Have a look at some titles in the list for years 7-9. Explore titles on Sport, Family, Grief, Friendship, Mental Health, Immigration and more. You can also view the full list in the downloadable PDF.
Becoming Muhammad Ali by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile
Published by Jacaranda
This biographical novel of cultural icon Muhammad Ali is written by prize-winning writers Alexander and Patterson. The pair have told the story of the boxer, who was born Cassius Clay, up to the age of 17 in a mix of poetry and prose. Readers will learn about his family and struggles at school, and how, after a thief stole his bike Cassius began training as an amateur boxer aged 12.
Becoming Muhammad Ali is authorised by and written in cooperation with the later sportsman’s estate.
Kirkus Reviews said of the book: “A stellar collaboration that introduces an important and intriguing individual to today's readers."
Rose, Interrupted is Lawrence’s third novel, and follows a family who has escaped from a strict religious sect.
In their new life, 13-year-old Rudder is embracing everything from Harry Potter to Simon and Garfunkel, while Rose has swapped her ankle skirts and uncut hair for Japanese-cute fairy dresses and her new boyfriend Kye.
But Rose and Rudder aren’t equipped to handle everything this strange world is throwing at them, and when Rudder accidentally sets a devastating chain of events into action, Rose must decide whether to sacrifice everything and go back to the life she hates, in order to save the people she loves.
Anna Chiu spends her days looking after her brother and sister and helping out at her dad’s restaurant, while her mum stays in bed. So her dad’s new delivery boy Rory is a welcome distraction, making her feel like a “normal” teenager even when she knows things aren't right at home.
When Anna’s mum finally gets out of bed, her condition worsens, leaving Anna and her family questioning everything they know about each other.
Badoe’s novel is about the horrors of people-trafficking, told via a story that is steeped with African folklore.
The book is about Sante, who was washed ashore as a baby in a chest laden with treasure, the sole survivor of a ship carrying migrants and refugees. Now 14, she is a member of Mama Rose’s unique and dazzling circus, but from their watery graves, the unquiet are calling for Sante to avenge them.
A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award and nominated for the Carnegie Medal, both in 2018.
