By Chiara Bragato Year 12
Reading Challenge Recommendation
As you have probably heard, the Library is running a Reading Challenge for this year. Some of the categories are unique and can be a little difficult to fill, I’ve put a few recommendations together to help you out
Made into a Film/TV Series
Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief (Percy Jackson series):Greek gods, mythical creatures, sass and action – what more could you want? The book is better than the movie, trust me. AUTHOR: Rick Riordan
Banned book
1984: Whilst this book is a slow and sometimes difficult read, the ideas presented by George Orwell are engaging, and clearly question society – the reason why it was banned in multiple countries.
One-word title
Wonder: this book is a heart-wrenching story of a young boy who faces discrimination due to his looks. The book switches between POVs so that you understand what it’s like from those around the boy, and in the end it made me cry (also a movie). AUTHOR: R J Palacio
Classic
Agatha Christie: any of her books are brilliant. Not too long, the plots are intriguing with a wide variety of characters and murders galore. She’s written so many that you are bound to find one that interests you.
Set in another country
Once: a book about the Holocaust from the perspective of a young Jewish boy in Poland. This book has a dark context, however the story is sweet and is a good reminder to not take life for granted. AUTHOR: Morris Gleitzman
A book based on a true story
One Thousand Hills: about the Rwandan genocide, so it does discuss darker themes. However, I would recommend it, as it educational on the situation, and allows you to understand the impact on individual lives and relationships. AUTHORS: James Roy and Noel Zihabamwe
Australian author
Tomorrow When the War Began: when Australia gets invaded, who can stop them but a group of teenagers on a camping trip? Made into a TV series and a movie, this book series is engaging and entertaining. AUTHOR: John Marsden
Historical fiction
To Kill a Mockingbird: Some of you will have studied this, but if you haven’t, I recommend it. Set in the 60’s it explores racism (and was banned because of it), friendship and life in the American South. AUHTOR: Harper Lee
Shortlisted for an award
Every Day: A wakes up in a different body every day, and is just trying to make the best of it. This story explores the difficulty of love and friendship, and is gorgeously written and engaging. Won United Kingdom Literary Association Book Award. AUTHOR: David Levithan
Will make you smarter
We are All Completely Beside Ourselves: this book follows the life a young woman who was raised alongside chimps as part of a study. It explores the morality behind using animals as part of experiments, the impact that family has on an individual and how the past can drastically shape your present. AUHTOR: Karen Joy Fowler.
Kickass female heroine
Throne of Glass: This series has magic, action and the heroine is simply awesome. She kicks ass (literally and figuratively), is extremely well written, and isn’t there to be a love interest. AUTHOR: Sarah J Maas
Number in the title
The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency: This series traces the (fictional) story of the only female detective in Bostwana. You see the challenges that come from having a small business, being a pioneer, and the opposition against women. AUTHOR: Alexander McCall Smith.
Published in 2018
Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House: Whilst I have not read this, I feel like it should be mentioned. Trump has negatively affected millions of lives, and is not what a President is expected to be, so I believe that reading this book will provide insight, and perhaps motivate you to take action. AUTHOR: Michael Wolff.
Recommended librarian, teacher, older student or colleague
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. His most recent book, it follows the story of a lost millionaire, and a girl with anxiety. This book is a really easy read, and is good at explaining anxiety in an easy to understand way.
The other categories I’ll leave up to you to have some fun with!
By an author of a different ethnicity to you
Wildcard
A book you’ve been meaning to read
Chosen solely by its cover