Books published by publisher Walker

From the multi-award-winning author of A Monster Calls comes a haunting tale of power and obsession that turns the story of Moby Dick upside down. "Call me Bathsheba." The whales of Bathsheba's pod live for the hunt. Led by the formidable Captain Alexandra, they fight a never-ending war against men. Then the whales attack a man ship, and instead of easy prey they find the trail of a myth, a monster, perhaps the devil himself... With their relentless Captain leading the chase, they embark on the final hunt, one that will forever change the worlds of whales and men.

It had happened before. Burnt Mountain, Alaska. Novosibirsk, Siberia. Now it is about to happen to a thriving city. A city with a population of 1.3 million. All of whom will be wiped out in a blink. Unless it can be stopped. Teenagers Tane Williams and Rebecca Richards hold the key to stop the destruction. A message from the future. A message that cannot be ignored. Tane and Rebecca must act – and fast. The survival of the human race depends on it.The Tomorrow Code is a time-bending science fiction thriller from bestselling and award-winning New Zealand author Brian Falkner. This action-packed novel for young adult fiction readers was short-listed for both the 2009 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Award and the LIANZA Junior Fiction Award. For more gripping YA books from Brian, read Brainjack, The Project and the Recon Team Angel series. To learn more, visit the author’s website: http://www.brianfalkner.com/“A tautly constructed plot. Fast-paced and all-too-realistic. This techno-thriller offers gearhead ecowarriors everything, including a hugely satisfying ending … Exciting and thought-provoking, it will raise awareness of serious issues as it entertains.” Kirkus Reviews“The Tomorrow Code is clever sci-fi for 12 to 15 year olds. It is fast-paced and exciting, similar in parts to Matthew Reilly’s writing … 4/5 stars.” Bookseller+Publisher“Falkner crafts a solid thriller in which immunology, ecological depredation, and Maori culture all play significant roles … with an ending that will leave readers waiting with fingers crossed.” Booklist“The action scenes are dramatic, the message decoding is intriguing, and the underlying pro-ecology message of respect for the Earth (or else) is timely.” School Library Journal“An exciting, complex, high-energy read, with a fast-paced plot that makes it hard to put down …” Judges’ report, New Zealand Post Book Awards“The writing style of The Tomorrow Code is engaging, direct and easily accessible … Could easily keep twelve to fourteen year olds reading very late into the night. A fine example of the young adult disaster genre, to be enjoyed by young readers discovering disaster texts, as well as those already familiar with the genre.” Viewpoint“Brian Falkner’s main characters and the rapid pace makes The Tomorrow Code an enjoyable action-thriller.” The Sunday Age

Paul Faustino, South America's top sports writer, sits opposite the man they call El Gato – the Cat – the world's greatest goalkeeper. On the table between them stands the World Cup... In the hours that follow, El Gato tells his incredible story – how he, a poor logger's son, learns to become a World Cup-winning goalkeeper so good he is almost unbeatable. And the most remarkable part of this story is the man who teaches him – the mysterious Keeper, who haunts a football pitch at the heart of the claustrophobic forest...

Ashala Wolf has been captured by Chief Administrator Neville Rose, a man intent on destroying Ashala’s Tribe – the runaway Illegals hiding in the Firstwood. Injured and with her Sleepwalker ability blocked, Ashala is forced to succumb to the machine that will pull secrets from her mind. And right beside her is Justin Connor, her betrayer, watching her every move.The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is the first book in a thrilling new dystopian series by Indigenous Australian author Ambelin Kwaymullina. With a dollop of adventure and a dash of romance, it will grip young adult fiction readers from the first page. In 2012, this novel was short-listed in both the Science Fiction and Young Adult categories of the Aurealis Awards. Find out what happens next in The Disappearance of Ember Crow (Book 2) and The Foretelling of Georgie Spider (Book 3). Join The Tribe at http://www.thefirstwood.com.au/“The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf sets itself apart. It is a bitingly clever dystopia, highly imaginative. Where other books fall flat, this one stands out as a startling contemporary example of the dystopian genre … Ambelin Kwaymullina draws thoughtfully on dream, myth, and human nature to create this bleak alternative reality, and her book is utterly compelling.” – Australian Book Review“It is superbly written and is highly recommended ... If I was a fortune-teller I'd predict that this book will be a major success with young adult readers.” – Magpies“Highly recommended. For readers who love dystopian novels, or even those whose appetites are becoming jaded with the plethora that abound at the moment, The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf opens up a new dimension in excitement and thought-provoking themes in this genre.” – ReadPlus“This first teenage novel from an Indigenous author gives The Hunger Games an Australian run for its money … The writing is supple and confident and Ashala is an inspiring role model.” – SA Weekend“The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is a darn-good yarn. Kwaymullina offers a heartfelt Eco-Dystopian, with a simultaneous guessing-game plot as Ashala’s interrogation reveals the layers of her memory … Kwaymullina leaves Ashala (and readers) not on the precipice of a cliffhanger, but standing on the threshold of a daunting new world that is so intriguing and dangerous, readers will be counting down the days until they can return to Firstwood and Ashala’s Tribe.” – AlphaReader“Need something different to read, something that’s more than just your average YA dystopian? Then find yourself a copy of The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf and discover your own sanctuary and place to feel safe, your own connection to the land you walk upon, and a debut young adult novel like no other. The Tribe is waiting; they need your support.” – Book Probe“There is a wonderful sense of emotional connection to the land through Ashala which really appealed to me. While the thriller aspects of the story keep the pages turning, Ashala’s need to have a connection with her past and with her surroundings as well as her need to be true to herself and those she loves adds a real depth and thoughtfulness to the novel.” – Kids Book Review“An intriguing mix of dystopian society and fantasy with a Dreamtime twist … A fascinating and enjoyable read, both complex and nuanced.” – The Intrepid Reader

Some surprising news sends Timmy Failure on a hilarious caper as the New York Times best-selling series continues.Behold! You are all about to be witnesses to greatness.In this fourth volume of Timmy Failure’s memoirs, Timmy is forced to hit the road in a cross-country trip that includes Timmy’s mom, Total the polar bear, Doorman Dave, and smells-like-a-tangerine criminal mastermind Molly Moskins. It’s a world gone mad, where good becomes bad, and Timmy Failure is a condemned man.Someone call the authorities. . . .

When her grandfather dies, Tamar inherits a box containing a series of clues and coded messages. Out of the past, another Tamar emerges, a man involved in the terrifying world of resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Holland half a century earlier. His story is one of passionate love, jealousy and tragedy set against the daily fear and casual horror of the Second World War. Unravelling it will transform the younger Tamar's life...

Having escaped from Hong Kong, the Five Gatekeepers – Matt, Pedro, Scott, Jamie and Scarlett – are scattered in a hostile and dangerous world. As they struggle to re-group and plan their next move, the malevolent King of the Old Ones gathers his forces in Oblivion: a desolate landscape where the last survivors of humanity must fight the ultimate battle.

Billy Elliot meets Glee! in this award-winning book about a small-town boy with big ambitions. Thirteen-year-old Nate Foster has always wanted to star in a Broadway show. (In fact, he’d settle for seeing a Broadway show.) With best pal Libby’s help, Nate plans a daring overnight escape to New York. There’s an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical, and Nate knows this could be the difference between small-town blues and big-time stardom. Tim Federle's hilarious and touching debut is full of broken curfews, second chances and the adventure of growing up – because sometimes you have to get four hundred miles from your back garden to finally feel at home.

Sixteen-year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of a car while her mother fills her prescription. Before Cheyenne realizes what has happened, the car is being stolen from the car park. Cheyenne is not only sick with pneumonia – she is also blind. Griffin, the teenage driver, hadn't meant to kidnap her – he was just stealing a car for the gang. But once Griffin's dad finds out that Cheyenne's father is the president of Nike, everything changes – now there's a reason to keep her. Will Cheyenne be able to survive this harrowing ordeal, and escape? And if so, at what price?

Ned Kelly was a thief, a bank robber and a murderer. He was in trouble with the law from the age of 12. Yet, when Ned was sentenced to death, thousands of people rallied to save his life. He stood up to the authorities and fought for what he believed in. He defended the rights of people who had no power. Was he a villain? Or a hero? Black Snake is a non-fiction book for young adult readers by award-winning Australian author Carole Wilkinson. Part of the history series The Drum, it was an Honour Book at the 2003 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Awards. Carole is most well-known for the internationally bestselling series Dragonkeeper. Her other novels include Stagefright, Sugar Sugar and the junior fiction Ramose series. Carole can be found online at: www.carolewilkinson.com.au “With Black Snake, Carole Wilkinson turns her hand from historical fiction to factual reportage, retelling the familiar story of the Ned Kelly legend … Through her consummate research and a deep empathy with the characters which she has resurrected, Carole Wilkinson has that rare ability to bring the past to life. Recommended.” Magpies magazine “Carole Wilkinson takes the reader beyond the surface of the Ned Kelly legend ... She brings the story alive through the everyday life and struggles of this unlikely hero ... Wilkinson leads readers to ponder how Ned became an Australian icon in an accessible text which consummately uses fact and fictional reconstructions to achieve its purposes.” CBC Book of the Year Judges' Report 2003