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8 15 y separately published work icon The Bone Sparrow Zana Fraillon , Sydney : Hachette Australia , 2016 9459824 2016 single work children's fiction children's

'Subhi's imagination is as big as the ocean and wise as the sky, but his world is much smaller: he's spent his whole life in an immigration detention centre. The Bone Sparrow is a powerful, heartbreaking, sometimes funny and ultimately uplifting hymn to freedom and love.

'Sometimes, at night, the dirt outside turns into a beautiful ocean. As red as the sun and as deep as the sky. I lie in my bed, Queeny's feet pushing up against my cheek, and listen to the waves lapping at the tent.

'Subhi is a refugee. Born in an Australian permanent detention centre after his mother fled the violence of a distant homeland, life behind the fences is all he has ever known. But as he grows, his imagination gets bigger too, until it is bursting at the limits of his world. The Night Sea brings him gifts, the faraway whales sing to him, and the birds tell their stories.

'The most vivid story of all, however, is the one that arrives one night in the form of Jimmie, a scruffy, impatient girl who appears from the other side of the wires, and brings a notebook written by the mother she lost. Unable to read it, she relies on Subhi to unravel her own family's love songs and tragedies.

'Subhi and Jimmie might both find a way to freedom, as their tales unfold. But not until each of them has been braver than ever before.' (Publication summary)

2 y separately published work icon The Last Days of Us Beck Nicholas , Chatswood : Harlequin Enterprises , 2017 11579479 2017 single work novel young adult

'Five teens, one derelict Kombi and an unforgettable road trip…

'Six months ago, Zoey’s life went off the rails. After the tragic loss of her brother, she partied her way to oblivion, estranged her best friend, Cass, and pushed away her now ex, Finn. But when her destructive behaviour reaches dangerous heights, Zoey realises she needs to pull herself together and get her old life back, including her ex. There’s just one complication: Finn is now dating Cass.

'Now, it’s the last week of summer and Zoey, Cass and Finn are setting out on the road trip of a lifetime to see their favourite musician, Gray, perform live, joined by Finn’s infuriatingly attractive bad-boy cousin Luc and his vibrant younger sister Jolie. Zoey thinks this is her chance to put things to rights and convince Finn they should get back together. But she wasn’t counting on her friends’ lingering resentment, Luc’s disarming sincerity, and Jolie’s infectious love for life to turn her plans upside down.

'This emotional coming-of-age story will resonate with anyone who’s ever messed up, fallen in love, or taken off on an adventure.' (Synopsis)

26 1 y separately published work icon Our Chemical Hearts Krystal Sutherland , Melbourne : Penguin , 2016 9481130 2016 single work novel young adult romance

'John Hughes meets John Green in this irresistible story of first love, broken hearts and the golden seams that put them back together again.

'Henry Page has never been in love. He fancies himself a hopeless romantic, but the slo-mo, heart palpitating, can't-eat-can't-sleep kind of love that he's been hoping for just hasn't been in the cards for him – at least not yet. Instead, he's been happy to focus on his grades, on getting into an Ivy League college and finally becoming editor of his school newspaper. Then Grace Town walks into his first period class on the third Tuesday of senior year and he knows everything's about to change.

'Grace isn't who Henry pictured as his dream girl – she walks with a cane, wears oversized boys' clothes and rarely seems to shower. But when Grace and Henry are both chosen to edit the school paper, he quickly finds himself falling for her. It's obvious there's something broken about Grace, but it seems to make her even more beautiful to Henry and he wants nothing more than to help her put the pieces back together again. And yet, this isn't your average story of boy meets girl. Krystal Sutherland's brilliant debut is equal parts wit and heartbreak, a potent reminder of the bittersweet bliss that is first love.' (Publication summary)

3 3 y separately published work icon Cassie Barry Jonsberg , Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2008 Z1536594 2008 single work novel young adult

'Holly hates her name, her looks and her life. She isn't in with the right crowd and she has little hope of dating the gorgeous Raph McDonald. With Cassie staying, she has to move out of her bedroom into the tiny, smelly spare room, and she feels her life couldn't be more unfair. So when Demi, the coolest girl in school, invites Holly on a make-over shopping spree, she jumps at the chance. Even Cass can see that Holly is stretching her wings. But will she fly or fall?

'Before long Holly learns that appearances can be deceptive and friendship can blossom in unexpected places ...' (Publisher's blurb)

2 5 y separately published work icon The Incredible Adventures Of Cinnamon Girl Melissa Keil , Richmond : Hardie Grant Children's Publishing , 2014 7581899 2014 single work novel young adult

'Seventeen-year-old Alba is an aspiring comic-book artist, pastry enthusiast and eternal optimist. She thinks life in her tiny town is awesome (if predictable) and she never wants it to change.

'Unfortunately Alba's just finished year 12 – so the only thing she can predict is that everything's going to change.

'Even so, Alba didn't see the end of the world coming. Apart from a questionable television psychic, no-one did. And for some reason, the world seems to be taking this guy seriously.

'As the tiny town is besieged by doomsday enthusiasts, Alba's life is thrown into chaos. The childhood friend she thought was gone forever unexpectedly reappears; the boy who has been her best friend forever is determined to leave; and even her latest comic book creation, Cinnamon Girl, is out of control.

'It could be the very last summer of Alba's life, but impending Armageddon might turn out to be the least of her problems.* Alba is about to discover that when it comes to her heart, there may not be infinite time to get things right…' (Publication summary)

6 7 y separately published work icon My Life as an Alphabet Barry Jonsberg , Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2013 Z1916674 2013 single work children's fiction children's

'This isn't just about me. It's also about the other people in my life - my mother, my father, my dead sister Sky, my penpal Denille, Rich Uncle Brian, Earth-Pig Fish and Douglas Benson From Another Dimension. These are people [with the exception of Earth-Pig Fish, who is a fish] who have shaped me, made me what I am. I cannot recount my life without recounting elements of theirs. This is a big task, but I am confident I am up to it.

'Introducing Candice Phee: twelve years old, hilariously honest and a little ... odd. But she has a big heart, the very best of intentions and an unwavering determination to ensure everyone is happy. So she sets about trying to 'fix' all the problems of all the people [and pets] in her life.

'Laugh-out-loud funny and wonderfully touching, My Life as an Alphabet is a delightful novel about an unusual girl who goes to great lengths to bring love and laughter into the lives of everyone she cares about.' (Publisher's blurb)

4 1 y separately published work icon Between the Lives Jessica Shirvington , Sydney : HarperCollins Australia , 2013 Z1913087 2013 single work novel young adult thriller

'The perfect life or the perfect love? You choose.

'Sabine isn't like anyone else.

'For as long as she can remember, she's had two lives. Every twenty-four hours she 'Shifts', living each day twice.

'All Sabine has ever wanted is the chance to live one life. When it seems like this might finally be possible, Sabine begins a series of dangerous experiments to achieve her goal. But is she willing to risk everything - including the one man who might actually believe her?' (Publication summary)

6 9 y separately published work icon Life in Outer Space Melissa Keil , Richmond : Hardie Grant Children's Publishing , 2013 Z1904275 2013 single work novel young adult fantasy romance

'SAM KINNISON IS A GEEK, AND HE'S TOTALLY FINE WITH THAT.

'He has his horror movies, his nerdy friends, World of Warcraft - and until Princess Leia turns up in his bedroom, worry about girls he won't.

'Then Camilla Carter turns up instead. She's beautiful, friendly and completely irrelevant to his plan. Sam is determined to ignore her, except that Camilla has a plan of her own - and he seems to be part of it.

'Sam believes that everything he needs to know he can learn from the movies. But perhaps he's been watching the wrong ones.

'Life in Outer Space is Melissa Keil's brilliantly sweet and funny debut YA novel. It's also the first book ever to be signed up through the Ampersand Project, Hardie Grant Egmont's initiative for emerging YA writers.' (Publisher's blurb)

6 1 y separately published work icon Entice Jessica Shirvington , Sydney : Lothian , 2011 Z1884539 2011 single work novel young adult fantasy 'Violet Eden is Grigori, part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels. Knowing who to trust is key but when Grigori reinforcements arrive it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know, Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever. The race to find the one thing that could forever tilt the balance of power takes them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's own powers will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.' (Publisher's blurb)
11 10 y separately published work icon The Magician's Apprentice Trudi Canavan , Sydney : Hachette Australia , 2009 Z1557518 2009 single work novel fantasy 'Set hundreds of years before the events of The Magicians' Guild, The Magician's Apprentice is the new novel set in the world of Trudi Canavan's Black Magician Trilogy. In the remote village of Mandryn, Tessia serves as assistant to her father, the village Healer. Her mother would rather she found a husband. But her life is about to take a very unexpected turn. When the advances of a visiting Sachakan mage get violent, Tessia unconsciously taps unknown reserves of magic to defend herself. Lord Dakon, the local magician, takes Tessia under his wing as an apprentice. The long hours of study and self-discipline also offer more opportunities than she had ever hoped for, and an exciting new world opens up to her. There are fine clothes and servants - and, to Tessia's delight - regular trips to the great city of Imardin. But along with the excitement and privilege, Tessia is about to discover that her magical gifts bring with them a great deal of responsibility. For great danger looms on the horizon for Tessia and her world.' (Publisher's blurb)
6 22 y separately published work icon Liar Justine Larbalestier , Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2009 Z1615108 2009 single work novel young adult (taught in 2 units)

'Secrets, lies, murder and betrayal.

'Micah Wilkins is a liar. But when her boyfriend, Zach, dies under brutal circumstances, the shock might be enough to set her straight. Or maybe not. Especially when lying comes as naturally to her as breathing. Was Micah dating Zach? Did they kiss? Did she see him the night he died? And is she really hiding a family secret? Where does the actual truth lie?

'Liar is a breathtaking roller-coaster read that will have you up all night, desperately seeking for something true.' (From the publisher's website.)

3 10 y separately published work icon How to Ditch Your Fairy Justine Larbalestier , Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2009 Z1577581 2009 single work novel young adult

'At New Avalon, everyone has a personal fairy - some less desirable than others: Charlie's fairy ensures that she always has a car park, which seems to pale in comparison to Fiorenze's all-the-boys-like-you fairy. [...]

'"Rochelle gets a clothes-shopping fairy and is always well attired; I get a parking fairy and always smell faintly of petrol. How fair is that?"

'For Charlie, having a parking fairy is worse than having nothing at all - especially since she's not old enough to drive. Enter The Plan: swap fairies with her archenemy! But Charlie discovers that you ought to be careful what you wish for - and she'll have to resort to extraordinary measures to set things right.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.
 

4 11 y separately published work icon Chenxi and the Foreigner Sally Rippin , Port Melbourne : Lothian , 2002 Z987622 2002 single work novel young adult 'In April 1989, Anna leaves Australia for Shanghai to study painting before starting college. While she grapples with cultural contrasts and her father's exclusive expat lifestyle, it is her student translator and guide, Chenxi, who draws most of her attention. As Anna strives to grow closer to him, she inadvertently brings him, his subversive art, and their relationship to the attention of the oppressive government. Chenxi marvels at the luxuries and freedoms that Anna takes for granted, but she misses this point until the story's devastating conclusion.' (Source: Google Books website)
5 y separately published work icon December Gabrielle Lord , Lindfield : Scholastic Australia , 2010 Z1793063 2010 single work children's fiction children's crime mystery 'It's December, the final month in the deadly 365 day countdown. Will Cal find out what really happened to his dad? Will he reach the Ormond Singularity before the stroke of midnight? One thing's for sure, people will lose their lives in the fight to then end - and Cal's hoping he won't be one of them...' (Trove)
6 y separately published work icon November Gabrielle Lord , Lindfield : Scholastic Australia , 2010 Z1793060 2010 single work children's fiction children's crime mystery 'The 31 December deadline is fast approaching, and Cal's enemies are closing in on all sides. Even the notorious "Toecutter" Durham has emerged from the underworld to join the hunt. With so many answers finally imminent - meeting Eric Blair, finding out the truth about the twin baby abduction - it's crucial Cal dodges danger and stays alive.' (Trove)
6 1 y separately published work icon October Gabrielle Lord , Lindfield : Scholastic Australia , 2010 Z1792474 2010 single work children's fiction children's crime mystery 'A gun shot rings out as Cal hides from his stalkers - two old bounty hunters and their savage dog, Sniffer. The hostile desert seems determined to become Cal's final resting place. Had Kelvin spared his life for nothing?

'Back in the city, an impossible job looms. To break into Oriana's safe at Zrich Bank, Cal needs Boges to make a perfect copy of her fingerprint...and they need her PIN. But will stealing from Oriana force her to into a lethal alliance with Sligo? If so, Cal's enemies could instantly double in power, destroying his chances of survival.

'The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last. Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 92 days. The countdown continues...' (From the publisher's website.)
6 y separately published work icon September Gabrielle Lord , Lindfield : Scholastic Australia , 2010 Z1792471 2010 single work children's fiction children's crime mystery 'Convinced Oriana was behind his little sister's kidnapping, Cal teams up with Boges to pull off a plan to extract vital information out of her. Together they plant a listening bug in Oriana's house by firing it through her window with an air rifle!

'But will spying on his would-be killer reveal the location of the precious Jewel and Riddle, or will it put Cal in the line of fire?' (From the publisher's website.)
6 1 y separately published work icon August Gabrielle Lord , Lindfield : Scholastic Australia , 2010 Z1709354 2010 single work children's fiction children's crime mystery

'On New Year’s Eve, Cal is chased down the street by a crazed man with a deadly warning: They killed your father. They’ll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days! Now everyone’s searching for Cal, the psycho kid who’s meant to have attacked his uncle and put his sister in a coma. He’s desperate to clear his name and protect his family, but he also has less than a year to solve an ancient family secret: the Ormond Singularity. And the closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous his life becomes. He has 306 days. The threat is growing…' (Publication summary)

7 y separately published work icon July Gabrielle Lord , Lindfield : Scholastic Australia , 2010 Z1709350 2010 single work children's fiction children's crime mystery 'He dodges the cops, but becomes indebted to the boat captain. How can he learn more about Piers Ormond's will if he is stuck carting fish to earn back his freedom? Cal may have a chance if he can find his Great-aunt Millicent. But with Sligo's thugs hot on his heels, he may not be her only unexpected visitor. A sinister storm is brewing ... Should Cal expose another relative to danger? The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last. Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 184 days. The countdown continues .' (Publisher's website)
6 y separately published work icon June Gabrielle Lord , Lindfield : Scholastic Australia , 2010 Z1697612 2010 single work children's fiction children's mystery

'With seconds to spare, Cal escapes from the burning wreck of the Orca. Helicopters search from the sky, while Oriana's thugs chase on foot. There's no time to think about his dead great-uncle—Cal must dodge the cops and crims, and return to his pursuit of the Ormond Jewel.

'Convinced Sligo has the Jewel, Cal embarks on a dangerous break-in mission to retrieve it. He hopes it will give him the answers he needs, but what if it reveals another menacing mystery? Stealing from his enemies could prove to be a fatal mistake . . .

'The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last.

'Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 215 days. The countdown continues . . .' (From the publisher's website.)

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