Booklists

Will's brother was shot last night. This morning, he steps onto the elevator, on his way to get revenge. But as the elevator doors open on each floor on the way down to the lobby, ghosts from his past join him. What will he decide to do when he gets to the end of his journey? A powerful verse novel, Long Way Down deals with gun violence and the impact of a cycle of generational trauma. It is usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

Will's brother was shot last night. This morning, he steps onto the elevator, on his way to get revenge. But as the elevator doors open on each floor on the way down to the lobby, ghosts from his past join him. What will he decide to do when he gets to the end of his journey? This graphic novel version of Reynold's Long Way Down deals with gun violence and the impact of a cycle of generational trauma. It is usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.

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

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

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.

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.