Laughter is the Best Ending starts with a funeral. Our narrator is there, in the church, having an uncontrollable fit of the giggles. “Inappropriate” she hears you say? Well yes, but what follows is a highly entertaining explanation.

Zee is perfectly happy with her life. She loves watching documentaries in her room and reading, especially Oscar Wilde’s Picture of Dorian Gray. Her mother, however, has different ideas, and this Summer Zee has been enrolled at Camp Youth Fusion. Her mother promises it’s not awful or involves singing around a camp fire. Zee will make new friends and anyway it had a 4.5 rating on Google – what more could a kid ask for? Plenty thinks Zee, who has reluctantly agreed to try it out.

The camp is set in bushland with a wire fence surround the grounds – for blocking escapee campers, and bizarrely, a cheery Elvis character and an ex-barista with a man bun. Things aren’t looking good. It is run by Madame Augustus who dresses like she works in a corporate office and who exudes an iron will.

The first night is kicked off with a slightly inappropriate game of Murder in the Dark and they must form groups of four. Zee pairs with the beautiful Tiffanee, (yes two ees) and then twins Jonah and Moses. They are determined to solve the murder but stop in their tracks when Madame Augustus calls an emergency meeting. One of the kids has gone missing and all of them must stay around their chalets until the staff find him. Zee decides they will find young Kwame first and after collecting supplies, the super sleuths set off.

Maryam Master has given readers a great mystery. The story is told through the voice of Zee who loves big words, takes no nonsense and has a sensible head on her shoulders. Jonah and Moses are complete opposites and a comedy act of their own. Tiff, an influencer with 30,000 followers is suffering from social media withdrawal but is handy in an emergency. Dame Viv is a delight and teaches the children about life with humour and kindness. This engaging story is beautifully enhanced by the illustrations of Astrid Hicks. Characters come alive and image jokes and different fonts all create a fast paced, un-put-downable story. The themes of friendship, not judging people by their appearance, working together and finally death are all here for readers to enjoy. Readers who liked Shower Land by Nat Amoore or the Prometheus High series by Stuart Wilson will love this book.

For Ages: 10 – 14 years

Number of Pages: 272

Published: August 2024 Pan Macmillan

Themes: Friendship, dying, working together, being non-judgemental

Purchase here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761560132/

Remy Lai has changed gear with this new novel. Gone are the softer pastels and friendly faces of Ghost Story. They are replaced with hard edges and sharp lines drawn in black, white and red. Read at Your Own Risk is written in diary style by the main character, Hannah. Along with her friends Mabel, Brian and Lisa, she skips assembly and goes up to the school’s supposedly haunted attic to play “Spirit of Coin”. They haven’t even finished the game when things go horribly wrong. Hannah suffers a series of disasters and must find out how to make it all go away. Each ‘accident’ gets worse as the days go by. How will Hannah outwit the spirit?

Remy Lai’s book is an easy read, so it will be great for reluctant readers. But, due to the plotline and a possible gruesome death at the hands of an evil spirit, this book suits the upper end of Middle Grade and even a bit older. Lai’s illustrations are great and fit the mood of the book beautifully. Themes of resilience, fear, perseverance and friends are all here. Kids that don’t take fright easily and have a bit of a dark sense of humour will love this ghostly adventure.

For Ages: 10 - 14 years

Number of Pages: 160

Published: August 2024

Themes: Resilience, friends, supernatural

Purchase here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Remy-Lai-Read-At-Your-Own-Risk-9781761180934

Welcome to Canberra circa 1975. Kim and his very smart, know-all, younger sister Eila, live with their parents on an experimental farm. The Basalt family live a natural life, tending plant beds and hot houses with everybody included in the chores. Kim’s best friend Bernie lives just down the hill with her little sister Madir and their busy executive parents.

One night as the four friends are sitting by Lake Burley Griffin, Eila surprises them all by walking into the water and picking up a strange orb. It’s the size of a basketball and glows. But more than that, it seems to be invading their minds. Kim and Bernie try to separate Eila from the ball and have to fight off its controlling voice. Eila refuses to put the ball back, insisting “Aster” is just on Earth to learn. Strange things start happening and Kim has to figure out how to stop Aster. This is turning into a real-life Dungeons & Dragons game, the same he plays with Bernie, Theo and Tamara but with seriously bad consequences.

Garth Nix has given Middle Grade readers a wonderfully eerie story. I don’t know if it’s because it’s set in 1975, but it has the feel of those great old Sci-fi movies. You can picture the glowing orb shooting out jets of light trying to take over the world. Kim’s character who always worries, must lead his friends to overcome the hold Aster has on not only Eila but others in the community. The descriptions of the weird orb and its power create a fast-paced adventure that will keep readers thoroughly wrapped up in the tale. Garth Nix’s sense of humour can be spotted throughout the narrative, especially at the end. Readers who enjoy Dungeons & Dragons battles will be able to immerse themselves in between the pages of this novel, as will, those who love creepiness and mind-altering aliens.

For Ages: 9-13 years

Number of Pages: 256

Published: October Allen & Unwin

Themes: Sci-fi, family, friendship, bravery, siblings

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/we-do-not-welcome-our-ten-year-old-overlord-by-garth-nix-9781761180491

11-year-old Maddy lives at a different pace to the rest of her busy, high-achieving family. They’re out the door super early while Maddy prefers a slower approach and, with her best friend Gusto, a cheeky pug, she takes her time getting to school. Together they visit the neighbourhood dogs, bringing them treats and belly rubs.

When Gusto disappears Maddy is frantic. Her family help to look for her but give up far too quickly as far as Maddy is concerned. Roaming the streets herself, trying to figure out where Gusto could have gone, Maddy comes across a big, hairy dog who looks lost as well. She reaches out to pat him and is bitten. That’s when things get interesting. By some strange anomaly, Maddy can understand what the dog is saying, and he can understand her. It’s crazy and amazing at the same time. Together Maddy and Chompsky make a deal to help each other out.

Queen of Dogs is a Middle Grade novel that champions loners and those who don’t fit to a common mould. Maddy’s character has been abandoned by her best friend, must contend with super talented siblings and parents who are unable to handle a child who moves through the world with a different step. The pressure of keeping up, paying attention and looming scholarship exams weigh heavily on Maddy but with Gusto who is loyal and fun, she can get through her days. Seeing the world through Maddy’s eyes gives readers an insight into what many of the quiet people in our lives experience. It’s also a book that shows the wonder of talking with dogs – something every dog owner would love to do. Along with the mystery of disappearing dogs, baddies and bold exploits, this book will be enjoyed by many readers.

For Ages: 9+ years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: June 2024 Walker Books

Themes: Family, loneliness, friendship, mystery

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/queen-of-dogs-by-joe-weatherstone-9781760658588

Oscar Mattick has two problems. One, his neighbour is trying to kill him, and two, he is in love with the most popular girl in Year 7. Combine this with a special necklace and a burglary at his Grandpa’s old shop and you will find yourself in a crazy, roller coaster ride through Oscar’s life.

Mr York, next door, is continually launching dangerous objects at Oscar – anything from woks, lawn mowers, shoes or sharp cutlery. Whenever Oscar tries to report him to the police he is dismissed as a kid just making up stories. And meanwhile, at school, Maddie, Oscar’s friend tries to help him get noticed by Tiffany. Oscar believes that if he gives her a necklace her was left by his late Grandpa, she will fall for him.

Oscar is a loveable character. The narrative is seen through his eyes which gives the reader front row seat view of Oscar’s world. His friends, enemies and family are all beautifully portrayed through dialogue and the inner thoughts of Oscar. Humour is used to convey the themes of bullying, friendship and family loyalty in this enjoyable story. Readers who enjoy a strong but vulnerable main character, action and quirky characters will love this book.

For Ages: 8 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 304

Published: August 2024

Themes: Family, Relationships, friends, bullying

Purchase here: https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/book/9781760657857/

The Riding Gallery captures a moment in Australian history. World War I is just about to start and Anton Weniger has nearly finished his dream project. He arrived in Australia in the late 1890s and bought with him the knowledge and enthusiasm for merry-go-rounds. Now, as a naturalised Australian he has made his home in St Kilda. He has gathered parts from around the world, the steam engine is assembled, and an automotive expert has agreed to put it all together. Anton has only ever wanted to see the joy and laughter on children’s faces as they ride his extraordinary merry-go-round or riding gallery.

Evelyn has just moved to St Kilda with her family and is so excited about Mr Weniger’s new riding gallery. She forms a friendship with her next-door neighbour Rory, and together they spend the summer playing at the beach. When war with Germany is declared, Rory’s brothers sign up and anti-German sentiment begins to rise.

Sally Murphy’s new verse novel is an imagining of a real-life event. Written from three points of view, it explores each character’s reaction and feelings when war comes to Australia. It heralds a time when Australia no longer existed in isolation but joined the world stage and in a sense lost some it her innocence and spirit.

The illustrations by Martina Heiduczek capture the emotions of the characters and the feeling of the era beautifully. The newspaper reports are interesting as well. They were created using words from actual news reports and constructing ‘found poems’. Readers who enjoyed novels like Little Wave by Pip Harry or historical fiction like 11 Ruby Road will be drawn into this small-town story that encompasses so many themes and raises interesting questions about loyalty, family, friendship and war.

For Ages: 8 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 176

Published: July 2024 Walker Books

Themes: War, friendship, prejudice, family

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/the-riding-gallery-by-sally-murphy-and-martina-heiduczek-9781760657345

Nicolette is a quiet, shy girl who has trouble making friends. She spends her school days avoiding the bully DJ, side-stepping the mean, popular girl, Layla and hiding in the library at lunchtime. Her best friend is her Nanna who she visits every afternoon at her nursing home. Together they do jigsaw puzzles and tell stories. Nicolette’s mum is very busy and never comes to visit Nanna after a falling out. Nanna calls her new home Alcatraz.

Nicolette loves her teacher Ms Skye and is always keen to do the best she can with the projects she sets the class. When she introduces a new task called the Kindness Project Nicolette is excited. This changes quickly when Ms Skye sorts the class into groups. Nicolette can’t believe it when she is put with DJ, Layla and the new kid, Leaf. How are they going to collaborate when they don’t get on?

Her life gets even more stressful when she is banned from visiting her beloved grandmother. The seemingly ‘good idea at the time’ escape from Alcatraz with Nanna for a day by the sea went terribly wrong. Nicolette is devastated and is constantly worried about her. Concentrating on thinking up a theme for their project and with the deadline looming, the four disparate students discover that not all people are as they seem.

Deborah Abela has given readers a story that could be called - how to read below the surface of personalities and that communication is so important in relationships. This verse novel, seen through Nicolette’s eyes is beautifully structured with strong characters, each of whom have something they struggle with and must overcome. DJ, Layla, Leaf and Nicolette are all people that readers have come across at school or their neighbourhoods and books like this are a great way to let them know they are not alone.

Readers who enjoyed The Riding Gallery by Sally Murphy, Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer or Little Wave by Pip Harry will love this new addition to the genre.

For Ages: 8+ years

Number of Pages: 336

Published: May 2024 Puffin Books

Themes: Friendship, dementia, teamwork, anxiety

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/the-kindness-project-by-deborah-abela-9781761340185

15-year-old Esme Rogers struggles with life. Her parents are disappointed that she is only participating part-time at school and spends far too much time working in a milk bar. Her older sister, Ro, is the superstar of the family; pretty and smart. Esme knows she’s not pretty, not slim, not smart and has no friends, but when she’s in her beloved milk bar she’s at her happiest.

A girl called Amy approaches Esme and wants to help her be happy and popular and create a whole new look. But changing your outside doesn’t change your inside and that’s where it counts. When Amy leaves, Esme is devastated and her self-esteem plummets even further. She is dealt a final blow when Mrs Choi, the owner of the milk bar, tells her she and her husband are retiring and the milk bar will be sold.

With the help of Aster, Xavier, Indigo and new friends from the milk bar, Esme tries to save her only happy place. In the process, she discovers more about friendship and family and herself than she had ever imagined possible.

Kate Gordon has given upper Middle Grade readers an insight into the damage negative self-talk can do. Esme’s perception of herself and those around her, is clouded by her parents controlling and non-supportive attitude. Her shyness turns her away from others and comparing herself to those around her, rather than seeing her true self, is something valuable she learns during the course of this journey of self-discovery. Esme is slowly drawn out by friends and others from the small-town community. Her relationship with her sister also changes and it just possible that things may work out.

Readers who enjoyed Aster’s Good Right Things and Indigo in the Storm, will love this exploration of another character in this series companion.

For Ages: 11-15 years

Number of Pages: 192

Published: March 2024 Riveted Press

Themes: Self-esteem, friendship, belonging, family

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9780645869316

It all started with an experiment that didn’t exactly go wrong, but it did have unforeseen consequences. Alex had set up a stunt involving a banana skin and a cactus – as you can imagine – it didn’t end well. The video of her father flying through the air and landing on the cactus went viral on TikTok.

 While Alex’s sister Tish, took their dad to hospital, Alex took Patti their dog for a walk. And that’s when the fun began. Alex meets an alien on a mission to get A+++ for his project on Earth Leadership. Hi, who has an unusually strong interest in footwear, tries to interview various leaders to find the ideal combination of advice and practicalities.

 This sets off a series of events that culminate in a fabulous concert by a band who has been silent for so long and whose singer also answers an unsolved question on planet Wendy.

Fiona Katauskas has given Junior Fiction readers an exploration of friendship, family, collaboration and cartoons, all wrapped up in a highly entertaining story filled with her great graphics. Although the story starts with a classic “Take me to your Leader” line, it evolves into a playful tour of personalities and what makes a good leader. There are interesting side jokes referring to the pronunciation of Hi’s real name and those of his family, an intriguing question of what dogs actually talk about and pages of images that make you smile out loud.

For Ages: 7 - 11 years

Number of Pages: 272

Published: July 2024 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Friendship, working together, family and fun

Purchase here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Fiona-Katauskas-Hi-From-Outer-Space-9781761069260

Nolan Hawker lives with his mum in a caravan park. He’s used to moving around as his mum has to find work wherever she can. He’s also used to being the new kid in the school and has honed his fitting-in skills well. While daydreaming and staring out a window, Nolan spots three strangers prowling through the school grounds. They look dangerous and are heading for a Grade 1 classroom. Nolan acts quickly.

After foiling the intruders’ plan, Nolan is approached by a mysterious stranger and given a scholarship to a very exclusive school. His mum is under the impression it’s a very grand private school and is happy for him. Nolan is told what The Peak actually does. It educates and trains spies. There is a threat in the world and its name is Swarm.

When Nolan arrives at an unnamed destination he is thrown into a wild curriculum of learning flying, deception and code breaking. But somewhere in the school there’s a double agent – someone who wants to destroy The Peak and all it stands for. Who can Nolan trust and how much time does he have before it’s too late?

Jack Heath’s Spy Academy – The Peak, is a page turner right from the very beginning. It has everything a middle grade reader could want. As an appealing protagonist, Nolan is smart and loyal, with a spirit that will not give up. It’s wonderful setting of a mysterious academy built inside an artificial mountain where the characters are forced into secrecy and forbidden to leave, adds to the tension that flows through the story. The gadgets Nolan has to master are great and he has to use his new-found knowledge of psychology and anatomy to solve the question of who the spy among the spies is. The themes of loyalty, friendship, bravery and belonging are all found in this wonderful page-turner. Readers who enjoyed Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider series will love this book. The next in the series, Doomsday, will be out in August 2024.

For Ages: 10 + years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: February 2024 Scholastic Australia

Themes: Friendship, loyalty, bravery, belonging.

Purchase here: https://shop.scholastic.com.au/Product/100130966

Basti Scull is not sure if she is Lodyma Darsey’s apprentice. She could also be called servant or adopted child. Lodyma is a Witnesser of Miracles who investigates unusual happenings and once they are deemed incredible, she weaves the event into a glorious story which she tells at the night markets.

Basti has an old polaroid camera to produce photographic evidence of the miracles. She also takes photos of everyday things. Things like the joy on children’s faces or acts of kindness. She doesn’t tell Lodyma about these pictures, they are just for her, to remind her that life can be “sweet”.

Lodyma and Basti live together in a village of mainly women and children. A great sickness comes and goes across the land is fatal to men. They have gone to live in the mountains where they are safe. Basti lost all her family and when Lodyma’s husband and eldest son died, she sent her younger son away to keep him safe. She hasn’t heard from him since.

One day, two boys come to Lodyma and say she is needed at the monastery. Basti and Lodyma head off and when they get there they are given something that will change their lives forever.

Bren MacDibble has given Middle Grade readers another fabulous book. She has created a world where a future society has adapted to the ravages of climate change and a sickness that forces them to live away from men. The main character and narrator is Basti, an 11-year-old orphan. Her voice is simple, at times kind and always entertaining. Her view of the world and the way she tries to interpret it are endearing and genuine. The descriptions of how the people live and recycle and interact with their environment give a picture of hope in a world of disastrous mistakes. The themes of family, environmental change, belonging, kindness and hope all are seen in this great novel. Readers who liked How to Bee (Bren MacDibble) or Honey and the Valley of Horses by Wendy Orr will enjoy this glimpse into future possibilities.

 For Ages: 9-13 years

Number of Pages: 256

Published: April 2024 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Family, belonging and the environment.

Purchase here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Bren-MacDibble-The-Apprentice-Witnesser-9781761180781

12-year-old Sam has a few things going on in his life. Firstly, he sees himself as the kid with the crazy hair – which happily makes him look taller. His fro may not fit under his school hat and it may get too much attention from his nemesis Boot, but it’s the only part of him that came from his “Black African father”.

Sam has never met his father and he is fine with that. His main problem at the moment is trying to complete his “Who am I and Where do I come from” assignment. His teacher, Mr Peacock, is hassling the class to create eye-catching and thought-provoking pieces. He especially encourages Charlee, a first nations student, to embrace her heritage.

While Sam ponders his own heritage, his mum springs a surprise on him that changes everything. His dad, from South Africa is here and would like to meet him.

Anton Clifford-Motopi has given readers a humourous insight into identity. People’s preconceptions and society’s ideas on self, are challenged in a way that gives an understanding from a different point of view. The themes of identity, family and blended family are used here to create a fun novel for Middle Grade readers.

For Ages: 8-12 years

Number of Pages: 304

Published: March 2024 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Identity, family and friendship

Purchase here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Anton-Clifford-Motopi-To-and-Fro-9781761180378

Kip and his family have moved to a new town so his father can sell his fresh produce at the local market. His school, Verity Harbour High, is proving an education in itself. The canteen provides delicious non-PC food, but Kip’s parents insist he eats fresh foods, especially now he has been diagnosed with Diabetes. His friend Reggie loves the food at the canteen and like nearly all of the students, eats there most school days. Kip’s only companion during lunch time is Lucille whose Nona provides her with wonderful Italian meals.

Kip begins to notice odd things happening at the school. Apart from the creepy headmaster, Mr Ridley (who keeps on calling him Chip), Kip sees that at times his fellow students seem to fall into a trance. They accomplish great test results and swim faster than Kip has seen. And then there’s the schools PA system, it seems to hum and crackle and tick in a weird way.

When the township starts experiencing a series of burglaries and strange creatures are captured on home security cameras, Kip, Lucille and Reggie decide to investigate. Little do they know it will lead to an all-out monster battle that they may not survive.

Leo Baker has created an action-packed adventure. The characters are beautifully formed and walk, or rather run, across the pages with humour, bravery and solid friendships. Kip’s voice is real and his interactions with his friends, family and even his enemies are crafted in a way that endears you to each and every one. The showdown near the end of the book is epic and full of nail-biting moments that leave the reader breathless. The novel explores themes such as family, belonging, disability and friendship. Middle Grade readers who enjoy Tristan Bancks books will love this action-packed novel.

For Ages: 8-12 years

Number of Pages: 260

Published: April 2024 Loaf Books

Themes: Family, belonging, friendship and disability.

Purchase here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/tuckshop-terrors-leo-baker/book/9780646823867.html

Terry Clegg and Basil Beedon are not naturally two boys who’d become friends. Terry is sporty and Basil, bookish. So, when Basil’s father arranges for him to help Terry with his reading, both boys prepare for some seriously boring Saturdays. Terry brings along the first book he grabs from his grandmother’s book shelf which happens to be The Complete Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm, and that’s when it gets anything but boring.

The boys are drawn into the fairy tale land that lies behind every story. The administrative hub of all things fairy tale-ish. Yunions, princesses and meandering VAGUELYs. Hansel has disappeared, and Gretel must find him before morning when the wicked witch is scheduled to be pushed into the oven. Each fairy tale, she explains, runs through from start to finish on an endless loop and nothing must change or there’ll be untold trouble. The boys and Gretel embark on a hunt for Hansel, hoping they will find him in time. They meet characters from different stories and see them in a totally different light to their usual personas.

Annaleise Byrd has created a delightful imagining of what lies behind the well known and loved, world of fairy tales. Basil and Terry who are opposites in every way, realise friendships are not based on preconceptions and that together they make a great team.

This is a fun adventure that readers who enjoyed Spellhound by Lian Tanner and The Fix-It Princess by Janeen Brian will love.

 For Ages: 8-12 years

Number of Pages: 135

Published: March 2024 Walker Books Australia

Themes: Friendship, family, fantasy

Purchase here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/losing-the-plot-annaleise-byrd/book/9781760656409.html

Dorothy McIntyre and her family have just moved to 11 Ruby Road in South Brisbane. It is 1900 and life is very different from today. Dorothy, one of six sisters, lives beside a general store they have taken over for their elderly relative, Auntie Mildred. After exploring her home, Dorothy encounters a stray dog she names Ruffes who introduces her to a new friend, George.

Life falls into a comfortable pattern where the girls who are old enough, walk to school and after, do their chores and homework. Dorothy doesn’t like school, she finds it a waste of time that drags her away from her writing. She decides she’d like to be an actress, rather than marry like her older sister, Florence. So, when she starts writing a play during school time, her teacher is pushed to breaking point.

Along with her friend George Lin, Dorothy writes a play and tries to persuade children to take part. It is here that she encounters prejudice with regard to her friendship with a Chinese boy and her wish to become an actress rather than marry. Traditional roles and beliefs were strongly held at this time. Australia in the 1900s, was in many ways different. The Suffragette Movement was gaining momentum, racism abounded and the traditional roles for men and women were entrenched.

Charlotte Barkla has captured an era in our history where change was just on the horizon. Women gained the vote in NSW in 1902 and this was said to herald new and different times. The themes covered in this novel, family, racism, the Suffragette movement and finding your niche, have a bitter-sweet feel. It was a time of so much hope, and things did change, but some things stayed the same. This is a great book to use to spark conversations around racism, women’s rights and conventional roles. I love an historical fiction novel, I think most readers do. This is an insight into a time where change was just around the corner and society had a chance to put things right.

 For Ages: 8 - 11 years

Number of Pages: 181

Published: March 2024 Walker Books Australia

Themes: Family, friendship, Suffragette movement, racism and community

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9781760657949

In this latest instalment, Friday’s mum has been arrested for espionage and along with Ian and Melanie, Friday needs to sort it out – fast. Working for Interpol in Paris, Friday herself has unfortunate encounters with the police which hinder her race to Switzerland and CERN to find answers as to why her extremely vague physicist mum is in jail.

Melanie orchestrates an incredible make-over for the three of them, so they can travel to Switzerland undetected by the police. Friday, now a bleach-blonde with a nose ring, tries to ignore the seriously uncomfortable feelings she is having whenever she thinks about her beloved cardigan and hat.

When they reach their destination, the girls find that Ian is missing which only adds to the confusion and unsettling danger surrounding their investigation. After sending out a call for help to find Ian, Friday and Melanie continue on with their work, hoping to clear everything up quickly.

With the help of the Ms Dekker, the lawyer representing CERN and therefore most of Friday’s family who work there, Friday works her way through a number of inter-connecting mysteries surrounding the important scientific research facility. What has caused the collider to malfunction? Where has a priceless Raphael drawing disappeared to? Where is Ian? Who is smuggling grapes out of the country and who pays for a graffitied tablecloth?

R.A. Spratt has given readers another fast-paced, entertaining, mystery adventure. Her style is a wonderful combination of intellectual, literary slapstick which draws the reader into a world of crazy possibilities and totally endearing characters. Enjoy!

For Ages: 11+ years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: February 2024 Puffin Books

Themes: Family, adventure, science

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/friday-barnes-12-collision-course-by-ra-spratt-9780143779254

James Greenaway’s world is turned sideways when his mum and dad tell him they’re getting a divorce. He hadn’t seen it coming and now he must live between two houses; shuttled back and forth during the week. The uncertainty and the constant change of plans as they all settle into a new life, is really, really hard to handle. He longs for the past when everything was great. He remembers a hiking trip, and a birthday party – times when they were all together having fun.

When he meets Yan, a girl who reads long out-of-date computer manuals, he believes he may have at last found a friend. Roscoe, his bullying nemesis, is giving him strife and his parents seemed to have lost the plot. Even the fun times he spends with the school secretary arranging the school baking competition, are tainted by a number of parents fighting over which cake they want to bake. Yan is calm, enigmatic and she has an interesting theory about time travel. James wants to go back, and Yan proposes an experiment.

The characters in this cleverly interwoven story all have parts of their lives that aren’t going well, and their inability to change themselves leaves them stuck. Marr casts a light on social integration, self-confidence and nostalgia with the themes of family, friendship and living in the moment all coming together to create yet another captivating Middle Grade novel.

For Ages: 8 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: January 2024 Puffin Books

Themes: Family, friendship and acceptance

Purchase here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/countdown-to-yesterday-shirley-marr/book/9781761340598.html

Grace McKellon loves magic. It’s the one thing in her life she can depend upon. She knows it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but then again, neither is she. School is something to be endured, along with a seriously troubled relationship with her mum. Gran is the only person she truly enjoys spending time with.

When Gran is given a terminal diagnosis, Grace steps up to be her main carer. It’s not something most high school kids would put their hand up for, but Grace’s mother can’t be relied on and neither can her Uncle Mike.

During this unsettling time, Grace is approached by a fellow student with a business proposition. Grace agrees to get a TikTok following and perform at kids’ parties to make some cash. As her followers grow, Gran’s health declines. Grace must juggle making TikTok content, caring for a dying woman, dealing with an alcoholic mum and dreams that haunt her about the car accident where she was the sole survivor.

Barry Jonsberg has given readers an exploration of grief, survivor guilt, family and the power of believing. Strong themes of assisted-dying and trauma are played out here in a way that is realistic and sensitive. His characters are so well formed that you’d wish you had a Gran as feisty as Grace’s and a friend as steadfast as Simon. Grace herself is strong and brave but at breaking point. She trusts no one and as she wades through her life, she begins to realise that trust runs both ways.

For Ages: 11 – 14 years

Number of Pages: 272

Published: January 2024

Themes: Family, resilience, guilt and self-belief

Purchase here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Barry-Jonsberg-Smoke-&-Mirrors-9781761180750/

Nettie Sweeny lives on a dairy farm with her dad and three sisters. Her Aunt Edith, who looks after the household, is a cranky, no-nonsense old bat who is obsessed with peas. Nettie has a good life, filled with animals, family and friends, but she is missing something very important – a mother. Her own died when she was born, and she feels a longing for something she has only ever read about in books.

When her father remarries, life changes for the better. The house is filled with laughter, fewer rules and no disapproving frowns. Aunt Edith returns to her own home and the Sweeny family becomes complete with the arrival of baby Billy.

When tragedy strikes, everyone’s world becomes a small place where they need to tip-toe around the huge hole in their lives. Grief becomes a constant burden that creates dark, dark clouds that threaten to break them all. Nettie comes up with a plan to try and fix the tragic situation. Will it work?

Katrina Nannestad has created an incredible picture of a simpler time in our history. It’s the early 1950s and Nettie’s world is filled with imagination, elaborate games and creative play. When a harsher reality seeps into her idyllic life, she must try to help her broken family. Silver Linings, (both the title and the major theme of the novel), can be found in every situation if you look hard enough. The narration by young Nettie is so delightful; she is the voice of innocence with a strong belief in right and wrong, even though she sometimes struggles choosing the right path to follow.

This gentle story about the balance of happiness and grief in all our lives is an uplifting story. Those who enjoyed books such as Runt by Craig Silvey or Picasso and the Greatest Show on Earth by Anna Fienberg will love it.

For Ages: 11 -13 years

Number of Pages: 304

Published: November 2023

Themes: Family, grief and resilience

Purchase here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/silver-linings-katrina-nannestad/book/9780733342257.html

Friends Will, Dar and Juno live in a town that seems to have given up hope. It was meant to be new and shiny and the perfect replacement for the dilapidated Scarborough. The old town was flooded, a damn built and a new beginning was underway. Unfortunately, the dream never came a reality and now Will and his mum, are stuck in Scar Town, weighed under by financial chaos and a failing business. They must also live with the heavy burden of unanswered questions about Will’s father’s disappearance seven years ago.

The damn is leaking and as the water level lowers, a house in the old township is slowly revealed. Will and his friends decide to explore the ruin and discover things that will change their lives forever. As well as answering some important questions.

Told in first person from Will’s point of view, readers are drawn into a life that just about struggles through. Will and his mum, along with Pops and Uncle Monty, exist without much joy. When the catalyst hits, family relationships, friendships and personal misconceptions are thrown into disarray. Tristan Bancks has given Middle Grade readers a real page-turner, with characters that are very relatable. The themes of family, loyalty, friendships and social attitudes are all played out in this great thriller.

For Ages: 10 - 13 years

Number of Pages: 256

Published: August 2023 Puffin Books

Themes: Family, friendship and ethical decisions

Purchase here: Scar Town by Tristan Bancks