One Would Think the Deep by Claire Zorn
Male protagonist, Sam, has just found himself alone in the world after his mum dies unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm. The only phone number he has is that of his Aunt Lorraine whom he hasn't seen for years and his only memory of her is with a glass of wine and a cigarette in her hand. But if he is to escape DoCS he must go to live with her. In year 11, life is tough for Sam, but he tags onto his cousin Minty and goes surfing to get rid of all the fuzz in his head. This story is both heart-wrenching and beautiful.
Game Theory by Barry Jonsberg
Jamie is 16 and a Maths whizz. When his wild, older sister, Summerlee, wins 7.5 millions dollars in the Lottery, she decides to leave the family. But of course that much money can be real trouble and their younger sister Phoebe is kidnapped for ransom. Jamie believes that through gaming strategies he can predict what the kidnapper will do next, but is he risking too much? Will Phoebe survive? Barry Jonsberg at his best!
Dear Pakistan by Rosanne Hawke
Having spent most of her life in Pakistan, Jamie Richards has been brought back to Australia by her family to finish her studies, but, for Jamie, school is very different to when she was last here as a young girl. Feeling the outsider in a culture that is meant to be her own, Jamie just can't seem to fit in. Each evening she writes to the country that lives in her heart, hence the title "Dear Pakistan".
Sportsmanship: Our Stories by Net Brennan
This new addition to the non-fiction picture book series Our Stories is about sports and sportsmanship in Australia. Australia's passion for sport defines us: our history, traditions, values and identity are strongly intertwined with our sporting achievements. These are the stories of the sportsmen and women whose talent stopped the nation.
Circle by Jeannie Baker
Each year, Bar-tailed Godwits undertake the longest unbroken migration of any animal in the world, flying from Australia and New Zealand to their breeding grounds in the Arctic and back again. In Circle, Jeannie Baker follows the Godwit's incredible flight, taking us over awe-inspiring scenes, as the birds follow invisible pathways to reach their destination.
Collins describes and juxtaposes the impoverished District 12 with the privileged Capitol, however, most of the action takes place in the deceptively dangerous arena. Collins protagonist, Katniss, is a fierce fighter who is denying her love for Peeta who is brave and very protective of her. Then there is Gale, Katniss' hunting partner, who has a soft-spot for her since they met, creating a love triangle!
