Cirrus@Austlit

'Hero doesn't feel like a hero, but sometimes she feels as if the universe is asking her to be one.

'When Aria, a mysterious boy who never EVER speaks, starts at school and is picked on by His Royal Thug-ness Doofus (Rufus), Hero and her bestie Jaz feel compelled to help. But they're far too chicken to actually do anything heroic, so they befriend Aria and try to uncover the truth about him.

'What happened to his voice?

'Where did he come from?

'What are those three dents on his middle finger?

This is the story of a 12-year-old refugee who's trying to establish a new life in Australia, grapple with his past and, most importantly, find his voice.

'Cos, boy, does he have a story to tell.  (Publication summary)

'Murphy Parker is going to be a songwriter. If she can summon up the nerve to play in front of anyone other than her dad, that is. When an unplanned keyboard performance at school goes well, Murphy wonders if maybe her dreams have a chance after all.

'Until her entire grade accuses her of plagiarism.

'Someone out there is playing Murphy's songs. But why? How did they hear her play? Desperate to clear her name and reclaim her music, Murphy makes an unlikely alliance with two of her classmates. Turns out, friendship might be even more complicated than tracking down a song thief...

'From the up-and-coming talent behind HOW TO MAKE A MOVIE IN 12 DAYS comes a funny and moving mystery about family, friendship and finding your voice.' (Publication summary)

'Marvin loves his job. He has never missed a day of work. Sometimes his friends play jokes to pass the time. Sometimes the jokes are on Marvin.

'Then, one day, Marvin isn't where he usually is. Where is Marvin?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The king's battles with the dragon were always mighty and loud... CLING CLANG CLONG! ROAR! Boy lived in a silent world and couldn't hear the fighting. But Boy could see the fear around him... and how everyone would be much happier.' (Publication summary)

'When is a secret not a secret? When your whole life is public.

'Most sixteen-year-olds get woken up by their parents because they're late for school, or the dog needs walking. Ordinary reasons both boring and predictable, but also, well, safe. My mum drags me out of bed with reminders that she has to fight for international peace, or solve world hunger.

'Frankie is used to being the daughter of a politician, but with her mum taking over as the Victorian Premier and an election coming up, life's been crazier than usual. Add to that a brother with asthma to keep an eye on, a best friend who's been weirdly distant lately, and the fact that Frankie's just humiliated herself in front of a hot guy – who it turns out is a budding journalist wanting to interview her about her band. Frankie has a tough decision to make. Jake seems interested in her – but is it all for show, or does he really like her?

'Then everything crumbles. Photos appear of Frankie's mum having secret meetings with a younger man – and she refuses to tell the public why.

'No one's talking but someone knows the truth. With her family falling apart around her, Frankie is determined to find out – even if it means losing Jake.' (Publication summary)