Books for everyone :)

Duel by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley

Description: When her popular sister Gigi humiliates her on the first day of school, Lucy snaps and challenges her to a duel with high sisterly stakes that divides the school into factions and fractures their family even further.

Genre: Graphic novels; Sports fiction; Realistic fiction

Themes: Dealing with bullies, Fencing, Family, Sisterhood, Grief

Style: Richly detailed; Intensifying; Character-driven

Suitable for: Years 5-8

Where is it? Junior Graphic Novels (LS Library)

Everything is ok by Debbie Tung

Description: This the story of Debbie Tung’s struggle with anxiety and her experience with depression. She shares what it’s like navigating life, overthinking every possible worst-case scenario, and constantly feeling like all hope is lost. In this graphic memoir, Debbie aims to provide positive and comforting messages to anyone who is facing similar difficulties or is just trying to get through a tough time in life. She hopes to encourage readers to be kinder to themselves, to know that they are not alone, and that it’s okay to be vulnerable because they are not defined by their mental health struggles.

Genre: Autobiographical comics; Comics and graphic novels; Life stories

Themes: Anxiety, Healing, Mental Health, Self-acceptance

Style: Candid, thoughtful

Suitable for: Years 7-13

Where is it? Online on Comics Plus

Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation by Sylvia Liu

Description: In a near future where most adults are connected to the multiweb through neural implants, a twelve-year-old uncovers a corporate plot to genetically manipulate her classmates, and her scientist mother may be involved in the conspiracy.

Genre: Science-Fiction

Themes: Genetic engineering, near future, technology

Style: Fast-paced, thought-provoking

Suitable for: Years 6-8

Where is it? In the Battle of the Books section

Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm by Siobhan McDermott

Description: In this fantasy series inspired by Cantonese mythology, Zhi Ging is a brave and determined orphan girl who becomes an apprentice to the Immortals. Training in an underwater realm, she fights curses and bullies. Fans of fast-paced adventure and detailed, imaginative world-building will enjoy this magical boarding school series.

Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Themes: Asian-inspired Fantasy; Academies of Magic

Style: Fast-paced, World-building

Suitable for: Years 6-8 or just anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel!

Where is it? Upper School Fiction (FIC MCD)

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Description: An autobiography in graphic novel format describes how the author lost two of her front teeth in an accident when she was twelve, and her subsequent struggles with various corrective dental techniques throughout adolescence.

Genre: Comics and Graphic novels

Themes: Coming of age

Style: Angst-filled; relatable

Suitable for: Years 5-8

Where is it? Junior Graphic Novels (LS Library)

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Description: A fable about undauntingly following one's dreams, listening to one's heart, and reading life's omens features dialogue between a boy and an unnamed being.

Genre: Allegories and parables; Literary fiction

Themes: Dreams; self-discovery; wisdom

Style: Inspiring; Reflective

Suitable for: Years 8-13

Where is it? Fiction section, Letter C

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Description: At age twelve, Sophie learns that the remarkable abilities that have always caused her to stand out identify her as an elf, and after being brought to Eternalia to hone her skills, discovers that she has secrets buried in her memory for which some would kill.

Genre: Fantasy fiction

Themes: Academies of magic; Hidden heritage

Style: Richly detailed; World-building

Suitable for: Years 6-9

Where is it? Fiction section, Letter M

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Description: Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunting and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.

Genre: Realistic fiction

Themes: Living with visible disability; Being a friend

Style: Thoughtful; Character-driven

Suitable for: Years 6-9

Where is it? Fiction section, Letter P

White Bird by R.J. Palacio

Description: Tells the story of Julian's Grandmere's childhood as she, a Jewish girl, was hidden by a family in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II and how the boy she once shunned became her savior and best friend.

Genre: Historical comics; Comics and Graphic novels; Page to screen

Themes: Surviving the Holocaust; Living with visible disability; Dealing with bullies

Style: Character-driven

Suitable for: Years 8-13

Where is it? Graphic Novels

Lost in Taiwan by Mark Crilley

Description: When Paul becomes lost in Taiwan, he meets Pei-Jing, who teaches him about the local culture as she helps him find his way home.

Genre: Comics and Graphic novels; Realistic fiction

Themes: Voyages and travels

Style: Character-driven

Suitable for: Years 8-13

Where is it? Graphic Novels

Table of contents

Neurodiverse Reads

Books about Love and Friendship

Celebrate the Year of Dragon with Harrow Library 2024

Golden Dragon Book Awards

New Arrivals - November 2023

Chemistry Wider Reading

Discover Our Library's Exquisite

New Arrivals - November 2023

Free horrow Ebooks

TRICK OR TREAT FOR HALLOWEEN 👻🎃👻

Frankenstein

Tales

Dracula

The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

JUST IN! New Library Books

Try a new series!

Read with Pride

See full Pride reading list on our library catalogue here

IT'S OFFICIALLY SUMMER!

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Please click here for some suggested books for Prep

Recommended by Kevin (Shackleton): The Big Nate series, by Lincoln Pierce

This book follows the misadventures of Nate Wright, a sixth-grader who is always getting into trouble. With humour and relatable characters in real life, "Big Nate" is a great choice for readers of all ages. Whether you're a fan of graphic novels or just looking for a fun and lighthearted read, this book is sure to keep you entertained from start to finish.

Recommended by Oscar (Shackleton): Whatshisface, by Gordon Korman

WhatsHisFace is an excellent read that is both suspenseful and hysterical. The story follows a young boy named “Cooper Vegan, who struggles to fit in many different schools. As a repayment for moving Cooper from many schools his parents decide to give him a fancy new phone, but almost immediately his phone starts to act differently. Then, suddenly a person is shown on his screen....

The plot is well written and keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. The characters are likeable and relatable, making it easy to root for them as they navigate the twists and turns of the story. Korman’s writing style is witty and entertaining, making this fun to read. Overall, “WhatHisFace” is a highly recommended book that will make you laugh out loud.

Recommended by Matthew (Shackleton): Ground Zero, by Alan Gratz

"Ground Zero" by Alan Gratz is a tremendous historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through the events of September 11, 2001(911). The story follows Brandon, a young boy who is visiting his father at work in the North Tower of the World Trade Center when the first plane hits. As he tries to escape the building and reunite with his dad, he encounters other characters whose lives have been forever changed by the tragic events of that day.

I think that Gratz does an excellent job of weaving together multiple storylines and perspectives to create an emotional response to the 911 incident. The characters are well-developed and realistic, and their struggles and triumphs are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The historical details are also researched accurately. Overall, I think that "Ground Zero" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on one of the most significant events in modern history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about 9/11 and its lasting impact on our world."

Recommended by David (Banks): The Artemis Fowl series, by Eoin Colfer

Check out our E-books & Audio books collections on Sora

Don't Forget to Smile!

Books on World Laughter Day

READ GREEN IN APRIL

Serie-ously:

Try the first book in these series

HISTORICAL FICTION

Year 8

Gothic Literature Display

Check our inspiring WHM resources HERE!

Women's History Month Books

YEAR 10 & 11

(All the books are currently available in our library)

⇣ ⇣ ⇣

The 39 Steps

Call Number : FIC BUC

Author: Buchan, John.

'My guest was lying sprawled on his back. There was a long knife through his heart which skewered him to the floor'

Revolver

Call Number : FIC SED

Author: Sedgwick, Marcus.

“They say that dead men tell no tales, but they’re wrong. Even the dead tell stories.”

Touching the Void

Call Number : FIC SIM

Author: Simpson, Joe.

Touching the Void is the heart-stopping account of Joe Simpson's terrifying adventure in the Peruvian Andes.

Lord of the flies

Call Number : FIC GOL

Author: Golding, William.

Orphaned by society, it isn't long before their innocent childhood games devolve into a savage, murderous hunt ...

The Old Man and the Sea

Call Number : FIC HEM

Author: Hemingway, Ernest.

Set in the Gulf Stream off the coast of Havana, Hemingway's magnificent fable is the story of an old man, a young boy and a giant fish.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Call Number : FIC LEE

Author: Lee, Harper.

'Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.'

Animal Farm

Call Number : FIC ORW

Author: Orwell, George.

'All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.'

Nineteen Eighty Four

Call Number : FIC ORW

Author: Orwell, George.

A dystopian vision of the future where the freedom of the individual is subjugated to the conformity of society.

The Catcher in the Rye

Call Number : FIC SAL

Author: Salinger, J.D.

It's Christmas time and Holden Caulfield has just been expelled from yet another school...

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Call Number : FIC TWA

Author: Twain, Mark.

"Tom Sawyer liked adventures, which means he was always getting in trouble."

Sherlock Holmes stories

Call Number : FIC DOY

Author: Doyle, Arthur Conan.

Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by British author Arthur Conan Doyle.

Life of PI

Call Number : FIC MAR

Author: Martel, Yann.

What happens when a cargo ship sinks in the Pacific Ocean, leaving

only one lifeboat of survivors?

The Knife of Never Letting Go

Call Number : FIC NES

Author: Ness, Patrick.

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in a constant, overwhelming Noise.

Monsters of Men

Call Number : FIC NES

Author: Ness, Patrick.

Three armies march on New Prentisstown. The New World is at war. Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, with no chance of escape

The Ask and the Answer

Call Number : FIC NES

Author: Ness, Patrick.

Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd and Viola once again face their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss

The Turn of the Screw

Call Number : FIC JAM

Author: James, Henry.

This classic tale of moral degradation concerns the sinister transformation of two innocent children into flagrant liars and hypocrites.

The Poisonwood Bible

Call Number : FIC KIN

Author: Kingsolver, Barbara .

The Poisonwood Bible is a story told by the wife and four daughters of Nathan Price, a fierce, evangelical Baptist who takes his family and mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959.

Northern Lights

Call Number : FIC PUL

Author: Pullman, Philip.

When Lyra's friend Roger disappears, she and her dæmon, Pantalaimon, determine to find him.

The Subtle Knife

Call Number : FIC PUL

Author: Pullman, Philip

Lost in a new world, Lyra finds Will--a boy on the run, a murderer--a worthy and welcome ally.

The Amber Spyglass

Call Number : FIC PUL

Author: Pullman, Philip

Will is the bearer of the knife. Now, accompanied by angels, his task is to deliver that powerful, dangerous weapon to Lord Asriel - by the command of his dying father

Cold Comfort Farm

Call Number : FIC GIB

Author: Gibbons, Stella .

A hilarious and merciless parody of rural melodramas and one of the best-loved comic novels of all time.

The curious Incident of the Dog in the Night- Time

Call Number : FIC HAD

Author: Haddon, Mark

Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions.

The Book Thief

Call Number : FIC ZUS

Author: Zusak, Marcus

This is the story of Liesel and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.

All Quiet on the Western Front

Call Number : FIC REM

Author: Remarque, Erich Maria

I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow. . .

The Bell Jar

Call Number: FIC PLA

Author: Plath, Sylvia

A realistic and emotional novel about a woman battling mental illness and societal pressures.

This Mortal Coil

Call Number : FIC SUV

Author: Suvada, Emily

In this gripping sci-fi novel, seventeen-year-old Cat must use her gene-hacking skills to decode her late father’s message concealing a vaccine to a horrifying plague.

The Hate U Give

Call Number : FIC THO

Author: Thomas, Angie

A captivating novel about a teenage girl who grapples with racism, police brutality, and activism after witnessing her Black friend murdered by the police.