Will Allen
Sam turns 16 and his father advises him to leave the farm and try to join the Royal Guard. There Sam is sent to Rigby Skeet - a "Sword for Hire." By chance they find out that King Olive is still alive and off they go to save the rightful king.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Neil Arksey
Flint's a natural soccer player - but his dad won't let him play. He has to help his dad in his criminal life instead. Can he take his chances and make everything ok?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Philip
 Bad boys (Rush hour; volume 2)
What's the appeal of the bad boy in books and film? What makes a bad boy? 18 writers and artists explore the bad boy theme in this collection.
Recommended for 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Dominic Barker
The chance to be a hero is something that most people dream of - but Blart fought the whole idea kicking and screaming. Dragged along on a great adventure to stop an evil immortal being from being released back into the world, Blart proves that you don't have to be smart, good looking, or strong to be a hero in waiting. In a series of hilarious incidents, Blart heads towards his final confrontation with the enemy he never knew he had.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Michael Gerard Bauer
Joseph has had nightmares about the Running Man for years. But the Running Man is not the only strange person in Joseph’s town. There’s also the reclusive Tom Leyton – a Vietnam veteran who doesn’t leave his house. When Joseph is asked by Tom’s sister to use Tom as the subject of his school art assignment, Joseph doesn’t want to – but Mrs Mossop, his neighbour, annoys him so much he takes the task on. During the process Joseph learns more about Tom, the Running Man – and himself.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Fleur Beale
Greg is not like the rest of his family. They are all brainy and do well at school. Greg likes cars, he wants to be a rally driver and this does not go down well with his parents. When Mum wants him to repeat his 5th form year, that is it. It’s time to rebel and make a stand.
Fate intervenes, and Greg finds some likeminded grownup friends who mentor him, give him work after school in their workshop and yes, eventually he gets to be in the car rally. It takes a bit of time but as the story unfolds it is great to see him reach his goals, gain meaningful employment and be seen as a valued member of the rally team. It’s not until his rally driving skills save the family that everyone comes to appreciate what a talented person he is. Most importantly, Dad must have been written for all those people who don’t fit into the main stream of school and have wonderful talents in other areas that are of equal value. We need our trades people and rally drivers and need to celebrate our differences, especially within families.
Recommended by Doreen
Bernard Beckett
Malcolm decides to explore sex in a scientific way for the Science Fair. Lacking in his own experience he interviews others with a video camera, mainly pupils from school.
His friend Juliet is being blackmailed. She is determined to either find the blackmailer or get hold of the money, and her schemes are becoming more and more wild.
This is a fast-paced book, where you wonder how far things can go.
Recommended for ages 15 +
Reviewed by Jenny, Parnell Library
Martin Booth
Jacob lives with his grandparents - his dad's in the army, stationed in India, and he hasn't seen his mum in months. It is only when a telegram arrives that he finds out his mum is a Special Operations Executive agent - working with the French Resistance against the Germans. His mum's been captured by the Gestapo - so Jacob smuggles himself into France to save her.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
David Borgenicht and Joe Borgenicht
Advice on how to do anything an action hero does - like how to catch a great white shark, spyproof your hotel room, or predict the future.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Theresa Breslin
Marty's ended up in Alcatraz - the toughest prison in America - and he's only a kid. Because he's so small, he gets caught up in an escape attempt.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Michael Cadnum
Edmund is given a choice: join in the Crusade or die. With options like that Edmund goes on Crusade to the Holy Land, to free Jerusalem from the Unbelievers - the Muslims. The realities of medieval warfare are well portrayed, as is Edmund's questioning of his life.
Followed by:
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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Ken Catran
Matt is haunted by his grandfather’s past – literally. Vivid dreams of his grandad’s wartime experiences fuse with his diary and, when some of his grandad’s wartime comrades bail up Matt, he’s determined to find out what happened, and let his grandad rest.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Ken Catran
It's the end of the world - Bruce's uncle has been saying it for ages. But no one listened and now Earth is unprepared for the impact of Comet GABRIEL. Only the strong will survive.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Ken Catran
Out of nowhere they came - the Dry Ones - the Wet Ones. They terrorise humanity. They kill and eat people. Civilisation is in ruins. Chaos replaces order. When some question the methods used to deal with the threat - they are executed. What hope is there for the human race?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Eoin Colfer
Fletcher Moon has a badge and certificate saying he’s a private investigator. Now he has to put his learning to really good use! There’s been some weird things happening around the town. He starts investigating one crime only to end up in hospital and being blamed for arson! It’s serious this time.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Eoin Colfer
Cosmo's waited for his chance to escape the orphanage - they use the orphans as test subjects for experiments. His chance comes - and he runs. Escape isn't that easy and he almost dies. But because of that his rescuers take him as one of them - a Supernaturalist - one who can see supernatural beings - and kill them.
Recommended for ages 10 +
Reviewed by Annie
Michael Coleman
Luke wants to go straight. No more nicking stuff. But it’s hard to do when there’s a threat over your friend’s head – work with us or else….
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Robert Cormier
Cormier was a past master of the twisty-tale, the unexpected ending and in this, his last novel, he doesn't disappoint.
12-year-old Jason was the last person to see 7-year-old Alicia alive. Was he capable of her murder? Trent, a police investigator famous for always getting a confession, is onto the case. Jason wonders what Trent wants to know, and why, and what does he remember of the day of Alicia's death. The reader is left wondering - why the interview? What are we all capable of?
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
The dark ground (The dark ground trilogy; book 1)
Gillian Cross
Robert remembers being on the plane. He remembers brushing his teeth on the plane. He remembers seeing a man on the plane. Now he is naked and trapped in a jungle. Did the plane crash? What it is that he is trying not to remember? Someone is watching him. How did it happen? What’s going on?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
James Davis
Pretty much all you've ever wanted to know about the history, culture, media, and the global world of skateboarding. There's a bit on tips and techniques, skateboard art, and the best of the best.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Ted Dawe
 Trace moved to Auckland and met Devon - another country boy living the life he wants in the city. At first the friendship is easy, but then Devon hatches a plan to get the ultimate wheels for driving on the Thunder Road - the home of the illegal street-racing scene. At the centre of his ambitious and dangerous plan is a stash of stolen weed. As Devon and Trace get dragged further and further into the underworld they find themselves rapidly running out of time.
This first time novel is an amazing read and hopefully the first of many more.
Recommended for ages 13 +
Reviewed by Erika
Ted Dawe
 K. Road is a city all of its own, with its own stories that unfold every day behind closed doors and in dark alleys. The working girls call it home, and so do the street kids who fight turf wars they can never win. In the background the business men and the cops play a slow dance to get ahead. This is an unforgettable novel about life in one of the hardest places to live, and die – a place that drags you in and refuses to let you go.
Another brilliant novel from the author of Thunder Road.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Ted Dawe
What I love about K. Road is its authenticity. Craftily entwined in one novel are exciting and frightening tales of shady businessmen, dodgy cops, street-kids and taggers. Behind it all lies K. Rd, where these characters could certainly exist in real life. I can walk down K. Rd and feel like I’m in the book. As each character’s story bumps into another, the book gets harder to put down!
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Matthew
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Sis Deans
Ricky's trying to avoid the bullies at school - so he runs to and from school instead of catching the bus. He starts to get good at it, too - maybe he could even beat the bus home. But, no matter how fast you run - your past is always there. Ricky comes to realise that maybe it's best to confront your past - and deal with it - instead of racing it.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Nancy Farmer
Jack is an apprentice bard and is slowly learning his master’s secrets when Vikings raid and he, and his sister Lucy, are captured and taken to the court of Ivar the Boneless. Ivar’s wife, Frith – who is half-troll – controls the court and when Jack, accidentally, puts a charm on her he must voyage across the Sea of Trolls to Frith’s mother. There he must seek help from the Norns and gain access to Mirmir’s Well for knowledge. Accompanying Jack are Olaf One-Brow, a berseker, and Thorgill who wishes to become a shield maiden – and Bold Heart, a very strange crow.
Followed by The land of the silver apples
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
John Flanagan
Young Will is a Ward, an orphan raised by the castle’s community. When his turn comes to be apprenticed, he is desperate to be accepted in Battleschool. Rejected as too small, it seems like his only option to is work on the farm. But his curiosity gets the better of him – just like Halt, the Ranger, thought. Will becomes apprentice to a Ranger, a mysterious group of people with extraordinary skills. And it’s all just in time for Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night to begin his conquest.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Breathing underwater
Alex Flinn
Nick's been sent to anger management classes after being found guilty of assaulting Caitlin, his girlfriend and the girl of his dreams. Now his whole life is in chaos and he has to figure out who he really is and what he wants.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Vince Ford
Callum Jackson is an adventurous teen. He has an impulsive streak which gets him into trouble all the time. He’s really done it now, he’s been sent home from school. It must also be Callum’s lucky day because Dad is now offering to include him in his annual bike ride, which happens to be taking place tomorrow. Callum gets to meet Dads mates and see the way the grownups behave. Some of what goes on is not too much different, perhaps adventurous boys become adventurous men. Like when Baz was throwing the can of beer to Callum, he missed the catch and the can ended up inside the television set!
Along the way, Callum discovers that Mum wasn’t always the only woman in Dad’s life and that he is lucky enough to have an older sister that he has never met. Now he knows why Mum isn’t too keen on these weekends away! Dad’s mate died on the road, and this is another reason for the anniversary ride. Blokes need a bit of time together and this is time to remember the past and look forward to the future.
A thoroughly good read if you like adventure, motorbike riding and stories about families coming together. This read cracks a good pace from beginning to end.
Recommended age 12+
Reviewed by Doreen
Graham Gardner
Elliot's determined to start again - a new school and a new him. But does a new him have to be the total opposite to the old one? Does he have to be bully instead of bullied? How many masks does he have to wear to be safe?
A dramatic story about school violence and personal choice.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Scot Gardner
Daniel's just coping - each day is an effort to get through. He helps bring up his little brother Tobe, and tries to minimise the effects of their father's temper. His growing affection for Eddy - who is 86 and wonderful - helps him out and gives him hope.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
David Gemmell
Druss and his axe Snaga's adventures were chronicled by David Gemmel before, but now he takes a deep look into Druss' past.
Druss, then a woodcutter, has his wife taken by slavers. Setting off in search of her, the legend of Druss begins...
Dylan, 13
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K. L. Going
Troy doesn’t fit in – he’s a social leper – but when Curt (a skinny punk guitar genius) stops him from leaping in front of a train Troy gets a whole new life. He gets a nickname, a friend, and a chance to stand out – for more than just his weight – with his drum skills.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
John Gordon
Bill's fascinated by Charlotte - infatuated. He's so busy proving himself he even risks being confronted by the ghost of Ragged Randal. Events conspire to throw Bill and Charlotte together - and for them to try and lay the ghost.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Written by Alan Grant, characters designed by Michael Wm Kaluta, with various artists
Welcome to The World - peopled by characters you know but not as you know them. There's Batman and Robin, Wonderwoman and Superman, all in a Tolkien-esque fantasy world.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Keith Gray
The Warehouse is somewhere you can go when there's nowhere else for you. Robbie's there because he's tired of his brother beating him up; Amy's there because someone stole all of her things; and Lem - the King - has his own story.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg
Check out this take on comic book heroes - like Superman and Batman. Read and find out whether their powers are possible.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Dennis Hamley
Journey through medieval England with Joslin as he tries to make sense of his life following the brutal murder of his father. Joslin's quest is to discover the identity of his mother, without being murdered himself in the process! It's a time of fear as the Great Plague, or the Black Death, stalks the land, and the sounds of rebellion begin.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Robert J. Harris
Leonardo dreams of becoming a great artist – but life as a lowly apprentice isn’t living up to his expectations. But then he learns of a plot to overthrow Piero de’ Medici – and only his inquiring mind can figure out what the plans mean.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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Sonya Hartnett
Satchel watches as his family and town head fall into decay. His father's taken his belief that 'God will provide' to the nth degree, his mother struggles to make sure someone provides, and Satchel can't leave them to it. The town's been bypassed by the highway, and drifts towards nothingness. But one day Satchel sees a funny looking dog in the mountain - could it be a Tasmanian tiger - an animal thought extinct?
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Lian Hearn
This is the tale of Tomasu, sole survivor of an attack that left everyone else in his village dead. Rescued and adopted by Lord Otori, Tomasu is renamed Takeo. With a new name comes new abilities, new responsibilities, and a new life. Set in a world very similar to feudal Mediaeval Japan.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
James Heneghan
Tom Mullen has lived in foster homes all his life, well, since he was left in the Toys department when he was one. But what does that have to do with the pull of the mass grave? Travelling between 1970s Liverpool and 1840s Ireland, his story unfolds.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Carl Hiaasen
Noah’s dad’s in trouble again – this time for sinking the Coral Queen – Dusty Muleman’s casino boat. Noah’s convince his dad was right – Dusty is polluting the water – but how to prove it? With the help of his little sister, Abbey, and Shelley – Dusty’s ex and barmaid – they might just make things right. Only, Noah has to survive Dusty’s son first.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
(Young Bond; book 1)
Charlie Higson
Before he was the world’s coolest superspy – James Bond was a boy with no parents who was shipped off to an exclusive boarding school in England. At Eton James soon makes an enemy in the form of George Hellebore, the son of an American Lord. Getting away from the school for the holidays is a welcome break for James, but he soon finds himself fighting against time to solve the mystery of what is happening in Lake SilverFin. This is a dangerous task for an adult, let alone a boy – but James may have what it takes to solve this mystery.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
David Hill
Neale’s into archery but his temper keeps getting the better of him. So now he’s up in the back blocks – hours away from help – with Kane, trying to prove what’s better a gun or a bow. If that was all they had to worry about, it would be good.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
David Hill
Ryan’s laden with guilt after hitting Tara with his car. Tara is struggling to come back after being in a coma. A heart-breaking read about guilt, friendship and reparation.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
David Hill
Adam's totally into the sun. So when he's offered a chance to see a satellite launch he's ready! When God's Soldiers - a group determined to stop space exploration - intervene, everything changes. Can Adam get to the Kennedy Space Centre in time? Can he stop the warhead exploding?
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
David Hill
Stuart, the main character is on his way home to Wellington from Lyttleton with his twin sister Sandra after attending their grandfather’s funeral. They are going home to their father before their Mother, who has to sort things out with their grandmother, on the ferry Wahine. Their voyage is destined for trouble, and soon both Stuart and Sandra are fighting for their lives when the ferry capsizes. In this story the characters are fictitious, but have been placed in an event that really happened. It is frighteningly scary how realistic some of David Hill’s writing is.
Alex, 14
David Hill
Mt Taranaki is known as 'the sleeper' - a silent pyramid of volcanic rock whose slopes are explored by thousands of visitors. But now all that is changing. One day Corey and his dad feel the shivers of a series of small earthquakes on the flank of the mountain. Dean, a volcano expert and friend of the family, comes to investigate. The news is not good - inside the cone an eruption is building. Some panic at the news of an eruption, while others refuse to believe it can happen. Then Corey's dad is trapped on the cone when the unthinkable happens.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Erika
David Hill
Jotan and five others are about to embark on a voyage the like of which no one has done before.
Hundreds of years into our future their Star-Reacher is closing in on a black hole. The group's mission is to get as close as possible and record the event. However things don't go to plan. And, as they know, once you've flown into an event horizon nothing can save you.
If you're interested in the theories behind the action, check out Stephen Hawking's A brief history of time: a reader's companion.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider is the youngest member of Britain's elite MI6 spying agency. He didn't think it would be too bad, but it's hard to be James Bond when everyone thinks that you are too young to carry a gun.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Erika
Evil star (The Power of Five; book 2)
Anthony Horowitz
Matt thought it was over when he stopped Raven’s Gate from opening – but the threat from the Old Ones still exists – a fact made very clear when there is a threat on his life. The Nexus need Matt to prove himself so that they can obtain a diary explaining more – but it falls apart – sending Matt and Richard to Peru to stop another Gate from opening.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Des Hunt
Tony’s adventures at Charleston are very interesting, and more so because it was about places in New Zealand. The mystery unfurls in the wilds of New Zealand.
Recommended for 12-14 years
Reviewed by Kanchan
Hellhole (Sorcerers of the Nightwing; book 1)
Geoffrey Huntington
Did you ever imagine there were monsters under your bed? Or in your wardrobe? But they weren't real, right? For Devon, they were. His closet was a hellhole - literally an exit from the demon world into ours. So, Devon's always known he was different, special. Now he's 14 he's about to finally learn why.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Ben Jeapes
Joel's part of a multi-species mission to SkySpy - an observation position over the XCs' (Xenocides') home planet. They're called XCs because they'd been seen annihilating a whole planet. But things aren't that simple. First the XCs invade, then Joel's left with Boon Round, one of the Rusties. The action just keeps going from there.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Catherine Jinks
During the Third Crusade (the one with Richard the Lion Heart of England) a young man is assigned to be page to Lord Roland, a Templar knight. Pagan is a 16-year-old bastard from Jerusalem. Pagan's friendship with Roland leads him to travel Europe, and to a career in the Church. Historically accurate and funny, these are a good introduction to this period in history.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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V. M. Jones
Josh is sports mad - only problem is Shane, who's as keen as he is. When the triathlon comes Josh wants to beat Shane, but can he overcome is fear of water to learn to swim? Can he compete, and not reveal his shameful secret?
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Reinhardt Jung
A young boy dreams in black and white of a time back then. A time when he would have been killed by the Nazi ideology.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Ally Kennan
Chas isn’t a bad kid, but with a juvenile record sheet as long as his is you may find that hard to believe. Writing to a murderer on death row in the States seems like a good laugh, a way to try out his morbid curiosity – but things take a nasty twist when the killer is released. Now Chas has to figure out what Lenny wants before it is too late and he loses everything – his friends, his family, and his potential girlfriend.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Steve Kluger
Joey needs a hero and he picks Charlie – the new and much-praised baseball player for the New York Giants. Joey wants more than just an autograph – he’s a kid who needs a father figure. It’s the 1940s and war is on the horizon for America. The growing conflict forms the backdrop to the growing relationship between Joey and Charlie. It’s a reasonably quick read – as it’s pretty much all told through letters.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Elizabeth Laird
Karim's living in Israeli-occupied Palestine - tanks, soldiers, curfews. When he's trapped in an abandoned car for days, surrounded by soldiers, how can he survive?
Stunning and controversial.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Len Lamensdorf
William lives in France in 1959 - an area still recovering from the Second World War. William's village is dominated by the castle, The Crouching Dragon. But a mystery surrounds the castle. When William gains admittance he begins to learn its secrets.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
The Travellers series
Jack Lasenby
In a world both familiar and alien, follow Ish's travels through a post-apocalyptic New Zealand.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
The wreckers (High seas trilogy; book 1)
Iain Lawrence
John survives a shipwreck that kills most of the ship's crew. By doing so he becomes tied up with a village that preys on the wrecks - a deadly occupation.
Recommended for 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Edited by Tony Bradman
12 authors look at relationships between boys and their fathers. What happens when your superhero Dad becomes normal, just like any other person? Every wanted your dad to be a bit more out there – Mart’s dad is a punk, and sometimes Mart just wants him to be more normal.
Steve discovers that death can’t keep a father from protecting his boy.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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Catherine MacPhail
Rory and his Granda just want to be together. Granda’s mental state, and the things he does, has meant the authorities have stepped in. Rory sees Granda fading away in the home, so he hatches a plan – to free Granda and live together. It’s not that simple, although they get a lot of help along the way.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
F. M. McPherson
Mike’s worried he’s going insane. He’s hallucinating all the time – and it feels so very real. He’s becoming more and more like his dad – and he’s getting more and more violent. He can sense things he’s never done before – he breathes at the same time as his dad. Eventually his dad will have to come clean about their family history and explain what’s happening – but it takes Mike going off the edge to do so.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Denis Martin
Greg, Libby and Lawrence are alone on the island after their parents return to work. Greg is looking forward to spending time with Libby – it’s just unfortunate that her brother Lawrence is around, too. But it all changes when they caught up in a hostage situation with armed gunmen patrolling the island. They need to stay free, fed and alive. Can they do that with the terrorists searching them out?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Walter Dean Myers
Through interviews the authorities try to get to the bottom of a school shooting. Somewhere, sometime could someone have done something? Something to stop the deaths?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Ryan wants to be a cowboy more than anything. But tension is mounting at home and in the community. What's with the rise of racist attacks? How deeply involved is Ryan's brother? What is the truth? Who should Ryan believe?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Garth Nix
After the Change, Shade appears to save and train children in order to overthrow the Overlords. At 19 Ella is one of the oldest humans alive - because of Shade. But Shade's not all he appears.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
(Hunter's league; book 1)
Mel Odom
Matt Hunter has had to live with the knowledge that his mother is dead and his father has been branded as a madman for hunting the person that he believes is responsible for her death. Matt tries to live his own life, but then one night his father tries to show him what he faces – instead Matt watches as his father is killed right before his eyes. Now Matt and his friends are on a mission to solve the mystery of what his father has hunted all these years – a mystery that could cost him his life long before the mystery is solved.
A fast paced, action packed series.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Kenneth Oppel
Matt loves - even lives for - his job on the Aurora, a huge airship that flies across the Pacificus Ocean. His dream of working up through the ranks falls through when another is made Apprentice Sailmaker in his place. That's not the only problem, in fact it's probably the smallest one. There are also pirates, a shipwreck, weird flying creatures, and romance.
A great adventure story set in a universe parallel to our Victorian times.
Followed by: Skybreaker
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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Daniel Parker
Wessex Academy is a private boarding school that caters to the very rich - and those that are gifted enough academically or athletically to score a free ride. There are some students who have parents who went to school there too and they are known ABs (Alumni Brats) and they can get away with murder.
A new series that combines drama, action, intrigue, love, and all the other bits and pieces that make series fun to read. Read the first book to meet the gang and learn about their lives, loves, and dramas - from the sports jock to the drama queen.
Recommended for ages 13 +
Reviewed by Erika
Gary Paulsen
A 16-year-old boy runs from home and has to survive in 1950s America. He joins a group of Mexicans thinning beets and eventually, ends up working in a carnival. Gripping, this story is based upon Paulsen's experiences.
Recommended for ages 15+
Reviewed by Annie
Gary Paulsen
Gary Paulsen's had an adventurous life and this book just skims the surface of his life on boats. Gary was ignorant about sailing but that didn't stop him from buying a boat and beginning to sail, and to almost die.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Gary Paulsen
If you've always wondered where Gary Paulsen got his ideas about Brian's life in the wilderness, or if Brian's survival skills were realistic - then this book will answer your questions. Gary's spent most of his hunting and surviving in the world and his experiences are what he based Brian's on. If it didn't happen to Gary, then he tested it out.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Gary Paulsen
In the year 2057 the USA has been torn apart by fighting and Americans are enslaved by the Confederation of Consolidated Republics - the CCR. Cody is one of the CCR's star pupils. He's been indoctrinated into their ways. But it's all a front. When he has the opportunity Cody escapes from the prison camp and begins a life of guerrilla warfare.
Recommended for 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Mal Peet
El Gato - the Cat, the world's greatest goalkeeper, tells his friend, the journalist Paul, the story of how he learnt the game. He was coached by a ghost in a forest clearing. Trained to be the greatest - to help the dead rest.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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Rodman Philbrick
Apart they’re just weirdos: Mad Max – Retard, Stupid; Midget Man – Dwarf, Robot Man. But together they are Freak the Mighty, unstoppable, brave, and towering above the world.
It's available on DVD - The Mighty
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Randy Powell
Grady's back in Seattle for a tribute concert for his mother. He has to stay with his half-brother, Louie, who is intellectually disabled - and Louie's dad and stepmother - both born-again Christians. Conflict and contemplation follow.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Terry Pratchett
Rincewind, the Discworld's biggest coward, is back! And once again, he has to save the world.
Vintage Pratchett, with wizards, walking luggage and a fellow who can't quite get his appetites sorted out...
Dylan, 13
Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
It’s the end of the world – finally! – after many years, aeons, of planning. It doesn’t matter how much preparation you’ve done – things can always go wrong, even when you’re fallen angels.
Just remember - bringing about Armageddon can be dangerous. Do not attempt it in your own home.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Maggie Prince
Looking at him, you wouldn't think Dominic was a dangerous alien - and he wasn't. In the beginning. But then United Council of Planets stepped in and it all changed.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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Mortal engines (Hungry City chronicles; book 1)
Philip Reeve
It's been about a thousand years since the Sixty Minute War. Since then cities and towns have become huge traction engines, prowling the countryside in search of smaller prey. Young Apprentice Historian Tom becomes involved in a plot and assassination attempt of the Head Historian, Valentine. Paired, reluctantly, with Heather Shaw Tom is started on a life of adventure. But does it all turn out like he'd dreamed?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Matthew Reilly
Dr Stephen Swain's enjoying a normal night with his daughter, 8-year-old Holly, until the two of them are transported into the New York State Library. This is where the Presidian is being held - a contest that happens every thousand years between representatives of seven worlds. Now it includes Earth - with Swain as its representative. No one can leave until all but one contestant is dead - if you try, you die. Not only does Swain have to fight for his own life - but he has to keep Holly safe as well.
Recommended for ages 14 +
Reviewed by Annie
Matthew Reilly
Jason, his brother Bug, and their hover car the Argonaut, patched together out of bits and pieces, have a chance to make it to the International Race School in Tasmania. But first they have to survive the qualifying race.
First published as an online serial – this book is best read in 8 chunks.
And, if you want, you can print out and make an Argonaut of your own.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Mark Richardson
Mark ‘Rigor’ Richardson, former test opener, talks about his up-and-down cricketing career – the thought processes that he used to change him from bowler to world-class opening bat – to the negative thoughts that, at times, overtook him.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Match of death
James Riordan
Based on a true story. This is the story of Vova who is prepared to die for his country all because he won a football match.
To find out more information on the team and the game, visit this Guardian newspaper article about the real life match.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Epidemic (Vampire plagues; book 5)
Sebastian Rook
They thought they’d cleared the lampirs out of London but now Ben is infected. Their only hope is to go to Warsaw with Filip and hope that Filip’s brother, Roman, can cure him.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Alex Shearer
Chocolate & sweets illegal? How unbelievable is that?! When the Good For You Party is elected into government that's exactly what happens. Friends Hunter and Smudger band together - with some help - to keep their chocolate supply going. But their activities bring them to the attention of the authorities.
A great read, it makes you think about what is right.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Alex Shearer
A story of obsession: Chris Mallan's obsession to create a particle decelerator and Ernst Eckmann's obsession with Poppea - a street performer and Chris's dad's girlfriend.
The story comes to light when Chris vanishes from work, leaving behind the manuscript of this story - for his workmate Bob to find.
An atmospheric tale, dark and chilling.
Recommended for 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Roland Smith
Zach's whole life is a lie and the only 'people' he can be honest with are Commander I.F. and his journal. But even then, honesty can be fatal, when you're in the Witness Protection Program.
Recommended for ages 10 +
Reviewed by Annie
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Ivan Southall
How far can you run in 17 seconds? Say 400 yards (about 350 metres)? It's not likely - but that's the maximum time these guys had to get away from an active mine. This is the true story of two Australians - volunteers in the RMS (Rendering Mines Safe) department of the British Admiralty at the beginning of World War II.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Jerry Spinelli
They talk about Maniac. About how fast he could run. About how good he was with knots. Some of it's factual, some of it's a story - but all of it tells the truth. The truth about a boy called Maniac.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Jerry Spinelli
He's never known family or his name. When he ends up with Uri he is given both. Now known as Misha he keeps stealing food - he's so little he can get into the weirdest places. A handy skill to have when they're rounded up and put into the Warsaw ghetto. Misha becomes part of Janina's family and, therefore, a Jew.
Set in Warsaw during World War II this is a poignant and stunning read.
Recommended for ages 14 +
Reviewed by Annie
Free Lance stories
Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell
Welcome to the world of the free lance knight – poverty, inconvenience, and adventure.
In Free Lance and the lake of skulls Free Lance is contracted to recover a magical crown – not that he wants to, or anything, but not doing so would be dangerous to his health.
In the second book, Free Lance and the field of blood, he’s come in to some money so has decided to try his hand in his first major tournament for a while. But doing so reminds him of some of the reasons he has stayed away from them!
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Todd Strasser
Kennin is new to Las Vegas and all he really wants to do is finish high school while hanging out with his class mate and friend Tito. But one night Kennin finds himself if the drivers seat when the cops appear at a drifting event and suddenly he has a lot of explaining to do to his friends - not the least of it being how he learnt to drive a car when he is too young to have a licence. Fast cars, fast girls, excitement and danger - what more can you ask for?
A great read for fans of The fast and the furious movies.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Origins
(Missing link trilogy; book 3)
Kate Thompson
Christie writes in his diary about all the events occurring in the Fourth World, after their return from Tibet. He is troubled by the stone given to him by the last Yeti - and for good reason. Interspersed with the diary entries is the story of Nessa - a Cat person, and Farral - a Dog person. The Cats and Dogs are heading to war, again. Nessa has been sent from her village to save her life. Farral has left his to avoid being conscripted into the Dog army.
This trilogy raises from serious issues about life and the ethical boundaries of science and experimentation. But it's also an exciting read!
Recommended for ages 12 +
Reviewed by Annie
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![Book cover of "The grounding of Group 6".](http://syndetics.com/index.aspx?isbn=080505085X/SC.GIF&client=elgar&type=hw7")
Julian Thompson
Five teenagers find themselves not studying at an exclusive 'alternative school' as they expect, but holed up in the wilderness with their teacher and would-be killer, when he refuses to do what he's been paid for - to 'ground' them. Coping with the knowledge their own parents tried to bump them off is just one of the challenges for these kids as they are hunted down. They have to rely on their fitness, wits and newfound skills to survive.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Sanya
Eleanor Updale
Montmorency is wonderfully written (but hard to pronounce: I say Mont-MORE-ency). It's about a thief who has a really bad accident and is left to die by the police. A young doctor trying to prove his theories about serious injuries hears about him and takes him back to the hospital to fix him up.
As soon as he's better, he is sent straight to jail. Once he's released, he becomes the well-respected nobleman, Montmorency - the name of the hospital that saved him - and his unlikeable servant, Scarper. Juggling between the two identities, Montmorency becomes wealthy.
The police are amazed at the new athletic 'group of thieves' robbing everyone in the city... but really, it's just Montmorency.
I thought it was a really cool book - but it kind of left you hanging at the end. Luckily, it's the first in a series. I'd recommend this to people aged 11 and up. If you're younger, but quite a good reader, then have a go.
Jack
Ned Vizzini
What’s being cool worth? For Jeremy – and others – it’s taking a chance on an experimental mini-computer, so small it fits in a pill. Jeremy’s promised that it will make him cool and get the girl of his dreams, well, any girl really. Is it worth ruining the relationships he already has, though?
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Mark Walden
This book was a try-hard version of the series, Cherub, Alex Rider etc. The plot was barely unreadable.
Brooke, 13
James M. Ward
Hal begins his naval career as Midshipwizard Fifth Class on the Dragonship HMD Sanguine. Hal has come late to his magical powers, so he’s a bit behind in his navy training – his family have been in the navy for generations, so he has a lot of history to live up to. Wanting his first days on his first job to be easy – he instead casts a spell that endangers the whole ship. But there’s another threat to them all – a saboteur is operating on board.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Scott Westerfeld
Cal has been infected with a parasite – lucky for him he’s only a carrier, and not fully affected. Those that are – including his exes are parasite positives, peeps for short, otherwise known as vampires. Now he’s working for the Night Watch tracking down peeps.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
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Chris Wooding
Davey’s sort of living on the streets – and on his wits. When he and Benjy tag the Abbey Cross the Catchman haunts Davey. There have been murders in the area – is the Catchman responsible?
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Chris Wooding
Cal is shy.
Very shy.
We're talking mental condition shy.
And the only thing that helps is to burn things. IT starts with matches. He works his way up to an abandoned warehouse.
He has no hope for himself.
Then Abbie comes along.
And now suddenly there's a war inside him between flame and Abbie.
Who will win?
Dylan, 13
Chris Wooding
Nothing like a book that drops you into a totally alien world, to discover along with its characters! Chris Wooding creates the entirely compelling world of Orokos, a city that is rumoured to be the only one on the planet. It is a faintly familiar, post apocalyptic place where its inhabitants live in fear of the huge storms that warp reality, and plague them with ghosts of the past.
One such inhabitant is Rail, a young thief who lost the ability to breath by himself in one such storm. On a routine job in which he and his companion Moa eke out a living in Orokos’ ghettos, they come across an artefact that dates back before the time of the Probability Storms, and Orokos itself. The question is, what do they do with something so valuable?
The city of Orokos, and its situation is central to the book, and it’s something I found kept me riveted until the end. What had happened that created such an unforgiving place? Both Rail and Moa, although total opposites, are a refreshing read in terms of personality, and their struggle to stay alive day to day really draws you into their world.
Storm thief is a brilliant book that stands alone as a complete story.
Recommended for readers 14+
Reviewed by Tama
Benjamin Zephaniah
Martin's got it all - the looks, the gang, the moves, the girl - but life has a way of stuffing things up. His bad judgement leaves him hospital with a burnt face. This the time you really learn who your friends are and how strong you are.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Keith and Kent Zimmerman; with Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage, and Peter Rees
Can people live for days, buried alive? Could three prisoners survive their make-shift raft escape from Alcatraz? How many ping-pong balls does it take to refloat a boat? How long does it take to find a needle in a haystack?
These, and more, urban myths are explored in this book, taken from the TV series, Mythbusters.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Paul Zindel
Jake has flown down to the Amazon to be with his father's scientific expedition studying bats. Two of the expedition's workers have vanished - feared dead, but no one knows how. Until Jake finds their mutilated bodies - and their killer - a giant bat. And now the bat is found, it wants its existence kept secret, even if that means killing the entire expedition.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Paul Zindel
They're coming... they want revenge ... they want BLOOD! The rats at the local dump have been poisoned by methane gas - and they want revenge. Taught by a pet rat they are smart, cunning, and lethal. And now, they're migrating to New York City.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Marcus Zusak
Ed Kennedy's pretty ordinary. Nothing outstanding at all. But when he accidentally stops a bank robbery, his life changes. He receives an Ace of Diamonds in the mail, with 3 addresses and times on it. He eventually figures out what it all means (sometimes with some physical assistance) and thus begins a voyage of discovery. Stunning - compassionate - lyrical - deeply-layered. The sort of writing that makes you wildly envious because you can't write like that, and yet achingly glad that someone did.
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Annie
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The book of the lion 
