Come and check out our new library display

Are you looking for a book? 

Not sure of the title?

Don't know who wrote it?

You think the cover's blue...

We have the book for you!

New Books!

1. The Fifth Room by A.J. Rushby
Four students are chosen to study in The Street Bunker and Miri is one of them. The idea of the Bunker is to push yourself to experiment and discover new ideas that can set you up for life. Some of the students experiment on themselves and this has led to disaster in the past. Miri also has the added burden of discovering her boyfriend is one of the four and relationships are not allowed. On top of this, a fifth student appears and is hell-bent on winning!

Find it in Fiction: F RUS




2. Untidy Towns by Kate O'Donnell
Seventeen-year-old Adelaide is fed-up with always being expected to succeed. She only has one more year of school to go, but decides to run away from the boarding school she attends anyway. Addie just wants to chill out, read and dream in her sleepy hometown. But her grandfather has other ideas and gets her a job working for the local historical society - an opportunity that makes her new life dusty and dull. Things change when she starts hanging out with Jarrod, a boy who seems full of possibilities, but it actual fact, is just as stuck as she is. Addie soon realises that when you want something in life, you've actually got to do something about it.

Find it in Fiction: F ODO



3. Unrequited by Emma Grey
Kat Hartland loathes Unrequited, the world's biggest boy band. Is she the only girl in Sydney who can't be bothered with perfect-looking Angus Marsden? Kat wants a real musician, like the boys from 5 Seconds of Summer! Or maybe even the super-hot med student who rescued her on the train. But when Kat comes face-to-face with Angus Marsden himself, things start to get complicated. When did life get so crazy? Kat's just a simple schoolgirl - isn't she?

Find it in Fiction: F GRE




4. Take Three Girls by Cath Crowley, Simmone Howell and Fiona Wood
ADY - not the confident A-Lister she appears to be.
KATE - brainy boarder taking risks to pursue the music she loves.
CLEM - disenchanted swim-star losing her heart to the wrong boy.
All are targeted by PSST, a toxic website for cyber-bullies that deals in gossip and lies. In response, the school forms a Year 10 Wellness Program, but sometimes all it takes is three girls exploring friendship, feminism, identity and belonging to solve the problem.

Find it in Fiction: F CRO


5. Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
It all started the day Amy Anne Ollinger tried to check out her favourite book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, from the school library. That's when Mrs. Jones, the librarian, told her the bad news: the book was banned. All because a parent thought it inappropriate for children. Amy Anne decides to fight back by starting a secret banned books library out of her locker. Soon, she finds herself on the front line of an unexpected battle over book banning, censorship, and who has the right to decide what she and her fellow students can read. Ban This Book is a love letter to the written word and its power to give kids a voice.

Find it in Fiction: F GRA

Novels to Read Before They're Movies

There are literally over a hundred books being adapted to movies at any given time. If you want to read the next Hunger Games before it becomes the next Hunger Games, find out which novels are currently in the works to become films!

1. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
What it's about: This sci-fi tale is the first book in a trilogy about Kady and Ezra, two former love interests whose planet is invaded in the year 2575. Breakup stress and intergalactic warfare abound.
Who's starring: Brad Pitt is producing the film.


Find it in Fiction: F KAU





2. Death Cure by James Dashner
What it's about: In the final book in the Maze Runner series, Thomas finally attempts to take down the organization WICKED.
Who's starring: Dylan O'Brien is reprising his role as Thomas.


Find it in Fiction: F DAS 





3. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
What it's about: Teenager Wade Watts gets sucked into a virtual universe in a dystopian future society in 2044.
Who's starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn and Vin Diesel (voice) will costar in the sci-fi flick, which is being directed by Steven Spielberg.


Find it in Fiction: F CLI




4. Looking For Alaska by John Green
What it's about: A cerebral teen falls for a girl, the titular Alaska, in the first novel from The Fault in Our Stars author, John Green.
Who's starring: Screenplay will be adapted by same team who did The Fault in Our Stars.


Find it in Senior Fiction: SF GRE






5. The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
What it's about: In Jandy Nelson's tear-jerking novel, 17-year-old Lennie deals with the fallout around her after her older sister passes away from a heart attack.
Who's starring: Though Warner Bros. has optioned the book, the adaptation is yet to cast.

Find it in Fiction: F NEL





6. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
What it's about: Fourteen-year-old Meg Murry's father goes missing after working on a government project, setting off Meg's fantastical journey through space and time.
Who's starring: Chris Pine as Dr. Alex Murry, and Reese Witherspoon as Mrs. Whatsit. Ava DuVernay to direct and Disney is producing the film.

Find it in English Texts: YR 7 ENG



7. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
What it's about: In this romantic novel, a girl named Violet falls for Finch, a boy who is intent on ending his life.
Who's starring: Elle Fanning is starring, and Miguel Arteta is directing.


Find it in Fiction: F NIV





8. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
What it's about: This novel depicts a world where two different kinds of people exist - the privileged few with superhuman abilities, and the underprivileged with no abilities - and a young woman, Mare, who infiltrates the other side.
Who's starring: Elizabeth Banks set to direct.

Find it in Fiction: F AVE

International Day of the Girl

Find@ BIO YOU

Find@ YR7 ENG

Find@ BIO MUS

International Day of the Girl

Since 2012, 11 October has been marked as the  International Day of the Girl. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years, but also as they mature into women. If effectively supported during the adolescent   years, girls have the potential to change the  world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers,  entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders. There are millions of inspiring women and girls in our world - many of whom you can read about right here in your very own school library. 

Premier's Reading Challenge Author Talks

With the Premier's Reading Challenge coming to an end for another year, make sure that you take the time to catch up with some of the incredible resources made available right now through your Library.

First featured at BookFest, there are 20 author and illustrator interviews free to view in one handy location. Featuring: Morris Gleitzman, Jackie French, Lauren Child, Deborah Abela, Kate Di Camillo, Belinda Murrell, Garth Nix and many more!   CLICK HERE

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

City of Glass is a thrilling novel, featuring Demons, Angels and Shadowhunters. It is about a girl named Clary Fray who thinks she is a normal girl until she starts seeing people that no one else can-Shadowhunters. This is the first book in the Mortal Instruments series and it is also my favourite.

Kellie Lai 7D

CBCA Book Week Winner

Book of the Year for Older Readers

A book where Sam is forced to re-evaluate everything he thinks he knows about himself, his family and his place in the world.

Goodbye Christopher Robin

For all those who love Pooh Bear!

To be released in September, the movie "Goodbye Christopher Robin" tells the story of the real life Christopher Robin.

The Happiest Refugee Review by Maya Fernandez 7C

The Happiest Refugee is a heart warming and courageous book about how a poor boy came to be the most famous comedian in Australia. I enjoyed this book thoroughly as it goes through the hardest as well as the happiest parts of his life.This autobiography written by of Anh Do is by far one of my favourite books of all time! , showing that dreams are always possible.

Review by
Maya Fernandez , 7C

The Fall by Tristen Bancks

Another block-buster from Bancks! I didn't find it quite as exciting as Two Wolves but, after a quieter start, it does get going. Sam think he has seen a murder outside his house and goes to tell his father who is a crime reporter. The body has disappeared, if there ever was a body! Things start to happen and someone knows that Sam witnessed something and they want to make sure he never gets to tell. Quite suspenseful once you get sucked in!

Review by Kate Colley, Bloomin Books.

Ballad for a Mad Girl by Vicki Wakefield

A fourth novel for this good Australian writer, two of her previous have been shortlisted for various awards including the CBCA. This is the first with an eye-catching cover. Grace is 17 and a little bit mad, she is not afraid of anyone or anything. She takes on a dangerous challenge from a rival school and finds herself in a little bit of trouble! No spoilers here - just read on!

The war that saved my life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

My favorite PRC book is The war that saved my life.
For me it was an amazing story that told me how lucky I am to be in Australia and to be in a family that loves me.

Makayla Melfi 7A

Bananas in Pyjamas

Do you remember watching Bananas in Pyjamas?

Well.... they are celebrating 25 years since the first program this year and to mark the occasion the Australian Mint is releasing some colourful new 5c and 20c coins.

You can purchase the two coin set from the Australian Mint.

More New Books!

Begin, End, Begin: A #Love Oz YA Anthology. Danielle Bind (editor.)


The theme of this book is beginnings and endings, a popular theme of Young Adult novels in general. Contemporary space-operas, romance, redemption, time travel and friendship are among these highly accessible stories of Australia's top Young Adult writers. A truly diverse anthology from some of our best.

Find it on the shelf here




Singing My Sister Down: And Other Stories by Margo Lanagan

This book brings together ten celebrated short stories, and three new ones, from the talented author of Tender Morsels and Sea Hearts.

A bride accepts her devastating punishment. A piece of the moon is buried. A ferryman falls into the Styx. Wee Willie Winkie brings a waking nightmare. A new father dresses a fallen warrior princess and a sniper picks off clowns one by one. Margo Lanagan's stories will stay with you, haunting you with their quiet beauty and fine balance.

Find it on the shelf here





Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories by R.J. Palacio

This book offers three parallel narratives occurring at the same moment in time as Auggie's journey in, Wonder - giving us an insight into how Auggie has affected the people around him. Here we discover the stories of Julian, the bully, Charlotte, the "do-gooder", and Christopher, Auggie's oldest friend. Thought-provoking, surprising, and heartbreaking, Auggie & Me is a must-read for the thousands of readers who loved Wonder.

Find it on the shelf here




When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah

When Michael meets Mina, they are at a rally for refugees - standing on opposite sides. Mina fled Afghanistan with her mother via a refugee camp, a leaky boat and a detention centre. Michael's parents have founded a new political party called Aussie Values.

They want to stop the boats.
Mina wants to stop the hate.

When Mina wins a scholarship to Michael's private school, their lives crash together blindingly. A novel for anyone who wants to fight for love, and against injustice.

Find it on the shelf here

New Books!

Our Race for Reconciliation by Anita Heiss


This story is set at the time of the Sydney Olympic Games. Runner, Mel finds out that her hero, Cathy Freeman, is coming to give a talk at her school and when she also finds out that she and her family are going to Sydney for Corroborree 2000 she is floating on cloud nine.

Anita Heiss is an authentic voice when it comes to Aboriginal history and culture, and this is a very readable account of that time.

The Secret Science of Magic by Melissa Keil

Sophia is a 17-year-old child prodigy and maths mastermind. Because of this, she has panic attacks having worked out that very few geniuses actually go on to do amazing things! As if being 17 is not enough pressure... in comes Joshua. A young man who thinks that now is a good time to show Sophia exactly how he feels about her.

Dramatic irony abounds.... the reader knows that Joshua is so wrong! But as these two are complete opposites might his magic actually work?




The Blue Cat by Ursula Dubosarsky

Set in Sydney in 1942, wartime Australia comes alive through vivid historical facts and amazing illustrations from here, there and everywhere in between.

Ellery is a strange boy who arrives at Coumba's school. Ellery doesn't talk and all the children are intrigues by him.

At the same time, a stray blue cat appears in the neighbourhood with the children wondering if Ellery and the cat are indeed linked?




Remind Me How This Ends by Gabrielle Tozer

Layla is only 13 when her mother dies in a tragic accident, and her father decides to pack up their lives so that they can return to their earlier roots.

Milo was Layla's friend when she was little and he is now in Year 12. When Layla turns up out of the blue at his parents bookshop both parties are drawn into a complete mess that is certain to hurt someone.

This author writes in the style of John Green and is definitely one to watch.





A Different Dog by Paul Jennings

Another gem from Paul Jennings - this is a gripping and surprising story of a boy, a dog, and a daring rescue. The boy, who is poor, is going to run in a race for money, however, on the way he sees an horrific accident. The driver had died, but his dog is still alive. The boy can't talk and the dog can't or won't move.

One of the best original stories, from one of Australia's best authors!

Women Who Fought for Change

Progress for every country has come from people's willingness to stand up for what they believe in and insist on being heard, even if their beliefs counter those of the people in power. Throughout history, women and girls have dared to stand up against the laws and social norms of their day to fight for societies that were more just, tolerant, and equal. These people from all walks of life, fought hard for causes they believed in, including women's suffrage, labour rights, civil rights, environmental protection, and more. They argued, they disagreed, and they protested - and today, we hail them as heroes whose courage and determination led to positive change and helped create a better future for everyone.

Click here to see this book in Oliver

Click here to see this book in Oliver

We have lots of books and eBooks available in the library that showcase the lifetime achievements of these remarkable women and girls. Library staff are also available to assist you with your choice.

Featured Author: Melina Marchetta

Melina Marchetta was born in Sydney. Her first novel, Looking For Alibrandi was awarded the Children's Book Council of Australia award in 1993 and her second novel, Saving Francesca won the same award in 2004. Looking For Alibrandi was made into a major film in 2000 and won the Australian Film Institute Award for best Film and best adapted screen play, also written by the Marchetta. 




On the Jellicoe Road was released in 2006 and won the US Printz Medal in 2009 for excellence in YA literature. This was followed up by Finnikin of the Rock in 2008 which won the Aurealis Award for YA fantasy, The Piper's Son in 2010 which was shortlisted for the Qld Premier's Lit Award, NSW Premier's Lit Award, Prime Minister's Literary Awards, CBC awards and longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. Her follow up to Finnikin, Froi of the Exiles and Quintana of Charyn were released in 2012 and 2013.

In the following mini-doco, Melina Marchetta talks candidly about her life as an author, giving us insight into herself and the books she has created that have resonated with young people the world over. From dropping out of school at fifteen, to a highly successful career as an author for young adults, Marchetta's story will definitely inspire you!! We have lots of her books here in the library - click here to see what's available!

When Michael met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah

When Michael Met Mina is on the shortlist for the ABCA Book of the Year for Older Readers and is on the Premiers Reading Challenge 7-9 list. It tackles the serious issue of racism and shows how it affects people's lives on a personal level.

We have it on order for the school library. In the meantime, you might like to look at some of Randa's other books. Click here to see what we have in the library.

Books to movie this year. Have you read these books?

Keep an eye out for the movies and series based on books this year.



Available on Netflix from 12th May, this series is based on the classic book by Lucy Maud Montgomery.


The book is available from the library F MON

Read about Lucy Montgomery in Britannica School by clicking this link http://eb.com/93402



Take a look at the trailer below.

Due out on 19th May, 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows Greg Heffley as he navigates school. Written by Jeff Kinney, this is a favourite!

Books available in the library F KIN

Do you love the legend of King Arthur? This movie is loosly based on Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory.

There are a number of books based on King Arthur in the library. Click this link to open Oliver to check them out!

Do you want to know more about the legend? Click here to find some articles in Britannica School about Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and Lancelot.

Yellow by Megan Jacobson

What happens when a voice from the past tells you he was murdered and asks for your help catching his killer?

Would you risk your life if he promised to help get your parents back together, make you popular and promise not to haunt you?

Kirra does, and along the way she helps her mother take steps to take control of her life once again.

Available in the library now: F JAC

CBCA Book of the Year Shortlist

Name our blog competition

Congratulations to Abbey Carr who won the competition to name our reading blog. We chose 'Chapter Chat' as it combines the two goals of this blog - sharing news about books (chapter) and being a forum for us to share what we are reading (chat).

Enter your email address in the box at the right to follow our blog. You will receive an email each time there is a new post.

To share a review or to suggest a post, use the contact us form on the left.

We are looking forward to chatting with you!

The Librarians

CBCA Book Week Shortlist

The shortlist for the Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards have been announced. 

Congratulations to all the author's and illustrators on the list!

Click here to view the 2017 Shortlist