Books with author Christopher Norris

Violence in the media is a major topic of debate, and video games are often at the center of these debates. Are they too violent? Does playing a violent video game have any impact on a young person becoming violent themselves? Readers are encouraged to form their own answers to these challenging questions and to back them up with facts from the enlightening text. A detailed graphic organizer, vivid photographs, and helpful fact boxes are also included to guide readers as they explore the many facets of this controversial issue.

Valentine Orphanet had an fairly ordinary life until one grey day she saw that advert in a newsagent's window. "Position of employment offered for a researcher/assistant in the field of occult resolution." It seemed more interesting than basic paperwork and filing, but no where did it say anything about exposure to witches, gnomes, Fae, creatures of the night or vampires that share our world with us without our knowledge. We think we sit firmly upon the apex of the Earth's hierarchy pyramid, it came as some surprise to Valentine to find out we were not. Valentine is not always up to speed with her employment routines but she thought that a short spell in hospital may offer her a chance to rest and at least a bunch of grapes from Mr Xanthic, her employer who was a demon in meetings and a demon in pretty much all things he did. Instead of fruit when Mr Xanthic did pay a visit he brought with him a bloodied knife and a list of instructions. Children are being preyed upon in their hospital ward. Young girls have been going missing from small villages across the country. Cattle are being mutilated and left strung across pathways. Demonic rituals in cleaning cupboards. Witches are abroad. And somewhere an Angelic librarian is baking very bad cakes. Someone needs to find out what's happening and if possible bring everything to a satisfactory conclusion. All in a weeks work for Valentine Orphanet, all 13 days of it.

'Funny, gritty, absorbing.'—Kirkus'This Australian import has already made waves overseas and is now coming to captivate the States—Christopher Currie's writing has already been compared to John Green, if that's any indication. It feels realistic, opting for an honest portrayal rather than the glossed-over version of teenage life, friendship, family, and love.'—Bustle'A compelling coming-of-age story set in a dead-end Queensland town that's imbued with warmth, empathy and real wit... Clancy of the Undertow blends the excruciation, confusion, and hope of being a teenager into a novel that will pull in readers of any age.'—GuardianRealistic contemporary teen fiction about the value of friendship, family, and being yourself.Clancy is a bit of an outsider, and her family have stopped bothering to really communicate with each other. But when her dad is involved in a car accident that kills two local teens the town turns against her family. Clancy's family has to work out how to understand the events, deal with the anger of the community and tackle their own challenges.Funny and wry, Clancy perfectly conveys the confusion and hope of being a teenager. An insightful novel about growing up and figuring out who you are, this will appeal to fans of John Green.Christopher Currie is a writer and bookseller, whose fiction has appeared in anthologies and journals internationally. His first novel, The Ottoman Motel, was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Prize and the Queensland Literary Awards in 2012. Clancy is his first YA novel.

Police officers work hard to keep people safe, and they’re well-known helpers in our communities. Readers explore the basic question of what police officers do at work. Along the way, they learn fun facts about laws, police cars, and even police dogs! This career is popular among young readers and a staple in curricula geared toward early learners. Detailed photographs of police officers on the job were chosen to align with the accessible text, allowing readers to strengthen their reading comprehension skills. Vocabulary development is also aided by a picture glossary, featuring clear photographs of new terms.