Library News
Maria SMITH
Head of Library
THANK YOU, LIBRARY MONITORS!
Reflecting on our National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration of volunteering in Australia, we say THANK YOU to our Library Monitors for providing much-needed support, particularly running the Circulation Desk at our Resource Centre. Well done Monitors for demonstrating our school value of RESPONSIBILITY!
PREVIEW: The Monitors will also help organize and supervise week-long activities for our annual LITERACY AND NUMERACY WEEK from August 29 to September 4.
LITERACY AND NUMERACY WEEK 2025
(29th August-4 September)
HUGE BOOK SALE AND DRESS-UP DAY!
EXCITING NEWS: MONASH COMIC CON at Wheelers Hill Library! (July 12th -Saturday-from 10:30-3:00 PM)
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO DURING THIS FREE FAMILY EVENT ON THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY at Wheelers Hill Library:
Squishbook Comic Workshop (based on the comics anthology Squishbook)
Manga Workshop with Kenny Chan (learn the Japanese-style comic drawing)
Cosplay Red Carpet (dress as your favourite comic book character)
Caricatures with Phil Bowler (watch as Phil creates a caricature of you as a superhero)
Photobooth (Strike a pose!)
Comic Book Craft (Create a badge of bookmark out of old comic books.)
Dog Man Games (Complete a Dog Man scavenger hunt!)
There is also a Comic Book competition from July 7-July 18, for more info, please click the link: https://www.monlib.vic.gov.au/Children-and-Youth/Whats-On-For-Kids/Monash-Comic-Con/Comic-Book-Comp-T-and-Cs
NAIDOC WEEK 2025
NAIDOC Week from July 6-13 marks a powerful 50 years milestone of “honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience” with this year’s theme: "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," celebrating “not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors”. (naidoc.org.au)
Highvale Library spreads awareness of and celebrates NAIDOC Week with inspirational, informative and creative books on indigenous personalities, languages and communities.
HAPPY READING!
The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge concludes on September 5th. Stock up on books to complete the Challenge! Please enjoy students’ book reviews/recommendations, an exciting part of their Reading Challenge that can inspire their peers.
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan ★★★
A bit of a slow book, but the classic Riordan humour makes it better. You learn a lot about Ancient Egyptian mythology, so if you're looking to find out about that, this fantasy novel with the Carters is a great fit for you! As always, you find out a lot about ancient mythology and beliefs, which is becoming a recurring theme with Rick Riordan. (Grace H. 7D)
Auggie & me: three Wonder stories by R.J. Palacio ★★★★★
This is a five-star worthy book. These three stories show the perspectives of what Julian, Christopher and Charlotte think of Auggie, connecting to the "Wonder" book. I love this book because it's interesting to see what all three characters think of Auggie, and it shows some other characters like Summer and Ximena. This is an entertaining and feel-good story.
(Alyssa P. 8G)
The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan ★★★
Although the plot was very interesting, I felt that the author had over-complicated certain moments during the book, yet the ending makes up for all the faults throughout the book. (Vedaanth K. 8F)
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie★★★★★
It was a very good book, and it kept me guessing till the end, a fabulous murder mystery and had lots of hidden clues. (Ishita O.A. 7A)
The Whispers in the Walls by Sophie Cleverly ★★★★★
Loved this, my favourite! Mr Bartholomew might be the only one more scary than Miss Fox. (Annaya A. 8G)
The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden
★★★★★
My favourite book! The Housemaid's Secret was filled with twists and turns, and I was shocked by the way the book ended. This book had a lot of suspense and once I picked up the book I couldn't stop reading it. (Ishita O.A. 7A)
CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (CBCA)
Celebrating 80 years of children’s literature
For eight decades, the CBCA has inspired young minds “to journey through countless worlds that books offer”. Its annual Children’s Book Week runs from 16-23 August this year. THEME: BOOK AN ADVENTURE inspired by CBCA’s feature artist, award-winning Australian illustrator and VPRC Author/Ambassador Jess McGeachin, learn more by clicking https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge-meet-our-author
In March 2025, the CBCA published its shortlist for various categories shown below; winners announced in August. Please click https://cbca.org.au/ for more information.
CBCA SHORTLIST 2025 for Older Readers (that we have in our Main Collection)
A Wreck of Seabirds by Karleah Olson
A compelling and deeply moving story of grief and loss, capturing the depths of human emotions. https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-wreck-of-seabirds-karleah-olson/book/9781760996505.html
Into the Mouth of the Wolf by Erin Gough
A romance novel, part-thrilling and part-queer, capturing the growing attraction between Iris and Lena while trying to solve the mystery of missing people and serious deaths.
https://www.booktopia.com.au/into-the-mouth-of-the-wolf-erin-gough/book/9781760507558.html
Birdy by Sharon Kernot
A warm-hearted verse novel exploring “the pain of loss and shame, the beauty of words and the healing power of small acts of kindness”. https://www.booktopia.com.au/birdy-sharon-kernot/book/9781922790606.html
The Skin I’m In by Steph Tisdell
An extraordinary debut novel that explores personal and cultural expectations and responsibilities written by an actor and award-winning comedian from the Yidinji tribe.
I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough
From a bestselling Indigenous author, this novel explores a “wonderful coming-of-age romance” involving 17-year-old Jonah, battling a body image problem and memories of his mother while trying to navigate new friendships. https://www.booktopia.com.au/i-m-not-really-here-gary-lonesborough/book/9781761180767.html
Comes the Night by Isobelle Carmody
This is a thrilling new novel set in “the near future, full of secrets, high stakes, peril, deceptions and dream walkers”, written by the bestselling author of the Obernewtyn Chronicles and The Gathering.
https://www.booktopia.com.au/comes-the-night-isobelle-carmody/book/9781760294762.html
CBCA SHORTLIST 2025 for Younger Readers
CBCA SHORTLIST 2025 for Picture Books
CBCA SHORTLIST 2025 for New Illustrator
CBCA SHORTLIST 2025 for Early Childhood
HIGHVALE WRITERS CLUB
INSIGHT CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION
A reminder to our aspiring writers of the opportunity to compete in the Insight CWW until 1 September, with a total prize offer of $3,000, please access the link for more information:
https://www.insightpublications.com.au/insight-creative-writing-competition/
Please check out who may be reading your creative writing submission for 2025 and have the chance to share in over $3000 worth of cash prizes!
2025 CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION JUDGES
YEAR 7: Reimena Yee
YEAR 8: Samantha-Ellen Bound
YEAR 9: Jack Henseleit
YEAR 10: Chris Ames
YEAR 11: Cath Moore
YEAR 12: Isobelle Carmody
Why not join YOUR LIBRARY in the school holidays!
'Your Library' serves communities around Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges. Membership in person or online is FREE for any Victorian resident provided there is proof of identity and a Victorian address on first visit. Children under 16 will need the signature of a parent or guardian to sign up for Your Library membership.
https://www.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/joinonline/
WARMING UP IN MELBOURNE DURING THE WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Lots of places and events to go to during the school holidays to excite the whole family, and that include popular markets and bookshops to visit, grab a bargain while catching up with friends and entertaining your family. Please check out links and enjoy multicultural and vibrant Melbourne in the winter! https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do
The Docklands Epic Winter Fire Lights Festival
(July 4-6)
Explore the Docklands (on for three nights) with inflatable 'humanoids' created by Australian artist Amanda Parer giving us a chance to reflect on our place in the world. Enjoy Melbourne’s best wintery pop-up food and drink offerings, from hot choc and sizzling street food and a range of tasty treats, shopping and special deals to complete your Docklands Winter Fire Lights Festival experience.
The Melbourne Book Market (at Shed A-QVM)
Every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, the Melbourne Book Market at Shed A, Queen Vic Market offers a curated collection of more than 5,000 new and pre-loved titles selected and presented by some of Melbourne’s experienced booksellers, authors, illustrators and book creators”.
The Finders Keepers Design Market
This local favourite is on again at the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building with over 270 of stalls selling stunning gifts from ethical fashion, art prints, colourful ceramics and one-of-a-kind jewellery. There are food stalls and live music to entertain the whole family.