Sample list

Remove Author Title Published ISBN
Holmberg, Bo R. Day with Dad 2008 9781406313840
TITLE:

Day with Dad

AUTHOR:

Holmberg, Bo R.

Tim only sees his father occasionally as he is separated from his mother and lives in another city.

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 7 8
PUBLISHED:

2008

PUBLISHER:

Walker

ISBN: 9781406313840
GENRE:

family

CATEGORY:

Picture book

THEMES:
  • Fathers
  • Excursions
Paolini, Christopher Brisingr 2008 9780385607919
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TITLE:

Brisingr

FILM TITLE:

Eldest

AUTHOR:

Paolini, Christopher

The third book of the Inheritance Cycle.

SUITABLE AGES: 12 to 18
SIMILAR AUTHORS:

Trudi Canavan, Paul Collins, David Eddings, Raymond E Feist, Ursula K Le Guin, Anne McCaffrey, Naomi Novik, Philip Pullman, J. K. Rowling, Jonathan Stroud, J. R. R. Tolkien, Carole Wilkinson

FREE BOOKMARK: click here
PUBLISHED:

2008

PUBLISHER:

Doubleday

ISBN: 9780385607919
SERIES:

Inheritance Bk. 3

GENRE:

fantasy

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Dragons
  • Travel
  • Teen author
AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://www.paolini.net/
REVIEW: Review by Mark Knight of ReadPlus.
Robinson, Marilynne Home Recommended 2008 9781844085491
TITLE:

Home

AUTHOR:

Robinson, Marilynne

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

This is Jack's story. Jack - prodigal son of the Boughton family, godson and namesake of John Ames, gone twenty years - has come home looking for refuge and to try to make peace with a past littered with trouble and pain.

SUITABLE AGES: 15 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2008

PUBLISHER:

Virago

ISBN: 9781844085491
GENRE:

family

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Family relations
  • Sons
AWARDS:

Orange Prize

TEACHER RESOURCES:
Feasey, Steve Dark moon 2009 9780330470483
TITLE:

Dark moon

AUTHOR:

Feasey, Steve

SUITABLE AGES: 11 to 14
PUBLISHED:

2009

PUBLISHER:

Macmillan Children's

ISBN: 9780330470483
SERIES:

Changeling

GENRE:

supernatural

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Werewolves
  • Vampires
  • Witches and warlocks
  • Good and evil
  • Horror
  • Zombies
De La Bedoyere, Camilla Ripley's believe it or not: wild animals 2010
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TITLE:

Ripley's believe it or not: wild animals

AUTHOR:

De La Bedoyere, Camilla

Facts and photos of wild animals.

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12
PUBLISHED:

2010

PUBLISHER:

Scholastic

GENRE:

animal

CATEGORY:

Non fiction

THEMES:
  • Animals
  • Reluctant readers
REVIEW: Review by Fran Knight of ReadPlus.
Tayleur, Karen Burke and Wills : expedition off the map Recommended 2010 9781742031392
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TITLE:

Burke and Wills : expedition off the map

AUTHOR:

Tayleur, Karen

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Story of Burke and Wills.

SUITABLE AGES: 7 to 12 13 14
PUBLISHED:

2010

PUBLISHER:

Black Dog

ISBN: 9781742031392
GENRE:

historical

CATEGORY:

Non fiction

THEMES:
  • Burke, Robert O’Hara
  • Explorers
  • Wills, William John
  • Burke and Wills Expedition (1860-1861)
  • Mothers
  • Australia - Discovery and exploration - Biography
  • Australia - History - 1851-1901 - Biography
  • Biography
REVIEW: Review by Fran Knight.
Walliams, David Mr Stink Recommended 2010 9780007279067
TITLE:

Mr Stink

AUTHOR:

Walliams, David

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

It all starts when Chloe makes friends with Mr Stink, the local tramp. Yes, he smells a bit. But when it looks like he might be driven out of town, Chloe decides to hide him in the garden shed.

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12
PUBLISHED:

2010

PUBLISHER:

HarperCollins Children's

ISBN: 9780007279067
GENRE:

humour

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Humour
  • Boys
  • Self-perception
  • Homeless persons
  • Politics
  • Smell
AWARDS:

Blue Peter Award book of the decade shortlist

AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/
Hartley, Steve World's loudest armpit fart 2010 9780330509183
TITLE:

World's loudest armpit fart

AUTHOR:

Hartley, Steve

In this book, Danny will attempt to break the following records. Drumroll, please. Most armpit-farted verses of 'Old MacDonald had a Farm'!

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 10
PUBLISHED:

2010

PUBLISHER:

Macmillan Children's

ISBN: 9780330509183
SERIES:

Danny Baker record breaker

GENRE:

humour

CATEGORY:

Young novel

THEMES:
  • Achievement
  • Humour
  • Records
Blume, Judy Blubber 2014 9781481410137
TITLE:

Blubber

AUTHOR:

Blume, Judy

There was something about Linda that made a lot of kids in her fifth-grade class want to see how far they could go but nobody, Jill least of all, expected the fun to end where it did.

SUITABLE AGES: 10 to 12
SIMILAR AUTHORS:

Betsy Byars, Anne Fine, Berlie Doherty

FREE BOOKMARK: click here
PUBLISHED:

2014

PUBLISHER:

Athenium Books

ISBN: 9781481410137
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • School
  • Bullying
  • Friendship
  • Cliques
AUTHOR WEBSITE: Information about Judy and her books.
Simons, Moya Spaced out 2011 9781921529917
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TITLE:

Spaced out

AUTHOR:

Simons, Moya

On Centuria for a week's holiday, and with money to spend, Jessie rescues Michael a human-like robot.

SUITABLE AGES: 10 to 12
SIMILAR AUTHORS:

Paul Jennings, Morris Gleitzman

FREE BOOKMARK: click here
PUBLISHED:

2011

PUBLISHER:

Walker

ISBN: 9781921529917
SERIES:

Lightning strikes

GENRE:

science fiction

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Humour
  • Reluctant readers
  • Robots
  • Life on other planets
  • Friendship
AUTHOR WEBSITE: Information about Moya.
TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Kylie Kempster.
Larkin, John Shadow girl Highly recommended 2011 9781864718751
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TITLE:

Shadow girl

AUTHOR:

Larkin, John

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

The shadow girl never imagined she'd live on the streets. After her parents mysteriously disappear, life with her uncle and aunt takes a sinister turn.

SUITABLE AGES: 15 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2011

PUBLISHER:

Woolshed

ISBN: 9781864718751
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Young novel

THEMES:
  • Street kids
  • Family relations
  • Survival
  • Homeless persons
  • Resilience
  • Drugs
  • Bulimia
  • Reluctant readers
  • Thriller
  • Child abuse
  • Eating disorders
AWARDS:

Victorian Premier's Literary Awards 2012

AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.larkin.net.au/
TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Tina Cain.
Moriarty, Jaclyn Corner of white Highly recommended 2012 9781742611396
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TITLE:

Corner of white

AUTHOR:

Moriarty, Jaclyn

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

Madeleine Tully has just moved to Cambridge, England with her mother. Things are strange and different and become even weirder when she spots a corner of white, the edge of a letter, in a crack and a whole new world is opened up for her.

SUITABLE AGES: 12 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2012

PUBLISHER:

Pan Macmillan

ISBN: 9781742611396
SERIES:

Colours of Madeleine ; bk. 1.

GENRE:

fantasy

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Cambridge (England)
  • Missing persons
  • Science
  • Colour
  • Sorcery
  • Light
  • Comparative texts
AWARDS:

Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book 2013, Older Readers Book of the Year Award Notable Books 2013, WA Premier's Literary Awards shortlist 2013, Queensland Literary Award, Horn Book Best Books 2013, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature

AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://jaclynmoriarty.com/
SIMILAR BOOKS: Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld
FREE BOOKMARK: click here
REVIEW: Review by Pat Pledger of ReadPlus.
Billingsley, Lucie We [love] school Recommended 2012 9780734411570
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TITLE:

We [love] school

AUTHOR:

Billingsley, Lucie

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Through a gaggle of dogs, the story is told of the first day at school. The routines are followed throughout the story.

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 7
PUBLISHED:

2012

PUBLISHER:

Hachette Australia

ISBN: 9780734411570
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Picture book

THEMES:
  • School
  • Dogs
  • Pets
AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.lucie.com.au/
REVIEW: Review by Fran Knight of ReadPlus.
Appelhans, Lenore Level 2 2013 9781743312155
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TITLE:

Level 2

AUTHOR:

Appelhans, Lenore

Felicia Ward is trapped in Level 2, a waiting room between Heaven and Earth. She spends her time in her pod in the Hive, downloading memories of what happened before she died, her friends and Neil, the boyfriend that she yearns for. Then Julian appears from her past and she learns about a rebellion that is happening in the Hive.

SUITABLE AGES:
PUBLISHED:

2013

PUBLISHER:

Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 9781743312155
SERIES:

Memory chronicles ; book 1.

GENRE:

fantasy

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Future life
  • Death
  • Angels
  • Supernatural
REVIEW: Review by Pat Pledger of ReadPlus.
Abela, Deborah Transylvanian tale Recommended 2013 9781742758534
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TITLE:

Transylvanian tale

AUTHOR:

Abela, Deborah

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

The latest ghost club member to join Angeline and Edgar in their ghost hunting is Dylan, but he is having trouble accepting that he really wants to be a ghost-catcher.

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12
PUBLISHED:

2013

PUBLISHER:

Random House Australia

ISBN: 9781742758534
SERIES:

Ghost club

GENRE:

adventure

CATEGORY:

Young novel

THEMES:
  • Ghosts
  • Supernatural
  • Honesty
AUTHOR WEBSITE: Information about Deborah, her books, writing tips and competition.
TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Colleen Tuovinen.
Lerangis, Peter Colossus rises 2013 9780007515035
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TITLE:

Colossus rises

AUTHOR:

Lerangis, Peter

Jack, with his friends, must find seven lost magical pieces of Atlantis' power to save their lives.

SUITABLE AGES: 13 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2013

PUBLISHER:

HarperCollins

ISBN: 9780007515035
SERIES:

Seven wonders ; bk. 1

GENRE:

fantasy

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Ability
  • Magic
  • Friendship
  • Atlantis
  • Wonders of the World
REVIEW: Review by Tina Cain.
Disher, Garry Bitter Wash Road Recommended 2013 9781922079244
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TITLE:

Bitter Wash Road

AUTHOR:

Disher, Garry

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Hirsch is in exile from the city and his career seems to be in abeyance because he has given evidence against a corrupt officer and is suspected of being corrupt himself.

SUITABLE AGES: 15 to 18
SIMILAR AUTHORS:

Mark Billingham, Shane Maloney, Val McDermid, Martin Cruz Smith, Peter Temple

FREE BOOKMARK: click here
PUBLISHED:

2013

PUBLISHER:

Text

ISBN: 9781922079244
GENRE:

crime

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Police
  • Whistleblowing
  • Mystery
  • Comparative texts
  • Racism
  • Country towns
AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://garrydisher.com/
SIMILAR BOOKS: The dying beach by Angela Savage, Mystery Road (film)
FREE BOOKMARK: click here
REVIEW: Review by Jenny Hamilton.
Jinks, Catherine Very singular guild Highly recommended 2014 9781743313091
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TITLE:

Very singular guild

AUTHOR:

Jinks, Catherine

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

Ned Roach is now Alfred's chief apprentice, luring out child eating bogles with his use of verse, so that Alfred can kill them.

SUITABLE AGES: 10 to 13 14
PUBLISHED:

2014

PUBLISHER:

Penguin/Viking

ISBN: 9781743313091
SERIES:

City of orphans ; bk. 3

GENRE:

historical

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Monsters
  • London (England) - History - 19th century
  • Supernatural
  • Mythical creatures
  • Resilience
  • Strong female character
  • Class text suggestion
  • Read aloud
AWARDS:

Younger Readers Book of the Year Award Notable Books 2014

AUTHOR WEBSITE: Biography and book list.
REVIEW: Review by Pat Pledger of ReadPlus.
Coraline 2009
FILM TITLE:

Coraline

The lure of a locked door is too much for Coraline, the bored young girl at the centre of this spooky tale.

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12 13 14
PUBLISHED:

2009

PUBLISHER:

Laika

GENRE:

fantasy

CATEGORY:

Film

THEMES:
  • Adventure
  • Good and evil
  • Read aloud
  • Courage
  • Horror
  • Supernatural
  • Film of the book
  • Cats
  • Strong female character
AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.neilgaiman.com/
Easton, T.S. English boy in New York Highly recommended 2014 9781471401497
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TITLE:

English boy in New York

AUTHOR:

Easton, T.S.

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

Having won Knit Fair UK Simon has been invited to New York to attend Knit Fair USA. Hence begins a lightweight romp through the Big Apple with the knitter himself, his parents, and mad mate 'innit' Gez who catches up with his American 'gangster' cousin Keith.

SUITABLE AGES: 13 to 15
PUBLISHED:

2014

PUBLISHER:

Hot Key Books

ISBN: 9781471401497
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Knitting
  • New York
  • Competition
  • Self-confidence
  • Humour
TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Barbara Rye.
Camus, Albert Stranger 2014 (1946) 9780679720201
TITLE:

Stranger

AUTHOR:

Camus, Albert

The plot involves a character called Meursault, the shooting of an Arab and a subsequent trial.

SUITABLE AGES: 15 to 18
SIMILAR AUTHORS:

Franz Kafta

FREE BOOKMARK: click here
PUBLISHED:

2014 (1946)

PUBLISHER:

Vintage International

ISBN: 9780679720201
CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Discovery
  • Murder
  • A;geroa
TEACHER RESOURCES:
Lemon-Scott, Candice Robot games 2014 9781925059120
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TITLE:

Robot games

AUTHOR:

Lemon-Scott, Candice

Jake, and his friends have arrived at the Robot Games. One of Jake's friends, Henry, is a cyborg. His systems start failing in the middle of the Games at the same time there are problems with the robot competitors. Is there a connection? The robot competitors take over the arena and imprison all humans. It is now up to Jake and his friends to save Henry and the whole human population. Can they solve the mystery in time?

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 9
PUBLISHED:

2014

PUBLISHER:

New Frontier

ISBN: 9781925059120
SERIES:

Jake in space ; 3.

GENRE:

science fiction

CATEGORY:

Young novel

THEMES:
  • Space
  • Space stations
  • Friendship
  • Universe
  • Reluctant readers
  • Mystery
AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://candicelemonscott.com.au/
TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Rhyllis Bignell.
Seuss, Dr. Sneetches and other stories 2008
TITLE:

Sneetches and other stories

AUTHOR:

Seuss, Dr.

Contents: The Sneetches , The Zax , Too many Daves , What was I scared of?

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 7
PUBLISHED:

2008

PUBLISHER:

HarperCollins

GENRE:

humour

CATEGORY:

Short stories

THEMES:
  • Verse stories
  • Free will and determinism
  • Fear
  • Peace
AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://www.seussville.com/
Amnesty International United Kingdom Dreams of freedom in words and pictures Highly recommended 2015 9781847804532
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TITLE:

Dreams of freedom in words and pictures

AUTHOR:

Amnesty International United Kingdom

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

Worldwide champions of human rights, from Harriet Tubman and Anne Frank to Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suui Kyi, share their dreams of freedom in words illustrated by artists from across the globe. (Back cover)

SUITABLE AGES: 6 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2015

PUBLISHER:

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

ISBN: 9781847804532
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Picture book

THEMES:
  • Freedom
  • Quotations
  • Human rights
  • Citizenship
REVIEW: Review by Jo Schenkel.
Hsyu, J.C Dinner that cooked itself Recommended 2014 9781909263413
TITLE:

Dinner that cooked itself

AUTHOR:

Hsyu, J.C

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

In this retelling of an ancient Chinese folk tale Tuan a young man is rewarded for being kind.

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 8
PUBLISHED:

2014

PUBLISHER:

Flying Eye Books

ISBN: 9781909263413
GENRE:

folklore

THEMES:
  • Snails
  • Fairies
  • Kindness
  • Chinese literature
REVIEW: Review by Books for Keeps.
Kuderick, Madeleine Kiss of broken glass 2014 9780062306562
TITLE:

Kiss of broken glass

AUTHOR:

Kuderick, Madeleine

SUITABLE AGES: 14 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2014

PUBLISHER:

Harper Teen

ISBN: 9780062306562
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Verse novel

THEMES:
  • Self harm
  • Psychiatric hospitals
  • Verse novels
  • American poetry
  • Mental disorders
  • Reluctant readers
  • Mental health
AWARDS:

Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 2015

AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.madeleinekuderick.com/
Parker, Danny Blackwood, Freya Perfect Recommended 2015 9781760125554
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TITLE:

Perfect

AUTHOR:

Parker, Danny Blackwood, Freya

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Looking back to an idyllic childhood, where children roamed freely, talking to the cows, climbing trees, looking at the splendid view across the hills to the sea, this sentimental picture book shows a childhood that is perfect: one that does not involve TV, or hand held devices, parents or cars.

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 10
PUBLISHED:

2015

PUBLISHER:

Little Hare

ISBN: 9781760125554
GENRE:

stories in rhyme

CATEGORY:

Picture book

THEMES:
  • Summer
  • Children
  • Play
  • Australian poetry
  • Stories in rhyme
  • Verse stories
  • Australian literature
  • Farm Life
  • Outdoors
  • Family
  • Picture book for older readers
AWARDS:

Early Childhood Book of the Year Award shortlist 2016, Prime Minister's Literary Awards shortlist 2016

TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Fran Knight of ReadPlus.
French, Jackie Ophelia : queen of Denmark Recommended 2015 9780732298524
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TITLE:

Ophelia : queen of Denmark

AUTHOR:

French, Jackie

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Shakespeare, Hamlet, Denmark, Betrayal. French's re-imagining of the play, Hamlet, from the perspective of his girlfriend, Ophelia will have wide appeal to a young audience. French's Ophelia is a strong, wiley young woman, aware of much of the machinations behind the scenes that beset those in power.

SUITABLE AGES: 11 to 14
PUBLISHED:

2015

PUBLISHER:

Angus & Robertson

ISBN: 9780732298524
GENRE:

historical

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Shakespeare, William - Characters
  • Shakespeare, William. Hamlet
  • Kings, queens and rulers
  • Deception
  • Love stories
  • Characters (Narratives)
  • Betrayal
  • Shakespeare tie-in
AUTHOR WEBSITE: Biography, book list and writing tips.
TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Fran Knight of ReadPlus.
Smith, Nigel Nathalia Buttface and the totally embarrassing bridesmaid disaster Highly recommended 2016 9780008167097
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TITLE:

Nathalia Buttface and the totally embarrassing bridesmaid disaster

AUTHOR:

Smith, Nigel

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

Nathalia doesn't want to be a bridesmaid in her stupid cousin's wedding, and is trying hard to be removed as a bridesmaid.

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12
PUBLISHED:

2016

PUBLISHER:

HarperCollins Children's Books

ISBN: 9780008167097
SERIES:

Nathalia Buttface ; 4.

GENRE:

humour

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Parent and child
  • Marriage customs
  • Embarrassment
  • Fathers
  • Weddings
REVIEW: Review by Kylie Kempster.
Newman, Paul Grandpa's big adventure Highly recommended 2016 9780670078172
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TITLE:

Grandpa's big adventure

AUTHOR:

Newman, Paul

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

The narrator of this delightful story is afraid of the water and cannot swim. Grandpa tells him he must learn to swim if he is have big adventures like his and so takes him to the pool to learn. At the pool Grandpa recounts the tale of his big adventure, where he swam around the world.

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 7
PUBLISHED:

2016

PUBLISHER:

Penguin Viking

ISBN: 9780670078172
GENRE:

humour

CATEGORY:

Picture book

THEMES:
  • Fear
  • Grandparents
  • Swimming
  • Humour
AWARDS:

Picture Book of the Year Award Notable Books 2017, Speech Pathology Australia shortlist 2017

REVIEW: Review by Fran Knight of ReadPlus.
Glasman, Eli Boy's own manual to being a proper Jew Recommended 2014 9780987507013
TITLE:

Boy's own manual to being a proper Jew

AUTHOR:

Glasman, Eli

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

When non-religious rebel Josh turns up at school, Yossi is asked to look after him, and while Yossi educates Josh on the ancient traditions of their race, Josh does some educating of his own.

SUITABLE AGES: 15 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2014

PUBLISHER:

Sleepers

ISBN: 9780987507013
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Boys
  • Jews
  • Coming of age
  • Homosexuality
  • Comparative texts
SIMILAR BOOKS: Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
FREE BOOKMARK: click here
Darlison, Aleesah Running from the tiger Recommended 2017 9780994501066
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TITLE:

Running from the tiger

AUTHOR:

Darlison, Aleesah

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Eleven-year-old Ebony's lonely life is filled with school, chores, minding her little sisters and treading carefully around her father. Her dad is the tiger, an alcoholic gambler who rules his family through physical and emotional abuse.

SUITABLE AGES: 11 to 14
PUBLISHED:

2017

PUBLISHER:

Empowering Resources

ISBN: 9780994501066
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Young novel

THEMES:
  • Friendship
  • Secrecy
  • Trust
  • Running
  • Family relations
  • Domestic violence
  • Courage
  • Child abuse
AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://www.aleesahdarlison.com/
TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Rhyllis Bignell.
Somerville, Kirra Lizard gang Recommended 2006 9781875641895
TITLE:

Lizard gang

AUTHOR:

Somerville, Kirra

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Meet Zed, Boo, Eliza and Zoro - a spirited gang of monitor lizards who learn the meaning of teamwork when they work together to escape a raging flood.

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 7
PUBLISHED:

2006

PUBLISHER:

Magabala

ISBN: 9781875641895
CATEGORY:

Picture book

THEMES:
  • Lizards
  • Cooperation
  • Aboriginal peoples
  • Bravery
  • Teamwork
  • Floods
TEACHER RESOURCES:
Schlitz, Laura Amy Princess Cora and the crocodile Recommended 2017 9780763648220
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TITLE:

Princess Cora and the crocodile

AUTHOR:

Schlitz, Laura Amy

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Princess Cora begins life impressing her parents with her blue eyes and pink toes, but almost immediately they are concerned for her royal role and her life is bound up with responsibilities that are dull as dirty bathwater. Cora endures her princess 'training' for some time until her polite frustration leads to a letter to an unseen fairy godmother. The solution to her woes is a crocodile.

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 7 8
PUBLISHED:

2017

PUBLISHER:

Candlewick

ISBN: 9780763648220
GENRE:

fantasy

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Princes and princesses
  • Parent and child
  • Children - Management
  • Crocodiles
  • Parental behaviour
  • Independence
  • Identity
  • Read aloud
REVIEW: Review by Carolyn Hull.
Horowitz, Anthony Never say die Highly recommended 2017 9781406377040
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TITLE:

Never say die

AUTHOR:

Horowitz, Anthony

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

Alex Rider is driven by the loss of his companion Jack Starbright, to unravel a mystery that eventually leads him into life and death scenarios.

SUITABLE AGES: 12 to 18
SIMILAR AUTHORS:

Sam Hutton, Chris Ryan, Charlie Higson, Joe Craig, Robert Muchamore, Andy McNab, David Gilman, Simon Lelic

FREE BOOKMARK: click here
PUBLISHED:

2017

PUBLISHER:

Walker Books

ISBN: 9781406377040
SERIES:

Alex Rider

GENRE:

adventure

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Espionage
  • Courage
  • Reluctant readers
  • Mystery and suspense
AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://www.anthonyhorowitz.com/
TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Carolyn Hull.
Pichon, Liz Family, friends and furry creatures : my school project Recommended 2017 9781743816523
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TITLE:

Family, friends and furry creatures : my school project

AUTHOR:

Pichon, Liz

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Class 5F are building their family trees, interviewing their family members to find stories of their lives for this project. Tom creatively draws his baby picture when he forgets his photo.

SUITABLE AGES: 7 to 12
SIMILAR AUTHORS:

Michael Gerard Bauer, Pat Flynn, Jeff Kinney, Stephan Pastis

FREE BOOKMARK: click here
PUBLISHED:

2017

PUBLISHER:

Scholastic Australia

ISBN: 9781743816523
SERIES:

Tom Gates

GENRE:

diary

CATEGORY:

Young novel

THEMES:
  • Boys
  • Genealogy
  • Family life
  • Homework
  • Classroom activities
  • Participation
  • Primary schools
  • Family trees
  • Reluctant readers
AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://lizpichon.com/
SIMILAR BOOKS: The diary of a wimpy kid by Jeff Kinney, Eric Vale super fail by Michael Gerard Bauer, Cartboy and the time capsule by L.A. Campbell, My totally awesome story by Pat Flynn, Timmy Failure: Mistakes were made by Stephan Pastis
FREE BOOKMARK: click here
REVIEW: Review by Rhyllis Bignell.
Nicholas, Soraya Brumby rescue Recommended 2018 9780143787440
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TITLE:

Brumby rescue

AUTHOR:

Nicholas, Soraya

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

When Poppy bids on a wild, beautiful brumby at an auction, she doesn't think about the consequences. Everyone believes she's crazy trying to take on a wild horse - although Poppy is sure she can help him.

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12
PUBLISHED:

2018

PUBLISHER:

Puffin Books

ISBN: 9780143787440
SERIES:

Starlight stables ; 5.

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Girls
  • Horses
  • Friendship
REVIEW: Review by Rhyllis Bignell.
Holland, Sara Everless Recommended 2018 9781408353622
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TITLE:

Everless

AUTHOR:

Holland, Sara

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

In the land of Sempera, the rich control everything - even time. Ever since the age of alchemy and sorcery, hours, days and years have been extracted from blood and bound to iron coins. The rich live for centuries; the poor bleed themselves dry. Jules and her father are behind on their rent and low on hours. To stop him from draining himself to clear their debts, Jules takes a job at Everless, the grand estate of the cruel Gerling family. There, Jules encounters danger and temptation in the guise of the Gerling heir, Roan, who is soon to be married. But the web of secrets at Everless stretches beyond her desire, and the truths Jules must uncover will change her life for ever...and possibly the future of time itself.

SUITABLE AGES: 12 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2018

PUBLISHER:

Orchard

ISBN: 9781408353622
SERIES:

Everless ; 1

GENRE:

fantasy

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Secrecy
  • Future life
  • Good and evil
  • Kings, queens and rulers
  • Upper classes
  • Family relations
AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://www.sarahollandwrites.com/
REVIEW: Review by Sara Filkin.
Vass, Coral Sorry day Highly recommended 2018 9780642279033
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TITLE:

Sorry day

AUTHOR:

Vass, Coral

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

The momentous day of February 13, 2008 is the setting of this tale as Maggie and her mother stand amongst the crowd eagerly waiting for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to say sorry to Aboriginal families for what was done to them in the twentieth century taking away their children as a matter of government policy.

SUITABLE AGES: to 12
PUBLISHED:

2018

PUBLISHER:

National Library of Australia

ISBN: 9780642279033
GENRE:

historical

CATEGORY:

Picture book

THEMES:
  • National Sorry Day
  • Aboriginal peoples
  • Children, Aboriginal
  • Stolen Generations
  • Children
AWARDS:

Eve Pownall Book of the Year Award 2019, Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award 2018

AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://www.coralvass.com/
TEACHER RESOURCES:
REVIEW: Review by Fran Knight of ReadPlus.
Jones, Guy Ice garden Recommended 2018 9781911490043
TITLE:

Ice garden

AUTHOR:

Jones, Guy

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Jess is allergic to the sun. She lives indoors in a world of shadows, peeking at other children from her curtained house. One night, she sneaks out. And there, just beyond the empty playground she's longed to visit, she discovers an impossibility - a magical garden made of ice.

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12
PUBLISHED:

2018

PUBLISHER:

The Chicken House

ISBN: 9781911490043
GENRE:

fantasy

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Sick persons
  • Magic
  • Ice
  • Allergies
  • Diseases
  • Sorcery
REVIEW: Review by Books for Keeps.
Weiss, Bobbi JG. Kit meets Covington 2017 9780763698355
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TITLE:

Kit meets Covington

AUTHOR:

Weiss, Bobbi JG.

When Kit Bridges moves to England to attend an elite equestrian boarding school, she struggles with grief from her mother's death and her fear of riding after a bad fall.

SUITABLE AGES: 10 to 14
PUBLISHED:

2017

PUBLISHER:

Candlewick Entertainment

ISBN: 9780763698355
SERIES:

Ride ; bk. 1

GENRE:

animal

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Fear
  • Horse riding
  • Boarding schools
  • Grief
  • Horse sports
  • Bereavement
REVIEW: Review by Kathryn Schumacher.
McCann, Michelle Roehm Girls who rocked the world 2017 9781471171017
TITLE:

Girls who rocked the world

AUTHOR:

McCann, Michelle Roehm

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12
PUBLISHED:

2017

PUBLISHER:

Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 9781471171017
CATEGORY:

Non fiction

THEMES:
  • Women
  • Biography
  • Biographies
Howe, Cath Ella on the outside Recommended 2018 9781788000338
TITLE:

Ella on the outside

AUTHOR:

Howe, Cath

Recommendation:

Recommended Recommended

Ella is the new girl at school. She doesn't know anyone, she doesn't have any friends and she has a terrible secret. Ella can't believe her luck when Lydia, the most popular girl in school decides to be her new best friend - but what does Lydia really want?

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 10
PUBLISHED:

2018

PUBLISHER:

Nosy Crow

ISBN: 9781788000338
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Friendship
  • Secrecy
  • Deception
  • Extortion
REVIEW: Review by Books for Keeps.
Do, Anh Flying ninja! Highly recommended 2018 9781742999579
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TITLE:

Flying ninja!

AUTHOR:

Do, Anh

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

When the evil Dr Kane takes over all the machines in Duck Creek, his grandmother and his side-kick, cousin Kenny, place all their faith in Nelson.

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12
PUBLISHED:

2018

PUBLISHER:

Scholastic Press

ISBN: 9781742999579
SERIES:

Ninja kid ; 2

GENRE:

humour

CATEGORY:

Young novel

THEMES:
  • Ninjutsu
  • Inventions
  • Fear
  • Persistence
  • Martial arts
  • Read aloud
AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://www.anhdo.com/
REVIEW: Review by Deborah Robins.
Last, Shari Spider-Man: into the Spider-verse: the official guide 2018 9780241347843
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TITLE:

Spider-Man: into the Spider-verse: the official guide

AUTHOR:

Last, Shari

There's a new Spider-Man on the block! Meet Miles Morales, a teenage Spider-Man with super powers as spectacular as his predecessor Peter Parker!

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 10
PUBLISHED:

2018

PUBLISHER:

Dorling Kindersley Limited

ISBN: 9780241347843
CATEGORY:

Non fiction

THEMES:
  • Spider-man (Fictional character)
  • Superheroes in films
  • Heroes
  • Films
REVIEW: Review by Rhyllis Bignell.
Child 44 2015
cover image
FILM TITLE:

Child 44

Set in Stalinist Russia, where children are being killed and mutilated by a serial killer.

SUITABLE AGES: 15 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2015

GENRE:

thriller

CATEGORY:

Film

THEMES:
  • Murder
  • Torture
  • Historical
  • Mystery and suspense
  • Soviet Union - History - 1953-1991
  • Soviet Union
  • Book of the film
Bailey, Jenn Illus. Song, Mika Friend for Henry 2019 9781452167916
TITLE:

Friend for Henry

AUTHOR:

Bailey, Jenn Illus. Song, Mika

Henry would like to find a friend at school, but for a boy on the autism spectrum, making friends can be difficult, as his efforts are sometimes misinterpreted, or things just go wrong, but Henry keeps trying, and in the end he finds a friend he can play with.

SUITABLE AGES: 5 to 7
PUBLISHED:

2019

PUBLISHER:

Chronicle Books

ISBN: 9781452167916
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Picture book

THEMES:
  • Autism
  • Social skills
  • Friendship
  • Social competence
Williams, Sean Impossible music Highly recommended 2019 9781760637156
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TITLE:

Impossible music

AUTHOR:

Williams, Sean

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

Music is Simon's life - which is why he is devastated when a ministroke obliterates his hearing. He resists attempts to help him adjust to his new state, refusing to be counselled, refusing to learn sign language, refusing to have anything to do with Deaf culture. Refusing, that is, until he meets G, a tough-as-nails girl dealing with her own newly experienced hearing loss.

SUITABLE AGES: 14 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2019

PUBLISHER:

Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 9781760637156
GENRE:

issues

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Deafness
  • Adolescents
  • People with disabilities
  • Composition (Music)
  • Critical incidents
  • Self-perception
  • Disability
  • Composing (Music)
  • Personal identity
  • Communication
AWARDS:

Book of the Year Notable Books 2020

AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.seanwilliams.com/
TEACHER RESOURCES:
SIMILAR BOOKS: Book of the Year: Older Readers notables 2020
FREE BOOKMARK: click here
REVIEW: Review by Helen Eddy.
Ashley, Melissa Birdman's wife Highly recommended 2018 9781925870077
TITLE:

Birdman's wife

AUTHOR:

Ashley, Melissa

Recommendation:

Highly recommended Highly recommended

In The Birdman's Wife, the naive young girl who falls in love with a demanding and ambitious genius comes into her own as a woman, an artist and a bold adventurer who defies convention by embarking on a trailblazing expedition to collect and illustrate Australia's 'curious' birdlife. (Publisher)

SUITABLE AGES: 15 to 18
PUBLISHED:

2018

PUBLISHER:

Affirm Press

ISBN: 9781925870077
GENRE:

historical

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Birds in art
  • Artists
  • Exploration
  • Birds
  • Aistralia - Discovery and exploration
  • Gould, Elizabeth
  • Biographical fiction
AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://melissaashley.com.au/
Rodda, Emily Pigs might fly 2017 9781460753743
TITLE:

Pigs might fly

AUTHOR:

Rodda, Emily

'I wish something would happen!' said Rachel. 'Something interesting!' She was bored. Bored with having a cold and having to stay in bed. Bored with the rain drumming on the roof. If only something unlikely or unexpected would happen for a change. Something exciting - something wonderful. 'Maybe it will!' her father said, 'And pigs might fly!'

SUITABLE AGES: 8 to 12
PUBLISHED:

2017

PUBLISHER:

Angus&Robertson

ISBN: 9781460753743
GENRE:

Australian

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Pigs
  • Dreams
  • Book of the Year Award
  • Dreaming (Sleeping)
  • Literary awards
AWARDS:

Younger Readers Book of the Year Award

AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.emilyrodda.com/
TEACHER RESOURCES:
Maloney, Shane Nice try 2003 9781877008511
TITLE:

Nice try

AUTHOR:

Maloney, Shane

SUITABLE AGES: 15 to 18
SIMILAR AUTHORS:

Peter Corris

FREE BOOKMARK: click here
PUBLISHED:

2003

PUBLISHER:

Text Publishing

ISBN: 9781877008511
SERIES:

A Murray Whelan thriller

GENRE:

crime

CATEGORY:

Novel

THEMES:
  • Athletics
  • Lobbying
  • Murder