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