Mathew suffers from severe OCD and hasn’t been to school for weeks. From his bedroom window he makes notes on the neighbours to pass the time. One day the toddler from next door goes missing, will Matthew be able to help with all his notes, even it it means revealing his secrets?

Jung-Ling is considered unlucky because her mother died after giving birth to her. She struggles at home throughout her childhood to receive recognition but, at school she excels and is well loved. Adeline enters an English creative writing competition, hoping to be given permission to study in England if she wins. Will her father consider?

Cassy lives with her granny, until one night she hears strange footsteps in the night. The next day she is sent to London to live with her mother and actor friends. There, she feels like she is always being followed.

Cameron is 13 years old, dying of heart disease and time is running out. His father has found a doctor who will do a transplant, but with a pig’s heart, which has never been done before. Cameron has been sworn to secrecy, but as he leaves the hospital after the transplant, it seems everyone knows and everyone is interested, having their own opinions on whether this was right or not.

Class 4C is the worst class, and for the upcoming science fair they have been excluded from taking part in any of the exciting projects. Instead, much to their disgust, they have to look after 3kg flour bags dressed in rags, as babies for three weeks while keeping a diary! The author won the Carnegie Award for this book.

A profound autobiographical account by Melba, who was one of the original nine black teenagers that became icons for the Civil Rights Movement in 1957, when they volunteered to attend the all white high school, where they faced fierce opposition. The author explores the concepts of racism, identity and justice and how powerful they can be.

A highly rated book from a New YorkTime best selling author. The book starts a year after 9/11 in 2002. Shirin, a muslim girl wearing a hijab, starts a new year in high school, and endures the consequences of stereotypes and prejudices in politically turbulent times. Shirin enjoys break dancing with her brother to get away from daily negativity, until she meet Ocean James.

A historical thriller where 16 year old Ellie travels back in time to 1988 Berlin, when on a school trip. The wall is still standing and she meets members of a guild who use balloons and magic to get people across it. As Ellie gets more involved she comes to realise that dark magic is being used to change history.

Michael shares his story of being part of a happy family and attending school when he was abducted by rebels at the age of 5, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, how he escaped and finally migrated to Canada with his mother.

A great book which opens up the world of politics to children, and how even if they don’t have a vote, they can still influence the world of politics.