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 […]
Anna’s War
Set during the final eighteen months of German occupation in Southern Netherlands, Anna’s War by DJ Talyor and published by Riveted Press is a gripping story of heroism, hope, unbreakable family bonds and courage during a time of unimaginable suffering, loss and danger. As the war advances, everything Anna and her family once believed is […]
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 […]
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 […]
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Laughter is the Best Ending by Maryam Master and illustrated by Astrid Hicks shines a light on the beauty of intergenerational friendships. It also highlights the powerful and unlikely friendships that are formed when tweens come together for an extended period of time sans devices and creating an online identity as an “influencer”, the relentless […]
The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat
Title: The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat Author: Charlie Archbold Publisher: Text Publishing Publication date: 31 May, 2022 Themes: Friendship, environment, stereotypes, good versus evil Comprehensive teaching notes are available at Text Publishing here The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold is a suspenseful middle grade mystery novel that sees Andy, Eli and […]
Honey and the Valley of Horses
Title: Honey and the Valley of Horses Author: Wendy Orr Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: 1 August 2023 Themes: Adventure, family, grief, healing, horses, fantasy, self-sufficiency, resilience, courage. Teaching resource: Comprehensive teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the Allen and Unwin website When sickness sweeps the world, four-year-old Honey, her baby brother, Rumi, […]
Queenie in Seven Moves
Queenie in Seven Moves by Zanni Louise is a beautiful middle grade novel that highlights the unexpected gifts that come from stepping out of your comfort zone, such as the opportunities to grow, realise your full potential, meet new people and embrace new experiences, follows twelve year old Queenie and her Mum, Clare, as they […]