HERizon Reading Reflection Collection
Last updated: September 2026
HERizon Reading Reflection Collection
The HERizon Reading Reflection collection has been designed to encourage reflective and intellectually challenging reading for capable and talented students across Years 7-12. Divided into two evolving collections – Years 7-9 and Years 10-12 – the selected texts aim to extend students beyond surface-level reading experiences and invite engagement with complex ideas, perspectives and, ultimately, to see something of themselves reflected in the pages.
What Does the Collection Include?
The collection includes a balance of fiction and non-fiction texts spanning classic literature, contemporary fiction, memoirs, philosophy, psychology and social commentary. Some texts have been recommended directly by members of the College community, while others have been informed by wider reading and research into the lives of highly capable young people, including the work of gifted education researcher Judith Wynn Halsted.
Importantly, the Reading Reflection is not intended to function as a competitive reading challenge. Instead, it gently encourages students to read thoughtfully, choose texts that genuinely interest or challenge them and reflect on ideas that resonate personally. Many of the selected books offer representations of capable and talented girls (and boys) in an effort to expand our communities understanding of gifted and talented people and their various perspectives.
Years 7-9 Collection
The Philosophy Book by Dorling Kindersley (2024)
This is an introduction to the history of philosophical thought, covering major thinkers such as Plato, Kant and Nietzsche alongside key themes like knowledge, reality, ethics and justice.
The text has been included because it encourages higher-level thinking by introducing complex, abstract ideas in a structured and approachable way. It supports the development of critical reasoning, independent thought and intellectual curiosity, while also linking to wider areas such as history, literature and social studies.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (2016)
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is the memoir of William, a Malawian boy who, facing severe drought and poverty, teaches himself how to build a windmill to generate electricity for his family and village. Drawing on books from a local library, William learns the principles of science and engineering and applies them creatively using scrap materials. The book explores themes of resilience, innovation, education and the power of determination in the face of significant challenges.
The text has been included because it offers readers an inspiring example of problem-solving, perseverance and independent learning in a real-world context. It encourages curiosity about science and technology while also fostering empathy and global awareness by highlighting issues such as inequality and access to education.
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac (2006)
This historical novel is based on the true experiences of Navajo Marines who used their language to create an unbreakable code during World War II. Told through the perspective of a young Navajo recruit, the story explores his journey from a boarding school — where he was discouraged from speaking his native language — to becoming a vital part of the U.S. military effort in the Pacific. The book highlights themes of identity, cultural pride, resilience and prejudice.
The text has been included because it challenges readers to think critically about history, culture and the power of language, while also promoting empathy and a broader understanding of diverse perspectives. In recommending this book for gifted readers, Halsted (2009) highlights “Bruchac’s passion for preserving native languages… and [his] love of language and peoples” (p. 371) as key to extending capable students understanding of heritage, language and culture.
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan (2014)
Counting by 7s is a contemporary novel that follows Willow Chance, a highly intelligent and unique 12-year-old girl who sees the world in patterns and numbers. After the sudden loss of her adoptive parents, Willow must navigate grief, change and unfamiliar social situations. Through her relationships with a diverse group of people, she begins to build a new sense of family and belonging.
The text has been included because it offers readers a thoughtful exploration of emotional intelligence alongside intellectual ability, highlighting how giftedness can shape a student’s experience of the world. It encourages empathy, self-reflection and an understanding of different perspectives, while also presenting a complex, character-driven narrative that challenges readers.
Dune by Frank Herbert (2015)
Dune is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where noble families compete for control of the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of a valuable substance called spice that is essential for space travel and power. The story follows Paul Atreides, a young nobleman whose family is betrayed, leading him into exile among the planet’s inhabitants, the Fremen. As Paul adapts to life in the harsh desert, he grapples with destiny, leadership and the consequences of power.
The text has been included because it encourages exploration of themes such as power, responsibility, environmental sustainability and cultural perspective, while developing the ability to engage with complex world-building and abstract concepts. Its depth and interdisciplinary connections make it particularly valuable for advanced readers who are ready to engage with demanding and thought-provoking literature.
In the Dark Spaces by Cally Black (2017)
This text follows Tamara, a human girl captured and raised by alien beings known as the Necurons. Living aboard their ship, she has been taught to suppress her humanity in order to survive, until she discovers new human captives and begins to question everything she has been told. As Tamara struggles between loyalty to her captors and her own identity, the story explores themes of power, control, identity and what it means to be human, set against a tense and atmospheric futuristic backdrop.
The text has been included because it offers readers a challenging and thought-provoking narrative that explores complex ideas about identity, ethics and perspective. The novel’s psychological depth and exploration of belonging and autonomy make it particularly valuable for advanced readers ready to grapple with sophisticated themes and nuanced character development.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2012)
This fantasy novel is centred on a mysterious, magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who have been bound since childhood to compete within an extraordinary travelling circus that appears only at night. As they develop increasingly complex and enchanting displays of magic, their rivalry becomes complicated by an unexpected emotional connection.
The text has been included because it engages readers with its sophisticated narrative structure, vivid imagery and exploration of complex themes such as choice, destiny and artistic creation. It encourages careful reading, interpretation and appreciation of language. Recommended by our own Head of Theatre Arts Jodee Lambert, she described it as “always surprising. You felt better after reading it, like a secret that only you knew about. It was challenging and thoughtful on every page.”
Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (2020)
This dystopian novel is set in a post-revolutionary world where dragons are bonded to riders from all social classes, rather than just the elite. The story follows Annie and Lee, two young dragon riders who grew up together after a violent uprising that overthrew the old regime. As they compete for leadership within their new society, they are forced to confront their pasts, their loyalties, and differing views about justice, power and equality.
The text has been included because it challenges readers to engage with complex ethical and political questions. It encourages critical thinking about leadership, fairness and the consequences of historical change, while offering rich opportunities for discussion and debate.
The Book of Everything by Guus Kuijer (2006)
This is a poignant and thought-provoking novel set in post-war Amsterdam, following the life of nine-year-old Thomas. Living in a strict and often frightening household dominated by his father’s religious authority, Thomas begins to see visions and imagine a different, kinder world. The story explores themes of bravery, belief, control, imagination and the power of kindness in the face of oppression.
The text has been included because it invites readers to engage with complex emotional and moral issues in a sensitive and accessible way. It encourages deep reflection on themes such as courage, justice and personal belief, while supporting the development of empathy and critical thinking.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty (2019)
This is a contemporary novel about Lucy Callahan, a young girl who gains extraordinary mathematical ability after being struck by lightning. Now a maths genius, Lucy has been homeschooled and struggles with social interaction and anxiety. When her grandmother insists she attend middle school for one year to learn basic life skills, Lucy must navigate friendships, bullying and the uncertainty of stepping outside her comfort zone.
The text has been included because it offers more-able students a relatable portrayal of intellectual ability alongside social and emotional development. It encourages empathy, self-reflection and an understanding that strengths in one area do not remove challenges in others.
My Dreamtime by Ash Barty (2023)
This memoir reflects on the life and career of this Australian tennis champion, from her early experiences in sport to her rise to world number one. The book highlights her dedication, resilience and strong connection to her Indigenous heritage, as well as the importance of family, culture and personal balance. Barty also shares her decision to step away from tennis at the height of her success, offering insight into what it means to pursue happiness beyond achievement.
The text has been included because it provides an inspiring real-world example of determination, identity and personal integrity. It encourages reflection on success, wellbeing and staying true to one’s values, while also promoting cultural awareness and respect for diverse perspectives. The book supports the development of resilience and self-awareness, making it a valuable addition for students who are developing both intellectually and personally.
Years 10-12 Collection
Orbital by Samantha Harvey (2024)
Orbital offers readers a rare kind of intellectual experience built around reflection and observation, as opposed to action or competition. Set aboard the International Space Station, the novel follows a group of six astronauts as they orbit Earth, quietly contemplating time, humanity and connection.
This text has been included for those students who enjoy thinking deeply, philosophically and sitting with complex ideas. The astronauts in the novel are among the most capable individuals in the world, yet the book deliberately avoids presenting excellence as loud or performative. Rather, it is steady, calm, thoughtful and deeply human.
Laurinda by Alice Pung (2014)
Laurinda follows Lucy Lam, a scholarship student navigating the complex social and academic world of an elite girls’ school. Through Lucy’s sharp observations and reflective narration, the novel explores friendship, belonging and the often-unspoken pressures that can exist for those of high ability.
The text has been included because it offers readers a nuanced exploration of school culture and identity. Alice Pung captures the subtle dynamics of competition and social positioning with warmth and insight, while also examining what it means to remain authentic in environments shaped by prestige and performance.
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialised World by David Epstein (2019)
The common idea that success depends on early specialisation and a narrow pursuit of expertise is destabilised in Range. The research, case studies and stories drawn from sport, science, music and business, David Epstein argues that many highly successful people benefit from exploring broadly, trying different paths and developing knowledge across multiple domains before specialising later.
The text has been included because it offers an important counterpoint to the pressure many capable and talented young people may feel to have their future planned early. The book encourages readers to value curiosity, adaptability, creativity and interdisciplinary thinking and invites our students to think differently about their learning.
Celine by Brock Cole (2003)
Celine follows an unusually perceptive and independent adolescent girl as she navigates family tensions and autonomy. Through sharp characterisation and psychologically complex storytelling, Brock Cole presents a protagonist who sees the world differently and responds to it in unconventional ways.
Endorsed by Judith Halstead’s research as an example of how a “talented high school girls deals gamely, without pretention or illusions, with the realities of daily living” (2009, p. 443), the text has been included to offer readers a thoughtful exploration of individuality and the challenges that can accompany intellectual and emotional intensity. The text will reward mature readers willing to engage deeply with character, perspective and the complexities of belonging.
Eat, Sweat, Play: How Sport Can Change Our Lives by Anna Kessel (2020)
Anna Kessel’s non-fiction sport commentary draws on research, interviews and personal experiences to examine the barriers that have historically limited girls and women’s participation in sport. This text has been included because it encourages students to think more broadly about achievement, health and personal growth beyond academic contexts alone.
Recommended by our own Director of Sport Jon Smedley, who has described it as a “thought provoking read for anyone with even a passing interest in sport, but particularly teenage girls as the book empowers them to remain active, confident and proud participating in sport. The author challenges many of the stereotypes and barriers girls commonly face in sporting environments, while notably promoting positive body image and strong female role models.”
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly (2016)
This text, adapted into a highly successful movie of the same name, tells the remarkable true story of the African American women mathematicians whose work was critical to the success of NASA during the Space Race. This text has been included because it highlights the importance of curiosity, expertise, collaboration and determination in the pursuit of innovation.
Recommended by Languages Teacher Anne Ashby, who said of the book that it’s a “compelling and inspiring read that brings to life the true stories of brilliant women whose expertise in mathematics and science helped shape one of history’s greatest achievements. It offers powerful role models and encourages girls to see their own potential to lead, innovate and make meaningful contributions to the while, while encouraging critical thinking about equity and opportunity.”
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847)
One of the most enduring novels in English literature, Bronte’s narrative follows the journey of an intelligent and fiercely independent young women as she navigates loneliness, injustice, education and morality. The novel to this day offers enduring portrayals of resilience, integrity, ambition and the tension between our individual desires and the social expectations around us.
It is a text of remarkable psychological depth, being one of a plethora of reasons for its inclusion. Bronte’s writing rewards patience readers and ones who pay close attention, while Jane herself remains one of literature’s most compelling protagonists. For our readers, we hope they see her immense talent and intellect, and how she navigates the world with a determination to remain true to herself.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown (2014)
Essentialism explores the idea that in a world filled with constant demands and distractions, it is often more valuable to focus deeply on a smaller number of meaningful pursuits. Through practical examples and clear frameworks, Greg McKeown shows how thoughtful prioritisation is not about lowering standards, but about making intentional choices about where time, energy and effort are best directed.
Included as an accompanying piece to Range, this text would suit those capable and talented students who may experience the pressure to overcommit, to continually say yes, and to achieve across all areas. It is a text that encourages us to think carefully about balance, focus and what genuinely matters to these readers.
Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace (2023)
Never Enough explores the growing pressure many young people experience in high-performing environments, particularly the feeling that achievement and external validation are tied to self-worth. Drawing on research, interviews and contemporary examples, Wallace’s accessible and thought-provoking text provides an insight into the delicate balance of ambition and wellbeing.
This text has been included because it encourages our students to think critically about the culture surrounding success, performance and ambition. Rather than arguing against hard work or excellence, the book asks important questions seeking to achieve balance amidst high aspiration.
Breakout by Paul Fleischamn (2005)
Following 17-year-old Del as she breaks out from her latest foster home only to become stuck in a traffic jam, this narrative is both ambitious and unusually structured narrative. Recommended in the research on gifted readers by J. Halstead, which she views “more clearly as a work of creative art than most novels, and it demands more of its reader” (2009, p. 451).
The text has been included because it challenges readers to think about storytelling, identity, perspective and the way experiences can be transformed through art. Blending traditional narrative with moments of theatre in Del’s future ‘One-Woman-Show’, this piece may appeal to the most creatively curious among our community.