ENGLISH

As we have come to the end of Term 3, I want to wish all the Units 3/4 EAL, Literature and English students the best of luck studying for their practice exams over the school holidays. This next period is going to be intense for our students, but they are well prepared to approach their studies with confidence. Good luck! 

I’m often asked about book recommendations for students so I decided to end the term I would put a call out to staff and students asking for their book recommendations. I was blown away to see so many enthusiastic responses. Please enjoy these below. 

Finally, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Read lots, write often and come back refreshed, ready to learn.

Charlotte Douglas

English KLA Manager

HOLIDAY READING RECOMMENDATIONS

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Is a book that redefined Batman and changed comics forever.

Taking place in a dystopian version of Gotham City, the book tells the story of Batman's return 10 years after he disappeared. In his absence, Gotham has become flooded with crime and is under threat by an evil gang known as the mutants. Can Batman cleanse Gotham of crime? Or is he too old for the job?

Frank Miller's four issue masterpiece redefined Batman for the modern era as a dark, noir character and proved that comics can be for older readers. It has been listed as one of the greatest comic books ever written and it undoubtedly deserves that title. Highly recommend it. It is amazing. 

Finn Steven, Year 10

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

A beautiful collection of five stories about lost souls. Through visiting their local library, each character ends up with an unlikely book recommendation and, even more unexpectedly, a new outlook on life. This anthology is such a cozy read, and only took a couple of hours to finish. It had me excited to visit my local library and reminded me once more of the magic of reading! 

Miss Ashley Matthews

Tiger Daughter, Rebecca Lim

Tiger Daughter follows Wen, a Chinese-Australian girl, as she navigates parental expectations, desire to succeed at school, racial stereotyping and supporting her friend through a traumatic moment. She is determined to create a future for herself that reaches beyond what her parents anticipate. 

There are some sensitive topics and challenging moments, but it is a beautiful story that promotes empathy and kindness. It is simultaneously heartbreaking and hopeful. Suited to mature, thoughtful Years 7-8 students.

Ms Kellie Dickson

I Who Have Never Known Men

I read some brilliant speculative fiction recently, I Who Have Never Known Men by Jaqueline Harpman. The premise is unsettling and compelling, "deep underground, thirty-nine women live imprisoned in a cage. Watched over by guards, these women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time, and only vague recollections of their lives before". 

We quickly learn that the fortieth prisoner, a young girl, is awakening to a desire to find the truth to their existence. In her pursuit, we encounter the profound nature of female friendship, what knowledge looks like in strange new worlds, and the power in uncovering the layers of our own liberation. The story is completely gripping, and I have so much to say about it! But I won't spoil it for you - come and find me and let's discuss.

Dr Natalie Day

Cherub Series

If you’re a fan of action-packed, high-stakes adventures, I highly recommend the CHERUB series by Robert Muchamore. Set in the world of child espionage, this series delivers intense, thrilling missions where young agents go undercover to take down criminals, terrorists, and dangerous organizations. 

CHERUB stands out because it blends gripping action with the emotional and personal challenges of its young characters, making the spies relatable while navigating the complexities of adolescence. With sharp writing, clever twists, and strong character development, the CHERUB series is perfect for readers who enjoy spy thrillers with heart and grit. It's ideal for fans of books like Alex Rider or Young Bond.  

Ayushmaan Bagal, Year 8

Solitaire by Alice Oseman 

It's 13+ and it's about Tori Spring, a 16-year-old girl whose life is upended by high-spirited new kid Michael Holden and the mysterious prank-pulling blog. I quite enjoyed this book as it's a mystery and you never know what's going to happen next. Please note this book contains a few swear words and a mental illness.

Charlotte Davis, Year 8

David Walliams Books 

Start with Demon Dentist - Walliams, surely the heir to Roald Dahl, is the master of the comic, cheeky and sometimes downright bonkers storytelling. See also, Boy by Roald Dahl. 

Madhav Mohan, Year 7

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Teen Fiction - A tender, romantic and tragic coming of age. Read this to see why it has topped the best seller charts since its publication. 

Miranda Sacks, Year 7 

Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton 

An encapsulating coming-of-age novel about a boy named Eli Bell who lives in the shady outskirts of Darra with his broken but healing family.

Vishaka Venkat & Sophie Yu, Year 10

Shadows House (published by Somato)  

A light and entertaining mask to a mysterious manga series, following the journeys and daily life of a "living doll" and her faceless shadow master in a Victorian setting. 

Mathilda Ashton-Rafferty, Year 10

The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkein

If you've not read Tolkein's epic fantasy quest, it's animated, tense and surprisingly funny.

Jessica Silberthau, Year 10

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The greatest depiction of magic through imagery. You will be devastated if you miss this circus before it leaves town.

Keren Schauder, Year 10

Pride and Prejudice and the City, Written in the Stars

One is a period romance. The other is a saucy modern love story. Both are gay. Both are great.

Charlotte Nichols, Year 10

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Science Fiction/Dystopia - Just try to read Katniss' horrific ordeals as she battles for survival without your heart racing.

Ilisha Rajiv, Year 7

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a great action-packed novel. Placing the reader in a dystopian landscape, it encapsulates the life of star-crossed lovers as they navigate the perilous and judgemental society of Panem. Surviving the bloodthirsty arena, they seek solace in one another. 

Benji Mathew, Year 12