The Book of Wondrous Possibilities is one of those books that needs to be kept on nearby bookshelves, close at hand, to give to friends who feel the world is just a bit too big for them to explore. It is the story of Arlo who lives with his Uncle Avery in his book shop. He has a friend called Herbert who is a mouse, and Arlo believes that the world he has discovered inside the bookshop is all he needs. He was bullied at school and has had to face the devastating death of his mother.

 When he meets Lisette, or rather when Lisette crashes into his shop begging for a hiding place, Arlo’s life is set on a course that will change him forever. Lisette delivers a parcel to him from his mother. It is a girmore — a magical book with fairy tale stories that come true. His mother has written one about Arlo and his adventures to save a princess locked in a high tower.

 As Lisette is homeless, due to her building being condemned and her grandmother dying, so she stays with Arlo and his uncle while they try to discover what exactly is going on with the building where she and her grandmother lived. The evil Silas Grey has something to do with it and his boss, Marcellus Preston, must also be responsible for all the bad things that are happening in the city.

 They meet Viola, Marcellus’ daughter and ask for her help. Viola lives in a mansion with her father and is home schooled. She rarely leaves the house and is fiercely protected by her father’s love. Viola would like to escape and mix with other children but her father is worried they may taunt her because of her limp. Viola broke her leg so badly as a small child that even after numerous operations she still has one leg shorter than the other. Her father blames himself and swears he will keep her safe no matter what.

 Deborah Abela has created a world full of characters that you either want to form a cheer squad for, or boo so loudly they disappear in a puff of smoke. Arlo is a boy who has been knocked around in his life and as a consequence has lost any confidence he once had. Lisette is a fiercely loyal character whose determination and encouraging attitude help guide the other characters along. Uncle Avery and Professor Griselda are delightful and Silas Grey, a truly evil man. Marcellus Preston lives in a bubble of yearning for perfection, his wealth protecting him from the realities of life. His young daughter Viola, is the embodiment of kindness and faith in oneself.

 Together these characters move through the story inviting readers on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Courage, friendship, loyalty and betrayal are all interwoven through the narrative, giving the reader a ringside seat.

 For Ages: 8 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: August 2022 Penguin Random House Australia

Themes: Friendship, family, acceptance and self-confidence.

Purchase here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-book-of-wondrous-possibilities-deborah-abela/book/9781761044021.html?dsa=s1-east&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn4XMpY2J-wIVTyUrCh0yDgULEAAYASAAEgKGcPD_BwE

The Stand In is a contemporary YA novel about family, appearances and loyalty not only to yourself but to others. Lena is a top student at an exclusive boarding school where her fees are paid by the man who protects both her and her mother. He is a criminal business man from the same village in Poland as her mother and her aunt, who feels responsibility to provide for them in payment for a favour that saved his life.

 Lena’s mum and her sister, who Lena is named after, had tried to escape poverty and been lured to Amsterdam with promises of jobs and a better life. Sadly, this was not the case and as a consequence they found themselves pregnant and in danger. Lena’s aunt and her baby died and her mum and baby Lena were rescued by Marek Krol and taken to London. When mum’s health deteriorated he moved her to Brentonwood Hall where she could be looked after and paid Lena’s school fees at a school nearby.

 A new girl, Millie, starts at the school and she is shocked when she meets Lena. She says she is the spitting image of her friend Saskia and arranges a meeting between the two girls. By this stage Lena is worried about more than looking like a random girl. Their benefactor has been extradited back to Poland and she doesn’t know how long her mother’s care is paid till. She must make some money so her mum stays safe and well.

 Saskia, who is the daughter of a scary London based gangster Bram Tassel, suggests a business arrangement to Lena. Lena will impersonate Saskia at some family gatherings while she goes off to have some fun elsewhere. She will be paid very well to be Saskia’s stand in and the thousands of pounds will pay for Lena’s mother’s care.

 And so begins a series of social occasions that create a delicious, watching a train wreck kind of atmosphere. Can Lena manage her business relationship with the self-centred, manipulative Saskia? Is she up to something and how far will she go to get her own way? A J Rushby creates a great juxtaposition of characters here. Both girls have troubled family lives and the criminality of their male protectors is a factor that is dealt with very differently by their two very contrasting personalities. The tension and implied violence in this YA novel grow to a crescendo as the reader nears the end. Will everyone survive the catastrophic trajectory Saskia has set them on? The twist at the end not only adds to the stakes, but enhances the differences between the girls. It’s a thoroughly good read.

For Ages: 14+ years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: October 2022 Scholastic Australia

Themes: Family, violence and loyalty.

Purchase here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-stand-in-a-j-rushby/book/9781761290558.html

Runt is one of those books that makes you feel good inside. It’s the story of Annie Shearer, who likes to fix things and her quest to help save her family property from the clutches of a greedy, unscrupulous neighbour. Upson Downs is a small town that is shrinking even more because Earl Robert-Barren is intentionally blocking the flow of water through the area. Earl is a collector of things. He doesn’t necessarily need the things or even want to use them, he just has an unnatural desire to own them.

 Annie and her dog Runt, have a special bond. Because Runt spent the first part of his life dodging people trying to catch him, he is incredibly agile. He can work his way around any set of obstacles so quickly and with such ease, it’s a thing of beauty to watch. There’s just one catch – he will only ever do these feats of wonder just for Annie. If there is any kind of human audience he sits and doesn’t move, no matter what commands Annie tries.

 One day Annie overhears her parents discussing their double overdraft, and along with the threats from the horrible neighbour, she decides she must try and fix the situation. Also, in her spare time, she is trying to fix the drought and general lack of water by rebuilding her grandfather’s Rainmaker. She enters Runt into a regional agility course competition and against the odds, he wins. This means they are eligible to enter the Agility Course Grand Championships at Krumpets Dog Show in London.

 Annie has a seemingly overwhelming mountain of obstacles in the way of her dream. The cost of the airfare and accommodation in the UK, beating the wildly confident Fergus Fink and his whippet, Chariot and most of all, the audience. How will she and Runt manage it? Will her parents be able to keep the farm? Will the nasty Earl Robert-Barren stop harassing everyone?

 Craig Silvey’s middle grade novel is a lively tale of determination, family relationships and man’s best friend. I loved the references to Annie’s name, Shearer, and her family’s sheep herd, “Krumpets”, the famous British dog show and Earl the robber baron, oops, sorry, Robert-Barren. The illustrations throughout the book, by Sara Acton, are cheerful pictures that take the reader straight into the story. The little black and white vignettes add so much to the narrative. This is a gentle adventure with a positivity flowing through it that is instantly refreshing. The characters of Earl and Fergus, the dishonest and ruthless badies give a lovely counter balance to the positivity and enduring kindness of the inhabitants of Annie’s world. This is a must read for all gentle souls.

 For Ages: 8+ years

Number of Pages: 352 Hard back edition.

Published: October 2022 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Friendship, challenges in life and being yourself.

Purchase here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Craig-Silvey-Runt-9781761067846

Berani, which means Brave, is a story about standing up for what you believe in. Malia lives with her Canadian mother in Indonesia. Her beloved Indonesian father has died and Malia and her mother will soon move back to Canada so she can finish her schooling there. She comes from a life of privilege and uses a class project at her elite school to build awareness of habitat decimation by the palm oil industry. Her online petition, signed by hundreds of fellow students, gets her into big trouble at school and with her family. Her teacher has been suspended and may lose her job if Malia doesn’t apologise.

 Ari lives with his uncle and while having the opportunity to go to school, he must work hard at the café his uncle owns as well. The little eating house is popular as it has two attractions. A parrot called Elvis Presely who sings and an orangutan called Ginger Juice who lives in a small cage. Ari knows he is lucky. His cousin Suni, who is smart and would so love to go to school, can’t because the families can only afford to send one child to school — he is a boy and Suni is a girl, so she doesn’t get to go. Ari hasn’t visited his family for a long time partly because he feels guilty for being the one given the opportunities.

 When Ari and Malia’s paths cross, Ari is handed the petition Malia has been working on. It explains that animals left homeless by humans exploiting the forests, should at least be re-sheltered and given the chance to be released back into the wild. It also explains that keeping animals like orangutans as pets is illegal. Ari is spurred on by this and is determined to persuade his uncle to let Ginger Juice be released into the care of one of the rescue teams. He contacts Malia and together the plan Ginger Juice’s rescue.

 Michelle Kadarusman’s novel is about the environment and animal cruelty. It is also about how we perceive ourselves, where we fit in our own world and the need for individuals to stand up and participate in debates about the things they believe in. Malia, Ari and Ginger Juice all have voices that need to be heard and take the reader on their own journeys. Ginger Juice’s voice in particular, is so sad and bewildered that it breaks your heart. Readers will enjoy this story about self-belief and tenacity.

 For Ages: 8 – 12 years

Number of Pages: 224

Published: August 2022 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Self-belief, environmentalism, belonging

Purchase here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/berani-michelle-kadarusman/book/9781772782608.html

What a wonderfully spooky adventure this is! Corpse is a ghost who has fashioned a body for herself out of candle wax, seaweed and shells. She lives with her friend Simon, a Huntsman spider, on “the-rock-that-doesn’t-exist”, that sits in a bay near “the-town-that-nobody-visits”. Corpse shares the rock with three witches, Gorflunk, Scraggleknee and Worse Witch. They know she exists but have never quite managed to catch her and dispose of her forever.

 Corpse can perform some simple spells to help her survive, but all of them depend on the sparkling ore that comes from the Spellspring on the rock. Unfortunately, this ore is running out and from the moment Corpse is told by a fading ghost she must escape the-rock-that-doesn’t-exist and find a treasure that was stolen from her, she is catapulted into an action-packed race to find it before the witches. She is helped by her lost but now found, friend, Girl, a fellow ghost. Corpse and Girl must be on their guard and dodge the evil witches, avoid Death Proper, outwit the double-dealing Merchant and outrun killer skeletons.

 Reece Carter has created an incredibly rich world for Corpse to inhabit, full of characters so easily realised due to words filled with humour and imagination. As Corpse races through her adventure, the reader is swept along with her on a wave of creepy characters and fearsome situations, all of which she needs to overcome. Corpse’s voice is endearing as she tries to work her way through her complicated life with mostly only a spider for company. Her insights into her circumstances and the possibility of finding her own personal history draw in the reader and invites them to join her in her quest.

 The illustrations by Simon Howe are wonderful. The drawings of Corpse, graveyards and the occasional mushroom (my personal favourite thing to see) are detailed and suit the narrative perfectly with danger sitting alongside hints of hope. The last picture in the book is one of my favourites. Reece Carter’s Corpse is a character that will become a cherished friend as the series continues.

For Ages: 8- 13 years

Number of Pages: 352

Published: October 2022 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Friendship, family and fortitude

Purchase here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-girl-called-corpse-reece-carter/book/9781761066788.html?dsa=s1-east&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsOa1x8P3-gIVbJlmAh0P6QoTEAAYASAAEgLD9vD_BwE

Young Trilby Moffat has a lot to cope with. Her mum, Arwen, has been struck down with Dream Sickness which has been plaguing their world for the last six months. People have started speaking in old or lost languages, cooking long forgotten recipes and sleeping. The sleeping part is the worrisome thing, because eventually the sufferer does not wake up. Ever.

In one of her awake moments, Arwen has arranged for them to travel by train to stay with great aunt Thumbelina Mince who runs the Lost in Time Antiques shop situated on the somewhat eerily named Nowhere Else Pier that stands at the edge of a great lake.

Trilby has landed in a place and time that are somehow being manipulated, throwing everything into confusion. When her aunt suddenly drops dead, she is the only person left in charge. Thumbelina always wore a special key that she said was very important and when her affable aunt dies, Trilby puts the key around her neck to keep it safe. This sets in motion a series of events that will test Trilby and not in a nice way. She has inadvertently become The Time Keeper.

While she is trying to decide what to do with a dead aunt and a sleeping mother, the evil Night Manager, Mr Colin arrives demanding she hand over the key. Trilby must, not only try to stay alive, she must somehow outwit Mr Colin’s nefarious plans and solve the mystery of where to find “the treasure”. With the help of her new friends Koji and Xipil she escapes from one dire situation into another. Will they be able to help fix time?

Kate Temple has created a wonderful world full of extraordinary characters and surprizing animals in this Fantasy novel. The narrator of the story is a Thylacine called Benjamin who happens to know a thing or two about the law. Trilby (who loves crosswords), is a sensible girl who works her way through her adventure with tireless verve and a strong talent for outwitting badies.

Another important element is the fact that everyone eats cake, and because time has stood still across the great lake, no one gets older or fatter. Each chapter is headed with a crossword clue relating to the continuing story which I had great fun deciphering, (the answers are at the end if needed). All in all, this story is an entertaining escape, all Middle Grade readers will embrace the feisty Trilby and line up for seems could be a series.

For Ages: 8- 12 years

Number of Pages: 220

Published: September 2022 Hachette

Themes: Family, overcoming adversity

What a stonkingly good read this collection is. Sitting down and reading a short story is one of the best things you can do. In a world where it seems we are all time-poor, a book like this is just the thing to fill that story shaped hole in our lives.

Join Nanny Piggins and the Green Children as well as Tammy and her mum while they re-tell some of the Greek myths, fables and fairy tales we are familiar with. Unbeknown to most of the world, many of these legends and tales have been incorrectly adapted to fit the human perspective. Originally of course all the main characters were distant relatives of Nanny Piggins herself. Very generously, she doesn’t hold a grudge against these ancient narrators, but happily sets the current readers straight on exactly who was who.

Romeo and Juliet, George Washington, Sisyphus and the Trojan Horse are just some of the tales covered in this treasure trove. At the end of some of the stories, Spratt has added some very handy “Storytelling Tips”. I especially took note of Storytelling Tip #3 where she advises giving your restless child the opportunity to “do and interpretive dance” while listening to you read. I am a total sucker for interpretive dance and will be following this tip assiduously in the future.

R.A. Spratt’s humour and insights into the continual silliness of humans and their bedtime stories, are a joy to read. The abundance of chocolate related references does make it necessary to add a health warning with this review. Please make sure you have plenty of cake near-by, or some small squares of chocolate at least – just in case.

 For Ages: 9 - 11 years

Number of Pages: 240

Published: August 2022 Puffin

Kirra lives with her Nan on the Gold Coast and, at the beginning of the novel we find her depressed and worried. She has been having dreams since she turned sixteen, and they are coming true. Her most recent dream tells about the end of the world but her Nan has forbidden her to share these dreams with anyone. Kirra’s great grandmother had dreams too, and she ended up in a psychiatric hospital. Ever since Kirra’s brother died and her father left to work in the mines, Kirra has had counselling to help her with her loss. She shares her worries with her counsellor and only gets uneducated platitudes.

It is decided that Kirra should participate in a surfing competition at Jellurgal Point – the place her brother Wuz died doing the same thing. Nan believes this will shake Kirra out of her nonsense and allow her to move on with her life. Out in the waves, Kirra experiences something incredible and when she struggles to the water’s surface she finds herself somewhere totally different.

She has entered the ancient world of her heritage, the Yugambeh people. There, she meets Tarni, a girl who has the gift of ‘untangling languages” and Narn, a dolphin caller. Kirra’s ancestors believe in the great spirit N’gian who came down from the sky to join the people and living creatures he loved so much. He shared his powers amongst the people and since that time they have lived in harmony with surrounding believers. They know Kirra’s arrival is important, as a symbol she drew on her surfboard is one that represents their god.

But there is an evil force nearby that is threatening everything around them. Jiemba has been promised Tarni in a “joining” but he is not to be trusted. He and his followers believe in the evil spirit Malung and Jiemba has plans to take over all around him. Kirra, Tarni and Narn must defeat Jiemba before their world is decimated. He is strong and it will be a battle to the death if he is to be destroyed. Will they be able to save their world and will Kirra be able to travel back to her time?

The Upwelling is classified as a YA novel but I believe confident Middle Grade readers will enjoy it too. Lystra Rose has given us a time-slip fantasy novel but again, it is much more than that. On one level, it is a book about growing up, learning self-belief and finding where you belong. Luckily for readers, it is wrapped up in a beautiful allegory about good and evil. It is also one of the best books I’ve read that gives non-indigenous readers a closer insight into indigenous culture, lore and ancient lifestyle. This debut novel is definitely worth reading.

For Ages: 12 + years

Number of Pages: 400

Published: August 2022 Hachette

Themes: Self-belief, belonging and family.

Friends Hannah Plum and Patti Woo are back on holiday together with Hannah’s dad, Byron and Patti’s mum, Tulip. Their parents came together over their love of birdwatching and so the girls get another chance to not only spend proper time together, but also, perhaps do a little detecting.

 While at an antiques fair, Hannah comes across a pile of things donated from a local grand old home. A beautiful hand painted fan with the words – “For love that’s ever true, meet where secret roses bloom” catches her eye and she can’t resist buying it. From this moment on the adventure begins. Hannah is approached by a woman who wants the fan too and is just a tad pushy about it.

 The girls decide to check out Crabtree Hall, the home of the previous owner of the fan and discover that Lady Hope Crabtree died under tragic circumstances in 1869. They meet the current Lord Crabtree who seems to be having trouble with a destructive ghost. He has called in a Obscuro, a psychic to help get rid of the scary spirit.

 Hannah and Patti agree there is more going on here that it seems and begin to collect information and clues. The girls must do their sleuthing away from their parents as they have been forbidden to detect and get into trouble – this however, does not stop them. The tragic death of Lady Hope and the hints of a secret lover urge the girls on and into more mysterious events. Finally, with the help of a new friend and clever deduction, the girls solve the mystery of the Fatal Fan.

 Lisa Siberry’s third instalment of the Plum and Woo series is a great adventure for younger middle grade readers. Her descriptions of Hannah and Patti’s conflicting personalities and interests are lively portrayals of the quirky ways that friendships work. The girls are loyal and brave and just a little bit naughty – a winning combination.

 For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: August 2022 Hardie Grant

Themes: Friendship, family and betrayal

I really enjoyed this book. 13-year-old Cate Carson’s parents are divorced and she spends every second weekend with her dad. Each time, he goes to great effort to make her stay memorable. Cate is a writer of stories and her imagination is honed and nurtured by her father during their time together. Mysteries and daring plots are uncovered or explored and dissected during her stay, giving her craft never ending fuel. Cate doesn’t tell her mum details about her weekends away, they’re just for her and her dad.

 Cate’s mum Lois has a partner, Sam who Cate gets on with just fine. When Sam is offered a job in London, life gets complicated and Cate is faced with some hard decisions. She doesn’t want to leave her best friend Elise and she especially doesn’t want to leave her dad. There is one shining part of her life. Her English teacher has entered her work in the Victorian Premier’s Short Story competition and she came second. Not only does she get a certificate and celebratory status at school, she gets $2000 prize money.

 But as the time gets closer for a decision to be made about going overseas, Cate’s life takes a turn for the worse. Elise’s parents decide to divorce and her home life is so dreadful that Elise takes drastic measures in order to cope. Cate needs to make things better for her best friend however she is distracted by court proceedings in her own family. She doesn’t want to go to London and begs her father to deny her mother the right to take Cate out of the country. Cate’s life takes another turn when she and her father are involved in an accident and her mother becomes even more determined to take Cate away.

Her world has turned into a place that is filled with heartache and Cate is not sure how things will work out. It seems that there is always someone who misses out on the thing they want the most.

 Barry Jonsberg’s A Little Spark, is a wonderful book about families and friendship. Cate and Elise’s friendship flows with humour and loyalty that frankly sets the friendship bar pretty high. Cate’s relationship with her father is a joy to witness and when things go wrong, the ending will have you reaching for the tissue box. Jonsberg’s characters are so alive, natural and believable. Their interactions invite you into their world and leave you wanting more. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves life and also loves to celebrate it.

For Ages: 10 - 14 years

Number of Pages: 256

Published: August 2022 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Racism, family, friendship, divorce and imagination

Purchase here:

 August & Jones is a story about friendship.

Jones Kirby, with her mum and dad, have had to give up their farm. Generations of Kirbys have worked the land just outside the town of Cotton, but a drought and global factors have drained the Kirbys dry. Jones, a Year 5 student, is sad about leaving her home and worried about not only moving to an apartment in the city, but about her blurry vision. She had to have an eye removed when she was little, due to cancer, and her remaining eye is giving her concern. She is also worried about starting at a new school.

August Genting is worried too. His father is obsessed with him playing footy and August hates every minute of it. He’d rather be reading a book or learning to knit with his sister. Since Mum’s business had to close down, things haven’t been so good at home either.

When August is asked to show Jones around the school, he is delighted. Finally, he might find a kindred spirit. Almost immediately a strong friendship develops. They come to realise that together they can conquer their troubles and when Jones is faced with a daunting prognosis, the friends decide to create, and work their way through, a bucket list.

Pip Harry has given us a true ‘buddies’ story. August and Jones are lovely, gentle characters who have to navigate their way through the awful things life throws at them. They are stronger and braver than they realise and their belief in each other gives them a sturdy foundation that supports them in their struggles. The world the characters inhabit is suburban, with all that it entails. Harry gives us a glimpse of the lives of others in a way that is celebratory rather than gloomy. Readers will enjoy the quiet strength and humour of the two friends and join them on a journey that is positive in the face of adversity.

For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: June 2022

Themes: Friendship, cancer and divorce

It’s 1872 and young Penny Pickering is a student at Miss Strickland’s School for Girls of an Enquiring Mind. Her parents are scientists who are often away. When they seemingly disappear, their solicitor asks Penny’s Aunt Harriet Marchmont to be her guardian. Harriet is a writer of exciting stories and has been a student at the same school and hated it. Penny isn’t so very happy there either, so when her aunt asks if she’d like to join her on an adventure, Penny naturally says, Yes.

 Aunt Harriet, her assistant and publisher, Mr Crowley and Penny set off by train to investigate the case of the bewitched kittens. In the Museum of the Curious and Absurd little vingettes of stuffed animals mimic humans. In one, some rabbits study in a class room, there is a wedding of mice and some spotted kittens have a tea party. These are the kittens that supposedly come to life at midnight, bewitched by a spell.

 Although Penny doesn’t believe she has an “Enquiring Mind”, she is no fool. She sees that there is something not quite right about the museum and sets about trying to find the truth.

 Allison Rushby’s first book in this junior fiction series is a lovely read. Her characters some to life so well as they travel through the narrative. Penny’s relationship with her aunt and extraordinary pet monkey, Jones, grows as the story unfolds. There are baddies and goodies and underdogs and innocent victims – all, when combined in a nice old-fashioned tale give the reader an engaging experience. Bronte Rose Marando’s illustrations at the beginning of each chapter and the occasional full-page picture, give the reader a glimpse of the characters and settings. The illustration of the kittens playing is very sweet. Allison Rushby’s new book also explores the different belief systems that existed in Victorian times as well as introducing younger readers to the wonderful world of penny dreadfuls – the pre-cursor to modern-day gaming.

For Ages: 7 - 10 years

Number of Pages: 144

Published: August 2022 Walker Books

Themes: Family relationships, animal treatment

12-Year-old Willa just wants a quiet life. Working at the mill spinning yarn is not the best job, but since her parents disappeared in a cloud spell, there’s not much else Willa can do. The city of Bad Faith must live constantly under the shadow of the witches’ war. The Irontongues and the Silverclaws have been battling for years and their spells are constantly impacting on the inhabitants.

 Sometimes Willa has a voice inside her head that tries to persuade her to do naughty things and she fizzes with feelings that need to be bought under control. When she is accused of being a witch, Willa is taken to the castle and put under the charge of witch tutor Gaspard. She has a year to control her magical powers and choose a coven to join. If she can’t decide within twelve months she will explode. The choices aren’t the best and Willa is determined to find a different solution. A truce between the warring covens has been called while Willa is trained and no spells are to be cast. However, strange things keep on happening. Someone is performing magic and its disruptive outcomes are becoming more and more dangerous. Willa must try and discover what exactly is happening and more importantly, how to avoid exploding. With the help of some new friends in the castle, she can hopefully uncover the culprit.

 Shivaun Plozza has created a fantastically colourful world. Bad Faith city and its inhabitants are plagued by purple frogs, creepy witches performing ugly spells, flying cookware and voice stealing bubbles. The characters are beautifully depicted and the pace fast and exciting. The seemingly never-ending obstacles Willa encounters will leave readers barracking for her and booing the evil-doer. She is a girl who has to take control of her destiny and shows great determination when faced with never-ending setbacks. This is a great adventure about defining yourself and facing oppositions and prejudice.

 For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: July 2022 Puffin

Themes: Friendship, prejudice and self-belief

August & Jones is a story about friendship.

Jones Kirby, with her mum and dad, have had to give up their farm. Generations of Kirbys have worked the land just outside the town of Cotton, but a drought and global factors have drained the Kirbys dry. Jones, a Year 5 student, is sad about leaving her home and worried about not only moving to an apartment in the city, but about her blurry vision. She had to have an eye removed when she was little, due to cancer, and her remaining eye is giving her concern. She is also worried about starting at a new school.

August Genting is worried too. His father is obsessed with him playing footy and August hates every minute of it. He’d rather be reading a book or learning to knit with his sister. Since Mum’s business had to close down, things haven’t been so good at home either.

When August is asked to show Jones around the school, he is delighted. Finally, he might find a kindred spirit. Almost immediately a strong friendship develops. They come to realise that together they can conquer their troubles and when Jones is faced with a daunting prognosis, the friends decide to create, and work their way through, a bucket list.

Pip Harry has given us a true ‘buddies’ story. August and Jones are lovely, gentle characters who have to navigate their way through the awful things life throws at them. They are stronger and braver than they realise and their belief in each other gives them a sturdy foundation that supports them in their struggles. The world the characters inhabit is suburban, with all that it entails. Harry gives us a glimpse of the lives of others in a way that is celebratory rather than gloomy. Readers will enjoy the quiet strength and humour of the two friends and join them on a journey that is positive in the face of adversity.

For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: June 2022

Themes: Friendship, cancer and divorce

This is a story about a family wanting to find a community they can settle in for more than a few months. Gus, her big sister Alice, little brother Artie and their mum, Delphine, have just piled into a sort-of stolen car with all their possessions and run away - again. Gus has learnt not to make friends at whatever school she is going to, or even get a library card, as she and her family are always on the move. The Able family women have inherited a talent that they don’t necessarily want. Around their twelfth birthday, they gain the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. This time, Troy, a pretty nasty character, has gone too far manipulating Delphine’s psychic abilities – so the family is forced once again, to pack and run.

After driving for many days, the family arrive in a town called Calvary and Delphine discovers a caretaking job at The Starlight Drive-In Movie Theatre (and dry cleaners). Deidre Cronk, the owner’s daughter, is not a very pleasant person but the family decide to do the best they can. Deidre tells them she has plans for the drive-in but must wait for her father, Henry, to be legally recognised as dead before she can carry them out. Gus is worried – this could mean there’s a ghost wandering around and she doesn’t want her mother disturbed by unsettled spirits anymore.

Life at the drive-in and school in Calvary seem to be running well and Gus is warily beginning to believe they may have found their forever home. When she is visited by what she believes to be Henry Cronk’s ghost she is not sure whether or not to let he mother know.

The story is set during a time when a comet is passing close by Earth, something it hasn’t done for many decades and with it comes a series of disasters that could ruin everything. The tension slowly grows as more things go wrong and the tentative friendships and acceptance the Able family crave, are left hanging in the balance.

Victoria Carless captures the feelings of 11-year-old Gus as she navigates her way through a life that is far from perfect. Her interactions with those around her are tentative as experience up to now has shown the 11-year-old that caution is the best option. It has made her and her siblings wary of forming friendships.

Victoria Carless has previously written for YA readers, and this first-time Middle Grade novel deals with serious issues in a light-hearted way. Gus and the Starlight is a magical realism narrative that explores family dynamics, sibling relationships, finding your tribe, and helping people, no matter who or what they are.

For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 320

Published: May 2022 Angus & Robertson/Harper Collins Children’s Books

Themes: Family, belonging and community.

It’s 1955 and Zadie Ma and her little brother Teddy live above the milk bar her parents own in Melbourne. Her mother works long hours since Zadie’s dad came back from World War II confused and not himself. She is strict and often angry with her. Zadie helps at the milk bar and looks after Teddy, but she is lonely. At school, Bella is a sort of friend, but is mainly the other kid in the class that is bullied because she has a non-Anglo background.

When she has spare time, Zadie loves writing stories, and on her 11th birthday, she discovers she has a “superpower”. Sometimes, not always, but sometimes, her stories come true. And as Zadie dreams of having a dog, she writes a story about Jupiter, who is maltreated and is saved by a girl just like her. That way she will have someone who loves her unconditionally and who she can love back. As she waits for her story to unfold, Zadie is delighted to see a new family move next door. Sparrow is a breath of fresh air and becomes the most popular kid at school. Together they will explore the neighbourhood and have adventures Zadie can write about. Sparrow has no fear and can handle any situation with confidence, something Zadie would love to have too.

Current Australian Children’s Laureate 2022-23, Gabrielle Wang has written a wonderful book that has so many levels. During her tenure as Children’s Laureate, she would like to explore topics such as imagination, cultural diversity, visual literacy and reading aloud. And here, the narrative is interspaced with Zadie’s short stories, all of which cover such themes as listening to someone, no matter how young or small, accepting change, friendship and more. It also has beautiful illustrations by the author depicting Zadie and Teddy as well as the characters in the short stories. There are endless discussions to have with young readers about diversity relating to our history, prejudice, gender stereotypes and how, sometimes, families need to catch their breath and re-evaluate their situation, and in doing so, they may discover they have plenty to be thankful for.

This gentle tale gives insights into how families function, bullying and loyalty. Younger Middle Grade readers will fall in love with Zadie Ma who navigates she way through a sometimes-hostile world but finds true friendship and joy in the people closest to her.

For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 272

Published: May 2022 Puffin

Themes: Racism, family, friendship, gender stereo types

Miss Mary-Kate martin’s Guide to Monsters – The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm by Karen Foxlee and illustrated by Freda Chiu

Mary-Kate is the daughter of Professor Martin and she is travelling into the English countryside with her mother, who is a famous archaeologist, to investigate the bottom of a well. The village of Woolington has a problem. Lord Woolington, the local landowner, wants to build a huge shopping centre in the village and the residents fear that not only is it a horrible idea, but more importantly, it will disturb the famous Woolington Wyrm. Legend tells of a giant wyrm living down the well for hundreds of years. Many have heard and felt the rumblings of the wyrm and do not want to anger it. Lord Woolington is adamant there is no such thing as the wyrm, and is just about to pour the concrete foundations for the shopping centre.

When Mary-Kate and her mother arrive at Woolington they meet Lord Woolington and Ms Honey, the village librarian, secretary of the Say No to the Shopping Centre Action Group and president of the Wyrm Watch Society. While the professor goes to look at the well, Mary-Kate goes to investigate the wyrm. With the help of Lady Arabella Woolington, Mary-Kate searches for clues and they try to figure out the mystery of the Woolington Wyrm.

Karen Foxlee’s novel is a real treat for younger Middle Grade readers. The black and white illustrations of Freda Chiu give lovely vignettes of the characters and the wyrm itself. I especially love the map of the village at the beginning of the book. There is something exciting about a map and the adventures it holds. Mary-Kate is an engaging main protagonist, and while she is an anxious child, she bravely deals with her fears with various coping mechanisms. She carries her favourite things with her in a sparkly red backpack which matches her sparkly red shoes. Her father disappeared years ago and she treasures the last seven sticks of gum he left behind. Along with her novelty Big Ben torch, lucky stress ball and other important items, Mary-Kate can calm her nerves in times of stress. The themes of dealing with anxiety, coping with change and making friends run consistently through the story, giving a gentle reminder that even though someone may suffer from anxiety, there are ways to work your way through it and live in the world. This is a story for lovers of adventure, mystery and gentle determination.

For Ages: 9 - 11 years

Number of Pages: 272

Published: May 2022 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Anxiety, coping with change and making friends

Nicki Greenberg’s The Detectives Guide to Ocean Travel is set during the golden age of ocean liner travel. It is 1920 and all Pepper Stark wants is to travel with her father – the Captain of the RMS Aquitania. He is a distant parent who is away more than he is at home and Pepper is keen to make their relationship more loving and family-like. Her mother died when Pepper was very young and so there is just the two of them. Her stern governess is no fun and Pepper is pretty desperate for a bit of adventure.

Circumstances change and her steely father allows Pepper and Miss Quacken to join him on a trip to New York. The vast ocean liner is the epitome of glamour and is absolutely jam packed with exciting characters. The most famous passenger is the actress, Perdita West, accompanied by her pet leopard Muffy, and wearing the famous Saffron Diamond.

When the diamond goes missing, the search is on for the stone and the culprit who stole it in front of everyone’s eyes. Pepper and friends she has made on board, race to find the thief and the incredibly rare and expensive diamond. Her father’s reputation is at stake so Pepper must work quickly before the ship docks in New York city.

This novel is perfect for 8-12 year-olds. The detailed descriptions of the food served in first class and the fabulous décor give the reader an insight into this era between the wars. Her cast of suspects and the characters that make up the passengers, are also a nod to the times. Dancing, singing identical twins, a contortionist, a famous jockey and slimy journalist make the perfect elements for Pepper’s detective work.

For Ages: 8 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 310

Published: February 2021

Publisher: Affirm

Themes: Family and Trust

Interned follows the story of 13-year-olds Greta and Tilly during World War I. Both girls come from German backgrounds. Greta and her parents lived a life of privilege in Singapore while Tilly’s father was a baker in a suburb of Brisbane. When WWI breaks out, Germans from surrounding areas and within Australia are taken from their quiet lives and imprisoned as enemy aliens.

Greta dreamt of returning to Germany to study music and continue her violin lessons. When her family arrive at the internment camp she discovers her precious violin has been stolen which compounds her anger and feelings of alienation. Tilly’s father is interned and her mother insists the family follow and join him. Her mother’s fragile mental state crumbles further and Tilly and her younger brother Franz, must always look after her.

The girls and other detainees are not welcome in the small country town they have been taken to and must suffer insults and hardships because of the war being fought thousands of kilometres away.

Pamela Rushby’s middle grade novel fictionalises a part of Australia’s history that is not commonly explored. Seeing the families’ experiences from the German perspective gives readers an insight into the cruelty of war and how blind prejudice can be so harmful. Government bureaucracies do not seem to recognise individual circumstances and so many people were treated in confusingly, illogical ways. There are many parallels to our world today, including the worldwide spread of the deadly Spanish Flu.

The themes of tolerance, racism, fortitude and isolation run through this compelling novel. Interned would be a useful tool for students studying WWI and political conflict and its effect on non-combatant civilians.

For Ages: 11 - 13 years

Number of Pages: 256

Publisher: Walker Books Australia

Published: March 2022 Penguin Random House

Themes: Racism, Family, and Isolation

Eliza Vanda’s Button Box is a middle grade novel full of wonderful characters who inhabit both our world and another that only some know how to get to.

Milly Dynes lives with her artist father in Tidgy Bay where they have a holiday cabin business. They are busy preparing for Milly’s step-mother to come home from hospital with her baby sister. Milly is feeling unsettled with the changes happening around her but doesn’t want to bother her father with her worries.

One day, Eliza Vanda appears and rents one of the ramshackle cabins so she can work undisturbed on a dressmaking project. There is something engaging about Eliza, and Milly is drawn to her and her topsy-turvy cabin. There she sees that Eliza is making an elaborate wedding gown and that she also has a small mouse called Victor as an assistant. She is asked to help Eliza with an errand and is slightly taken aback when it seems to involve sewing buttons inside a coat pocket and taking the mouse along to help. Surely Eliza is just playing a game?

Emily Rodda creates a world full of characters and settings that evoke memories of old fashioned fairy tales where troubles are overcome and dreams realised. Folk who carry their emotions in tiny cages on their heads intermingle with a wicked witch, a frog prince and unicorns. Fears and worries are put in perspective and Milly’s mind is finally put to rest. Her descriptions of the inhabitants of story are colourful and even though they are imaginary, they are very believable and lovable. Jessica Cruckshank’s cover illustration and internal graphics capture the essence of the story perfectly.

The themes of accepting change, confronting the unknown and believing in oneself are neatly folded into the narrative and middle grade readers will enjoy being drawn into this adventure.

For Ages:  8 -12 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: May 2021

Themes: Change, acceptance and self-belief