alleys to find glass to sell in order to survive. But, when Suresh realises his younger brother isn't coping as well as he thought, he must find a way to save Sandeep and himself from a terrible fate.

Bronte girls, The A father keeps his family locked in a time warp, away from the 20th century. Brontide Brontide is a coming of age story about four boys and their lot in life. Recounted through storytelling sessions at their school over a period of five days, these boys chronicle their lives. They are at times demanding, occasionally rude, always funny and unexpectedly profound. The boys like to challenge themselves and the rules, and soon realise that not everything goes to plan.

Life is lonely and isolated until she meets Bronze, who, unable to speak, is ostracised by the village boys.

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The pair becomes inseparable. When Bronze's family agrees to take Sunflower in, she is overjoyed and Bronze has got the sister he always wanted. But, life is hard and Bronze's family can barely afford to feed themselves. Buddy Josh appears a typical teenager, resentful of his parents' divorce and dad's new girlfriend. Despite a crippling fear of the water, he learns to swim so that he can take part in the Iron Kid Triathlon, Sensitive treatment of mental retardation.

Bungawitta The town of Bungawitta is so dry that the youngest resident, Glory-Alice, has only ever seen rain on television. The residents have to work out how to bring people to the dying town, where the sun always shines. Burnt stick, The An Aboriginal boy is removed from his mother, despite her desperate efforts to disguise his fair skin by rubbing him with charcoal from a burnt stick.

Butter Butter is overweight and he knows it. He is unpopular at school and sits alone at lunch. Then he decides to eat himself to death live over the net. Suddenly he is the centre of attention with the coolest group at school - he knows it is only because of his site but he is no longer alone. Will he go through with his dare and will his new found 'friends' let him or make him. Butterfly heart, The In Zambia, time is running out as Bul-Boo and Madillo try to work out a way to save their friend, Winifred, from a terrifying fate.

In desperation, they ask the advice of Ifwafwa, the snake man, who promises to think about the problem. Ifwafwa is wise and has a gift with snakes, but he does not like to hurry and Bul-Boo becomes impatient. When the principal's prized rose garden is vandalised, Rex and Tony, get the blame. But it is a set-up, and Tony is ""making enquiries"".

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Rex discovers a dilemma, a new friend and even netball. Caddy ever after Saffy and Rose have a near death experience on the moors involving a party balloon. Indigo is trying to sort out everybody's love life including his own. More importantly, Caddy has found true love and is about to marry and live happily ever after. Callie A reissue combining two books, Callie's castle and Callie's family. You can read Callie's family using the ID number Callie is an ordinary child living in an extraordinary old house.

She is bitterly disappointed when she is just one month too old at twelve to be able to go to Denmark with her dad as no-one can afford the adult fare she now needs. Came back to show you I could fly Eleven year old Seymour meets Angie, who is older and beautiful, a dream girl. Seymour is unaware that Angie is a drug addict. Their friendship, and the revelation of this secret, changes both their lives.

Candle for Saint Antony, A An intense story about the developing, close relationship between Justin, an Australian boy, and Rudi, a sensitive boy from Austria. Their emotional interdependence causes trouble in their peer group as others question the nature of the relationship. Candyfloss Floss has a special bond with her penniless father with whom she shares a humorous relationship. By ignoring the teasing from her peers, she is able to discover true friendship. Captain Mack Danny has a difficult time at school. The school bully picks on him and Danny's friend, Captain Mack, still thinks that he is a POW and wants to return home.

Cardturner, The Alton's girlfriend has dumped him, he has no money and no job, so it looks like a long summer holiday ahead. Then he is asked to drive his old, blind and sick uncle to play bridge. His parents are desperate for him to get in his uncle's good books, but Alton soon finds himself enjoying his uncle's company, as well as playing bridge. Care and feeding of a pet black hole, The Stella Rodriguez learns the hard way that caring for a black hole can be a rather complicated thing.

They are fantastic at swallowing stuff - all the stuff she no longer wants around, like scratchy sweaters and her brother Cosmo's annoying toy. More importantly Stella finds that she can get rid of other things, things that remind her of her dad, who died recently, things that remind her to be sad. It's gets even more interesting when the black hole accidentally swallows something far too precious to lose and Stella has to go deep inside on an epic, interstellar adventure to save her whole world. Who knew that have a pet black hole could be so much trouble?

Caro was here One match, one chance, she thinks. Skipping school to lead a group of friends - and enemies - on an adult-free excursion to an island in Sydney Harbour is Caro's idea of a twelfth birthday outing. She can handle that too. But the challenges multiply. They're not alone on the island, and Caro must save her friends from life-threatening danger. And Baz might be evil and a vampire, but he could also be right. Most of the time, Simon can't make his wand work, he mostly can't find his mentor, and there's a magic-eating monster causing mayhem.

Baz would be loving it, except he hasn't even bothered to come back to school for the final year. Carry On is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. You think you've read this book before, but you haven't. Cartboy and the time capsule Hal Rifkind wonders why he can't have the easy life he craves - a room of his own, time to play video games with his best mate Arnie and most of all, surviving grade six.

Instead he has to share his room with his twin baby sisters, is only permitted 15 minutes of video games on weekends and he has a year-long history assignment to complete. Casson family series Any two books from this series may be read as Challenge books; up to five more can be read as personal choice books.

Go to the Series lists for individual book titles. Cat mummy, The Verity is devastated when Mabel, her adored cat, dies. School lessons about the Ancient Egyptians lead Verity to attempt to honour Mabel with an Ancient Egyptian mummification. Verity's mum died during childbirth and her dad and grandparents have avoided speaking to her about it, but now it is time to talk. Catland Having to stay with her Dad, his new wife and two stepdaughters when her mum goes to India is not as bad as Rose first thinks.

Her stepmother is mounting a campaign against cats and a neighbour who has lots of them. Rose finds a solution. Certain music, A In , a young, lonely girl spends much of her time hiding in the Vienna Woods. She spies an old man, a composer, and they form an odd friendship which develops through their mutual love of music. A story of how she triumphs over difficult circumstances and how people can help each other. Chalkline It's an ordinary morning at school in rural Kashmir when the silence of dawn prayers is ripped apart by gunfire.

Freedom Fighters are raiding his village and Rafiq is the first boy to cross the chalkline into a life of brutality and violence. Rafiq's memory of his family has been all but obliterated by his forced training, indoctrination and terrorist actions and is unrecognisable as the boy who left the village. Change the locks Steven has to assume much of the responsibility for his little brother when his young mother can't cope. Steven's fears, and the memories that accompany them, are explained as he becomes closer to his mother.

Some strong language in context. Changing gear Merrick Hilton has done a runner. On his postie bike. With his swag and a need to clear his head before the HSC. He plays his parents and hits the road. But there's no telling how he'll handle life's potholes when things don't go as planned.

Thankfully Victor - an old bloke he meets on the road - knows a bit about broken postie bikes, and broken hearts. Will Victor, Merrick, and the dog survive road-kill, the kindness of strangers, a rave, mindless violence and unexpected romance? There's only one way to find out. Chanters of Tremaris series Any two 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.

Charlotte and the starlet Charlotte is a thirteen year old girl with aspirations of joining the Junior Olympic Equestrian Squad. She loves riding and knows she is good but nothing has prepared her for the dirty tricks that other competitors have up their sleeves. Chat room Sam is thirteen and has recently moved from Sydney to Melbourne with her high powered, busy parents. She has started at a new school and feels lonely and isolated. Sam logs onto chat rooms for company and begins a friendship with Chatman, a charming seventeen year old.

But, Chatman is not what he seems and the developing friendship takes a sinister turn. Addresses contemporary problems associated with the anonymity of chat rooms and internet predators. A true story of hope and survival during World War II A story about the strength of one young girl separated from her family during the 2nd World War and sent to live with strangers in England.

While the war drags on over years and Lisa dreams of seeing her family again she clings to the one gift her mother told her to never loose, her music. Lisa's piano playing would go on and brighten the lives of all those around her in the darkest of times and her story reminds us not just of the power of music, but of the amazing resilience and humbling kindness of the human spirit.

For anyone who enjoyed The Diary of Anne Frank. Chinese Cinderella and the secret dragon society A young girl is thrown out of her home by her cruel stepmother onto the dangerous streets of Shanghai. She takes refuge in a Martial Arts Academy and becomes part of a new family. A secret mission changes her life dramatically. Chocolate wishes Lulu scales new heights with her enchanted recipe book and now is challenged by an international arch villain.

Chook called Harry, A There are ten chooks in the chook house and Chris collects the eggs every day. When his favourite chook, Happy Harry, stops laying, Chris's Dad says that she's not pulling her weight and will have to go. Chris must work out a way to save her. Some derogatory language used in context. Chronicles of ancient darkness series In the pre-agricultural Stone Age, a boy called Torak struggles against the forces of evil that killed his father. Cicada summer Two years ago, Eloise's mother died and, over time, sadness has taken her voice. Her father, preoccupied with grandiose schemes that allow him to run from his own grief, ignores what is happening with Eloise's quietness.

When Eloise meets Anna, a girl from another time, things begin to change as Eloise finds the peace and safety she needs to heal. City of orphans trilogy series Any two 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. Clancy of the Undertow In a dead-end town like Barwen, sixteen year old Clancy feels like a freak. She has a dysfunctional family, a real interest in Nature Club and a big crush on the local hot girl.

Then, her dad is involved in a smash that kills two teenagers and the family must deal with the hostile town. Clancy meets someone who might become a friend and Sasha starts to show what may be a romantic interest. This is the summer when Clancy has to figure out just who she is.

Usually read by years 9, 10 or above. Clean break Em and her siblings are devastated by their dad's departure. Em escapes to a fantasy world with the help of a reindeer glove puppet. Close to the wind A war torn country, a town that is burning. Ten year old Malik's mother has been missing for days, his home has become unrecognisable and the grandfather he hardly knows is insisting they leave on the final ship, to a country promising safety and a new life.

When Papa meets two old friends, he makes a deal that could save them. But, this is only the beginning of the journey for Malik. If he is to escape, he will need all his courage, his sense of right and wrong, and a magic trick that he must practice until it's perfect. Cloudwish For sixteen year old scholarship student Van Uoc Phan, magic has never been part of the plan. She is all work and no play; responsible and rational; quiet on the outside, the noise of her tumbling private thoughts kept neatly within.

So, when she makes a wish about golden boy rower, Billy Gardiner, and it seems to come true, her sense of rationality as well as her sense of self are thrown into a state of flux. Code name Mr Right Penelope, known as Snot, thinks she has found the perfect man for her mum. Some strong language used in context.

Code name series Any two books from this series may be read as Challenge books and up to five more can be read as personal choice books. During their trip, the girls each receive a strange and magical doll, a Daruma. But mum and the new step-dad have some surprises in store for Penelope that might not be so pleasant. Colour graffix series Pacy, exciting stories set in full colour comic-style layouts, with football soccer focus.

Come sing, Jimmy Jo Jimmy Jo becomes a great country and western singer and finds his family is not what it seems. Coming home Gemma watches her dad as he sits alone in his tangled garden. She doesn't understand why he seems so sad. Gemma's dad is experiencing depression and Gemma wonders what she might be able to do to help him. Completely Cassidy series Any two 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.

Accidental genius With an embarrassing Dad, a pregnant Mum, a loser brother and knicker-chewing dog, Cassidy feels practically invisible in her family. When she starts high school and is forced to wear her gross big brother's old blazer and old-lady lace up shoes, Cassidy wonders if life can get any worse. But, when her school has a test and she is marked as gifted and talented, Cassidy starts to have a little faith in herself. Surely the school didn't mistake her picked-at-random answers.

Drama queen Cassidy can't wait to enrol at Dance and Drama Academy summer school. She's always dreamed of discovering her hidden talent. But, with auditions looming, Cassidy is gripped by stage fright. As big brother, Liam, keeps reminding her, she does have a knack for embarrassing herself. Cassidy is terrified that her stage debut will turn out to be an all-singing, all-dancing disaster. Star reporter When Cassidy starts an online petition for a uniform change, she is thrilled to be invited to join the school magazine as a reporter.

The editor is the very popular Year 10 girl. But, her plans go pear-shaped when her investigations mysteriously end up online. Cassidy must find out who is leaking her top-secret gossip. Many servicemen and servicewomen have faced extraordinary dangers, while their loved ones waiting at home suffered months, and even years, of uncertainty. Yet, despite the difficulties, a strong sense of shared experience, friendship, and camaraderie often developed. Con-nerd Connor is under extreme pressure. At home, his mother has his future planned so as to bring honour to the family.

This means a selective high school, with coaching after school to pass the tests, and then a career as a doctor. Anything less is unthinkable, including Connor's real talent of drawing manga style characters and making his own comic books. Then, there's his classmates' perception that he's a nerd. Coraline There is something strange about Coraline's new home. It's not the mist, or the cat that always seems to be watching her, nor the signs of danger that Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, her new neighbours, read in the tea leaves.

It's the other house - the one behind the old door in the drawing room.