Booklists

Challenge Level : K-2 Challenge Level : 3-4 Challenge Level : 5-6 Challenge Level : 7-9 Challenge Level : 9plus

Star This title also appears on the 9plus booklist.

Hash This title is usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

ID Title Author  
750744

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#famous
Rachel Ettinger and Kyle Bonham led fairly predictable lives until Rachel's jokey picture of Kyle working at the Burger Barn wound up going viral. Suddenly he is insta-famous and everyone on the planet knows about Rachel's silly crush on him... including Kyle. Just as they think their lives couldn't get any more complicated, an innocent photo becomes a whirlwind adventure full of fangirls, haters, and French-fry bouquets that forces them both to questions whether fame -- and love -- are worth the price. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780062430045
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, UK, 2017
Gagnon, Jilly
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4203

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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? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781472934079
Publisher Bloomsbury, 2017
Cotterill, Jo
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660782
Always and forever, Lara Jean
Lara Jean is having the best senior year. And there's still so much to look forward to: a class trip to New York City, prom with her boyfriend Peter, Beach Week after graduation, and her dad's wedding to Ms. Rothschild. Then she'll be off to college with Peter, at a school close enough for her to come home and bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends. Life couldn't be more perfect! At least, that's what Lara Jean thinks... until she gets some unexpected news. Now the girl who dreads change must rethink all her plans -- but when your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?
ISBN 9781481430487
Series To all the boys series NEW 2022 (3 of 3)
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2017
Han, Jenny
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6512

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Amelia Westlake
Harriet and Wilhelmina couldn't be more dissimilar. Harriet has the perfect life - she's dating the perfect girl, has been elected prefect, is the apple of her teachers' eye, and is an overachiever. Will, on the other hand, has gained the ire of her teachers and lands more detentions than she does accolades. But when both girls witness a teacher harass a fellow student, the two form an unlikely partnership to shed light on the many problems of the exclusive Rosemead Grammar. To protect their identities, they create Amelia Westlake, and as they work together they begin to question their distance from each other...Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781760127152
Publisher Hardie Grant Egmont, 2018
Gough, Erin
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22778

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American born Chinese
When Jin Wang starts at a new school, he's the only Chinese-American student. He just wants to be an all-American boy. Danny is popular and great at basketball but his obnoxious Chinese cousin's annual visits are a disaster, ruining his reputation at school. The Monkey King is the most powerful monkey on earth and his story is one of the greatest Chinese fables.These three apparently unrelated characters come together with an unexpected twist. Graphic novel. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781596431522
Publisher First Second, 2006
Yang, Gene Luen
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622523

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Astrologer's daughter, The
Avicenna Crowe's mother, Joanne, is an astrologer with uncanny predictive powers and a history of being stalked. Now she is missing. The police are called, but they're not asking the right questions. Like why Joanne lied about her past, and what she saw in her stars that made her so afraid. But Avicenna has inherited her mother's gift. Finding an unlikely ally in the brooding Simon Thorn, she begins to piece together the mystery. And when she uncovers a link between Joanne's disappearance and a cold-case murder, Avicenna is led deep into the city's dark and seedy underbelly, unaware how far she is placing her own life in danger. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780648468608
Publisher The High street publishing company, 2019
Lim, Rebecca
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574224

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Be the one
Emmy Award-winning ABC News chief national correspondent and Nightline co-anchor, Byron Pitts shares the heartbreaking and inspiring stories of six young people who overcame impossible circumstances with extraordinary perseverance. This book is usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781442483835
Publisher Simon SCHUSTER, 2018
Topics / Biography /
Pitts, Byron
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3113

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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...Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781250100658
Publisher Swoon Reads, 2016
Hall, Sandy
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3296

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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. Even Amelia. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780143574071
Publisher Penguin Books Australia, 2017
Lawrinson, Julia
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41498
Being Miss Nobody
Rosalind wants to talk, she really does, but the only place she can is home. At school or anywhere in public, no matter how badly she wants to, her words get stuck and refuse to come out. Unsurprisingly, this has had a big impact on her life and as a consequence, she has no friends. You can imagine how tough it is for her, then, when she starts in Year 7 at Manor High. Pretty much instantly she is the target of bullies and her life becomes even more miserable than it already was. But a new therapist, and her little brother's total faith in her, lead Rosalind to becoming Miss Nobody - an online voice for the nobodies, the victims, the sad kids. And, at first, this seems to be a real step forward in her fight to be 'normal'. But then Miss Nobody's fame starts to morph into something more sinister. Is Miss Nobody actually just as much of a bully as the real bullies?
ISBN 9781474927277
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2017
Winter, Tamsin
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32473
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.
ISBN 9781741663754
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2009
Oswald, Debra
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5204
Brilliant fall of Gianna Z., The
All Gianna Zales wants to do is compete at the cross-country finals, but there is something standing in her way- a science project. 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?
ISBN 9781681195476
Publisher Bloomsbury, 2018
Messner, Kate
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6003
Brooding YA Hero: Becoming a main character (almost) as awesome as me
Broody McHottiepants is our brooding YA hero and he has decided to write a book about how to become a main character. He certainly seems to know every trick in the YA novelist's trade. But his evil ex-girlfriend, Blondie DeMeani, has sneakily added her own two cents worth within the pages of his book to keep him honest. This is part guide book, part clever exploration of all the YA tropes.
ISBN 9781510726666
Publisher Sky Pony Press, 2017
DiRisio, Carrie & Gear, Linnea (ill)
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807

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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. Contains mature themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780571294404
Publisher Bloomsbury, 2013
Lange, Erin
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5593

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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. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781760631468
Publisher Allen UNWIN Pty Ltd, 2018
Gardner, Scot
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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. 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.
Series Completely Cassidy series (3 books)
Murray, Tamsyn & Miller, Antonia (ill)
No book cover.
6584
Completely Cassidy: 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.
ISBN 9781409562719
Series Completely Cassidy series (3 books)
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2015
Murray, Tamsyn & Miller, Antonia (ill)
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7978
Completely Cassidy: 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.
ISBN 9781474906999
Series Completely Cassidy series (3 books)
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2016
Murray, Tamsyn & Miller, Antonia (ill)
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7480
Completely Cassidy: 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.
ISBN 9781409562726
Series Completely Cassidy series (3 books)
Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2015
Murray, Tamsyn & Miller, Antonia (ill)
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43461
Cool coding
This book is the perfect addition to any home or school. Coding is a subject we all have questions about, and this handy little book is beautifully laid out to dip into - either to find the answer to a question or to browse. Written in neat little chunks with fun facts, colourful illustrations and careful definitions. There are even links and exercises to continue with once you've finished reading the book.
ISBN 9781843653233
Publisher Pavilion, 2017
Topics / STEM /
Hansen, Robert
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70665
Cross my heart and hope to spy
Thank heavens, Macey knows something about boys to guide the girls through the labyrinth of lies and deception that young people use to protect themselves. Life is complicated for the girls of the famous, secret spy school when boys appear on the premises and the girls are sure they are not to be trusted. Cammie must decide if Zach is the real thing even though she is still very confused after Josh.
ISBN 9780734410801
Series The Gallagher girls series (2 of 6)
Publisher Lothian Books, 2008
Carter, Ally
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12377

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Define normal
Two very different girls, the punk and the goody-goody, are forced together in a peer-counselling situation at their school. Surprisingly, they find they have some things in common. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780316734899
Publisher Little, Brown CO,
Peters, Julie Anne
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110
Dodger
Mick's life at high school changes when he is chosen to play the Artful Dodger. His unresolved grief, misplaced guilt over his mother's death and alienation from his father erode his confidence. Will he let the others down? Strong language in context.
ISBN 9780140383751
Publisher Penguin, 1996
Gleeson, Libby
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23315

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Don't call me Ishmael
In his first year at high school, Ishmael was the focus of the school bully's tactics. Then Ishmael is assigned as buddy to the new boy and finds an unlikely ally who is not the slightest bit afraid of the bully. Some strong language in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781862916661
Series Ishmael series (1 of 3)
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2006
Bauer, Michael Gerard
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48849
Don't judge a girl by her cover
When Cammie visits Macey in Boston to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president, they get trapped in a kidnappers' plot, with only their espionage skills to save them. Cammie can't shake the memory of Boston and even the Gallagher Academy doesn't feel safe. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every corner as Cammie and her friends struggle to find out who is after Macey.
ISBN 9780734410818
Series The Gallagher girls series (3 of 6)
Publisher Lothian Books, 2009
Carter, Ally
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689221

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Dragon hoops
From small steps to great leaps ... Gene understands stories - comic book stories, in particular. Big action. Bigger thrills. And the hero always wins. But Gene doesn't get sports. As a kid, his friends called him "Stick" and every basketball game he played ended in pain. He lost interest in basketball long ago, but at the high school where he now teaches, it's all anyone can talk about. The men's varsity team, the Dragons, is having a phenomenal season that's been decades in the making. Each victory brings them closer to their ultimate goal: the California State Championships. Once Gene gets to know these young all-stars, he realises that their story is just as thrilling as anything he's seen on a comic book page. He knows he has to follow this epic to its end. What he doesn't know yet is that this season is not only going to change the Dragons's lives, but his own life as well. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781626720794
Publisher Pan MacMillan, 2020
Luen Yang, Gene
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1102
Dragonfly pool, The
Twelve-year-old Tally, a thoughtful child, deeply loved by her father and two aunts, attends Delderton, a progressive boarding school. At the cinema, Tally learns about the small country of Bergania, whose King refuses to bend to Hitler's demands. So, when Delderton is invited to Bergania, Tally insists they attend. In Bergania, the children witness the king's assassination and must help young prince Karil escape to safety.
ISBN 9781447265658
Publisher Pan MacMillan, 2014
Ibbotson, Eva
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9138
Drama
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.
ISBN 9780545326995
Publisher Graphix, 2012
Topics / Graphic novels /
Telgemeier, Raina
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751211
Edge of thirteen, The
Clem is thirteen years old, and her whole world is changing whether she likes it or not. From Santa, to boyfriends, her body, and her complicated relationship with her parents. Normally she would rely on her best friend Bridge to help steer her through, but it seems like even that friendship is changing too. As a new school year starts, and Clem and her friends head off on school camp, Clem finds herself in lots of tricky new situations.
ISBN 9780702263125
Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2021
Weetman, Nova
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7320

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Eleanor and Park
Eleanor is new in town. And she stands out instead of fitting in, with her mismatched clothes, her wild red hair and her chaotic home life. The day she sits in the seat next to Park on the bus, impossibly cool Park, she starts to learn what it means to fall in love. Set over the course of one school year, Eleanor and Park fall in love thanks to late-night conversations and a stack of mix tapes. They have nothing and everything to lose. They are more real than any other character you will ever meet. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781409157250
Publisher Orion, 2014
Topics / Displacement /
Rowell, Rainbow
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18513

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Ella mental and the good sense guide
Ella is very good at providing advice to her friends. But, when her group begins to fall apart, Ella discovers that perhaps she is not as 'together' as she thought. Contains minor references to smoking and alcohol. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781843627272
Publisher Orchard Books, 2005
Deckers, Amber
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660711
Emergency rescue angel
Life has returned to routine for Mitch. Mostly. He's had to find a new kind of normal after his dad drowned saving a local kid. But now there's a new girl in Mitch's class and she's stirring things up. Her name is Max and she dresses a bit like a goth, and suddenly seems to be everywhere. One night Mitch sees Max and she looks different. She has ... big feathery wings. It turns out Max is an angel, but not quite how you'd imagine one. She is Mitch's emergency rescue angel, and just the kind of friend you want on your side when life gets tricky.
ISBN 9781760669263
Publisher Omnibus Books, 2020
Whittle, Cate
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58486

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Finding Freia Lockhart
Freia is part of a group at school but she feels she really doesn't belong. Somehow, Freia finds herself helping, as a lighting assistant, with the school production, something she never thought she would do. Freia must try to be brave enough to make more changes in her life and let loose the real Freia Lockhart. Adult themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781921529153
Publisher Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd, 2010
Said, Aimee
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723922
Go with the flow
After a somewhat disastrous first day in a new high school, Sasha finds herself in the tight and caring friendship circle with Abby, Brit and Christine. Together they form a tight and supportive unit. The girls become united in their frustration at the lack of sanitary products in their school bathrooms, and the lack of interest in their call for support. Rallied by Abby, the girls try to get their cause noticed, but it might go a little too far.
ISBN 9781250143174
Publisher First Second, 2020
Williams, Lily and Schneemann, Karen
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91928
Golden day, The
Eleven little school girls are taken on an unexpected field trip to the gardens and they meet a poet. What follows is inexplicable and a shocking scandal. Will they tell what they know.
ISBN 9781742374710
Publisher Allen UNWIN Pty Ltd, 2011
Dubosarsky, Ursula
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6936
Goodbye stranger
Two years ago, Bridge, Tabitha and Emily made a pact never to fight, ever. Now, in high school, they are still friends but things are changing. Bridge meets Sherm, Emily is getting lots of attention from Patrick and Tab wants to save the world. A plan that quickly spirals out of control threatens their friendship.
ISBN 9781925240320
Publisher Text Publishing Co, 2015
Stead, Rebecca
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4924
Gracefully Grayson
Raised as a boy, twelve year old Grayson has never felt comfortable in her own skin and longs to be able to express her true gender identity. She is a loner, eating her lunch in the library, trying to avoid the class bullies. Home is not much better. Although she has lived with her aunt, uncle and two cousins for years, she isn't close to them. They don't know the real Grayson. No one does. But, when Grayson impulsively signs up for school play tryouts and then auditions for the leading role, things begin to change.
ISBN 9781423185277
Publisher Disney Press, 2014
Polonsky, Ami
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177
Hairs in the palm of the hand
A story that features civil rights for women.
ISBN 9780722657287
Publisher Viking Children's, 1981
Mark, Jan
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608378

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Heartstopper: Boy meets boy
Charlie and Nick are total opposites. Charlie is gay, is a bit of a nerd and plays the drums, while Nick is a star player on the school's rugby team. In fact, they'd never even noticed each other until they were made to sit next to each other. As time passes, Nick and Charlie become close friends. Charlie slowly begins to fall for Nick, who is straight, but love works in mysterious ways. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 & above.
ISBN 9781444951387
Publisher Hodder STOUGHTON, 2019
Oseman, Alice
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191
Hold my hand or else
A story about the relationships between young people and their parents in a seaside community. It's about starting high school, first love and difficult sisters.
ISBN 9780091827083
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 1993
Clark, Margaret
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689551

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How to grow a family tree
Stella may only be seventeen, but having read every self-help book she can find means she knows a thing or two about helping people. She sure wasn't expecting to be the one in need of help, though. Thanks to her father's gambling addiction, Stella and her family now find themselves living at Fairyland Caravan Park. And hiding this truth from her friends is hard enough without dealing with another secret. Stella's birth mother has sent her a letter. As Stella deals with the chaos of her family, she must also confront the secrets and past of her 'other' family. But Stella is stronger than she realises. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781460754955
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2020
Henry Jones, Eliza
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65395
I'd tell you I love you but then I'd have to kill you
Behind the facade of a genteel, private school, the Gallagher Academy operates as a school for highly-trained spies. Girls are fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man with a stick of uncooked spaghetti. But, that doesn't stop these likeable teenagers obsessing about boys and experimenting with make-up and high heels. Cameron's life is even more complicated than that of the average teenager.
ISBN 9780734410795
Series The Gallagher girls series (1 of 6)
Publisher Lothian Books, 2008
Carter, Ally
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973
In the wings
Ella has been a regular member of the backstage crew for plays, she dreams of acting, but suffers from stage fright. She soon learns that some of her friends have much more serious problems to overcome.
ISBN 9781922077325
Publisher Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd, 2013
Edgar, Elsbeth
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578986

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Inside the tiger
When she is asked to get involved in a social issue of her own choice, as part of a school project, Bel chooses to write to an Australian boy who is a prisoner on death row in Thailand. When he writes back, she learns more about the controversial issue of capital punishment but her involvement puts her at odds with her politician father and everyone else who loves her. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780143788959
Publisher Penguin, 2018
Lawrence, Hayley
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20526
Invisible hero, The
Philip has spent his whole life feeling invisible. Macca is a good all rounder, a sportsman and scholar who strives to be like his father. When their class is asked to keep diaries about heroes and villains, his class learn they are close to home and come in many disguises.
ISBN 9780702238901
Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2011
Fensham, Elizabeth
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46000

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Ishmael and the hoops of steel
Ishmael has made it to Senior School and things are really looking up. His chief tormentor, Barry Bagsley, has finally decided to leave him alone, while his dream girl, Kelly Faulkner, has finally decided not to. Maybe, Ishmael's remaining two years at school can actually be described as normal. Or perhaps not. There are shocks, laughs and even romances. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781862919174
Series Ishmael series (3 of 3)
Publisher Omnibus Books, 2011
Bauer, Michael Gerard
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35166

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Ishmael and the return of the dugongs
Ishmael Leseur is back at school and reunited with his friends, Scobie, Prindabel, Bill and the Razzman. They hope to win the debating competition but, first, they have to navigate Miss Tarango's poetry lessons and the school bully, Barry Bagsley. Ishmael also has a crush on Kelly Faulkner and Razza is determined to give him a helping hand. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781862917644
Series Ishmael series (2 of 3)
Publisher Omnibus Books, 2007
Bauer, Michael Gerard
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Ishmael 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. 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.
Series Ishmael series (3 books)
Bauer, Michael Gerard
No book cover.
571055

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Island, The
Link has experienced three years of bullying at the exclusive Osney School in London before he decides enough is enough. However, he agrees to stay on for one more team building activity on a desert island at the request of his parents before being allowed to leave. Things go from bad to worse however, when the plane goes down and Link is alone with his worst tormentors and no adults to modify their predatory behaviour. With no practical experience, Link must rely on nothing but the knowledge of how to survive, gleaned from novels and pop culture, to try to turn everything around and rescue himself from the bottom of a brutal teenage hierarchy. Usually read by students in Year 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781471407536
Publisher Allen UNWIN Pty Ltd, 2018
Bennett, M. A.
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4002
Jane, the fox and me
Helene has been inextricably ostracised by the girls who were once her friends. Her school life is full of whispers and lies. Her loving mother is too tired to help. Helene has one consolation, Charlotte Bronte's Jayne Eyre, where she can identify with Jane's tribulations and ignore her tormentors. On school camp, an encounter with a fox brings hope for Helene, and then comes Geraldine.
ISBN 9781406353044
Publisher Walker Books, 2014
Topics / Graphic novels /
Britt, Fanny & Arsenault, Isabelle (ill) & Morelli, Christelle (trans) & Ouriou, Susan (trans)
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578994

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Jinxed
Lacey Chu dreams of working for the company behind the revolutionary 'baku' a customisable smart pet that replaces the mobile phone but functions as a pet. To fulfil her dream she must be accepted into the Profectus Academy but her financial situation and family background seem to be standing in her way. That is, until she comes across Jinx; an incredibly advanced cat baku who goes beyond the functions of normal baku to forge an extraordinary bond with Lacey and paves the way to the possibility of her dreams coming true. Until Jinx misbehaves that is...Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781471169960
Publisher Simon SCHUSTER, 2018
McCulloch, Amy
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14234
Laurinda
Laurinda is an exclusive school for girls. At its secret core is the Cabinet, a trio of girls who wield power over their classmates and some of their teachers. Entering this world of wealth and secrets is fifteen year old Lucy Lam, a scholarship girl, who has sharp eyes and a shaky sense of self. As she watches the Cabinet at work, and is courted by them, Lucy finds herself in a battle for her identity and integrity.
ISBN 9781863956925
Publisher Black Inc, 2014
Pung, Alice
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664339

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Leah on the offbeat
When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat - but real life isn't always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she's the only child of a young, single mum, and her life is decidedly less privileged. And even though her mom knows she's bisexual, she hasn't mustered the courage to tell her friends - not even her openly gay BFF, Simon. With some messy dynamics emerging in this once tight-knit group of friends, senior year suddenly gets even more complicated for Leah, as she realises she's falling not for the guy who's taking her to prom, but for the girl who's dating her best friend. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above
ISBN 9780241331057
Publisher Penguin, 2018
Albertalli, Becky
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655994
Let me fix that for you
Twelve-year-old Gladys Rand may not have many friends, but at least she has her empire. From her table at the back of the cafeteria, Glad arranges favors for her classmates in exchange for their friendship. She solves every problem, handles every situation, and saves every butt. But the jobs keep getting harder, and when Glad decides the problem that most needs fixing is her parents' relationship, she finds herself in way over her head. She'll have to call in all her favors and use all her skills to help the person who most needs it- herself- in this quirky, touching, and laugh-out-loud novel from Janice Erlbaum.
ISBN 9780374308100
Publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2019
Erlbaum, Janice
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4839

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Liana's dance
Sixteen-year-old Lianna Bedford lives in constant fear. Political tensions in Pakistan are rising. Terrorist attacks are becoming an everyday norm. As a Pakistani-Australian, she could be the next target. When her school friends are taken hostage by terrorists, Lianna's world disappears overnight. Alongside her music teacher, Mr Kimberley, she must journey through rural Pakistan in a bid to find them and bring them home. But Mr Kimberley has a secret, and to save him and her friends, Lianna must overcome her fears. And dance for her life. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781925139907
Publisher Rhiza Press, 2017
Hawke, Rosanne
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660613
Library of lost things, The
Darcy Wells is a literary genius who has spent most of her time living in the world of her books. There, she escapes the real world of her mother's hoarding and pretends her life is simple and ordinary. When a new property manager becomes more active in the upkeep of their apartment complex suddenly her home hangs in the balance. While Darcy is struggling to survive beneath the weight of her mother's compulsive shopping, Asher Fleet, a former teen pilot with an unexpectedly shattered future, walks into the bookstore where she works and straight into her heart. After spending her whole life trying to keep people out, something about Asher makes Darcy want to open up. Securing her own happily-ever-after will mean she'll need to stop hiding and start living her own truth - even when it's messy.
ISBN 9781489287182
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, UK, 2019
Namey, Laura Taylor
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578075
Limelight
Age is no barrier to creating poetry that inspires social change and positive action. Thirteen-year-old award-winning slam poet Solli Raphael is taking on the world - one word at a time. The future needs you and me to create equality across all levels of humanity - Solli.
ISBN 9780143793762
Publisher Penguin Random House Australia, 2018
Raphael, Solli
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751179

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Listen, Layla
Layla has ended the school year on a high and can't wait to spend the holidays hanging out with her friends and designing a prize-winning Grand Designs Tourismo invention. But Layla's plans are interrupted when her grandmother in Sudan falls ill and the family rush to be with her. The last time Layla went to Sudan she was only a young child. Now she feels torn between her Sudanese and Australian identities. As political tensions in Sudan erupt, so too do tensions between Layla and her family. Layla is determined not to lose her place in the invention team, but will she go against her parents' wishes? What would a Kandaka do? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781760896065
Publisher Penguin, 2021
Abdel-Magied, Yassmin
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803716
Little secrets: Playing with fire
Her mother's in jail. Her best friend betrayed her. Who can Alison trust? Hidden pasts, Unexpected betrayals, twisted friendships, sweet revenge, Let the drama begin...
ISBN 9780439810531
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2006
Blake, Emily
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52353

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Little sister
Al Miller wishes she was an only child. Al Miller is counting down the days until her over-achieving older sister Larrie finishes Year Twelve and leaves Whitlam High School for ever. Then, Al is certain, people will finally see her as more than just 'Larrie's little sister'. But when a rumour about Larrie spreads around school, Al finds herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Who's behind the rumour? And will it kill Al's chances with school hunk, Josh Turner? Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781921529214
Publisher Walker Books, 2011
Said, Aimee
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3939
Littlest Bigfoot, The
How would it feel to find out that there was another world out there, a world beneath the world, hidden away like the secret caramel centre of a chocolate or a pearl tucked in an oyster's shell? A world where Alice could be accepted, even loved? To know that the world existed, but that she could never go there, that the doors would always be locked against her...Millie didn't want to think about it.
ISBN 9781481470742
Publisher Aladdin Publishing, 2016
Weiner, Jennifer
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235
Long way from Verona, A
Jessica dreams of becoming a writer but the English private school that she attends does nothing to foster her talent.
ISBN 9780349114057
Publisher Time Warner, 2001
Gardam, Jane
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30755
Loser list, The
Danny Shine is in year seven. He isn't the most popular guy at school but he manages to stay out of trouble. That is, until Danny discover his name is on the Loser List in the girls' bathroom. When he gets caught trying to cross his name off the loser, Danny is sent to detention. He thought he had problems before but detention places him in a whole new world of trouble.
ISBN 9780545240048
Publisher Scholastic US, 2011
Kowitt, H N
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669478
Love Frankie
Everyone expects that Frankie and her childhood friend, Sam, will become boyfriend and girlfriend, Even Sam seems to think this. Frankie is surrounded by loving family and friends, but it is Sally who fascinates Frankie and takes up all her time. Sally seems to like being adored, but is she actualy interested in Frankie's affections?
ISBN 9780857535900
Publisher Doubleday, 2020
WIlson, Jacqueline
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Love in English
Sixteen-year-old Ana is a poet and a lover of language. Except that since she moved to New Jersey from Argentina, she can barely find the words to express how she feels. At first Ana just wants to return home. Then she meets Harrison, the very cute, very American boy in her math class, and discovers the universal language of racing hearts. But when she begins to spend time with Neo, the Greek Cypriot boy from ESL, Ana wonders how figuring out what her heart wants can be even more confusing than the grammar they're both trying to master. After all, the rules of English may be confounding, but there are no rules when it comes to love. Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9780063083080
Publisher Balzer BRAY, 2021
Andrew, Maria E
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15603
Love, Simon/ Simon vs the homosapiens agenda
16year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn't play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone's business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he's been emailing, will be compromised. With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon's junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he's pushed out - without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he's never met. Also published under the title "Simon vs the homosapiens agenda".
ISBN 9780241330135
Publisher Penguin, 2018
Albertalli, Becky
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Loving Richard Feynman
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.
ISBN 9780702237256
Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2009
Tangey, Penny
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Middle School 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. 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.
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Various
No book cover.
12693
Middle School: Dog's Best Friend
It's a dog-eat-dog world, and Rafe Khatchadorian is just trying to live in it. Life in middle school is finally starting to seem bearable until Rafe spots his grandmother standing in the free-meal line at the local soup kitchen.To help earn some money for the family, Rafe concocts a brilliant plan, a dog-walking business that soon turns into a huge money-making neighbourhood empire. He'll even have extra cash to buy his own WormHole Deluxe Multi-Platform GameBox. That is, until two terrible twins launch the Great Dog War by sabotaging Rafe's flyers and stealing his customers. Plus, his bratty kid sister Georgia has skipped a grade so now she's in all of Rafe's classes. Throw a kid a bone.
ISBN 9781784753894
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Arrow / Random House, 2016
Patterson, James & Tebbetts, Chris
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36773
Middle school: Get me out of here
After the worst year of his life, Rafe thinks he's it made in seventh grade. He's been accepted to art school and imagines a maths-free zone. But, It's more competitive than he expected and to score big in class, he needs to find a way to turn his boring life into the inspiration for a work of art. But, when his newest mission uncovers family secrets, he has to decide if he's ready to have his world turned upside down.
ISBN 9780316206716
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Little, Brown CO, 2014
Patterson, James & Tebbutts, Chris
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4451
Middle school: Hollywood 101
Just when school was at its suckiest, things take a turn for the better when a cool, mysterious new girl shows up. Not only that, she actually wants to be my friend! But, you guessed it, things aren't that simple. And when Hollywood suddenly rolls into Hills Village, things get weird very fast. Somehow, unbelievably, I, Rafe Katchadorian, am in the movie business.
ISBN 9781784756819
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Random House Children's Books, 2016
Patterson, James & Chatterton, Martin
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10988
Middle School: How I got lost in London
When I was told we were going to London to study Living History, I thought they were joking. But, here I am, Rafe Khatchadorian, global jetsetter. Now, all I need to do is find a way of avoiding the school bully, getting Jeanne Galletta to talk to me, and trying not to get lost in London. But, things are never that simple. So, fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight because this could be a very bumpy flight.
ISBN 9780099596653
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Arrow / Random House, 2014
Patterson, James
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7140
Middle School: How I survived bullies, broccoli, and snake hill
Rafe Khatchadorian is ready for a fun summer at camp until he finds out it's a school camp. Luckily, Rafe easily makes friends with his troublemaking cabin mates and bunkmate, a boy nicknamed Booger-Eater, who puts up with endless teasing from the other kids. Rafe soon realises there is more to a person than a nickname.
ISBN 9780316231756
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Little, Brown CO, 2013
Patterson, James & Tebbetts, Chris (ill)
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35541
Middle School: Just my rotten luck
Rafe heads back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, where he's forced to take 'special' classes. He finds himself joining the school's football team, alongside his main tormenter, Miller the Killer. But, Rafe has grand plans for a better year: He decides to start a super-secret art project that's sure to rock the school. Then, if he manages to make a play to save his team, Rafe might have to deal wit something new, popularity.
ISBN 9780316284776
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Little, Brown CO, 2015
Patterson, James & Tebbetts, Chris (ill)
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26699
Middle school: My brother is a big, fat liar
Georgia plans to excel at Hills Village Middle School in all the places her troublemaking brother failed. She's bet him that she'll become one of the most popular girls. But Rafe left a big mark and no one will give Georgia a chance. Rafe has sneakily signed up her band to play at the school dance, and she's terrified to embarrass herself in front of the snooty Princesses who run the school and the boy who's caught her eye. Will she be able to overcome her fears and win her bet with Rafe.
ISBN 9780316207546
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Little, Brown CO, 2014
Patterson, James
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15771
Middle School: Rafe's Aussie misadventure
Life is finally starting to look up for everyone's favourite troublemaker, Rafe Khatchadorian. No bullying, zero girl dramas and rising grades. And, when Rafe wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Australia, he can't quite believe his luck. That is, until his dreams of beaches, surfer chicks and cuddly koala bears go horribly wrong. Australia isn't exactly the island paradise Rafe imagined. And, nobody mentioned the zombies.
ISBN 9780857986016
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2015
Patterson, James & Chatterton, Martin
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22979
Middle school: Save Rafe
Rafe is heading back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, the site of the worst years of his life. Rafe will repeat a year unless he can prove himself on an outdoor survival excursion, complete with dangerous white-water rafting, dizzying rock climbing and military style counsellors. But so far this is easy. Rafe and the rest of the pack of 'delinquent' trainees are forced to cooperate as they prepare for their final test.
ISBN 9780099596394
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Arrow / Random House, 2014
Patterson, James & Tebbetts, Chris
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17902
Middle School: Ultimate showdown
The Khatchadorian kids are an opinionated duo and they don't exactly see eye to eye. But, when wild-card Rafe and mostly-straight-laced Georgia go at it, the only thing more fun than their ranting is getting to join in. Their back-and-forth banter covers a range of topics,from bullying to cafeteria food to school dress codes. There's room for readers to share their own points of view.
ISBN 9780316322119
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Little, Brown CO, 2014
Patterson, James
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1379
Middle school: Worst years of my life, The
Rafe has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he's got a plan for the best year ever, if he can pull it off. With his best friend awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's Code of Conduct. Chewing gum in class, running in the hallway, pulling the fire alarm. But when Rafe's game starts to catch up with him, he'll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he's finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he's been avoiding.
ISBN 9780099596677
Series Middle School series (13 books)
Publisher Arrow / Random House, 2014
Patterson, James
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My life as a hashtag
What's a girl to do when her parents have split up; her dad has a new girlfriend, her mum is internet dating and one of her best friends has decided not to invite her to the biggest party of the year (which she then has to watch the party unfold on everyone's else's social media!). If you're a girl called MC, you get mad as hell, that's what you do. But what begins as one girl's private no-holds-barred rant soon snowballs in the most public way possible. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781760113681
Publisher Allen UNWIN Pty Ltd, 2017
Williams, Gabrielle
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Nick and Charlie
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie are the perfect couple - that they're inseparable. But now Nick is leaving for university, and Charlie will be left behind at Sixth Form. Everyone's asking if they're staying together, which is a stupid question - they're "Nick and Charlie" for goodness sake! But as the time to say goodbye gets inevitably closer, both Nick and Charlie question whether their love is strong enough to survive being apart. Or are they delaying the inevitable? Because everyone knows that first loves rarely last forever. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780008389666
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2015
Oseman, Alice
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11853
No regrets
Julia, a gifted student, musically and academically, is accelerated to high school. She feels socially isolated and desperately wants to fit in with the other students. Julia's life changes in many ways when the school band travels to Hobart.
ISBN 9780734404305
Publisher Thomas C Lothian Pty Ltd, 2003
Bell, Krista
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Off the map
Our home town. Sometimes it feels like the centre of the universe, sometimes it's the bum-end of nowhere. We are her sons and daughters. These are our triumphs and our heartaches, our fears and hopes for a better life. Getting lost, falling in love, pushing boundaries, exploring the world - powerfully honest stories to make you think and feel, from the award-winning author of The Dead I Know and Changing Gear. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9781760877101
Publisher Allen UNWIN Pty Ltd, 2021
Gardner, Scot
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One of us is next
Bayview High is just about recovered from the death of gossip king Simon Helleher a year ago. Now there's a new copycat in town who isn't ready to forget him just yet. A school-wide game of Truth or Dare seems fun, right? But this game is lethal. Choosing the truth may reveal your darkest secrets, but accepting the dare could be dangerous - or even fatal. The teenagers of Bayview must work together once again to find the culprit, before it's too late... Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780241376928
Publisher Penguin, 2020
McManus, Karen
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Optimists die first
Petula has avoided friendship and happiness ever since tragedy struck her family and took her beloved younger sister Maxine. Worse, Petula blames herself. If only she'd kept an eye on her sister, if only she'd sewn the button Maxine choked on better, if only...Now her anxiety is getting out of control, she is forced to attend the world's most hopeless art therapy class. But one day, in walks the Bionic Man: a charming, amazingly tall newcomer called Jacob, who is also an amputee. Petula's ready to freeze him out, just like she did with her former best friend, but when she's paired with Jacob for a class project, there's no denying they have brilliant ideas together - ideas like remaking Wuthering Heights with cats. But Petula and Jacob each have desperately painful secrets in their pasts - and when the truth comes out, there's no way Petula is ready for it. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781783445585
Publisher Andersen Press Ltd, 2017
Nielsen, Susin
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Otherwise known as Pig
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.
ISBN 9781743056790
Publisher Wakefield Press, 2019
Tilly, Catch
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12605
Pain, my mother, Sir Tiffy, cyber boy & me, The
Maggie Butt's world is under siege. Not only is a stranger taking over her mother's life but her own as well, and Maggie is not going to let that happen. But, then, there's Sister Evangelina, the one-eyed, snaggle-toothed cat, senior subject choices, the dream date and Cyber Boy, the geek in the library, to contend with as well.
ISBN 9781742991504
Publisher Omnibus Books, 2016
Bauer, Michael Gerard
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846266
PM's daughter, The
Catalina Parkes Perez is used to living a normal life. But when her mum becomes Prime Minister her whole life changes. Life at The Lodge means having every moment scheduled and every outfit preapproved. But Cat and her mother disagree on practically everything, especially the government's climate policy. Now someone is trying to sabotage the new PM, putting Cat and everything she loves, in danger. Will she, with the help of some new friends, be able to make things right for her family and the country?
ISBN 9781761046704
Publisher Penguin, 2022
Costain, Meredith
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660722
Pretty funny
Hayley, or Pig to her school mates, is a curvy, funny girl in a world of skinny, pretty girls. She wants to be a stand up comic, her friends want to find the right mascara and hot boyfriends.
ISBN 9780241374627
Publisher Penguin, 2020
Elliott, Rebecca
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660781
PS I still love you
They were just pretending. Until they weren't. And now Lara Jean has to learn what it's like to be in a real relationship and not just a make-believe one. But when another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean's feelings for him suddenly return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?
ISBN 9781442426733
Series To all the boys series NEW 2022 (3 of 3)
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2014
Han, Jenny
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Radio silence
What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong? Frances has always been a study machine with one goal, elite university. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret - not even the person she is on the inside. But when Frances meets Aled, the shy genius behind her favourite podcast, she discovers a new freedom. Then the podcast goes viral and the fragile trust between them is broken. Caught between who she was and who she longs to be, Frances' dreams come crashing down. Suffocating with guilt, she knows that she has to confront her past - She has to confess why Carys disappeared. Meanwhile at uni, Aled is alone, fighting even darker secrets. It's only by facing up to your fears that you can overcome them. And it's only by being your true self that you can find happiness. Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780007559244
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2016
Oseman, Alice
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29815
Risk
Taylor and Sierra have been best friends their whole lives. But, Taylor's fed up because Sierra always gets what and who she wants. So, when Sierra asks her friends to cover for her while she meets Jacob, a guy she's chatted to online, Taylor 's refuses to show any interest. But, Sierra doesn't come back for one, two, three days. When Taylor finally tells Sierra's mum that her daughter is missing, Taylor and her friends are thrown into a dark world they never even knew existed.
ISBN 9780857986474
Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2015
Ferris, Fleur
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Road tripping with Pearl Nash
The summer is finally here, and Pearl Nash is on a mission to save her slowly disintegrating friendship with a whirlwind end-of-year road trip. However, suddenly Pearl ends up stuck in the middle of the desert beside Obi Okocha, a boy with an irritating attitude. Add a breakdown, multiple arguments, an AWOL nana and a kiss; the perfect ingredients for a perfect disaster. Or is it? Usually read by students in years 9, 10, or above.
ISBN 9781743058435
Publisher Wakefield Press, 2021
Nwosu, Poppy
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846200
Seventh grade vs the galaxy
PSS 118 is just your typical school, except that it is a rickety old spaceship orbiting Ganymede, a moon of Jupiter. Jack's dad used to be the science teacher, until he got fired for tinkering with the ship. Now Jack wants to get through the last day of school without anything going wrong.. But when the school is mysteriously attacked, Jack discovers that his dad has built humanity's first light speed engine and given Jack control of it. Jack catapults it hundreds of light years away and right into the clutches of the first aliens humans have ever seen. School hasn't just got out, it has gone clear across the galaxy. Now it is up to Jack and his friends to get everyone home.
ISBN 9781728423098
Publisher Carolrhoda Books, 2019
Levy, Joshua S
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76089
Shadows in the mirror
Set in Hamilton College, the story is presented through the eyes of David and follows his realisation that there are dark forces at work in his school. David befriends a newcomer, Simon, who doesn't fit in and faces bullying and intimidation. When David and Simon discover that bullying resulted in the death of a student a number of years earlier, they set out on a quest for justice.
ISBN 9781742030029
Publisher Black Dog Books, 2006
Nunn, Cameron
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Shiny broken pieces
June, Bette and Gigi have given their all to dance at New York's most elite ballet school. Now they are competing one final time for a spot at the prestigious American Ballet Company. With the stakes higher than ever, these girls have everything to lose... and even the nice girls are no longer playing nice. Usually read by students in years 9, 10 and above.
ISBN 9780008392819
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2020
Charaipotra, Sona and Clayton, Dhonielle
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Six angry girls
Raina Petree is crushing her senior year, until her boyfriend dumps her, the drama club (basically) dumps her, the college of her dreams slips away, and her arch-nemesis triumphs. Things aren't much better for Millie Goodwin. Her father treats her like a servant, and the all-boy Mock Trial team votes her out, even after she spent the last three years helping to build its success. But then, an advice columnist unexpectedly helps Raina find new purpose in a pair of knitting needles and a politically active local yarn store. This leads to an unlikely meeting in the girls' bathroom, where Raina inspires Millie to start a rival team. The two join together and recruit four other angry girls to not only take on Mock Trial, but to smash the patriarchy in the process.
ISBN 9781250253422
Publisher St Martin's, 2020
Kisner, Adrienne
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So much to tell you
Marina's face is shockingly scarred. She has not spoken since her father threw acid at her mother, hitting Marina instead. As part of a writing assignment, she has to keep a journal. In it, she deals realistically with her post-traumatic stress. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780850919417
Publisher Thomas C Lothian Pty Ltd, 1999
Marsden, John
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Someone like me
Tas is an ordinary school boy, but Enya, new from Northern Ireland, has experienced danger and terror. The plot reveals an extraordinary fact about Tas in the final paragraph.
ISBN 9780140380927
Publisher Penguin, 1997
Forrestal, Elaine
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Song only I can hear, A
Introducing Rob Fitzgerald: thirteen years old and determined to impress the new girl at school, but it's a difficult task for a super-shy kid who is prone to panic attacks that include vomit, and genuine terror that can last all day. An anonymous texter is sending Rob challenges and they might just help. Or not.
ISBN 9781760630836
Publisher Allen UNWIN Pty Ltd, 2018
Jonsberg, Barry
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Stage Fright
Alice's parents are having problems and she has the lead in the school play. Can her friends help her to get over her stage fright? Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781472934130
Publisher Bloomsbury, 2017
Cotterill, Jo
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377
Stargirl
From the moment Stargirl arrives at Mica High School, the students are enchanted but, then, they turn on her because she is so extraordinary.
ISBN 9781841219264
Publisher Watts Publishing Group, 2002
Spinelli, Jerry
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Summer of kicks, The
Starrphyre is your average, dorky sixteen year old, with one difference. He has a very weird name, thanks to his hippy parents, a radio sex therapist mum and a bass player dad, from a tragic one-hit-wonder 1980s metal band. All Starrphyre wants is one date with his dream girl, Candace McAllister, but so does every other high school guy. Perhaps starting a band with his video-game obsessed pals will do the trick.
ISBN 9780702253362
Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2015
Hackett, Dave
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Take my word for it
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.
ISBN 9780732907655
Publisher Pan MacMillan, 1993
Marsden, John
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Taking down Evelyn Tait
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.
ISBN 9781743056974
Publisher Wakefield Press, 2020
Nwosu, Poppy
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Tales of the peculiar
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.
ISBN 9780141371658
Series Miss Peregrine's peculiar children NEW SERIES 2020 (4 books)
Publisher Penguin, 2017
Riggs, Ransom
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The Gallagher girls series
Meet the talented, teenage girls at one of the foremost spy schools, posing as an exclusive college for exceptional women. 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.
Series The Gallagher girls series (6 books)
Carter, Ally
No book cover.
750938
This One is Ours
Sixteen-year-old Sofie is a dreamer, an artist and a romantic. So when she goes on exchange to Paris, she is expecting magnificent adventures of the heart and mind. Yet France isn't what she imagined. Her host sister, Delphine and fellow artist Olivier show her a different side of Paris and Sofie starts to question her ideas of art, beauty and meaning. What can one girl do? Will Sofie be able to find the courage to fight for change?
ISBN 9780702260285
Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2020
Kate O'Donnell
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768333
Tiger daughter
Wen Zhou is told she's lucky. Lucky to be living in Australia. Wen doesn't feel lucky when her dad doesn't let her go to birthday parties and controls everything she and her mum do. Her salvation is her close friend Henry. However when tragedy strikes Henry's family, how will Wen find a way to support him, whilst still achieving her own dreams.
ISBN 9781760877644
Publisher Allen UNWIN Pty Ltd, 2021
Lim, Rebecca
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Tiny pretty things
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.
ISBN 9780062342409
Publisher HarperCollins US, 2020
Charaipotra, Sona and Clayton, Dhonielle
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7053
Tiwi girl
Mia is an ordinary Tiwi girl living at Purnalli outstation with her family - her little tribe. When she tries to fit in with the wrong kids at school, she ends up suspended. Mia's nanna helps her see how to choose what's best for her future. What will the future bring for Mia?
ISBN 9780994465405
Publisher Indigenous Literacy Foundation, 2007
College, Tiwi & Jarrakarlinga, Alalinguwi
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660780
To all the boys I've loved before
Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved -- five in total. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.
ISBN 9781442426702
Series To all the boys series NEW 2022 (1 of 3)
Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2014
Han, Jenny
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581495
Unpacking Harper Holt
Harper Holt has just about had it with moving. Every six months or even less, Harper's family moves to a different place, and she can hardly ever settle down. However, when something devastating happens, Harper's life is tipped upside down and she realises what she had and how much she wishes to go back to the way things always were.
ISBN 9781760650599
Publisher Walker Books, 2018
Walker, Di
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7496
Waxing with Wayne
More adventures of Wayne Wilson. Wayne's sister is engaged, his hideous young cousin and wonderfully eccentric grandfather come to stay and his best mate seems to upstage him on every occasion, leaving Wayne's love life in tatters.
ISBN 9781863300933
Publisher Hodder Headline Australia Pty Ltd, 1991
McRobbie, David
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705676
When rain turns to snow
Lissa finds herself without her best friend, with a brother who is talking less and less to her, on the outside of a friendship group she is not so sure she wants to be in, and without her mum who is spending more and more time with a new boyfriend. One winter night a stranger shows up with a baby in his arms and asking all sorts of questions about a part of Lissa's life she knows nothing about. It is only as people come together that any sense can be made of the situation and crisises averted.
ISBN 9780734420053
Publisher Lothian Books, 2020
Godwin, Jane
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947

Hash
Wildlife
Boarding in the wilderness, sixteen year old Sibylla expects the gruesome outdoor program but not friendship and love complications. New girl, Lou, who is grieving and fragile, must consider her self-imposed detachment as she becomes intrigued by an unfolding drama involving Sibylla. As Sibylla confronts a tangle of betrayal, she needs to renegotiate everything. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781742612317
Publisher Pan MacMillan, 2013
Wood, Fiona
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6612

Hash
Will Grayson, Will Grayson
Will Grayson meets Will Grayson. One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two strangers are about to cross paths. From that moment on, their world will collide and lives intertwine. It's not that far from Evanston to Naperville, but Chicago suburbanites Will Grayson and Will Grayson might as well live on different planets. When fate delivers them both to the same surprising crossroads, the Will Graysons find their lives overlapping and hurtling in new and unexpected directions. With a push from friends new and old - including the massive, and massively fabulous, Tiny Cooper, offensive lineman and musical theatre auteur extraordinaire - Will and Will begin building toward respective romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history's most awesome high school musical. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9781921656231
Publisher Text Publishing Co, 2010
Green, John & Levithan, David
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689512
Wink
Ross Maloy just wants to fit in. But after he is diagnosed with a rare eye cancer in Year 7, he suddenly becomes the 'cancer kid' of his school. Now he has to deal with weird hats, a squinty eye and hardest of all, disappearing friends, social media bullies and the threat of losing his eyesight. Wink is a heartbreaking and hilarious story of survival. A story of finding music and laughter in all of life's weirdness.
ISBN 9781460758878
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2020
Harrell, Rob
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4879
Winning
The most important thing in the boys' lives was running. Every day they raced each other. But when Yosef, the quiet Egyptian boy, starts to beat the champion, their lives begin to change and besides, the school gardener is acting very suspiciously.
ISBN 9780141313788
Publisher Penguin, 2002
Forrestal, Elaine
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2860

Hash
Yearbook Committee, The
Final year and five lives. School captain, Ryan had it all until an accident snatches his dreams away. Newcomer Charlie is determined not to fit in. Nobody really notices Matty. But, at home, he holds everything together and has never felt so alone. The popular girl's best friend,Tammi, always bows to peer pressure. Gillian, the politician's daughter is learning the hard way that life in the spotlight comes at a very heavy price. Five unlikely teammates thrust together against their will. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.
ISBN 9780732296858
Publisher HarperCollins Australia, 2016
Ayoub, Sarah
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756904
You should see me in a crown
Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it's okay -- Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor. But when the financial aid she was counting on falls through, Liz's plans come crashing down . . . until she's reminded of her school's scholarship for prom king and queen. There's nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a this whole horrific process, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she's willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington. The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She's smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?
ISBN 9781761121753
Publisher Scholastic US, 2020
Johnson, Leah
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