AustLit

'Penny Yarrick and her pony, Chiko, face challenges that will change them forever - bushfire, the biggest cross-country event on the pony club calendar, boys and a final heart-breaking challenge. However, Penny is growing up and will soon outgrow Chiko, but she is determined to keep him forever.' (Publication summary)

'Set in the 1940s in Western Australia, 11-year-old Angus McCrea has to grapple with the death of his father, relocation from Fremantle to a small country town, and a new step -family. The loyalty and bravery of his new pup Bodger is crucial to his survival.' (Publication summary)

'Luke remembers the first time he saw Digger. The big bay gelding had raced Luke's bike along the fence line, galloping up the paddock like his tail was on fire. Before long, encouraged by his new friend Penny, Luke swaps bike-riding for horse-riding lessons. Cliff, who has owned Digger since he was a foal, offers to let Luke keep him at home, but Luke's dad is against it. When Digger unexpectedly goes missing, Cliff, Luke and friend Gino hit the road to rescue him in a journey that will take all their courage and perseverance. This book is the gripping sequel to Stafford's Chiko books.' (Publication summary)

'Angus is lonely until he meets Kes Grimshaw, a boy who becomes his best friend. But a clash with the loutish Charlie leads to a dramatic and fatal climax. Explores the themes of love, loss, loyalty and evil. Ages 13+.' (Publication summary)

'After the horror of Cyclone Tracy, life for Leisa can never be the same again. Not only is her home smashed to pieces, but also her precious cat, Tia, is gone. When Leisa is evacuated with her family to Melbourne, not even the loving comfort of her grandmother can lessen her grief. But back in Darwin, amongst the rubble of a broken city, it seems that miracles are still possible.' (Publication summary)

'It is 1845, Van Diemen's Land, Australia in the Point Puer boys’ prison at Port Arthur.

'Twelve year old Josh cannot remember what crime he committed, how he came to be in prison and why he is now called Tom Parish. He becomes one of very few people to escape, and these are his adventures.

'Josh travels from the bush land of EagleHawk Neck to the portside town of Hobart.

He begins to unravel the mystery of his identity with the help of his new friend Sarah and her father Captain Henry.

Join Josh and his friends (and enemies!) in this adventure tale set in amazing historical Tasmania. ' (Publication summary)

'Josh is unhappy. His mother and sister are on the other side of Australia. He's stuck with a new stepmother who wants to feed him rabbit food, and a stepsister who spends half her life in the bathroom. His dad has no time for him any more, and always seems to side with Lisa and Courtney. Tip, his new red kelpie pup, has a death sentence hanging over her head. If Josh can't train her to be a good sheepdog, she'll be shot. Little do they know that both of them will have to face even greater dangers which will test their loyalty and love to the utmost. Author Jenny Shepherd has seen many good dogs like Tip discarded because their owners failed to train them properly. In Saving Tippy, Jenny shows how a dog should be trained-with love and patience.' (Publication summary)

'A clash with the school bully, an accident on a lonely road, drug smugglers, a mysterious ship, the loss of a friend and the arrival of a dog and a stranger-this year, there's more to Willo's life than school, fishing and cricket!' (Publication summary)