Booklists

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

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

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

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

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. 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.

In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten ""relocation centers,"" hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard. They Called Us Enemy is George Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future. What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide? When the world is against you, what can one person do?

The Arrival gives us great insight into the process of leaving your homeland and trying to find a new place in the world. The journey can be frightening, inspiring and emotional for all displaced persons. Many stories are told through Tan's illustrations.

Cicada tell story. Story good. Story simple. Story even human can understand. Tok Tok Tok!

An allegory of responsibility, conformity and courageous social isolation told with humour.

Stunning artwork and minimal text tell the story of a young girl drifting through landscapes which reflect feelings of sorrow and helplessness, until she comes across a sign of hope. Deeply thoughtful.

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.

World-renowned artist Shaun Tan applies his unique imagination to a reflection on the nature of humans and animals, and our urban coexistence. From crocodile to frog, tiger to bee, this is a dark and surreal exploration of the perennial love and destruction we feel and inflict - of how animals can save us, and how our lives are forever entwined, for better or for worse.

Seventy five fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm are wonderfully evoked by Shaun Tan's extraordinary sculptural works. Wicked stepsisters, greedy kings, honourable peasants, ruthless witches, and tales of love, betrayal and magical transformation provide the inspiration for the stunning sculptural works.

Richard Feynman was a Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Catherine is a science-loving, fifteen year old, just trying to survive school. When Catherine's father gives her a photo of the gifted scientist, she develops a crush on him. Eventually, Catherine has to deal with betrayal by both her father and her idol. Some teenage drinking and strong language, used in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Have you heard these most bizarre tales from around Australia? Did a UFO drag a family's car off the road in the middle of the outback? How did rocks rain from the sky in WA? And what became of the prime minister who went into the surf and was never seen again? Explore the strangest tales, most incredible encounters and creepiest urban legends in Australia's history. Read about the investigations and weigh up the facts, do you believe the official explanations for these weird and wonderful events?

The thing I remember is that the chemist floor had a large, black scuff near the counter. I don't remember the knife. I remember something cold on my neck, which could have been a knife, or it could just have been his long, cold fingers. But it was the scuff I remember best. Adult themes require a mature reader. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

A range of authors and illustrators, both well known or not, present stories, poems and illustrations on the huge range of things which scare them, from freaky fairies to technology taking over.

Welcome to the Island. Where your worst fears are about to come true. A week-long trip for six teenage friends on a remote tropical island is supposed to be the perfect holiday. When their guide dies of a stroke leaving them stranded, this trip turns into a nightmare because someone on the island knows each of the group's worst fears. One by one they are becoming a reality. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Being a coloured girl in America's South during the 1930s, teaches Cassie much about prejudice and hatred.

A classic story of race relations, shipwrecks and survival when a young boy and an older man find themselves stranded on an isolated cay in the middle of the ocean.

Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But, one night after Girl Scouts, she trips and falls, severely injuring her front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery and embarrassing headgear. And, on top of all that, there's a major earthquake, boy confusion and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. A graphic novel.

Callie loves theatre. But, she can't really sing. Instead, she's the set designer for the drama department's stage crew and, this year, she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway, on a school budget. But, Callie will need to learn about carpentry, try and sell tickets and help the crew work well together. But, once the actors are chosen, the offstage dramas don't help, and the two cute brothers who enter the picture just make things crazier. Graphic novel.

This poem inspired many great writers and artists.

For sixteen years, Sam Thaiday has entertained Broncos, Queensland Origin and Australian fans, both on and off the field. This book tells his story. With his trademark humour and honesty, Sam reveals his roots as a Townsville boy and a die-hard Cowboys fan, his family connections to the Torres Strait, how his Mum taught him to pass and tackle, and all the ups and downs of a career playing the game he loves. Including advice for setting and reaching goals, handling setbacks, and finding what really matters in life, Rise: The Sam Thaiday Story (Young Readers' Edition) is a must-read for any young league fan, regardless who they barrack for.

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.

A collection of short stories by the 2012 finalists of The Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer competition.

Billy's mother, champion surfer, Kitten Brown, has died and he has to spend time with his Aunty Mary who he barely knows. He is very surprised to find he can make a difference to Mary's life.

Snook joins his father on a tuna fishing expedition and disaster strikes.

When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free. However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He's determined to find out what happened and tie off some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

It's been five years since Wendy and her two brothers went missing in the woods, but when the town's children start to disappear, the questions surrounding her brothers' mysterious circumstances are brought back into the light. Attempting to flee her past, Wendy almost runs over an unconscious boy lying in the middle of the road . . . Peter, a boy she thought lived only in her stories, asks for Wendy's help to rescue the missing kids. But, in order to find them, Wendy must confront what's waiting for her in the woods. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Sixteen-year-old Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs. The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community. It could also get her killed. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl's struggle for justice. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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.

Ollie causes massive power outages when he comes into contact with electricity. Moritz has an electric heart that keeps him alive. They are best friends, though they can never meet. But no matter how far apart these pen pals are, their letters keep them close. As Ollie and Moritz start to brave the outside world, they meet other teenagers living lives almost as unusual as their own. But before they can feel any real sense of belonging, a new danger threatens to destroy all the progress they've made. Can these teens find their place in a world that might never understand them? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

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

A lyrical tale of love, loss and music. An emotionally charged story and exquisite illustrations that beautifully portray the sadness of a bereaved father and the consolation he finds in solitude and in his musical gift.

Norman and Brenda lead separate, unfulfilled lives until finally their worlds converge and they discover true happiness, thanks to chance. Gentle humour, economy of words and complex visuals.

Oskar's loyalty knows no bounds as he waits in an empty war-torn house, surrounded by ghosts, waiting for his family to return.

Shows the reality and horror of children dying of starvation. Fourteen artists focus on different aspects of the suffering, deprivation and starkness of the life and death of a starving child. Proceeds go to 'Save the Children'.

Mystical fantasy tapping into Irish culture and music that deals with the interesting concept of time leaking from the real world into the fantasy world and the impact on both. A musical score ends each chapter. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

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.

Azra is sixteen, smart and enthusiastic. When she wins a place in a national science competition, Azra thinks her biggest problem will be getting her parents' permission to go. But, she doesn't know that they're busy arranging her marriage to an older cousin she's never met, in Pakistan, in just three months time. Azra's dreams of finishing high school with her friends then studying science are suddenly overshadowed. Her dreams and ambitions do not include marriage.

As a young Brisbane kid, Johnathan Thurston was written off as too skinny, too slow and too wild to play rugby league professionally. But he defied the odds to become one of the game's greatest players. In this young readers' edition of his bestselling autobiography, follow his journey from his debut with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2003, to State of Origin star, and to total legend of the game.

Morgan Lodhi has been the target of bullies since he was in primary school. He seems to just attract them. He becomes known across the school as Pig and everyone around him find it easier to either ignore the bullying or just join in. High school is a battle ground but it is not without some pockets of kindness. Contains scenes of bullying which some readers may find confronting. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

A war that will fuel her. A bond that will destroy her. Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister Olivia from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together have devised a plan that will rebuild Ruina to its former glory. But just because Em and Olivia are out of Lera doesn't mean they are safe. Their actions over the past year have had consequences, and they are now targets of retaliation.

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

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

For as long as history has been recorded, girls haven't had much of a look in amongst all the great men we remember. But that doesn't mean they weren't there. And it doesn't mean that they didn't achieve great things, come up with wonderful inventions or win battles. Read the history of her-story.

Sixteen-year-old Regina seeks romance, adventure, and approval. Of course, getting approval from a mother like Cora is next to impossible. For Regina, friendships have always been a rare commodity. Could it be that Regina has finally found a true friend? Or is it too good to be true? As Regina struggles to find her own identity and create her own destiny, she discovers that her fate might just be to become everything she despises.

First book of Tolkien's classic, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, in which the young hobbit, Frodo, is bequeathed a magical ring from his Uncle Bilbo and learns that he must take it into the land of the Dark Lord and cast it into the Cracks of Doom.

In this classic story, hobbits are small but heroic people who live in The Shire in Middle Earth. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives in Bag End, goes on a quest with the wizard, Gandalf.

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. 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.

Third story in Tolkien's classic fantasy, in which the forces of Gondor and Rohan must make a last desperate stand against the monstrous armies of the Dark Lord, Sauron. The fate of Middle Earth rests in the hands of two weary hobbits.

Four classic tales from the author of 'The Lord of the Rings'.

Second book in Tolkien's classic fantasy cycle, in which the Fellowship is wrenched apart. While Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli attempt to rescue the hobbits, Merry and Pippin, Frodo and Sam must journey into Sauron's desolate land of Mordor.

A revolt against King John's rule, with characters including Robin Hood and his men.

Seven year old Foster Sumner likes toy soldiers, tadpole hunting, going to school and the beach. Best of all, he likes listening to his dad's stories. But, when Foster's dad starts forgetting things. No one is too worried at first. Foster and Dad giggle about it. But, the forgetting gets worse and, suddenly, no one is laughing anymore.

Morrigan Crow is cursed. Born on an unlucky day Morrigan is blamed for all local misfortunes from hailstorms to heart attacks. But as Morrigan awaits her fate a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears and whisks her away to a magical city named Nevermoor. Morrigan discovers that she must contend for a place in a magical society called the Wundrous Society. The only problem is, Morrigan thinks she has no secret talents at all. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests.

Morrigan Crow has been invited to join the prestigious Wundrous Society, a place that promised her friendship, protection and belonging for life. She's hoping for an education full of wunder, imagination and discovery - but all the Society want to teach her is how evil Wundersmiths are. And someone is blackmailing Morrigan's unit, turning her last few loyal friends against her. Has Morrigan escaped from being the cursed child of Wintersea only to become the most hated figure in Nevermoor? Worst of all, people have started to go missing. The fantastical city of Nevermoor, once a place of magic and safety, is now riddled with fear and suspicion...

Neil is a young gamekeeper. When his boss is mysteriously hurt, Neil is left to look after the woods and pheasants on his own. There have been rumours of a panther on the loose and Neil has to survive nights alone, before the truth is revealed by the light of the hunter's moon.

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

Things are looking up for Josie Browning. Her boyfriend, James, is crazy about her, and she's scored a writing job at indi. Now the pressure is on for Josie to prove she's got what it takes to help plan indi's launch. Plus, she's battling with flatmates, frenemies and confusing feelings for travel writer Alex. High on the perks at indi, Josie's doing a pretty good job of faking her way in the industry - even though she still hasn't mastered her hair straightener. But when Josie is invited to a media junket, she accidentally sets off a string of lies that threaten to ruin her reputation, love life and career forever. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Josie Browning dreams of having it all. A stellar academic record, an amazing journalism career, and for her current crush to realise she actually exists. The only problem? Josie can't get through twenty-four hours without embarrassing her sister Kat or her best friend Angel, let alone herself. Josie's luck changes though when she lands an internship at the glossy fashion magazine Sash. A coveted columnist job is up for grabs, but Josie's got some tough competition in the form of two other interns. Battle lines are drawn and Josie quickly learns that the magazine industry is far from easy, especially under the reign of powerful editor, Rae Swanson. From the lows of coffee-fetching and working 10-hour days, to the highs of mingling with celebrities, scoring endless free beauty products (plus falling for her cousin's seriously gorgeous flatmate James) this is one year Josie will never forget. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Milo and Layla run into each other after an extended separation. As kids, they shared everything, but five years apart has taken their lives in different directions. Layla is dealing with the death of her mother, and Milo is feeling trapped, his life on hold since he finished year 12. Deals with the decisions that people make about their relationships, and the directions their lives will take. A moving, powerful story.

A simple but courageous boy and his friend resist treason and are loyal to their Queen and country. They are exposed to the real dangers of the streets of Elizabethan London.

A novel set in Viking Britain. Beorn, a fugitive from Iceland, is adopted by a powerful Viking warrior.

Sixteen year old Siobhan has travelled back in time to medieval Scotland, before fairies and humans were at war. Her task is to bring back one of the scattered rath stones so that the bloodshed can finally end. Watching the beginnings of the hostility between the Fey and humans, Siobhan breaks free of her own timidity and galvanises those around her to create alliances, rescue captives and recover the rath stone.

From the very early days of Australia, the people shared the land with dangerous beasts and began to develop a culture and traditions.

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.

The artillery bombardment did not let up for days. How anyone, on either side, could still be alive, was beyond me. The stream of casualties soon turned into a river, a raging, flooded river. The 'cooee' call to arms takes Syd from the Mallee to the fields of France. As part of the mobile veterinary unit, his horses are trained for war but face new and deadly weapons. Battle-weary diggers, shipped from Gallipoli are joined by fresh recruits from home, are met by a formidable enemy at Fromelles and along the River Somme, in a year that will be forged in legend and memory, in the trenches and the conscription battles at home.

Barry Blacker is desperate to join the army like his older brother Jack, who is in a Japanese POW camp. He practises drills on the family farm in Cowra and spies on the Japanese prisoners in the camp nearby. When some of the prisoners escape, Barry's attempt to be a hero has devastating consequences.

Tracing the clashes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the Europeans who tried to move them from their land. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Australia's colourful, violent convict past vividly recreated to show that prison settlements were some of the most brutal places in the world. The darker side of our history raises many questions about crime, punishment, use and abuse of power.

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

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

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

Investigates the relationship between Aboriginal people, British colonists and European missionaries.

Life and love don't wait until you're ready, but what if finding yourself means losing everything you've ever known? Seventeen-year-old Alex Summers lives with a secret and the constant fear someone will find out. But when a new family moves to town, they bring with them their teenage daughter Phoenix Stone. When Alex falls for Phoenix, there is no warning. In a small town with small minds, girls don't go out with other girls, even if they want to. In fear there is bravery - you can either cling to the edge or have the courage to jump. But what do you do when you're left spiralling through the freefall? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

The atmosphere becomes very tense as relationships are tested among a diverse group of talented athletes at a training camp. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

Stage adaptation of Rubenstein's novel in which a computer forces children to face their own demons.

Alina has always dreamed of a career as a ballet dancer but in a blink of an eye, her dreams and leg are left shattered. Alina recovers from her physical injury but must now learn who she is when she is no longer able to define herself as a dancer. Alina joins the high school musical in the hope that it will help her forge a new identity and purpose. She struggles to adapt but with the help of Jude, attractive, optimistic and supportive she begins to find a new purpose and interest in her life. Alina loved being a ballet dancer but stepping aside highlights some of the negative aspects of a sport she once loved. Will she be able to forgive her dance teacher for her racist treatment? Will she get the guy? and most importantly, will she be able to find out who she really is?

A classic story of slavery and a runaway boy's exploits. Huckleberry Finn had a tough life with his drunken father until an adventure with Tom Sawyer changed everything. When Huck's dad returns and kidnaps him, he must escape down the Mississippi River with a runaway slave, Jim. They face trouble at every turn, from floods and gunfights to armed bandits and the long arm of the law. Through it all, the friends stick together.

On the banks of the Mississippi, Tom Sawyer and his friends seek out adventure at every turn. One fateful night, they witness a murder and the boys swear never to reveal their secret. They run away to be pirates and search for hidden treasure. But, Tom gets trapped in a cave with the murderer.

In 1941, Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete, expecting to meet little resistance from the Allies. But, they were mistaken. Australian, New Zealand and Greek soldiers, and the people of Crete, battled for ten days and the bonds between the Anzac and the Cretans have lasted for generations. War violence included. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.