Our Older readers' Shortlist has plenty of colour - can you imagine the noise if all these characters got together? But there are a couple of mysterious types there as well. If you are a student up to Year 9 why not give us your opinion on one or two of these titles? Comment below or go to our contact page for email, Twitter or Facebook links.
THE 39-STOREY TREEHOUSE by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
Andy and Terry's amazing treehouse has 13 new levels and a top secret 39th level that hasn't even been finished yet. A quick peek with Andy | Chapter 1
CON-NERD by Oliver Phommavanh
Connor’s mum wants him to work hard to be a doctor. But what Connor really wants to do is draw crazy cartoons and gruesome dragons that fly off the page. From Oliver | Review | Teachers' Notes
ERIC VALE, EPIC FAIL by Michael Gerard Bauer & Joe Bauer
Ever had a STUPID nickname? A rotten run of bad luck? A best friend who just looks on the bright side even when the bright side looks black? Well Eric Vale’s got all three, and they’re pushing him towards the EPIC-EST of all EPIC FAILS! Trailer | Review | Teacher Notes
MY LIFE AND OTHER STUFF I MADE UP by Tristan Bancks & Gus Gordon
This book is about a boy named Tom Weekly. He has kissed a dog, eaten Vegemite of his sister’s big toe, eaten 67 hotdogs in 10 minutes and much more. This book is full of Tom’s stories, jokes, cartoon characters, ideas for theme park rides and other stuff he has made up. Trailer | Review | Teacher Notes
BROTHERBAND: THE INVADERS by John Flanagan
Hal and the Heron brotherband are on the trail of Zavac and his precious cargo. Will they be able to find the pirates when the weather clears? And when they do, how can they possibly beat the mighty Raven and its crew of vicious cut-throats and killers? Review ! First Chapter
THE IVORY ROSE by Belinda Murrell
Jemma has just landed her first job, babysitting Sammy. It's in Rosethorne, one of the famous witches' houses near where she lives. Sammy says the house is haunted by a sad little girl, but Jemma doesn't know what to believe. Review ! Teaching Notes
WEIR-DO by Anh Do
Weir Do's the new kid in school. With an unforgettable name, a crazy family and some seriously weird habits, fitting in won't be easy - but it will be funny! Trailer ! Preview ! Review
POOKIE ALEERA IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND by Steven Herrick
A heart-warming tale about friendship, grief and the importance of baked goods.Set in a country town, in a school where the kids in Class 6A tell their stories. For new teacher Ms Arthur, it’s another world, but for Mr Korsky, the school groundskeeper, he’s seen it all before. Review ! Author Reflection ! Teacher Notes
RANGER'S APPRENTICE: THE ROYAL RANGER by John Flanagan
After a senseless tragedy destroys his life, Will is obsessed with punishing those responsible - even if it means leaving the Ranger Corps. His worried friends must find a way to stop him taking such a dark path. It is Halt who suggests the solution: Will must take an apprentice. Series Trailer ! Review ! Preview
SPECKY MAGEE AND THE BEST OF OZ by Felice Arena
Specky has been selected to represent Australia in International Rules, taking on the Irish in a two-test competition in Ireland. Can the boys learn to play with a new set of rules and perfect their skills with the round ball before the Irish team wipes the field with them? Extract ! Review