Running in Circles
Running in Circles by Shivaun Plozza and published by University of Queensland Press (UQP) is an inventive, thought provoking and intriguing story where the themes of climate change, crop circles and conspiracies collide. The book explores how theories, conflicting viewpoints and blinding obsessions can fuel suspicion and speculation, polarising not only a family, but an […]
The Boy and the Dog Tree
The Boy and The Dog Tree by Fiona Wood and published by University of Queensland Press, is a tender exploration of friendship, offering moving insights into both the joy of giving friendship and the courage required to receive it. This is a story where magic and realism collide, unbreakable bonds are formed and readers are […]
The Prime Minister Problem
At the heart of The Prime Minister Problem by Brenton Cullen and published by Riveted Press, lies a simple, but profound truth, meaningful change often begins with the quietest voice and the biggest heart. In this story, Wren’s determination fuelled by his love for his grandma becomes the spark that transforms his entire community. This […]
Being Indy
Being Indy written by Zoe Gaetjens, illustrated by Estee Sarsfield and published by WestWords is a perfect picture book for exploring friendship green flags and red flags. It reads like a modern-day fable, gently reminding readers that true belonging never requires changing who you are to be accepted. This story is set on “no finer […]
Song of a Thousand Seas
Title: Song of a Thousand Seas Author: Zana Fraillon Publisher: UQP Publication date: September 2, 2025 Themes: Friendship, empathy, curiosity, creative thinking, connection, hope, home, octopuses Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the UQP website here. Song of a Thousand Seas by Zana Fraillon and published by UQP gifts the reader the unique and memorable experience of […]
The Giant
Title: The Giant Author: Sophie Masson Illustrator: Lorena Carrington Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing Publication date: August 2025 Author Sophie Masson, illustrator Lorena Carrington and MidnightSun Publishing have teamed up again to create another phenomenal picture book, The Giant. This poignant, fable is about a gentle giant who has slept in a cave for a very long time. He […]
Sonny & Tess
Title: Sonny & Tess Author and illustrator: Nova Weetman Publisher: UQP Publication date: July 2025 Themes: Relationships, romance, family dynamics, friendship, parental expectations, change Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the UQP website here Sonny & Tess by Nova Weetman and published by UQP is an uplifting, charming and absorbing story that readers 11+ will devour and […]
Music Camp
Title: Music Camp Author: Penny Tangey Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: June 3, 2025 Themes: Friendship, resilience, jealousy, courage, music, climate change, floods, advocacy, action, loss Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the University of Queensland Press (UQP) website here Music Camp by Penny Tangey and published by UQP is an absorbing, thought provoking […]
On Gallant Wings
The latest historical fiction novel by Helen Edwards, On Gallant Wings, published by Riveted Press, distributed by Simon and Schuster,is an enthralling story that brings a part of Australia’s history alive. Readers are immersed in Ava’s world during World War II when Darwin was bombed and what the aftermath of that looked and felt like; […]
Little Bones
Title: Little Bones Author: Sandy Bigna Publisher: University of Queensland Press Publication date: March 2025 Themes: Grief, friendship, courage, acceptance, collections, hope, healing Comprehensive Teachers’ Notes are available on the University of Queensland Press website here Little Bones is a stunningly captivating, tender, lyrical middle grade verse novel by debut author Sandy Bigna and published by University […]