Say Cheese by Mary Blakeslee

This is definitely a girly book and focuses on the issues of fitting into a new school, friendships and peer pressure. Fifteen year old Granada (Granny) has just returned to Canada to attend Fineacre High after many years of studying at an exclusive school in Switzerland. She initially has trouble settling in, and is faced with further trouble when she sets her sights on Steve Williams, the editor of the school newspaper Fi High Speaker, and who is under the constant watch of his girlfriend of three years, Lonnie Kaye Borgnine. Granny is so infatuated with Steve that she lies about her photography skills to gain a place on the newspaper. There are a few fiascos to start off with, but after spending many hours studying the art of photography with her father who is  renown for his accomplished photojournalism, she starts to gain Steve's appreciation and attention. Gary, the guy in charge of the photography section, is not so easily impressed, and like Kaye, it seems he is out to make her life miserable. Thank goodness for her new friend Maureen who is there to offer advice, and support her through the tricky situations. On the home front, Granny is trying to develop a relationship with her new step mother Judy and help out with the energetic five year old twins Trixie and Trina. Judy firmly believes they are destined to be great child models.  

The Simple Truth About Love by Bradley Trevor Greive

If you enjoyed Greive's The Blue Day Book, you will most like enjoy this little book too. In fact, there are quite a number of his books in our little classroom library now. They are great for lifting the spirits and can be read within one of two quiet reading sessions. The black and white photos along with the quirky texts will bring a smile to your face.

Country Wisdom by Jim Conquest

This is a beautiful coffee table type book with captivating photos of rural Australia by photographer Jim Conquest. As the title implies, it contains little gems of wisdom. I have uploaded a couple of images to give a feel for the book.

Keeping an eye on the neighbours' place

Seek life's hidden treasures

The Darkroom by Gerard Ross and Steven Woolman

If you like the Goosebumps series then this book will most likely appeal to you.The Darkroom could be classified as light horror. The reader can see that something threatening is coming through the whole story, but is surprised by what. The central character is thirteen year old Annie and we follow her as she gradually discovers the secret of her dead father's camera. He had told her, before he died, that a good photographer and a good camera could look into people's souls. Annie gradually unravels the hidden secret of his old camera and discovers how caught up in the mystery she is. The ending certainly leaves the reader thinking.This book could easily be read in one sitting and is appropriate for 12-14 year olds