Item category 1: Quick Reads

Faraday, Australia is a laid-back town. Nothing ever happens there. Until one day an armed gang bursts into a classroom in the town's small school. What will happen to Craig, his teacher and his classmates?

One of a series of titles that follows Billy Kool and his friends Nathan and Sally as they participate in a range of extreme sports for a reality TV show. The strong central theme of each story is combined with sub-themes that draw on real life, and the mix of genres will appeal to young readers.

Jono didn't mean to buy an alligator - it just sort of happened. Now his mum is going to kill him - if the alligator doesn't get there first!

It is 1571 and Venice's colonies in Cyprus are under threat. The forces of the Holy League sail to meet the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean. On board the ship The Angel of Venice is young Venetian boy Luca, torn between the excitement of the sea and precious ties at home.

Original stories from Fanny Blake, Elizabeth Buchan, Rowan Coleman, Jenny Colgan, Philippa Gregory, Matt Haig, Veronica Henry, Andy McNab, Richard Madeley and John O'Farrell - with special anniversary recipes from The Hairy Bikers.