Booklists

In 1836, Irish brothers, Danny and Declan Sheehan, are inmates at Tasmania's Point Puer prison for convict boys. When tragedy strikes and the prison bully is on the rampage, escape is the brothers only chance to survive.

When Captain Ross shoots Jem's dog, Jem dreams of retribution. So, when a bushranger takes the Captain's horse and clothes, Jem isn't a bit upset, although he is still stuck on the Captain's homestead, far from the only family he knows. But, Alfie, the cook's son, and his mate, Tommy, an Aboriginal boy, become Jem's staunch supporters, even when his decisions aren't so smart. Join the three boys as they hole up in a secret hideout, rescue a puppy and meet a real live bushranger.

Within the rough and ready frontier settlement of Moreton Bay, which later became the city of Brisbane, Toby and his mates roam free, and linger at the fringes of the grown-up world. They are particularly interested in horse racing. But, it's a dangerous world and when Toby decides to take part in a race through the streets, he doesn't realise it will be a matter of life and death.

Henry lives with his father and sister on the Victorian goldfields. Still mourning the loss of his mother and baby brother, Henry helps his father mine their claim, hoping to strike it rich. But they can't afford a mining licence so are at the mercy of corrupt police. When Henry meets a new friend, he enters a world of politics, riots and rebellion that will lead him to Eureka Stockade, one of the defining moments in Australian history.

Jimmy's Dad died two years ago and older brother Arthur is in Egypt preparing enthusiastically for battle. Twelve year old Jimmy is now the man of the house. As Mum's health is fragile, Jimmy is forced to leave school and become the breadwinner, scraping together barely enough to cover minimal food and the rent. When Arthur returns, badly injured, Jimmy's life gets even harder, although there's still time for football.

During the Great Depression, when his father loses his job, Tom Parker sets out to save his family from eviction. He confronts bullies, financial hardship and prejudice but his determination and never-say-die attitude is as strong as his loyalty to his family.

Jack is fishing when he attracts something much bigger than barramundi. A crocodile has entered the river on his family's property and it's hungry.

Agnes Gamble never knew there was a secret agency for protecting rare and endangered animals. When a talking shrew takes her to the headquarters, she is is keen to impress Commander Phil with her trial role in Operation Honeyant. Hopefully Agnes will become a permanent SPEARS agent.

Alfred was just a young man when he was injured and shipped home from France. Neither honoured as a returned soldier or offered government support afforded to non-Indigenous servicemen, Alfred took up a solitary life walking the back roads - billy tied to his swag, finding work where he could.

It's 1918 and Alice has never felt lonelier. Her father is missing at sea, her brother, Teddy, is away at war and she's not allowed to speak to her best friend anymore. Alice tries to forget her worries by having a stall at the Apple Blossom Fair. But, when strange events start happening in the town, everything goes wrong. Alice just wants the war to be over and for her life to be the same again.

The war is over, summer has arrived and Alice is hopeful that life with her family will finally return to normal. However, nothing goes as expected. Her mother loses her job at the bank, the country is gripped with the deadly Spanish Influenza and there are problems between Alice and her best friend, Jilly. Even the return from Europe of Teddy, Alice's big brother, can't fix everything.

Read a story that began 200,000,000 years ago of fascinating lands, including our very own Australia, that are linked together by seas and monsoon winds. Journey along with two children across eons of time and the changing lands of Southeast Asia. Discover with them a world filled with traders, adventurers, conquerors and ordinary people struggling for independence. This is a story of the hopes and challenges of a history that includes us all!

Imagine hearing a ship is about to sink? In 1876 16 year old Grace Bussell hears the news of a ship that has run aground on the Australian coast near her home. She doesn't hesitate and leaps on her horse, riding for an hour to get to the sinking ship. There, she and Sam, the family's stockman, gallop into the wild surf to save the remaining crew and passengers. Read about her courageous journey.

This is the true story of a young nurse, Sister Alice Ross-King, who provided invaluable medical help to countless soldiers during the First World War. This story of heroism, love, and bravery is told with direct references and samples from her diary, letters, and photographs. She went on to become the most decorated woman in Australia.

A group of children have to battle a bushfire with only two elderly men to help them.

I can't let go of them - the good right things - because if I do I'll turn into a cloud and float away, and a storm will come and blow me to nothing. Eleven year old Aster attends a school for gifted kids, but she doesn't think she is gifted al all. If she was, her mother would not have left. Each day Aster must do a good right thing a challenge she sets herself, to make someone's life better. Nobody can know about her things, because then they wont count. Then she meets Xavier, who has his own special mission. When they do these together, Aster feels free but if she stops doing her good right things will everything fall apart?

There are Australians from all works of life. Some have famously contributed to our history. Here is a list of 26 colourfully presented in alphabetical order.

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.

The Australia Survival Guide is jam-packed with facts, stories and LIFE-SAVING INFORMATION about Australia's most dangerous things - snakes, spiders, sharks, bushfires, floods, cyclones and more. There's also a few cute and cuddly animals that might surprise you and some mythical creatures to consider. But this is no boring textbook, it's written as if you were playing the ultimate survival game. Only in this game, you can't respawn, there's no multi-player, no one to save you . . . it's DO OR DIE.

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.

Baby Business tells the story of the baby smoking ceremony that welcomes baby to country. The smoke is a blessing - it will protect the baby and remind them that they belong. This beautiful ritual is recounted in a way young children will completely relate to.

Twelve year old Paul tries to raise the spirits of his father and others during the Great Depression by reintroducing music into their lives. A tramp, Eric the Red has shown Paul how to make a bamboo flute.

Barney Bean is keen to make his fortune and he hears a secret. A sailor's secret about the treasure of the colony. But, Barney wonders how chasing whales can make you rich, and whether an adventure at sea is worth leaving everything he loves.

After being caught stealing on the streets of London, Beth is sent to Australia as a child convict on the First Fleet. Through Beth's story, we discover the unbearable hardships those first convicts suffered, not only on the long journey to Sydney Cove but also in the two years of near-famine following their arrival. A story inspired by the life of the youngest female convict with the First Fleet.

Birrung, a young indigenous girl, lives with the family of Richard Johnson, chaplain to the Australian colony in 1790. When Birrung befriends orphaned Barney and Elsie, a mute, the Johnson family also takes them in. As Barney's feeling for Birrung grow, he is advised that his friendship with a 'native' girl, and all that she taught him about her language and lore, must remain a secret, forever.

Mia rescues a dirrarn black cockatoo, and faces her biggest challenge yet when she chooses to care for the bird, knowing it is her totem animal. Mia feels powerless to change the things she sees around her, until she explores the fragile connections of family and culture and discovers her own inner strength.

Nipper only wants to be one thing, a lifesaver. In his world, they're larger than life, walking, talking heroes. Nipper's too young but he starts to train in secret, challenging himself in the Bondi surf. But, his secret comes to light one hot Sunday in 1938, a day that has become infamous in Australia's history. Based on a true story.

Livy has visited her maternal grandmother before, on her farm outside of Melbourne, Victoria - but, she was only five years old then, and she can't seem to remember much. Ten year old Livy returns from the USA to visit again, with her family and new baby sister Beth-Ann. Her grandmother shows her around, reminding her of all the fun they had last time she stayed, but only Livy seems to recall a 'wrong chicken'...

Chance is in Year 7 and thinks she has it all - a loving mother, dog Tiges, best friend and almost-sister next door. But when a reality TV team makes over her house, she discovers newspaper cuttings from the past that cause her to question the world as she knows it and everyone in it. Then she finds herself caught between two realities, identities and worlds. Face-to-face with the truth, Chance has a very difficult decision to make, which almost splits her in two. This powerful story explores what is true and what is fake in today's world. And while Chance is all about the truth, she ponders whether "Maybe being truthful was really just a big lie".

Jamal and Bibi are Afghani asylum seekers whose most precious possession is their soccer ball. They dream of being international soccer stars in a land where they don't have to worry about their ball hitting a landmine.

What if that boy in class who never seems to do anything is actually writing a series of hit books for an audience in another dimension? What if you had to spend your quarantine time trying to protect your privacy while being locked in the house with a social media obsessed parent? This is a selection of short stories with a huge variety of characters in situations where they need to step up and be a little, or a lot, brave.

Pender lives with his father, in a honey coloured sandstone house with green shutters, on the edge of the bush. While out walking, Pender finds a kangaroo shot by hunters and with a joey in her pouch. Pender and his father rescue the young kangaroo, Brindabella, and take her home. Soon they form a close and touching friendship, but kangaroos are not dogs and Brindabella yearns to be free. Their paths do cross again but not how you would imagine.

In the wild and stormy terrain of the Snowy Mountains, a brumby foal has died and through the roar of the flood the mother hears another foal's call for help.

The town of Bungawitta is so dry that the youngest resident, Glory-Alice, has only ever seen rain on television. The residents have to work out how to bring people to the dying town, where the sun always shines.

An Aboriginal boy is removed from his mother, despite her desperate efforts to disguise his fair skin by rubbing him with charcoal from a burnt stick.

It's Christmas in the bush and the sun burns hotly through the gums. Down the road old Rogan comes for a bite of tucker and a beer. Mum's in the kitchen cooking up a turkey and plum pudding. A famous Australian poem revisited.

Callie's Grandpa Cameron discovers a secret room in the roof of her house and it becomes her secret hideaway.

Constantly moving, Trevor is always the new boy. His home is a caravan and school is a strange desk in an unfamiliar classroom. He has his way of coping, of fitting into each new place but this time it's different and things start to go horribly wrong.

Brother and sister Ashley and Aiden share a special bond as identical twins. While much of the world has been drastically changed by environmental catastrophe, they live a privileged life thanks to the work of their scientist mother. When Aiden comes to Ashley's rescue he is hurt and their life gets turned on its head.

Meet deaf artist, Dion Beasley, and the people he calls family. Dodging road trains by day and giant blue monsters at night, Dion weaves his way through life on an electric scooter, collecting rocks and dogs to make art. In his dreams he sees animals from overseas and his mother's country, Lake Nash, but every morning, without fail, he puts on his favourite socks and gets ready to feed the dogs. Is it time yet?

It's the first day back at school and I've already got three questions: 1. When is my family's disgusting diet going to end? 2. How will I finish my group project on time? 3. Why is my best friend Alex suddenly not talking to me? If that's not bad enough, the classroom is overrun with lizards. At least things can't get worse, right?

It is springtime, Wirrin's favourite time of the year. He will go hunting with his father, digging with his mother and gathering with his grandmother. People are coming from far and wide for the big corroboree and Wirrin will see all his cousins.

At last the true, well almost, story of how cricket was invented. Told in rollicking verse and with zany illustrations, this book will bowl you over.

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.

After a long first half of the season, the Crocs might finally have a chance to win a game. But, when mutant bugs start burrowing up from beneath the oval to attack, there may not even be a team left to take the field. If Nick and his friends can't figure out how to stop the bugs, losing the game will be the least of their problems.

It's the first footy game on the new oval and Nick and his team, the Cobar Creek Crocs, are desperate to win the golden cup. But, when the cup is removed from its cabinet, it turns into a terrifying metal monster, hungry to destroy everything in its path. Nick's not just playing for a win, he's playing for his life.

It's the closing round of the footy season and the Crocs plan to give it their all and finally score a victory. So, the last thing Nick and his friends need is to be confronted by a swarm of vicious fanged footballs. Nick is used to chasing footys. He never expected to be chased by them.

Nick finds school Science Week far from boring when robot prototypes known as footybots visit for a demonstration game. But the footybots go haywire and cause chaos on the oval. How will Nick and his teammates outplay these pint-sized pests?

Nick is the captain of his footy team, the Cobar Creek Crocs. When Nick turns into a power-hungry, real life monster, it's hard to get the team to work together. Nick's friends must find out the cause and change him back.

The Crocs have won the chance to play at half-time during the AFL Grand Final. It doesn't get any better than this. But their old enemy Cactus is back. He's greener and meaner than ever and he's out to destroy football for good. Can Nick, Ella and Bruiser win the game and save everyone in the MCG?

Nick has been replaced as captain and the Crocs' chances of winning a game are looking slim. It's his worst footy nightmare come true. Nick was sure the mutant bugs had been crushed but, now, the queen bug has the whole school in her sights, and she's not happy. It's Nick, Ella and Bruiser versus the nastiest, ugliest monster ever.

The Crocs have scraped into the finals! And at a last-minute training session Nick learns what's buried beneath the oval. But the freaky discovery causes a T-Rex fossil to come to life. . . If Nick can't stop the T-Rex, the day of Nick's final might be Nick's final day

Jack is surprised but delighted when his big brother, Tom, invites him to go fishing. Of course, there's a catch. Jack is just the right size to fit through the shed window to borrow Dad's favourite fishing lure. There's also another job for Jack, he's to be the lookout to spot crocodile bubbles while Tom and his mate fish for barramundi.

It's1930 and Daisy's worst nightmares have come true. She's alone on the streets, separated from her family, and things get worse when the police send her to live at the Melbourne Orphanage. At least she doesn't have to scavenge for food scraps anymore but, with no family and no freedom, Daisy is miserable. When she hears some shocking news, Daisy decides it's time to plot a daring escape.

It's 1930, Daisy has been adopted and whisked away to a beautiful mansion. She's to be a companion to Annie, a girl with a mysterious illness. While Daisy's new life is full of luxuries she could never have imagined, what she wants most is the thing her new parents can't provide. She wants the freedom to find her real family before it's too late.

It's 1930 and Daisy has finally had news that her dad is alive. He's gravely injured somewhere in the bush and, although she doesn't know quite where, Daisy is determined to find him. With help from old friends, she sets off on her way. But life on the road is hard and, before long, disaster strikes.

Choopa is a dancer. When he hears the music of the waltz streaming into the cold night air of the high mountains, he dances. Far below, a child's voice called: 'there's a tiny horse dancing on the pass.' the music grew louder again, and Choopa's blue and white legs and body waltzed above the Snowy River. And so the stories begin of the little blue roan foal with the strange, misshapen legs, who dances like an angel. Dandaloo fears for her little foal's safety, and with Son of Storm, Wingilla and Bri Bri, leads him up into the highest mountains, away from the threat of man. But one man, a man who trained Lippizaner horses at the Spanish riding school, will not give up his search for this unique foal who weaves a spell around all who see him dance.

Choopa, the blue-roan dwarf foal is a natural dancer and was trained as a Spanish dancing horse until he escaped and made his way back home to the beautiful snow country. Now Choopa must start fending off increasing attacks from Old Strawberry, the herd leader. Choopa's interest is sparked by rumours of a tiny dwarf filly that is the prize of Old Strawberry's herd. A

It's the last summer of the 1970s, and as 12-year-old Toby heads to the coast on a longed-for summer holiday, he finds himself almost invisible to his newlywed father and step-mum. Toby's loneliness lifts when he meets Tara, the daughter of the local shark fisherman, who is dealing with family issues of her own. A terrifying incident on the old wharf begins a dramatic chain of events within the small coastal town -- revealing secrets and creating ripples through both Toby's and Tara's families. A lyrical novel of the joys of childhood, friendship, facing truths, the trials of growing up... and the days of in between.

The action-packed, rugby league adventures of Deadly D and Justice Jones just got a whole lot deadlier. As Deadly D continues to be rugby league's hottest superstar, Dylan's secret has fallen into the hands of a nasty newspaper reporter who can't wait to tell the world. Dylan and Justice must stop the curse from being revealed.

Dylan and his loyal friend, Justice Jones, are desperately trying to keep the secret of Deadly D from being revealed to the world. Maybe, it's time for Dylan to fess up to his mother about how he has been using his superhero powers. And, the Brisbane Broncos won't be able to cope if Deadly D doesn't return.

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.

Deadly Sisters of Worawa, written by thirteen young women from Worawa Aboriginal College, was produced during an Indigenous Literacy Foundation writing workshop. In their book, the students write about themselves, their families, their sacred places and the things they've achieved that make them proud. They've also written some powerful and moving poetry, and created some amazing artwork, all of which combined reveals how deadly these Worawa sisters are.

This was meant to be Alice's year to shine. But things are already going wrong. School. Friends. Family... Through her letters to Greta Thunberg, Alice finds herself opening up about her life..and starts to believe that she can make a difference - a big one.

Eleven-year old Killarney thinks school is boring. She'd rather be exploring the wilderness around her Tasmanian hometown or helping her hairdresser mum. When strange things start to happen-ear splitting screams in the dead of the night and missing items found under the house-Killarney is too busy solving the mystery to do schoolwork. Before long she discovers the culprit: a wild Tasmanian devil, denning under the house. When rumours about dangerous devils being spreading, Killarney is determined to protect her precious visitor, but can she convince an entire town these wild creatures are worth saving?

Ashley has been longing for a pet of her own but her plans for a puppy fall through. Instead, her parents send Ashley on a holiday to her eccentric Aunt Micky. There, Ashley saves an injured mother koala and her joey Dexter. When a storm cuts off the only access road to the vet, Ashley must find the courage to find another way to safety.

Fifteen poems by an Aboriginal author are illustrated with vibrant colours and borders.

Vee is an Instagram star, thanks to her Mum, who has been posting pics of her life since she was born, on her Chronicles of Vee account. But, as Vee approaches her thirteenth birthday, she might be just about ready to say stop and get her privacy back. Unless... there's a really good reason to stay online. Vee, and her social media crazy friends, need to make some big decisions, and time is running out.

In the past, Aboriginal people had to hide their children to help them escape from the authorities coming to take them. Includes strong, distinctive illustrations and Aboriginal English with phrases in Yankunytjatjara.

I remember when rain stopped, When day by day the water dropped, All across a sun-bleached land, Drought spread its withered, deadly hand.

A drover's life is one of hardship and daring, but also one of mateship and adventure. This tells the story of Edna Jessop who was one of the few female drovers who worked at this dusty and dangerous job.

Meet Stevie Louise. She is an entrepreneur (that's like a business person), an entertainer (obviously), and an extrovert on the inside (wait, is this a thing?). Stevie has a BRILLIANT PLAN. She's going to have fun, make money, and most importantly, make sure the Brooke Street kids stay best friends forever. Then a new neighbour arrives and threatens to derail all Stevie's plans. And then real disaster strikes. But the show must go on. After all, Stevie is a professional.

Ella has started at her new high school, she is getting to know her new friends and enjoying the many things the school has to offer. Until things start to get complicated, she insults the school diva, hears a ghost in the dorm and items start to mysteriously disappear. Can Ella catch the thief and solve the mystery?

Molly and her father have emigrated to Australia to try their luck as gold prospectors in Ballarat, Victoria. Life on the diggings is hard and Molly misses her mother, who died before they left England. A Chinese teenager, Chen, shows Molly and her Papa how to pan for gold and helps them when their food and money run out. Not everyone on the goldfields is friendly, however. Chen and other Chinese diggers are often bullied and the police lock up miners who haven't paid the exorbitant gold licence fee. Before long, Molly, Papa and Chen are caught up in a protest that will become known as the Eureka Rebellion - a legendary battle that will profoundly affect them all.

Kipp Kindle and his friends Tobias Treachery and Cymphany Chan live in Huggabie Falls, the weirdest town on Earth. Weird things happen all the time - that's normal. But when an extremely weird thing happens Kipp and his friends know that something is wrong. They embark on a fast-paced, action-packed, hilarious adventure to find out what is making everything turn normal, and to return the weirdness to Huggabie Falls.

Famous Australians presents short biographies of people who have made notable contributions to society, and who have helped make sport and children's literature such important and popular aspects of Australian culture!

Famous Australians presents short biographies of people who have made notable contributions to society, and who have helped make sport and children's literature such important and popular aspects of Australian culture.

Dillon is your typical eleven year old boy who loves to play cricket and is forever getting into trouble for his messy room. He's just a normal kid - except for the fact he has a rare genetic disorder and desperately needs a liver transplant. One day, in the middle of the night, Dillon and his family receive a call from a distant hospital. A donor liver is available. The Royal Flying Doctor service is the only available option to transport Dillon to the hospital and into his new life.

An illustrated book depicting environmental concerns by Oodgeroo Noonuccal, a poet and an activist for Aboriginal rights.

Charlie, Masa and Alf are best mates - loyal and adventurous. They're the Fighting Stingrays. In between school, swimming and fishing on idyllic Thursday Island, they have a ripper time role-playing bombing missions and other war games. But when Japan enters World War II, the Fighting Stingrays are told that one of their own is now the real-life enemy. Drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse in the Torres Strait, their friendship and loyalties are tested as the threat of invasion looms closer.

For years, Audrey has always believed she is destined to be alone. Even her younger sister calls her 'Nerd Girl'. However, her life is about change forever following her family's relocation to a vineyard in outback Australia. Upon arrival, Audrey meets a mysterious boy named Finch, who seems to understand her like no one else. There's just one problem, no one in the town even knows Finch exists.

One small spark brought fire awake, winding like a small black snake. Fire flickered, fire crept, flames snickered, bushfire leapt.

In this picture book autobiography, Ron Jackson describes his eventful childhood as one of thirteen children in a stockman's family living in isolated Balranald. He discusses home schooling, catching rabbits, and collecting firewood in a homemade boat.

Have you ever wondered what the stars can tell us? Did you know the seasons can be predicted just by looking at subtle changes in nature? Maybe you have wondered about the origins of glue or if forensic science is possible without a crime scene investigation. Australia's First peoples have the longest continuing culture on Earth and their innovation will amaze you as you leaf through the pages of this book, learning fascinating facts and discovering the answers to life's questions.

The story of a lie that gets out of control. Nancy is worried. She's told her teacher she has something that she doesn't, and now Miss Susan wants her to bring it in to show the class.

When Chloe visits her Grandma Poppy, she learns just how close the Second World War came to destroying her family. In 1941, Poppy lived in Darwin, far from the war. When Japan attacked, everything Poppy held dear was threatened. Her brother was taken prisoner-of-war and her home town became a war zone. Poppy and her mother fled to Sydney, only to find that the danger followed them there.

On ANZAC Day in Australia, people of all ages and nationalities gather at war memorials for the dawn service and line city streets to watch the march. This national day of mourning and commemoration honours the men and women who returned from war, and those who did not.

Frankie's always wanted to go to the Olympics, but when his big sister takes the Sonic Suitcase and runs away to Ancient Greece, it looks like she might get there first! It's up to Frankie and his best friend, Drew, to bring her home - but what happens when Saint Lou is determined to stay?

In 1808, Grace and Hannah, are on board the ship, Indispensable, on their way to New South Wales. The girls wonder what their new place will be like. They hear the convict women saying there are giant rats and other strange animals there. When sickness strikes the ship, it seems unlikely that anyone will survive to reach the shores of the new land.

The iconic song by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody recounts the story of when Vincent Lingiari and other Gurindji workers walked off the Wave Hill cattle station in 1966. What began as a strike over wages and conditions became an eight year long struggle for the return of traditional lands. Illustrated by Gurindji schoolchildren.

It's 23 October 1821 and convict William Swallow stands on the deck of the Malabar for muster. He is wearing a canary yellow convict uniform and his legs are chained. He's just completed the 121-day sea voyage from London to Hobart Town, but his wild and audacious adventures have barely begun. He'll soon ditch the convict uniform and the chains, take part in a mutiny, become a pirate captain and fool the world in what just might be the most outrageous and unbelievable true story in Australia's convict history.

The giant scrub python is rarely seen by the locals so when Sam and Davey first encounter it, they are terrified but curious. When an illegal animal trader hears about the snake, he is anxious to catch it, even though it is a protected species.

Nothing good was going to happen to Clara Bloom ever again. It was the end of the world! Her parents were separating and how was she going to cope? Little does Clara know that the crisis is much bigger than she thinks. For a person who hates getting into trouble and hates seeing others get into trouble Clara finds herself facing a whole lot of trouble! A mysterious illness has struck down every single man and boy in the city. Clara's Dad is away on a camping trip and she must break all the rules in a desperate mission to rescue him. With her friends, Izzy and Arabella, and a little help from social media, Clara realises that girls are in charge and it is up to the girls to find a way for everything to go back to normal.

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

Girltopia is a city run by women and girls and it's an amazing place. There's hardly any crime, transport is free, and lots of girls are getting a taste for change. Clara and her friends are now part of The Girlhoods, a rebel group who suspect that someone is behind the release of the virus that has affected the men and boys.

Students try to win a high jump contest in a zone sports competition but, to do this, their goanna must jump higher than a competing kangaroo. Illustrated by primary pupils.

A boy in China is waiting. The godwits will soon land on his favourite beach. But things are changing and there are plans to build houses on this very beach. Wei is determined this will not happen. A new leader has been chosen to lead the godwits from Australia to Wei's beach. Will the birds make it and will the beach still be there. A book about one brave bird and one heroic boy.

It is the 1850s on the Australian goldfields. People are caught up in the, often violent, grip of gold fever. Miju and her brother, kidnapped from their homeland, are working to earn their passage home. Racism and robbery make their quest more difficult.

'The Good, The Bad and The Silly' is a taste of the intriguing history of Australia to alert young readers of the storytelling treasures to be unearthed in Australia's settlement history.

Eleven year old Grace knows only one world of her mum, dad, twin brothers and the strict religious community they belong to. Her relationship with God is central to her life but Grace is also stubborn, outspoken and independent. When her dad is thrown out of the church for asking questions, Grace is torn between staying in the church and keeping her family together.

It's 1808 and Grace has arrived at a bark hut on the edge of a river to start her life as a servant. But, even though she tries hard, nothing Grace does for her new master ever seems right, especially if it involves Glory, his beloved horse. When the master goes away and leaves Grace in charge, she is tested when she has to save her mistress from danger.

It was simple for Netball nerd Grace Parker and her best friends, Stella and Mia, at primary school, where back then her biggest problem was persuading her parents to buy her tickets to see Friday at Five, the world's hottest boy band. Unfortunately, high school is a new story. Grace's greatest rival on the court, Amber Burns, just made the same netball team as her. Her twin brother, Gus, is devastated he didn't make it into the top team. Tyler, her older brother, is ignoring her. And if that wasn't enough for a 13-year-old girl to handle, a popular dreamy boy is suddenly paying her a lot of attention...

Shy and over-protected, Tim is the new kid in a small country town. He's slow to make friends and becomes involved with the school bully. Tim is pressured into visiting a mysterious, old woman, Granny Rags, a reclusive old lady, rumoured to be a witch. Tim gradually finds out Granny Rags' story and one visit turns to several. Soon, Tim find himself involved in a mess of corruption, secrets and danger.

The Great Barrier Reef is so huge it can be seen from space and the whole thing runs on solar power. The wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the need to protect it are revealed through beautiful photographs, interesting information and a glossary of terms.

Celebrate the publication of May Gibbs's first book, Gumnut babies, in 1916. This collector's book includes seven stories - Gumnut babies, Gum-Blossom babies, Flannel Flowers and Other Bush Babies, Boronia babies, Wattle Babies, Nuttybub and Nittersing, and Chucklebud and Wunkydoo.

Australia is an island surrounded by ocean. Children grow up near the sea, have holidays by the sea or spend time on rivers, canals and dams. This collection of stories highlights the influence of water on children's lives.

In 1942, Sergeant 'Griff' Griffin was a prisoner of war. With Christmas approaching, he decided to make a book for the children cooped up in nearby Changi Prison. The book was said to contain the secrets to happiness. Open this book and learn the true and inspirational story of the making of the Happiness Box book.

Harriet, a tortoise hatched in the Galapagos Islands, was brought to Australian in the 1800's. This is the true story of Harriet's life from colonial days to her death at 176 years old at Australia Zoo in 2006.

Harry Kruize is feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. His father has left, starting another family elsewhere and he is the target of bullying at school, leaving him friendless and lonely. A term-long class assignment involving the writing down of personal wishes and documenting how they might be fulfilled allows Harry to tell his innermost feelings. He has six seemingly impossible wishes ranging from a normal family life, a dog, a friend, a certain bully to stop using him as a punching bag and to be an author. All of these will never happen or will they?

Twelve-year-old Teddy is a footy star in the making. He plays rugby league at home on the farm. He plays for the Menangle Meerkats with his friends from school. But when a storm turns his team's playing fields into a mud-pit, Teddy is faced with the worst decision of his life: if he wants to keep playing, he will need to switch teams from the Meerkats to their arch rivals - the Camden Rams. But can a Meerkat really be a Ram? Based on James's own footy-playing childhood, Hat-Trick Teddy encourages kids to follow their dreams regardless of the obstacles in their way.

"Hello and welcome to our corroboree. Hello and welcome to our gathering. Father Sky, Mother Earth, together here with me. Different colours, different people, together in harmony." Feel the welcome as we celebrate Indigenous culture, Elders and future generations. Join the corroboree in the traditional Gamilaraay language of the Kamilaroi people as we listen and learn together. A wonderful companion to Gregg Dreise's highly acclaimed My Culture and Me, this joyful picture book celebrates Australia's Indigenous heritage and the diversity we enjoy today.

A family is walking home on a very dark night. It;s hard to see clearly - what is that shadow? And what is that noise??? Turn the pages of this intriguing and atmospheric book and join the family as they discover what the dark night is hiding. Hello, Hello was written and illustrated by students from Laverton, Menzies and Tjuntjuntjara remote community schools at the third Spinifex Camp, sponsored by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. The students were joined by ILF ambassador and award-winning illustrator Ann James and singer/songwriter Chris Aitken, and together they have produced a book that will intrigue, surprise and delight readers of all ages.

Ludo's dad has just been elected as an Independent in Federal Parliament, which means a big move to Canberra. Top on his list of priorities is to find the local Scout group and continue his journey with the Scouts. Little does he realise just how important his scouting skills will turn out to be.

Stephanie Owen Reeder's award-winning Heritage Heroes series retells the remarkable true stories of famous Australians, while providing historical insights into their lives. 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.

Have you ever seen a fish that could do a handstand? This is the story of a quirky and primitive little fish that is famous for two things: walking on its 'hands' (pectoral fins), and being the first marine fish anywhere in the word to be listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Spotted Handfish has survived since the time of the dinosaurs -- until now. Invasive sea stars, pollution and climate change mean that this unique Australian is in real trouble -- raise your hand if you want to know more!

It's 1808 and Grace loves caring for baby, Alice, and working with her mistress, Beth, on the property at Rose Hill. Grace tries so hard to be a good servant but still her master doesn't trust her. Grace thinks he blames her for what happened to his beloved horse. It's injured and growing sicker every day. Grace wants to do something to help but she doesn't know who to turn to.

Billy Marks is a pickpocket, transported to the penal colony of NSW. He and his mate reckon they'll become bushrangers, buying a brumby stallion, covered with scars and refusing to bend to any man's will. Jackie French has used, in context, language and opinions of the times which are now unacceptable.

There is a fire coming, and we need to move quickly. Mum and Dad start packing bags, grabbing woollen blankets, the first-aid kit, torches, and then the photo albums. Dad puts Ruby on her lead and ties her up near the back door. My chest feels hollow, like a birdcage.

Left behind in Melbourne after his parents have to leave for Beirut unexpectedly, 12 year old Akeal finds himself, along with his six siblings, being held to the whims of an atrocious babysitter. Through the bold plans of younger sibling Huda, Akeal then finds himself roped into a courageous adventure with Huda travelling abroad as "unaccompeed" minors.

I Open the Door... contains nine interconnected stories, all of which begin and end with opening a door. The young author/illustrators at the 2016 Spinifex Writing Camp were encouraged to let their imaginations run wild, and the result is a book that will simply take your breath away. Prepare to be intrigued, surprised, fearful and delighted as you turn the pages to follow the adventures of what happens when a door is opened.

The Prime Minister makes decisions that affect us all. Being the Prime Minister is an important job. Imagine if children made all the decisions and what would happen.

Discover the most curious relationships in the natural world. The relationships between these peculiar pairs could be mutualistic, communalistic, parasitic or predatory. There are so many surprising partnerships from frogs and tarantulas, to sponges and crabs.

Alex feels like a fish out of water in her new hometown - the sleepy little lakeside village of Boreen Point where she is reluctantly sent to live with her slightly eccentric aunt for her final year of high school. None of Alex's classmates could care less about the new girl, so Alex couldn't care less about them...or so she tries to tell herself. As a distraction from what is quickly shaping up to be a very lonely year, Alex spends her savings on a rundown little yacht and throws herself into restoring it. A curious discovery leads to the beginnings of a friendship, but it's Sam - the sailmaker's apprentice - and his mysterious ways that capture Alex's attention and force her to question what is real and what matters most.

A scrapbook-style presentation of fascinating Commonwealth Games facts and photos, gathered by Aboriginal students.

It's 1914. Gretta lives a privileged life in Singapore, the daughter of a businessman; Tilly lives a modest life in Brisbane, the daughter of a baker. When war breaks out and both countries turn on their families for being German, the two girls find themselves taken from their homes, interned at a camp in rural New South Wales. Far away from everything they have ever known, Gretta and Tilly are forced to face prejudice, overcome adversity and to make their own community.

The story centres around a group of five friends, each of whom has their own ordeal in the face of an oncoming fire, and their attempts to protect family and possessions. As the fire approaches, a valuable brooch is stolen. The friends come together, using ingenuity and skill, to outsmart the thieves.

Kay-Bell loves to play footy. All she wants to do on the field is make her family and the Tiwi people proud. But when Aunty B gets in the way of her dream of kicking goals for the Tiwi Warriors, Kay-Bell must enlist the help of her friends and brother on a wild journey ...Will she survive the water buffaloes, dugongs, crocodiles and stormy weather to make it to the big game?

Aboriginal dreaming stories of the Jirrbal people. Contains factual narratives about the author's life and the rainforests of North Queensland. Traditional language words of the Jirrbal people are included.

Juliet is 10, and she's nearly a Vet. She and her best friend Chelsea just LOVE animals. Juliet has a dog and two guinea pigs already, but if she's going to be the World's Best Vet, she needs a lot more animals to learn from. Juliet and Chelsea get involved in a series of exciting adventures where they, among other things, organise a pet sleepover, take part in a pony show, help baby farm animals to be born, and care for injured wildlife after bushfires. does it all go smoothly? Come on in and find out!

Toby and his mum and dad are leaving their family farm after the death of Toby's younger sister Leah. Together they sort through all of their belongings and put things aside to sell or throw out. Toby doesn't want to leave the only place he's called home. As his last day on the farm approaches, Toby has a plan to say goodbye to all the things and places that mean something special to him and Leah. With the help of his best friend, Trigger the dog, he learns what it means to take your leave.

Alice loves the bush where she lives. She has a deep connection to a lyrebird who visits her 'every other day' and develops a close friendship to an elderly neighbour who loves the bush as much as she does. An amazing surprise discovery motivates her to make decisions about her future.

In 1932, a young boy, Lennie Gwyther, made a 1200 mile (1931km) return journey from rural Victoria to Sydney to witness the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He travelled on horseback, mostly alone, camping out at night and relying on the kindness of strangers for bed and food. He encountered floods and fires, and inspired a nation coping with the Great Depression. Based on a true story.

It's 1956, the Melbourne Olympic Games are over but, for Lina, the excitement is just beginning. She has a new best friend, the school magazine is a huge hit and her parents have a surprise that will change everything. When Lina has the chance to meet her idol, the famous writer Stella Davis, it seems that all her dreams have come true.

Letty and her sister, Lavinia, have arrived in Sydney town in 1841. It's a dangerous place for two girls on their own. When Lavinia gets a job, Letty is left feeling useless and alone. Then, she meets Mary, a strange woman with a secret.

It's 1841 and if Letty wants to keep her job, she must travel with her mistress to a sheep farm in the Blue Mountains, leaving her sister, Lavinia, behind in Sydney. Letty has heard that the bush is a wild place, full of strange beasts and dangers, not to mention the bushrangers who hide out in it. And, as Letty soon learns, life on the land has plenty of challenges.

It's 1841 and Letty must leave her job on the sheep-run because drought has brought hard times. She and the Grey family set out over the Blue Mountains but, when disaster strikes, Letty needs to be much stronger than she could ever have imagined. Letty wonders if she'll ever see Sydney or her sister, Lavinia, again.

It's 1956 and the Melbourne Olympic Games have finally arrived. The whole city is buzzing with excitement and Lina can't wait to go along as a reporter for the school magazine. Now is her chance to prove to everyone that she's a real writer. Nothing could be more important until Lina makes a new friend who changes the way she sees the world.

It's 1956...and Lina dreams of being a writer, but her strict Italian parents have other ideas. Now that she's won a scholarship to an expensive girls school, Lina has other troubles, too. But the Melbourne Olympic Games could be an opportunity for Lina to follow her dream of working on the school paper. Journey with Lina across all four exciting stories about a passionate girl finding a place to belong. Imaginative, kind and hard-working, Lina is an unforgettable Australian Girl.

It's 1956 and Lina is working hard on the school newspaper but mean Sarah Buttersworth isn't making it easy. When Lina's best friend, Mary, gets distracted by her new television, things begin to fall apart. Meanwhile, at home, Lina starts to uncover some dark family secrets. Living in two such different worlds isn't easy and, when tragedy strikes, she makes a decision that causes her many lives to collide.

A day in the life of Little Bird as she sings the world alive, flies with Cloud, travels with Wind, nestles with Moon and dreams of flying among the stars.

A group of Aboriginal children rap and chant their way through a day at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, and learn about their culture from their Elders.

Can you imagine being lost and not finding your way home again? Saroo Brierley became lost on a train in India when he was only five. He survived for weeks on the streets, before being taken into an orphanage and adopted by his Australian family. Despite being happy, Saroo always wondered about where he was from. And one day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for. This incredible true story celebrates the importance of hope and never giving up.

This is what happened during Little Lunch: Tamara tried to find a new walking buddy for the school walkathon, Rory decided he was going to be Prime Minster of the whole country and the girls got into a big noisy argument and wound up locked inside the toilets. A lot can happen in fifteen minutes!

In 1940, bombs are falling in London. Ten year old Margaret Rose survives a deadly raid but her family and home are destroyed. In faraway Townsville in Queensland, Margaret's aunt is ready to take her in but her cousin, Lizzie, is not so sure and certainly doesn't want to share her room. But, first, Margaret Rose must undertake a long and dangerous voyage to a strange country, also at war. She knows it's not going to be easy, and Lizzie's not about to make it any easier.

Gold miners Andy, Dave and Jim are sinking a shaft at Stoney Creek. After a hard day's fishing, Andy and Dave decide that it would be easier to blow the fish out of the water...but their young dog becomes curious about their experiment, with explosive results!

Imagine trying to survive in the Australian bush, in winter, without food and very little water. Almost 150 years ago, three young children found themselves in just this predicament. Somehow, they managed to keep going for over a week, walking nearly 100 kilometres trying to find their way home.

The story of a magpie raised on the Eyre Peninsula that becomes stranded on an island. Humans intervene to help him have a happy life.

When the man from Ironbark visits the local town for a shave, chaos ensues. Because of a Sydney barber's joke on one of their men, long beards become the fashion in a small Australian settlement.

The full text of the classic poem is beautifully illustrated and includes a CD of an unabridged recording.

A former Australian of the Year, Mandawuy Yunupingu, leads the band, Yothu Yindi.

In words and pictures, Yalata and Oak Valley community members, with author Christobel Mattingley, describe what happened in the Maralinga Tjarutja lands of South Australia, before the bombs and after.

It's 1983 and there's excitement in Marly's house. Her grandparents have arrived from Vietnam and, soon, her mum will have a new baby. While Grandma tries to make Marly into a 'young lady', Grandpa digs up the backyard. When he brings home Agnes, a goat, the neighbours want it taken away. Things get dangerous and Marly must try to protect her grandpa and her pet.

It's 1983 and baby mania has struck Marly's house. She has a new baby brother and Marly never realised that a new baby would take up so much of everyone's time. The school concert is coming up and Marly's secret plan is to perform the Moonwalk, the dance she's been practising all year. But, no one is helping with her costume.

It's 1983 and Marly needs a job. She wants to buy Donkey Kong cards to swap with the other kids at school but her parents think the cards are a waste of money. Then Marly's friend, Yousra, gives her an idea and she decides to start her own business. But, working on your own isn't easy and, when Marly catches a bus that goes in the wrong direction, it's just the start of her problems.

Marvellous Miss May is the inspiring true story of a tiny circus performer whose mother way too poor to keep her. In 1901, aged just seven, tiny contortionist May Zinga was given away to Wirth Brothers Circus by her desperate mother. Imagine Miss May's horror when the first thing the Wirths did was cut off all her long hair. Poor May had lost both her family and her crowning glory! But this feisty, talented and determined little girl did not give up. Despite many setbacks, including a horrific accident, she kept fighting to fulfil her dream of becoming the best bareback rider in the world, performing the same dangerous acrobatic feats as male riders-only better!

In the middle of the night, Josh watched a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane land on his family's cattle station to assist his mother during a difficult childbirth. In order to thank the RFDS for their service, Josh decides to organise a community fundraiser. However, his efforts are cut short when he is bitten by a deadly snake. Will Josh get to safety in time?

It's 1918 and the Great War rages on the other side of the world. Alice lives with her big family by the Swan River in Perth and her deepest wish is to become a ballerina. When she auditions for a famous dance teacher from London, it seems as if her dreams might come true. But, then there's a terrible accident, and Alice must ask herself whether there are more important things than dancing.

It's 1930 and Daisy lives on a farm, where she loves riding her horse, Jimmy, through the paddocks. Times are tough and, when her father loses his job, Daisy and her little sister, Flora, are sent to Melbourne to live with their aunt and uncle. Daisy must leave behind everything and everyone she loves for a city she's never seen. Even her wildest daydreams can't prepare her for the new life that awaits her. Meet Daisy and join her adventure in the first of four exciting stories about a hopeful girl in troubled times.

In 1808, orphaned, London street urchin, Grace, steals three apples to feed a poor, abused workhorse. When her theft is discovered, Grace is sentenced and transported by ship to Australia. She befriends Hannah and the two girls begin new lives, sailing towards a new land.

It's 1841 and Letty's sister, Lavinia, is sailing to Australia. In the confusion of departure, Letty gets caught on deck and is suddenly sailing as well. The voyage is long and miserable, and Letty must use her wits to keep Lavinia alive when she succumbs to fever.

It's 1983 and Marly is just trying to fit in at Sunshine Primary School. But, being a refugee from Vietnam doesn't make things easy. When Marly's cousins come to stay and end up at the same school, her friends make fun of them. Marly needs to find a way to stay loyal to her cousins and keep her school friends as well.

Nancy Bird Walton grew up during the golden age of aviation. By the time she was thirteen, Nancy knew she wanted to fly. She studied under the famous aviator, Charles Kingsford Smith. This is the story of how Nancy began her career as Australia's first female commercial pilot.

It's 1849 and Nellie O'Neill is arriving in South Australia on a ship bringing orphan girls from Irish workhouses. Nellie and her best friend, Mary, have left the famine in Ireland far behind and are full of hopes and dreams about getting a new job, and a new future. Nellie longs to learn to read, to be part of a family once more, and to never be hungry again.

It's1941 and the war is changing Pearlie's life every day. Darwin is full of soldiers, there's a spy on the loose and people are turning against Pearlie's best friend, Naoko, just because she's Japanese. When everything falls apart, Pearlie must try to be brave enough to stand up for what's right and not let her old fears get the better of her. Meet Pearlie and join her adventure in the first of four exciting stories about a courageous girl in a world at war.

It's 1864 and Poppy, an eleven year old girl, is raised in Bird Creek Mission near Echuca by the rather stern Mother Hangtree. When Poppy's brother escapes to strike it rich in the gold fields, Poppy disguises herself as a boy and sets out to find him. Along the way, she befriends and is aided by a series of characters, including an Irish bullocky, a feral dog and the feared bushranger, Harry Power.

In 1900s Melbourne, Rose lives a life of privilege, but the social conventions are predictable. Her life seems destined to be conservative and dull until her adventurous Aunt Alice arrives. Rose realises there are opportunities out in the big world.

It's 1930 and Ruby Quinlan lives in a big house in Adelaide with her parents and her fox terrier, Baxter. As she gets ready for her twelfth birthday party, Ruby has never been happier. But, the world she knows is collapsing and people everywhere are losing their jobs and their homes. Soon Ruby's comfortable life will fall apart in ways she could never have imagined. Meet Ruby and join her adventure in the first of four stories about a happy-go-lucky girl in a time of great change.

Michael O'Loughlin takes us on a guided tour of the Sydney Swans. Interesting information about the team, the game and about Michael. Exciting pages and great sports photography increase the impact of the text.

This is the story of a bushranger in Western Australia who has four comical animal friends.

Find out about Australia's responses to people arriving as refugees, from colonial times up until the present. Read about the contributions refugees have made to Australia and the challenges they have faced.

Twelve-year-old Ming Qong is convinced that girls must have changed the world, even if they are rarely mentioned in history books. So when Ming gets the chance to go back in time, she imagines herself changing destinies from a glittering palace or an explorer's ship. Instead, she ends up in Australia in 1898, living a tough life as Flo Watson on a drought-stricken farm. Luckily, Ming is rescued by Flo's Aunt McTavish. Wealthy Aunt McTavish belongs to Louisa Lawson's Suffragist Society, who are desperately and courageously fighting for women's rights. And Ming is determined to get involved, to make a difference.

Eleven year old Minnie has no intention of allowing three little troublemakers into her life. But they come anyway, uninvited and unannounced, expecting something from Minnie that she can't possible give.

City boy, Flynn, goes to Mission Beach with his Dad to prepare Grandad Barney's banana farm for sale. Flynn has never been north before, even when his Grandad was alive. When Flynn meets local girl, Abby, and finds two lost baby cassowaries, he is determined to find out about Grandad's mysterious death, and why his Dad refuses to talk about. And, he wants to know why his Dad is so scared of cassowaries.

Wurring, almost a yearling, and the image of his great sire Winganna, is a golden chestnut with a mane and tail the color of living light of the sun. When Winganna brings a hauntingly beautiful mare and her filly foal to the herd, Wurring is drawn to the tiny filly despite himself. When the beautiful mare dies, only Wurring has the courage to approach the orphan. Where is she from? As she grows, she becomes more and more beautiful, glowing with the beauty of the moon, and it becomes obvious that her dead mother must have been of great value. What happens when an ugly and mean iron grey stallion comes looking for what he has lost? Is Ilinga's and Wurring's love for each other enough for them to overcome the odds?

Marnie Clark adores horses and helps out at the local riding stables. She dreams of owning a horse but her Dad is out of work and the family is very poor. Through sad circumstances, Marnie is gifted Mrs Margaret Whitlam, a beautiful Clydesdale, who is bold, fearless and able to jump anything. From the very first ride, Marnie and Maggie get more adventure than they bargained for. Soon, Marnie is learning to negotiate newfound friendships, the pony club and how to stand up for what she believes in.

It is 1861 and a major horse race, the Melbourne Cup, is about to be run for the first time. Thirteen year old Robby Jenkins is working as a stable hand and is convinced that his favourite horse, Archer, can win. This is Robby's diary about his love of horses, life at the stables and his dreams to become a top jockey.

Anthony and his family move to Woomera for his father's job in the army. His mother cares for Anthony as he recovers from polio. At school, one of Anthony's friends has photos of the rockets at the Woomera munitions base. When a small business arises for the boys, the townspeople become suspicious of Anthony and the police become involved.

Amy loves to read about real life heroes. When she is faced with a life threatening situation at her Gran's house, her understanding of what it takes to be a hero might just save her life, and her Gran's. Summer in Australia means bushfires, and when Amy and her Gran are faced with a bushfire far too close for comfort, Amy knows just what to do.

Mary Beckwith has been sent to the penal colony at Port Jackson, transported with her mother, having stolen some fabric. She describes the hardships endured as well as the growth of the settlement and meeting the indigenous inhabitants. Her story is unlike most others as she joins Nicolas Baudin, the French scientific explorer, as he explores New Holland's coastline in direct competition with Matthew Flinders.

It is 1879 and life in the Biloela Industrial School is tough for eleven year old Olivia Markham. Her windswept days are filled with sewing, washing and avoiding the girls from the Reformatory School. Sydney is rapidly growing and modernising but Olivia can only imagine what life is like beyond the shores of Cockatoo Island. She dreams of freedom, friendship and, above all, family.

An insight into the world of Jack Fairfax, a nineteen year old fighter pilot in World War 1. Jack takes to the skies and faces the skill of the German ace pilots over the Somme.

Jamie and Ellen Ross are alone in the world after the death of their father. Determined to make their fortune, they head to Beechworth, straight into the midst of the search for Ned Kelly, the most notorious bushranger of all time. There are two views of Ned Kelly, a hero wronged by the police or a cold-blooded murderer.

Times are tough in Crete and Sophia's father has decided to make a fresh start in Melbourne. Sophia struggles to learn English and to get used to the strange new customs. No matter how hard she tries, no-one at school wants to make friends with a foreigner. Then, her talent for running starts to make a difference. With Olympic fever gripping Melbourne, Sophia's courage and determination is rewarded in unexpected ways, and the 1956 Olympic Games surprises everyone.

Shu Cheong, with his father and uncle, sets off on the arduous journey to Australia's goldfields, hoping to bring back wealth for their village. But, following their deaths, Shu cannot return home without his father's body so must stay in Australia alone. Relations between the European miners and Chinese are tense and violent attacks against the Chinese are common.

Told in diary form by a young girl in an Australian village. It is 1915 and Australia is involved in World War 1. Emma writes of the perils and difficulties of wartime and the hatred against the German settlers in the area.

It's 2000 and the Olympics are going to be held in Australia. In a year of surprises, enthusiastic runner Mel finds out that her hero Cathy Freeman is coming to talk at her school, and her family is heading to Sydney! It becomes an unforgettable journey to Corroboree 2000, bringing together all Australians as they march and sing to celebrate Australia's Indigenous heritage, and to acknowledge past wrongs.

Jimmy Porter has moved to central Australia, to the middle of nowhere, to live with his uncle's family who are three days walk from the nearest neighbour. Life in the outback in 1927 is tough but people cope and Jimmy learns to adjust. When disaster strikes, Jimmy and his cousins must get help. This is Jimmy's diary, which tells how he adjusts, about the characters he meets and his experiences.

Life on the run with Captain Thunderbolt, famous Australian bushranger. Based on true story of young Ben Cross and the historical figures that he meets. Although his life is exciting, Ben reflects on the ethics of the choices he has made.

It's 1932 and Sydney has hit hard times during the Great Depression. But, the construction of a bridge that will reach across the harbour is setting spirits soaring. Alice and Billy, whose fathers are working on the bridge, tell the story, through their diaries, of building the spectacular Harbour Bridge, which will unify a separated city from the north shore to the working class suburbs of the south.

Strong family and community ties are tested in this fictionalised account of the days prior to the bombing of Darwin.

Prior to the 1930 Melbourne Cup horse race, an attempt was made to kill Phar Lap, the horse who won the race. Eleven year old Sally Fieldling's father is investigating and she documents the case, or what she learns of it, in her diary.

It's 1969, many social changes are underway and man is headed for the moon. Twelve year old Davey lives to surf with his older brother, Tom, and listen to the latest hits. His cherished goal is to win the inaugural Under-14 Surf Championship with his best friends, Johnno and Pete. But, when Tom is drafted into the army and sent to Vietnam, everything changes and the far-away war creates waves very close to home.

Luke and his big brother Ben spend the summer on the banks of Cabbage Tree Creek. Quiet Luke sketches birds, while Ben leaps off the Jumping Tree. The boys couldn't be more different but they share the same dream: winning a boat so they can explore the creek properly. Then Ben starts high school and the boys drift apart. When Luke catches Ben sneaking out at night, he knows his brother's up to something, but what? A timeless story of birds and boats and of brotherly love that is bigger than a wedge-tailed eagle, bigger than the sky.

Meet some of today's leading artists and designers from different parts of the world. Read their stories, find out what inspires them and discover the ideas behind their works of art. Each artist has included an art activity for kids to make at school or at home.

Feel the rhythm of the music, from your heart down to your feet. Enjoy the movements of melodies, as clapsticks keep a strong beat. This is my culture. This is me.

I'm Tom Weekly. My life is an exploding chicken and the book in your hands is my attempt to glue it back together again.

I'm Tom Weekly. This book is full of my stories, jokes, cartoon characters, ideas for theme park rides and other stuff I've made up. It's where I pour out whatever's inside my head. It gets a bit weird sometimes but that's how I roll.

Tom Weekly has helped his pop escape from a nursing home. This is the third collection of stories about Tom Weekly and his funny, weird and, sometimes, gross life story.

I'm Tom Weekly. This book is full of my stories, jokes, cartoon characters, ideas for theme park rides and other stuff I've made up. It's where I pour out whatever's inside my head. It gets a bit weird sometimes but that's how I roll.

Tom Weekly's life just gets weirder and weirder - this is one runaway car ride you won't want to miss.

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.

Toni Tapp Coutts was raised on a remote cattle station in the Northern Territory. Her descriptions of life on the land, battling snakes, spiders and goannas as well as the weather will enthrall readers.

Using maps, the author traces the history of one special Australian neighbourhood back two hundred years.

Eva Fischer has moved from Sydney to Cabramurra, the highest town in Australia. She is surrounded by people of every nationality, with different languages, food and customs, who have come to work on the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

Two sixteen year olds put their ages up to join the Armed Forces and fight in the Great War of 1914-1918. An honest account of the horrors of war in the trenches, particularly sensitive and heartbreaking. Fictitious, with historical notes and photos.

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.

The evil two headed king of Coppertown is out to find the sunken treasure. Cos will do what he can to stop the king. But Cos has to first escape the glass ball hanging over the ocean. And then there is the straightjacket and shackles and padlocks. While an audience watches from the pier. Cos is the best illusionist.

Book 1 in the Mysterious World of Cosentino. This book features everyone's favourite magician in the greatest escape of all - the dungeon of the evil two-headed King of Silver City. Featuring a playing card army, an array of magical characters and some deadly magic tricks.

The second book in The Mysterious World of Cosentino, Cos needs to rescue the rabbits, before they end up being served at The King's birthday dinner! He'll need to pull some serious tricks out of his hat to pull this one off!

COSENTINO, THE GRAND ILLUSIONIST is stuck in the centre of Coppertown until the opening of his new magic theatre. He is frozen inside a block of ice . . . or is he? The real Cos is on a mission to stop the supply of silver to the King. Silver enhances magical power, and the King has too much power already. Cos must disguise himself and sneak into the silver mines. But who are all the old people at the mine, and why is Coss' old manager Wiggy down there? Could it be a . . . TRAP?

When all the pawpaws go missing from a pawpaw tree in the school garden, and then all the bananas from the banana trees too, each student at Manyallaluk School has a theory. It has to be the crows! Or could it be wild pigs? Or even an emu? Who or what is stealing fruit from their beautiful garden? How will the mystery be solved?

Pollo di Nozi, reporter-in-training, has a nose for news and strange things are happening in Riddle Gully. With Shorn Connery, her sheepish sidekick, Pollo is determined to track down the Graffiti Kid. But, maybe, Will, the new boy in town, is conspiring with the pushy mayor and a strange Transylvanian to send her sniffing up the wrong trail. Pollo is desperate for a story. But, Pollo and her reluctant offsider, Will, discover something very different from what they go looking for.

A biography of the infamous outlaw and bushranger, including his family background, exploits and the legacy he left behind.

It's 1849 and Nellie and her best friend, Mary, are starting new lives as kitchen maids in a grand Adelaide house. But Nellie's desire to live out her dreams soon leads to a battle with the spiteful cook, Bessie Rudge. Nellie must try to keep her temper and avoid being thrown out to beg on the streets. And she doesn't know why Mary is acting so strangely.

It's 1850 and Nellie is returning to Adelaide after searching for the Thompson family at the Burra. She's keen to get back to her best friend, Mary, who is ill in hospital. But she's in for a terrible shock. Even Nellie begins to feel that all is lost and that she might never achieve her dreams. Will her spirit be crushed, or can she turn her fate around?

It's 1850 and Nellie's best friend, Mary, is gravely ill. To provide Mary with the care she needs, Nellie must break a promise and go on a quest to find the Thompson family. Nellie's not sure if they will be able to help. Then Nellie's problems compound when her own life is in danger.

John, a convict child, is transported to the penal colony of NSW. Starving and alone, he is taken in by Australia's first schoolteacher, Isabella Rosson. In her simple classroom, John learns to read and write. He never forgets Isabella's lessons, the power of words and the hope for a brighter future.

Adjusting to a new country and a new school was never going to be easy for Herschelle. It's so different to South Africa. The food is strange and, worst of all, no one understands the Aussie slang that he's learnt on the web. But, it's the similarities that make things really hard. Herschelle will have to confront racism, bullying and his own past before Australia can feel like home.

Raised in Beagle Bay mission, Magdalene had been exposed to her traditional culture by her elders. Her account of the coming of the missionaries, and the resulting destruction of law and culture, is interwoven with the poetry of Nyulnyul stories.

Nginingawila Ngirramini - Tiwi language for 'Our Story' - is a celebration of pride and a window into the lives of nine talented, intelligent and funny teenage girls from the Tiwi Islands. In this collection of inspiring pieces, the girls share stories about their heroes, their sacred places and the happiest moments of their lives.

Jem's dad drove the Cobb and Co mail coaches between Braidwood and Goulburn, it was dark and dangerous work. They only drove at night, but sometimes Paw let Jem take the reins. This was a difficult job with 5 horses up front and passengers in the carriage. Tonight, was going to be an even more interesting drive - although they didn't know that. Jem was sitting on top of the carriage with his Paw, the mail had been packed, a mystery passenger was on board, an extremely heavy trunk too as well as all sorts of obstacles along the way. What were the secrets the passengers on this particular coach ride hiding?

It's 1854 and the Ballarat goldfields are a place of dreams and rebellion as Sam, a homeless teenager, is called back to the past. As the summer days get hotter and the miners protests are ignored, Sam experiences at first-hand the power of a united stand which will change her life forever.

Taken from his home in the middle of the night, Jack is placed in a home for 'Orphans and Unwanted Children.' He loves telling jokes but not many people laugh in the orphanage. There are no names, only numbers on shoes, and Jack has become Number 49. The spirited, ever-optimistic Jack struggles in the loveless, cruel environment and begins to wonder if he will ever return to the family he misses so much.

Andy and his father, a Vietnamese former refugee, return to Hanoi for the first time in over twenty years. Andy experiences a real cultural shock as he feels very Australian and doesn't like being called by his Vietnamese name. Over time, Andy discovers a lot about his relatives, his father and himself, as he helps his dad tell them about his life in Australia.

The first Aboriginal Olympic gold medallist, Nova Peris Kneebone's rise to fame is the subject of this book.

Harry is reluctantly hiking the Bibbulmun track with his mother, her friend Ana and Ana's daughter Deepika. at first all he thinks about are snakes, spiders and insects in the bush and no mobile phones. Then, just as he starts to enjoy himself Harry discovers that things can go really wrong in the bush.

A delightful story, set in Cape York, focuses on the relationship between a young Aboriginal girl, Nyrlotte, and her strong grandmother. Granny knows all the stories and can sing a cyclone away, and Nyrlotte knows she should always listen to her Granny's warnings. But listening isn't always Nyrlotte's strong point.

Welcome to Opposite Land - where socks wear feet, broccoli is meat, behind is ahead, and people poop from their head! After the worst day ever, Steve discovers a strange book written upside down and back to front. That night, when its words become mysteriously clear and Steve begins to read them, she's transported to the topsy-turvy world in the book - Opposite Land. In this extraordinarily peculiar place, roads float in mid-air, people live in giant snail shells and monsters are made of pasta!

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. Although written by different authors, the series themes are similar and there are a large number of titles.

Poetry is magical and funny, and tells stories about life. This collection includes forty-five different kinds of poems, by thirty-five Australian poets. They share, reveal and confess parts of their life experiences in passionate, angry, absurd, moving and hilarious ways.

This is a collection of Australian poetry.

A trampoline portal into the future, a magic pencil that can write stories by itself, a trip down a hill that ends up being the holiday of a lifetime. Only the weird and wonderful can happen to Paddy T. in these seven wild action adventures.

Twelve year old Dylan Webber lives in a small country town in outback Western Australia. When he discovers a talent for folding and flying paper planes, Dylan aims for the World Junior Paper Plane Championships. He is determined to create a plane to compete with the world's best. During his quest, Dylan makes unlikely new friends, clashes with powerful rivals and comes to terms with his family's past.

A brief biography on Patrick Johnson's childhood and sprinting career.

Everything is changing for eleven-year-old Alex Freeman and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. So he's devised a friend-making plan. But making friends is tougher than Alex expected, and it looks as if his last chance to succeed rests on the shoulders of his dog Kevin.

Alice's mother is sick and everyone fears she might have the dreaded Spanish Influenza. When the family celebrates Papa Sir's life and plants a tree at King's Park, Alice's brother Teddy makes a surprise announcement. But, an even bigger shock awaits Alice when someone from the past returns with the power to change her future and make her dreams come true.

Thirteen year old Sario lives with his family on a remote Torres Strait island. it's 1898 and the pearl-shell trade is at its height. When his father is coerced to join a white trader on his pearling lugger, Sario must go to work as a swimming diver to support the family. He's excited by the idea of walking on the sea floor but the competition is fierce and the only captain who will take him on runs the worst outfit in the fleet. And, there's the the constant danger of shark attacks and the storm of the century is approaching.

It's1942 and Pearlie is alone in Darwin. Not only has she been separated from her family but now Beake, the spy, is back and he's on the loose. He's out to get Pearlie but she has a daring plan. And when bombs fall on Darwin, Pearlie must fight to survive.

It's 1942 and Darwin is under attack. While bombs are falling, Pearlie is doing all she can to save her beloved pets and help the wounded soldiers. But, it's too dangerous to stay and, when Pearlie finally has to say goodbye, only the thought of being reunited with her best friend, Naoko, can cheer her up. But, Naoko has a problem of her own, a ghostly mystery that will truly test Pearlie's newfound courage.

It's 1941 and school is almost over, not just for summer but forever. Darwin could be bombed any day and everyone that Pearlie knows is leaving for a safer place. Animals and pets of all kinds are being left behind and Pearlie wants to rescue all of them. And she is fearful of what will happen when it's her turn to leave the home she loves. Follow Pearlie on her adventure in the second of four exciting stories about a courageous girl in a world at war.

Sometimes stuff happens that you would do anything to try to avoid. But you can't. And that's what happened to us. Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom, a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a horrible accident that means she cannot walk. Sam's husband, mother and three young boys are struggling to adjust to their new life when an unlikely ally enters their world in the shape of a magpie chick they name Penguin. The birds arrival is a welcome distraction and ends up making a profound difference in their lives.

An 'old Koori lad' tricks some 'gungies' (police) about his seafood hunting practices, highlighting laws about Native Title Fishing rights.

When Jingwen moves to a new country, he feels like he's landed on Mars. School is torture, making friends is impossible since he doesn't speak English, and he's often stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother, Yanghao. To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of Pie in the Sky, the bakery his father had planned to open before he unexpectedly passed away. The only problem is his mother has laid down one major rule: the brothers are not to use the oven while she's at work. As Jingwen and Yanghao bake elaborate cakes, they'll have to cook up elaborate excuses to keep the cake making a secret from Mama.

Read the true stories about the childhood of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, compiled from memoirs and oral histories. Find out about getting bush tucker, going fishing, taking part in ceremony, playing games and having fun. The warmth of home, the love of family and the strength of community shine through every story. Eighty Elders, both past and present, have contributed their words or artwork.

Includes a wide variety of Australian poems - humorous, reflective, serious and wise.

Essie likes facts, and the fact is, she's left her love of horses behind her. She doesn't want a new horse and she certainly doesn't need one. Not with the price she would have to pay. That is a line she just won't cross. Except the universe has other ideas and there is a pony that needs her. This pony makes Essie face her past and her future. For the sake of the pony she must face difficult questions. In searching for answers she must decide if she can forgive the past.

It's 1864 and Poppy is on the road again, heading to the town of Wahgunyah. On the way, she meets a stranger, who seems to know something about her past and her special letter with the red tiger seal. But, the more time Poppy spends with this boy, the more difficult he becomes and Poppy wonders if she can really trust him.

It's 1864 and Poppy, disguised as a boy, has escaped from Bird Creek Mission to find her brother, Gus. Life on the road is tough. When Poppy is given shelter at Summerhill Homestead, she meets a new friend, Noni. Poppy must keep her identity a secret as she tries to find Gus.

It's 1864 and Poppy, disguised as a lost princess from India, has joined a travelling medicine show. They're about to enter the town of Beechworth, where her brother Gus told her he was heading months before. Poppy is so happy to think that she might find Gus at last. But when Poppy follows the clues, they lead her to the cemetery.

How did the ANZACs get their name? Lets march back into the past to find out.

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.

The gang is back on the Sunfish searching for their lost father in a world devastated by climate change and greatly risen sea levels. The only clue they have is a coded list he left behind before he disappeared that names four scientists he was working on a top-secret project with. But will the crew of the Sunfish be able to decipher the clues and track down the scientists before their arch enemy does? And now, in the wake of a huge storm, to ever find the missing Spinner they will have to overcome their fears, fix their ship and escape the capture of some greedy pirates, and that is just to begin with.

The final chapter in the Quest for the Sunfish trilogy. Still on the trail of their missing father Spinner, the friends of the Sunfish are desperately trying to catch up with him before the next inevitable pirate attack hits. But with the deadly and vast outer ocean between them and their fleeing dad and their old nemesis Beckett hot on their heels again the crew's adventure is anything but over. The most perilous adventure the Sunfish and its crew have ever faced.

Raps and chants of appeal to Aboriginal children, written by Indigenous Australians.

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.

Find out about the people, the events, organisations and activities that are working towards reconciliation all around Australia. The book is presented by an Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian, each of whom has a special association with the topic.

Red can't remember the cyclone, doesn't remember her name, where she lived or who her parents are. Is there anyone left in Sydney she can trust to help her discover who she is and why she needs to get to Melbourne so urgently.

When Mayor Bullock's nephew, Benson, arrives in Riddle Gully, things start disappearing. Overeager newshound Pollo di Nozi points her finger his way and Benson skips town, hitching a ride on a sheep truck. But, when Pollo and her best mate, Will, realise who the real culprit is, they set off to track down Benson to convince him he is not the hopeless scumbag he's come to believe himself to be.

Junior reporter, Pollo di Nozi, is on the lookout for another juicy news story. When she and her friend, Will, come across two strange campers, they are off to solve a mystery. Unravelling hidden treasure, cunning crooks, mistaken identities and mysterious disappearances might just be Pollo's greatest ever challenge.

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.

Meet Robyn Boid - a small, dedicated bird who loves to build nests and dreams of becoming an architect. She lives at the University, where she listens to the architecture class through the window each day. Eager to learn, Robyn practises building all the important architectural shapes, but all the while, she seeks the perfect design for her very own nest.

The devious Lord Rump and his granddaughter Duckling need a disposable boy, and Pummel, a farm boy looking for work in the city, fits the bill perfectly. Duckling is happy to tangle him in her grandpa's web, as long as Grandpa keeps his promise that this will be his very last Scheme. Lord Rump's intrigues take both children into the Strong-hold of Berren, where time has stopped. And before long they are entwined in a plot to kill the heir to the Faithful Throne. If they want to protect the Young Margrave, and save themselves from an awful death, Duckling and Pummel must learn to use the magic that no one believes in.

It's 1901 and even the death of Queen Victoria can't stop the growing excitement as Melbourne gets ready to celebrate Federation, on Rose's birthday. Meanwhile, at school, Rose loves being involved in the cricket team. She's so focused on the game coming up that she almost doesn't notice that her best friend, Abigail, is acting strangely.

It's 1900 and Rose feels that Aunt Alice is the only one who understands her. But, now, it looks as if Aunt Alice is going to live in Adelaide, leaving Rose with a dreadful, new governess, Miss Higginbottom. Rose must stop Aunt Alice from leaving Melbourne so that she doesn't lose her chance to go to school.

It's 1900 and Rose's world is changing. At last, she can go to a proper school, where she makes a best friend, learns more than just embroidery and even gets to play in a proper cricket match. But, at home, her mother is dangerously ill, her father is worried about Federation and Aunt Alice is getting in more trouble than ever.

It's 1931 and Ruby and her family have lost everything in the Great Depression. Leaving behind her dad, her school friends and everything she knows, Ruby moves to Kettle Farm to stay with her cousins. Life in the country is new and strange, and Ruby has never felt like such an outsider. Thankfully, she has her much-loved dog, Baxter, for company. But, when he gets up to mischief, everything goes horribly wrong.

It's 1931 and Kettle Farm is starting to feel like home for Ruby. But, she is still desperately worried about her dad. He hasn't written for weeks and nobody knows where he is. Ruby wonders if Dad will ever come back to them. When nobody will give Ruby any answers, she sets out to find him herself.

Jam-packed with information on all your favourite Rugby League teams and players. 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.

Jam-packed with information on all your favourite Rugby League teams and players including profiles, instructions, information, stories of interest, articles and opinion pieces, short stories, book reviews, discussions, exclusive interviews and good tips, plus poetry and recipes.

Jam-packed with information on all your favourite Rugby League teams and players including profiles, instructions, information, stories of interest, articles and opinion pieces, short stories, book reviews, discussions, exclusive interviews and good tips, plus poetry and recipes.

It's 1931.and Ruby is settling into life at her new school in the country. When a desperately poor family moves to the area, no-one wants to be friends with them. Ruby will have to choose sides and she has already made one enemy at school, Doris Spinks. Ruby wants to do what she believes is right. And she wonders what Doris knows about Ruby's beloved dad who is missing.

By the 1790s orphaned Barney Bean finally has his own farm in the early NSW colony. All his dreams are coming true. But now we are to learn of Barney's biggest secret yet: how he helped Australia's first bushranger escape. Was Black Caesar a wronged man, an ex-slave who vowed to be free? Or was he a laughing villain, a trickster who planned to terrorise the colony? And in helping him, did Barney do right or wrong? You decide.

Frog is an orphan living on the streets of Parramatta in 1804. After a chance encounter with an Irish rebel, Frog joins the battle to overthrow the corrupt New South Wales Army Corp. Will the rebels be victorious at Castle Hill, and what secret is the youngest rebel hiding?

A compilation of stories to celebrate thirty years of Selby , the talking dog.

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.

Well-organised under clear headings and well-presented information on the early settlement of Australia and exploration of Australia's inland and coastline with contents, websites, a glossary and ideas for related things to do.

When three young boys go to a pizza parlour and meet an Aboriginal chef who can speak Italian and make a deadly pizza, they're in for a surprise, learning about aboriginal culture in a light-hearted and humorous manner with eye-catching graphic novel style illustrations.

Shock 'em! is an expression used by the players of the Big River Hawks for when the football hits the opposing player hard and shocks them, and the title of a new book. Eight players have shared some of their stories of their love for football, their heroes and their special places. The stories are full of tension, drama, highs and lows - along with plenty of shock 'em moments - that characterise playing in the biggest game in the AFL annual calendar.

The story of The Sleeping Beauty spills over with fairies and princes, passion and despair, magnificence and splendour, and the ballet version of this classic tale is the most romantic and spectacular of all.

Red Read's life takes a surprising and alarming turn when his mother sells him to an infamous smuggler, plying his trade off the north-west coast of Australia. From terrifying encounters with cut-throat pirates to battling the forces of nature in a tropical typhoon, from dining with head-hunting guerrillas to making meals of monkey stew, Red is in for a hair-raising adventure that may cost him his life.

Well-presented factual information and stunning photographs about Australian reptiles. Includes a comprehensive glossary, a quiz section and suggested books to read and web sites to view for further information.

Magical pearl-shell pendants, greenstone axe-heads, belts made of human hair, outriggers for canoes, songs and dances, body paint, feathers, extra strong glue, cloaks made of 80 possum skins sewn with kangaroo sinew were traded around Australia before white settlement. All this happened without money until the Macassans and then the Europeans arrived.

Specky Magee is mad about Australian Rules Football, but nobody comes to see him play. He finds a photo of himself as a baby in footy gear and thinks that he might be adopted. Now he is off to find his father.

Specky Magee wonders whether Robbo and Danny will ever talk to him again, what could possibly scare the Great McCarthy and what is Screamer up to now.

As Specky battles it out in the state carnival for a chance to play on the hallowed MCG turf, back at school he has a fight on his hands just to be allowed to play with his beloved Booyong Lions. And when his long-lost grandpa comes to visit, it's all-out war at home as well. Specky's loyalty to his friends, his team and to AFL will be tested like never before.

Specky has been selected to represent Australia in International Rules football, against Ireland in a two-test competition. The team is the best that Australia has but the pressure is on, with a new set of rules to learn and skills to perfect with the round ball. Specky has some serious decisions to make about his future before he returns home.

Thirteen year old Simon 'Specky' Magee is mad about Australian Rules Football. He is known for his Speck-tacular marking ability and goal kicking. Specky's change of school leads to divided loyalties in a sport where that is not tolerated.

Specky can't wait to get to the country and have the chance to play grassroots football for the first time against adults. But more is at stake than the outcome of just one game.

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.

It's 1934 and the Great Centenary Air Race from London to Melbourne will be the biggest and most exciting race that the world has ever seen. Ten year old Jack longs to see the race but he lives in Albury, miles away from the action. But, when a giant Dutch plane is lost in a terrible thunderstorm over Albury, Jack finds himself part of the action.

Ruby's family and the dairy farm are struggling through the drought. Life isn't easy, but Ruby is determined to do her own bit to help save her family and the farm.

Find out how steam power changed Australia. You can read about paddle steamers trading up and down the nation's waterways, steam-powered factories churning out everything from biscuits to iron ships, new railways slashing travel times and all kinds of new jobs for fettlers and firemen, puddlers and pumpers, barge-masters and billy-boys.

Adventurous, humorous series for 3-4. 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.

No sooner had Tom come back from his last mission, than Grandpa sends him on the next. Grandpa has discovered a dragon egg about to hatch. Tom, Bilby and Mother Bird, head to Dragonay, taking the egg with them but the residents of Dragonay don't trust humans and all the dragons have disappeared.

A stopwatch has sixty thin black lines, each marking off the seconds in a minute. But in grandfathers' stopwatch they are also gateways to different worlds. Tom just can't wait to borrow it. He soon finds himself sucked into a very different world indeed, a world of monsters and warfare.

Tom and Bilby soon discover that although Leevan seems like a fun-filled land, this world is in danger after someone poisoned the creeks and rivers.

At his grandfather's request, Tom and Bilby, are sent to save the Land of Mirthful. Tom is welcomed by the grumpy Queen Mavis, who threatens anyone who laughs with the punishment of death. But she is not the rightful ruler of the Land of Mirthful and without a proper queen their world as they know it is doomed.

This is a book for everybody. Welcome! Take a seat! And listen carefully, because this story has a heartbeat. Can you feel it, there in your chest? Legendary storyteller Boori Monty Pryor invites us to travel with him from the first footsteps through 80,000+ years of strength, sickness, and immense possibility. From the very first stories and art, to dance, language, and connection with the land, Boori offers a powerful, beautiful, and deeply rich account of Australia's true history, drawing on a lifetime of wisdom, and on his generous instinct to teach and heal.

A traditional Aboriginal story about why crows are black and emus can't fly, written in Nyulnyul and in English.

A retelling and recreation of the Paakantji people of the Darling River in New South Wales.

The bay was awash with stranded whales. Their high-pitched calls filled the air. Ben had to get help. Based on the true story of a town whose people saved 120 beached whales, Stranded is the story of one little whale, and the boy who risked his life to save it.

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.

Stuff happens sometimes. For Tom Connors, it happened during a tennis match. Tom is a very good tennis player but he struggles to control his nerves in a match, particularly on his serve. His left arm seems to have a mind of its own. When he held match point against Zac in the club championship, only to serve a double fault and lose the match, Connor thinks about this loss all the time. His serve and game have got progressively worse ever since.

India Wimple is a brilliant speller. When her family tries to convince her to enter the Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee competition, India is reluctant. She remembers the stage fright she got in the school play and she certainly doesn't want to repeat that experience. And, there's also Summer Millicent, who's determined to win and isn't afraid to step on anyone who gets in her way.

Super-Duper alert! An unidentified object is heading straight for the city, moving fast. Something fishy is going on. The world's superheroes are missing and humankind is under threat from an ancient underwater menace. Can the Super Sidekicks save the planet before it's too late?

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

Taj and his camel are on the adventure of a lifetime. They join explorer Ernest Giles to cross the Australian desert, where they encounter wild dogs, poisonous snakes, Aborigines and a constant shortage of water. Taj also learns the hard reality of travelling with animals.

When the family farm is repossessed by the bank, Danny has no alternative but to accept his parents' decision to move to the city and start a new life. But life in the city frightens Danny and he has difficulty adjusting and making friends. A runaway dog helps Danny to adjust.

When Lexie was eight, she discovered an old shell necklace that had belonged to her great-great-aunt. Through the necklace, she meets Merrina, who takes her to a gully that holds a mystery. A combination of fantasy and Tasmanian history.

I don't want to come to Australia. I have just started grammar school. My best friend Sally goes there too. But it looks like there could be another war and Dad has convinced Mum to go. Because we're migrants, the voyage is costing Mum and Dad only 10 pounds each! My brother and I are travelling for free. It's a long way to Australia. What if we never come back to England?

Join Professor Denton as he takes you on a wild adventure exploring our amazing universe and history, the ins and outs of biology and your human body, the fascinating world of geography, geology and the weather! Get ready to laugh and be amazed!

When Thaddeus Bix is kidnapped by a gang of pirates and thrown inside a magical sea chest, he thinks things have gone pretty bad. Little does he know they are just about to get worse. A swashbuckling adventure on the high seas awaits, with Thaddeus and his new friends Molly and Juniper as they attempt to outwit and escape a crew of stinking pirates, wizards, witches, giant talking spiders and worse.

I'm Lengy and I'm Thai. My parents run a restaurant named Thai-riffic! but I'm always craving hot chips and pizza. Mum and Dad's idea of a holiday? Going to Thailand to visit all our relatives. Recipe for getting there? Survive Dr Needlemouse and his arsenal of needle. Squeeze in a snappy budget trip to Dreamworld. Catch a red-back spider for my Auntie. Celebrate Christmas, Thai-riffic style! Recipe for surviving the planning? A heap of good luck and plenty of THAI-NO-MITE! Phew! I'll need a holiday after this...

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.

The black brumby and the cattledog become friends and both want to escape the men who hunt them ? Socks, the black brumby with four white legs, is a loner until one day he hears the bronze cuckoo whistle and the cattle dog follows him into the bush. They become great friends, the dog Lightning, whose master has died, and the horse. The bronze cuckoo keeps an eye on them when parties of men with whips and dogs come into the area to capture the brumby herds and take them to the sales. A female dingo joins Socks and Lightning and soon there are pups to take care of as well. Although not many men go deep into the Snowy Mountains, the bushwalkers carry strange tales of a black brumby and a family of dogs and dingoes ? The stockmen are always curious about these tales, especially when the brumby and the dog keep eluding them. The confrontation is fierce when it comes and the animals escape ? but for how long?

A realistic novel told by twelve year old Aggie who lives in Melbourne with her mother, siblings and new dog, Bruce.

Discover what happens when you mix one kid with nine attack possums. Observe the result of a guinea pig hostage situation. Learn from my get-rich-quick scheme to put Australia's angriest ice-cream man out of business. Get ready to judge the world's deadliest fruitcake competition. And if I survive it all, let's call the experiment a success. More handy stuff inside: 1. Tips on avoiding household chores 2. Weird facts about guinea pigs 3. How to eat a car

I'm Tom Weekly. This is a nail-biting - make that toe-biting - thrill ride through my life. This is where I pour out whatever's inside my head. Like the time a bloodthirsty magpie out to get me. Or when I had to eat Vegemite off my sister's big toe. And don't forget the day I ate 67 hot dogs in ten minutes. My life gets a bit weird sometimes but that's how I roll. Top 3 reasons to read this book: 1. Cures for nits 2. Hover underpants 3. Instructions for teleporting

To the first Europeans who came to Australia, everything seemed topsy turvy. Christmas was in the summer and trees shed their bark but not their leaves. And the animals were bizarre. There was a bird that laughed like a donkey and a type of greyhound that bound along on its hind legs like a hare.

One of Australia's leading singers and songwriters, Troy Cassar-Daley began his career when he was only thirteen years old.

Telling the story of his childhood spent living along the Murray River, Ian Abdulla's pictures speak of fishing and hunting with his Aboriginal brothers in the 1950s.

It's 1851 and eleven year old Maggie is living at Springfield, a sheep station near Goulburn. She helps her mother with the laundry and daydreams about getting away and doing something exciting. When she gets the opportunity to help in the nursery at the big house, she also gets the chance to learn to read and write, until her curiosity gets her into trouble.

Ten year old Isaac is always busy helping his mum run a caravan park on the Queensland coast. When he finds a sea turtle nesting on the beach he really wants to be a volunteer turtle tracker. But it is summer and will his mother find time for him to volunteer?

Going to boarding school can be a difficult transition for many students, but for Indigenous students from remote communities, it can be quite a culture shock. In Two Ways Strong, Indigenous students from Concordia Lutheran College have combined to tell their experience in a story about Jaz a young girl from Palm Island who goes to boarding school at the age of fourteen. Jaz has many challenges to face, not least having to speak English and make herself understood. Her fellow Indigenous students help to ease the way for her but ultimately it's up to Jaz to make the most of what boarding school has to offer. As she becomes accustomed to school life, has fun with her friends and has academic success, Jaz realises just how much she has gained and grown in the time she is been at school. She's no longer just one way strong like she was on Palm Island, she's now two ways strong and ready to take on the world.

Kipp Kindle, Tobias Treachery and Cymphany Chan live in Huggabie Falls, the weirdest town on Earth, so weirdness is pretty normal for them. But when unbelievably scary things start to happen, even Kipp, Tobias and Cymphany have trouble believing what's going on. Why is everyone running away from their worst fears and where did those fears suddenly appear from? How can a dinosaur that doesn't even exist be about to chomp Cymphany in two? And is the evil Felonious Dark reformed like he says he is, or is he the one behind the unbelievably scary happenings?

The Upside-Down History of Down Under delves into the history of Australia from dinosaurs to Federation. It explores how the continents formed and changed, looks into our dinosaurs and mega-fauna, and discusses how the first people arrived and their survival. Did you know that the oldest human home in Australia is 65,000 years old? The Upside-Down History of Down Under describes the various ships that landed on our shores, the arrival of the British, convicts, the Rum Rebellion, exploration, bushrangers, gold, equality, federation plus much more. But don't be fooled. It is full of fun anecdotes, interesting quizzes, questions, timelines and pictures to keep you entertained.

Another mystery clouds the very small castle of the O'Bryan family when glamorous actress, Delilah Devince vanishes in the middle of filming on Howlers Beach. With the monster co-star as lead suspect and more strange disappearances happening, it's up to Butter to solve the mystery. Can he crack the case before it's too late?

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.

Although all the year 7 girls are missing their families, life at Willowvale fills their days with learning about agricultural life and starting them on their pathways to eventually becoming veterinarians. When the local country fair comes to town, every girl must enter in both the creative and animal husbandry sections, causing much excitement and a fair amount of consternation. Abbey has nervously entered the technical cattle cutting competition only to find herself pitted against the impressive horsemanship and competitiveness of the boys from neighbouring Darrowby Agricultural College. Pudding, Talikas pony, falls ill and cooperation by all is necessary to save his life.

Abbey, Hannah and Talika are ecstatic when Henrietta finally delivers twelve healthy piglets, but devastated to learn that there is also a thirteenth with little chance of survival. With the clandestine help from a couple of teachers, round the clock care is organised for Itsy. Meanwhile the girls must undertake their normal classroom studies, but it's a bit hard when you're taking care of a little piglet...

To be accepted into the select vet cadet program at Willowvale Girls Grammar is both exciting and challenging. Roommates Abbey, Hannah and Talika have come from entirely different backgrounds, Abbey from an outback cattle station, Hannah from a local well-off show jumping family and Talika from an affluent Indian family. Very quickly, however, these differences disappear as the three become inseparable in helping each other cope with their insecurities, family pressures and school work, all the while combining to solve the problem of a predator attacking the school's sheep flock, and best of all riding their horses every day.

When we go walking, we never know how long we will be, what we will hear and what we will see. We pack our bags with food and water, a billy and some matches to light a fire. We head off into the shady monsoon forest on the edge of the billabong. Diane Lucas, Ben Tyler and Emma Long share their knowledge and love of the Top End in this enchanting and accessible book about one of Australia's most ancient and beautiful ecosystems.

A dingo cub is snatched from his mountain home by a giant eagle, then dropped, injured and alone , in a suburban garden. He longs for his mama's soft tail, warm and snug over his body. He longs for the safety of his brothers and sisters, snuggled together as the snow fall heavy and solid above their den. With them his nose was never cold, his tummy never empty. He was safe. Then he meets his first human and so begins his long journey to becoming Wandi, the most famous dingo in the world. But will he ever see his family or his home again?

Wally Park Primary School is the weirdest school in Australia. There is no other school quite like Wally Park. The principal is the meanest, vainest one in Australia, and the Naughty Tree is like no other. Just be aware of the Out of Bounds area. You may never return.

Whaling has long been part of Australia's history. Over the past centuries many coastal towns owe their existence to the hunting and slaughter of whales for numerous by-products. More recently these same towns focus on viewing the beauty of these majestic creatures as they travel between the cold and warmer waters. Here both stories are told through the eyes of a young boy who hears the distant calls, sometimes joyful, sometimes apprehensive, of a whale.

Stepping between Aboriginal Dreaming stories and the Australian yarn, the story of the Whalers reflects the ideas and practice of reconciliation showing the relationship between the orcas and the Aboriginal whalers of Twofold Bay.

Australian-Greek girl Nandi travels to her ancestors' home in Ithaca, and discovers - through a friendship with an extremely unusual flying fish - the extraordinary story of her great-aunt Elena; of how she fell in love, in the hardest of times, and how of how she became an unsung hero of World War Two. But Elena has gone missing, and Nandi has to find her. In her search, she will discover that Elena was an even greater hero than she thought - and still is...

In a similar vein to Dorothea Mackellar's My Country. Stunning images and words showcase the awe-inspiring beauty of the Australian continent.

As ngua rises, Bunjil soars over mountain ash, flying higher and higher as the wind warms. Below, Birrarung begins its long winding path down to palem warreen. Wilam - home. In this stunning picture book by Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy, respected Elder Aunty Joy Murphy and Yarra Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly tell the Indigenous and geographical story of Melbourne's beautiful Yarra river, from its source to its mouth, from its pre-history to the present day. Wilam is an ode to Australian rivers, the flora and fauna that live on them, and the function they perform as a part of modern day life and brings Aboriginal life, culture and language right in to the heart of the city.

When Mouse's parents head away to Ireland she is packed off to spend the winter in South Australia with her Aunt Evie. But what Mouse thought was going to be a dull winter turns into an adventure she never expected. When Mouse makes friends with the local wombats she couldn't be happier but as she learns more about her new surroundings she finds out that others don't feel as kindly towards the cuddly wombats as she does. Desperate to save the wombats from farmers whose fences the wombats destroy, Mouse begins a journey that will change not only her life but the lives of people and wombats everywhere.

From the ancient Willandra Lakes, through to colonial buildings, natural sites and the world renowned Sydney Opera House, New South Wales is the proud custodian of some of Australia's most iconic World Heritage Sites. Discover how these sites are managed so that the competing demands of tourists, wilderness and wildlife are all satisfied while still preserving the sites for the future.

When you're part of the team the sideline is a place of refuge of rest of reprieve. But when you're out of the team the sideline changes. Suddenly it's the loneliest place of them all. After a devastating football injury, Blake struggles to cope with life on the sideline. Jolene, a gifted but conflicted hockey player, wants nothing more than for her dad to come home. And soccer-loving refugee, Amed, wants to belong. On the surface, it seems they have nothing in common. Except sport. A touching and inspirational story about the things that bind us all.

When the children disturb old Wunambi, the giant water snake, there is big trouble ahead.

A Yakanarra Day reflects the beautiful small community located in the foothills of the St George Ranges between the Fitzroy River and the Great Sandy Desert, in Central Kimberley, Western Australia. It was written and illustrated by the senior students of Yakanarra Community School and has been translated into Walmajarri, with the help of school teachers and local elders

There are lots of dogs in Yakanarra. Hunting dogs, swimming dogs, spotty dogs and much more. The students of Yakanarra Community School have written and illustrated this gorgeous book that reflects the beautiful small community located in the foothills of the St George Ranges between the Fitzroy River and the Great Sandy Desert, in Central Kimberley, Western Australia. It has been translated into Walmajarri, with the help of school teachers and local elders.

In this fabulous book are fourteen songs, ten in Walmajarri language about four in English, all beautifully illustrated by the kids from the Yakanarra Community School. There are songs about how the Walmajarri come to Yakanarra, their special places, the animals and birds and the sounds that they make, hunting, fishing and collecting bush food, and more. The songs, sung to the tunes of well known classics, were written to help the kids at Yakanarra speak Walmajarri, but this is a book to be treasured and enjoyed by everyone.

Here are our deadly poems and stories. They talk about life, adventures, hard times and happy times. They are powerful, intelligent, funny and sometimes scary. You'll want to read them again and again. The Yirara Mix Book is a collection of short stories and poems from young Indigenous writers from Yarara College in Alice Springs.

Thirteen year old Yong doesn't want to leave his home in China to travel to the Australian goldfields in Ballarat. But, as the firstborn son, he has no choice. On the long and treacherous journey, Yong strives to be an honourable son, while he and his father face many hardships and dangers. But, in his heart, Yong knows the shameful truth. His honour is a lie. Somehow, Yong must find the courage to face what lies ahead.

Among all those legendary Australian bushrangers, stoic explorers and genius inventors, surely there must have been some losers. This book has all the dingbats, dropkicks, dills, duds and disasters in Australian history, from the explorer who claimed to have found an enormous reef of gold then lost it again to the ugliest, least successful and unluckiest colonial bushranger ever.

John Murphy was fifteen years old when he joined Leichhardt's ill-conceived expedition of discovery into northern Australia in 1844.

With her home under threat from a warming ocean, Zobi, a brave rhizobia bacterium, teams up with a family of slow but steady zoox (zooxanthellae). As the coral bleaves, everyone begins to starve ... Can Zobi and the zoox work together to stave the day? A beautifully illustrated science-adventure story set on the Great Barrier Reef.