Books Donated
February 2026
Embedded Files
The Invisible Man (1897)
13+ science fiction
A scientist discovers the secret of invisibility but is driven into isolation and madness by his power. As his control over his own creation collapses, fear and violence escalate. The novel explores science without ethics and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
H. G. Wells was an English writer and social thinker best known for pioneering modern science fiction.
The Promise (2021)
16+ literary fiction
This novel traces a South African family over decades as political and personal failures accumulate. A broken promise haunts each generation, shaping their moral decline. The book examines inheritance, guilt, and post-apartheid identity.
Damon Galgut is a South African author whose work explores family, politics, and moral responsibility.
Two Caravans (2007)
16+ literary fiction
A group of migrant workers from across Europe come together on an English farm. Their stories intersect through hardship, hope, and cultural misunderstanding. The novel highlights migration, exploitation, and resilience.
Marina Lewycka is a British novelist known for socially conscious and humorous fiction.
Brick by Brick (2016)
12+ 658.406 — Business management / Innovation & change
This non-fiction book examines the history and impact of residential schools in Canada. It presents difficult truths through accessible storytelling. The book encourages reflection, empathy, and reconciliation.
David Robertson is a Canadian author focusing on Indigenous stories and education.
Ghost Boys (2018)
12–16 literary fiction
After being shot by police, a young Black boy becomes a ghost observing the aftermath of his death. He witnesses grief, injustice, and silence from those left behind. The novel addresses racism and systemic violence with sensitivity.
Jewell Parker Rhodes is an American author known for socially engaged novels for young readers.
Boomerang (2011)
15+ 330.905 — Economic history
This book explores the global financial crisis through vivid reporting and case studies. Lewis explains how national attitudes toward risk shaped economic collapse. It makes complex economics engaging and accessible.
Michael Lewis is an American journalist and author who writes about finance and human behaviour.
On the Plain of Snakes (2019)
16+ 917.2 — Geography & travel of Mexico
Theroux travels through modern Mexico, reflecting on culture, politics, and history. His observations are personal and provocative. The book blends travel writing with social commentary.
Paul Theroux is an American travel writer and novelist with decades of global reporting experience.
The Forty Rules of Love (2010)
16+ literary fiction
A modern woman’s life is transformed when she reads a manuscript about Rumi and his spiritual mentor. Two narratives intertwine across centuries. The novel explores love, faith, and transformation.
Elif Shafak is a Turkish-British author whose work explores identity, spirituality, and culture.
Lady Audley’s Secret (1862)
14+ gothic fiction
A wealthy woman’s past threatens her carefully constructed identity. Secrets, deception, and madness drive the plot. The novel is a classic example of Victorian sensation fiction.
Mary Elizabeth Braddon was a Victorian novelist known for suspenseful popular fiction.
Under the Broken Sky (2020)
14+ historical fiction
Set after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, the novel follows a young survivor’s recovery. Poetry and prose combine to convey trauma and hope. The story focuses on resilience and healing.
Mariko Nagai is a Japanese-American poet and novelist writing about memory and identity.
Will in the World (2004)
16+ 822.3 — English drama: Shakespeare
This biography explores how Shakespeare’s life influenced his work. Greenblatt connects historical context with literary analysis. The book brings Shakespeare’s world to life.
Stephen Greenblatt is an American literary scholar and leading Shakespeare expert.
1356 (2012)
15+ historical fiction
Set during the Hundred Years’ War, the novel follows soldiers preparing for the Battle of Poitiers. Loyalty and brutality shape their journey. The story delivers vivid historical realism.
Bernard Cornwell is a British author renowned for historical novels.
We Dream of Space (2020)
10-14 historical fiction
Three siblings navigate family struggles while dreaming of space exploration. Set during the Challenger era, the story blends history with personal growth. It highlights resilience and hope.
Erin Entrada Kelly is an American author of award-winning middle-grade fiction.
These Violent Delights (2020)
14+ historical fantasy
A reimagining of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai. Rival gangs and political unrest fuel the conflict. Romance and danger intertwine.
Chloe Gong is a Chinese-New Zealand author of young adult fantasy.
The End of Average (2016)
15+ 155.82 — Individual differences / personality
The book challenges the idea of the "average" person. Rose argues for personalized approaches in education and work. It combines psychology and social science.
Todd Rose is an American researcher focused on individuality and human potential.
The House of Fortune (2022)
15+ historical fiction
Set in 18th-century Amsterdam, the novel follows a young woman seeking independence. Family expectations and secrets complicate her future. It explores freedom and ambition.
Jessie Burton is a British author known for historical fiction.
The Miniaturist (2014)
15+ historical fiction
A young bride enters a mysterious Amsterdam household. Miniature objects reveal unsettling truths. The novel blends history with suspense.
Jessie Burton is a British author known for historical fiction.
Confessions of Zeno (1923)
16+ literary fiction
A man recounts his life through unreliable confessions. Humor and psychology drive the narrative. The novel questions self-knowledge and truth.
Italo Svevo was an Italian modernist writer influenced by psychoanalysis.
The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
14+ mystery
A group of retirees investigate a murder involving stolen diamonds. Humor balances the mystery. Friendship and wit drive the story.
Richard Osman is a British author and television presenter.
Born to Run (2009)
14+ 796.42 — Running / track and field
The book explores endurance running and human evolution. It combines science, culture, and sport. Readers discover why humans are built to run.
Christopher McDougall is an American journalist and author.
Life Can Go Straight to Your Head Noggin (2019)
14+ Science Fiction
A teenager is cryogenically frozen and later revived, creating a speculative but plausible near-future setting. The core of the story is not the science itself, but identity, memory, grief, love, and growing up.
John Corey Whaley is an American author of young adult fiction.
Swimming (2017)
14+ literary fiction
A teenage swimmer struggles with identity and pressure. Competition reveals inner conflict. The novel focuses on ambition and self-worth.
Joanna Herson is a writer of contemporary young adult fiction.
Journeys to the Other Side of the World (2018)
12+ 910.4 – Travelogues, journeys, exploration narratives
This book recounts early expeditions and wildlife discoveries. Attenborough reflects on exploration and conservation. It inspires curiosity about the natural world.
David Attenborough is a British natural historian and broadcaster.
Everything Is Illuminated (2002)
16+ literary fiction
A young man travels to Ukraine searching for his family history. Humor and tragedy intertwine. The novel explores memory and identity.
Jonathan Safran Foer is an American novelist known for inventive storytelling.
What If? (2014)
13+ 500 - Natural sciences & mathematics
Absurd scientific questions are answered seriously. Humor meets physics and engineering. The book makes science approachable.
Randall Munroe is an American author and creator of xkcd.
Johnny Bunko (2009)
15+ 650.1 – Personal success in business / careers
A graphic-style career guide challenges traditional success ideas. It promotes self-direction and creativity. The book blends storytelling and advice.
Daniel Pink is an American author focused on motivation and work.
Cat’s Cradle (1963)
15+ literary fiction
A satirical novel about science and apocalypse. Dark humor drives its critique of human folly. The book questions morality and belief.
Kurt Vonnegut was an American novelist known for satire and science fiction.
A Study in Scarlet (1887)
13+ Mystery
Sherlock Holmes makes his debut solving a mysterious murder. Logic and observation guide the investigation. The novel established classic detective fiction.
Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer and creator of Sherlock Holmes.
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902)
13+ Mystery
Holmes investigates a supernatural legend on the moors. Suspense builds through atmosphere and mystery. Reason ultimately defeats fear.
Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer and creator of Sherlock Holmes.
We Are All Made of Glue (2009)
14+ literary fiction
An unlikely friendship forms between two women. Humor balances serious themes. The novel explores loneliness and kindness.
Marina Lewycka is a British novelist
Intellectual Character (2002)
16+ 153.15 – Thinking, cognition, habits of mind
The book examines habits that shape thoughtful learners. It focuses on character and mindset. Often used in educational settings.
Ron Ritchhart is an educational researcher specializing in thinking and learning.
The Story of Science (2005)
11-15 509 – History of science
A narrative history of scientific discovery. Complex ideas are made accessible. The book connects science to human curiosity.
Joy Hakim is an American author of educational non-fiction.
You Had Me at Hello (2012)
16+ literary fiction
A romantic comedy about friendship and missed chances. Humor drives emotional growth. The novel explores timing and love.
Mhairi McFarlane is a Scottish author of contemporary romantic fiction.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2006)
14+ literary fiction
A teen checks himself into a psychiatric ward. Humor softens serious mental health themes. The novel promotes empathy and hope.
Ned Vizzini was an American author and screenwriter.
Everything I Never Told You (2014)
15+ literary fiction
A family unravels after a daughter’s death. Secrets and expectations surface. The novel explores identity and silence.
Celeste Ng is an American author of literary fiction.
Two Red Shoes (2014)
14+ literary fiction
Set in a close-knit Australian community, the story follows a young girl confronting family secrets and emotional upheaval. Small moments reveal deep personal change. The novel focuses on identity and quiet resilience.
Vivien Kelly is an Australian writer of contemporary fiction for young readers.
Bad Girls Throughout History (2016)
13+ 920 – Biography
This illustrated non-fiction book celebrates women throughout history who challenged rules, expectations, and authority. Each short profile highlights courage, creativity, and resistance in different historical contexts. The book encourages readers to question stereotypes and recognise diverse forms of strength.
Ann Shen is an American illustrator and author whose work focuses on empowerment, creativity, and women’s history.
The Power of Geography (2021)
14+ 910 – Geography
This book explores how geography continues to shape global politics in the modern world. Marshall examines regions such as China, the Middle East, Africa, and the Arctic to show how borders, resources, and terrain influence power and conflict. The book helps readers understand current world events through a geographical lens.
Tim Marshall is a British journalist and foreign affairs analyst known for making geopolitics accessible to a wide audience.
The Song of Achilles (2011)
15+ literary fiction
This novel retells the story of Achilles through the eyes of Patroclus, focusing on their deep friendship and love. Set during the Trojan War, it combines myth, war, and personal loss into a tragic narrative. The book explores fate, heroism, and the human cost of glory.
Madeline Miller is an American author and former classics teacher known for reimagining Greek mythology in accessible literary fiction.
Together, Again (2019)
15+ literary fiction
This warm-hearted contemporary novel follows a group of women whose lives intertwine as they navigate love, loss, and second chances. As friendships deepen, each character confronts past disappointments and new beginnings. The story celebrates resilience, community, and the possibility of starting over.
Milly Johnson is a British author known for uplifting contemporary fiction that focuses on friendship, romance, and emotional healing.
Doctor Zhivago (1957)
16+ literary fiction
Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and civil war, the novel follows Yuri Zhivago, a poet and doctor torn between personal love and political upheaval. His private life is repeatedly disrupted by historical forces beyond his control. The book explores love, art, conscience, and the cost of ideology.
Boris Pasternak was a Russian poet and novelist, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his contribution to literary art.
Slavic Myths (2023)
14+ 398.2 – Myths & legends
This illustrated non-fiction book introduces readers to the gods, spirits, and folklore of Slavic cultures. Through myths and legends, it explores how stories were used to explain nature, morality, and human behaviour. The book provides cultural context while making lesser-known mythologies accessible and engaging.
Noah Charney is an American art historian and author who writes widely on culture, mythology, and history.
When a Crocodile Eats the Sun (2006)
16+ literary fiction
This memoir recounts the author’s return to Zimbabwe during the final years of Robert Mugabe’s rule. As Godwin cares for his aging parents, he witnesses political violence, economic collapse, and everyday resilience. The book blends personal story with sharp political observation.
Peter Godwin is a Zimbabwean-born journalist and author known for writing about African politics and identity.
Natural Causes (2018)
16+ 306.46 – Culture of health
In this thought-provoking non-fiction book, Ehrenreich challenges modern society’s obsession with health, longevity, and positive thinking. She argues that excessive self-monitoring can distract from living fully and engaging with the world. The book blends science, social critique, and sharp wit to question how we approach illness and mortality.
Barbara Ehrenreich was an American author and social critic known for examining health, work, and inequality through investigative writing.
The Closing of the Western Mind (2002)
16+ 190 – Modern Western philosophy
This non-fiction book examines how intellectual freedom in the ancient world narrowed with the rise of early Christianity. Freeman explores shifts in philosophy, science, and culture between the Roman Empire and the early Middle Ages. The book encourages critical reflection on how belief systems shape knowledge.
Charles Freeman is a British historian and author specialising in ancient history, philosophy, and religion.
The Shadow of the Sun (1998)
16+ 916 – Geography & travel of Africa
This non-fiction work is a collection of reports and reflections on life across Africa during periods of conflict and change. Kapuściński combines journalism with personal insight to portray political upheaval, colonial legacy, and human resilience. The book offers a nuanced and often challenging perspective on history and power.
Ryszard Kapuściński was a Polish journalist and writer renowned for literary reportage on global politics.
Another Day of Life (1975)
16+ 916 – Geography & travel of Africa
This non-fiction account documents the author’s experiences as a journalist during the Angolan Civil War. Kapuściński combines eyewitness reporting with reflective storytelling to capture fear, uncertainty, and moral complexity. The book offers insight into war, journalism, and human resilience under extreme conditions.
Ryszard Kapuściński was a Polish journalist and writer renowned for literary reportage on global politics.
The Soccer War (1978)
16+ 916 – Geography & travel of Africa
This collection of reportage examines conflicts around the world, including the brief war between El Salvador and Honduras sparked by a football match. Kapuściński uses vivid storytelling to show how political tension, poverty, and nationalism erupt into violence. The book highlights the fragile line between everyday life and war.
Ryszard Kapuściński was a Polish journalist and writer renowned for literary reportage on global politics.
The Emperor (1978)
16+ 916 – Geography & travel of Africa
This non-fiction book presents a portrait of the court of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia through the voices of former servants and officials. Their testimonies reveal how power, fear, and flattery sustained an authoritarian regime. The book serves as a broader reflection on dictatorship and the mechanics of absolute power.
Ryszard Kapuściński was a Polish journalist and writer renowned for literary reportage on global politics.
Shah of Shahs (1982)
16+ 916 – Geography & travel of Africa
This non-fiction work examines the fall of the Shah of Iran and the Iranian Revolution through reportage, reflection, and historical fragments. Kapuściński explores how absolute power, repression, and public discontent led to sudden political collapse. The book offers insight into revolution, memory, and the human experience of upheaval.
Ryszard Kapuściński was a Polish journalist and writer renowned for literary reportage on global politics.
Like a Thief in Broad Daylight (2018)
16+ 303.33 – Social change
This provocative non-fiction book examines ideology, power, and crisis in contemporary society. Žižek uses philosophy, politics, and cultural analysis to challenge how people understand freedom, violence, and capitalism. The book encourages readers to question comfortable assumptions about the modern world.
Slavoj Žižek is a Slovenian philosopher and cultural critic known for blending psychoanalysis, politics, and popular culture.
It Ends with Us (2016)
15+ literary fiction
This contemporary novel follows Lily Bloom as she navigates love, trauma, and difficult choices in her adult relationships. As her past and present collide, she must confront cycles of abuse and decide what kind of future she wants. The book explores resilience, self-worth, and the complexity of love.
Colleen Hoover is an American author known for bestselling contemporary novels that explore emotional relationships and personal growth.
The Prisoner of Paradise (2012)
15+ literary fiction
Set in Sri Lanka and Europe, this literary novel explores memory, displacement, and the lingering effects of political conflict. Through the life of its central character, the story reflects on exile, belonging, and the search for freedom. The narrative is quiet, reflective, and deeply concerned with identity.
Romesh Gunesekera is a Sri Lankan-born British author whose work often explores exile, memory, and postcolonial identity.
The Porpoise (2019)
15+ literary fiction
This literary novel reimagines elements of Shakespeare’s Pericles in a modern setting, weaving together themes of trauma, survival, and renewal. The story follows a young girl escaping abuse and the ripple effects of her journey across different lives. It explores storytelling itself as a way to make sense of pain and recovery.
Mark Haddon is a British author best known for writing both literary fiction and acclaimed novels for young readers.
Hocus Pocus (1990)
16+ literary fiction
This satirical novel follows an aging academic reflecting on his life, war experiences, and moral failures. Through fragmented narration, Vonnegut critiques war, bureaucracy, and the illusion of progress. Dark humor underscores the novel’s exploration of disillusionment and responsibility.
Kurt Vonnegut was an American novelist known for blending satire, science fiction, and moral philosophy.
The Rings of Saturn (1995)
16+ literary fiction
This literary work blends travel writing, history, memoir, and fiction as the narrator walks through the English county of Suffolk. Along the journey, reflections unfold on memory, destruction, exile, and the passage of time. The book is contemplative and fragmentary, inviting readers to make connections across history and personal experience.
W. G. Sebald was a German-born writer whose work is known for its unique fusion of fiction, history, and photographic memory.
Silent Spring (1962)
15+ 363.73 – Environmental problems
This influential non-fiction book exposed the environmental damage caused by the widespread use of chemical pesticides. Carson explains how these chemicals harm ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, arguing for greater responsibility and regulation. The book helped launch the modern environmental movement.
Rachel Carson was an American marine biologist and writer whose work transformed public awareness of environmental issues.
When Breath Becomes Air (2016)
15+ 920 – Biography
This memoir chronicles a neurosurgeon’s journey after being diagnosed with terminal cancer at a young age. Kalanithi reflects on medicine, mortality, and what gives life meaning when the future becomes uncertain. The book blends science, philosophy, and personal narrative with clarity and compassion.
Paul Kalanithi was an American neurosurgeon and writer whose work explores the intersection of medicine, ethics, and human meaning.
High Fidelity (1995)
15+ literary fiction
This novel follows Rob Fleming, a record-store owner obsessed with music and his failed relationships. Through humor and self-reflection, Rob examines love, commitment, and emotional immaturity. The book explores identity, masculinity, and the stories people tell themselves.
Nick Hornby is a British author known for witty, character-driven novels about relationships, music, and modern life.
Five Feet Apart (2018)
13+ realistic fiction
Five Feet Apart is a young adult novel about two teens with cystic fibrosis who fall in love but must stay physically apart to protect their health. As they navigate hospital life, strict rules, and their growing feelings, they are forced to choose between safety and emotional connection. Emotional and heartfelt, the story explores love, loss, and what it truly means to live.
Rachael Lippincott is an American author best known for the young adult novel Five Feet Apart, which explores love, illness, and emotional resilience.
Replica (2021)
14+ dystopian
Replica by Lauren Oliver is a science-fiction novel about a girl who discovers that she may be a clone created by a powerful research corporation. As she uncovers the truth about her identity, she questions what makes someone truly human. Suspenseful and thought-provoking, the book explores ethics, memory, and individuality in a near-future world.
Lauren Oliver is an American bestselling author known for young adult novels that explore identity, memory, and emotion, including Delirium and Before I Fall.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2012)
14+ realistic fiction
This is a darkly funny yet emotional novel about a high school senior who befriends a classmate with cancer, learning unexpected lessons about friendship and empathy
Jesse Andrews is an American author and screenwriter best known for Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, a novel that blends dark humor with emotional realism about friendship and loss.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2007)
10+ historical fiction
The Invention of Hugo Cabret is an illustrated novel about an orphan boy living in a Paris train station who uncovers a mystery linked to a broken automaton and early filmmaking.
Brian Selznick is an American author and illustrator best known for creating richly illustrated novels like The Invention of Hugo Cabret that blend visual storytelling with historical fiction.
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