The metropolis of New Crobuzon sprawls at centre of its own bewildering world. A stranger has come, with an impossible demand, and something unthinkable is released. Soon the city is gripped by an alien terror. The urban nightscape becomes a hunting ground and a reckoning is due at the city's heart, in the vast edifice of Perdido Street Station.

The adventures of Desperaux Tilling, a small mouse of unusual talents, the princess that he loves, the servant girl who longs to be a princess, and a devious rat determined to bring them all to ruin. Ages 9+. Winner of 2004 Newbery Medal.

It's a perfect world, where everything looks right. But ugly truths lie beneath the surface!

Jolly is 17 years old and has two children from two absent fathers. She can't cope and so advertises for a babysitter. Verna LaVaughn replies to the advertisement and takes the first steps towards building her own future. Jolly, slowly, follows in her footsteps.

Every year, Trinity School runs a chocolate sale. Each boy volunteers to sell a quota of boxes. But this year it's different, because new kid Jerry Renault has refused to take part. This small act of defiance starts a chain reaction exposing the corruption running throughout the school.