Thunderhead
Title: Thunderhead Author: Sophie Beer Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: 29 October 2024 Themes: Friendship, adjusting to change, music, identity, family bonds, D/deaf or hard of hearing community A comprehensive teaching resource is available from the publisher here Thunderhead is an affirming, powerful, moving middle grade epistolary novel that is sure to make readers feel the […]
Small Acts
Themes relating to true friendship, kindness, vulnerability, courage and finding your place, plus four inspiring autistic characters that are relatable and make a difference combine to make Small Acts by Kate Gordon and Kate Foster, an engrossing and powerful story. This book gifts readers an insight into the varied ways autism may present and the […]
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 […]
Cora Seen and Heard
Cora Seen and Heard by Zanni Louise and Published by Walker Books holds a mirror up to middle grade readers who struggle with self-doubt, feelings of insecurity, and/or are navigating change and adversity in their lives. This story gifts readers the ability to walk in the shoes of Cora Lane who has recently moved from […]
Top 12 Middle Grade Reads of 2023
The following books are my favourite middle grade reads of 2023. Please click on the titles below that are hyperlinked to see my review which I shared on the Reading Opens Doors blog (some titles I still have to write a review for and will update this post to ensure all books included in this […]
August and Jones
A friendship that knows no bounds, confronting fears head on, living life to the fullest in the face of adversity and two tweens navigating the trials and tribulations of life with courage, grace, resilience and a sense of adventure are some of the moving themes in August and Jones by Pip Harry. This story, inspired […]
Scar Town
Scar Town by Tristan Bancks is a gripping, fast paced thrilling read full of action, mystery and suspense that had me on the edge of my seat till the very last line with a conclusion that will shock the reader, one you never see coming. This story is set in Scarborough, a town of mystery […]
Runt
Runt by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton and published by Allen & Unwin, recommended for readers 8-12, is a fast paced, witty, highly memorable, engaging and ruminative read that I shared with my daughter. Craig Silvey includes many meaty themes such as family selflessly coming together to overcome obstacles, true friendship, grit and resilience […]
Read Aloud Books for Children in Middle Primary School (Years 3 and 4)
The following books are ones I have read aloud to my children and some of our favourites from the past two years. This collection is by no means exhaustive. As always please read the books yourself to assess suitability for the children you intend to share the book with. The personal experiences and histories of […]
Avery’s Hat-tastic Adventures Book 1: How Does A Hat Save The Day?
Title: Avery’s Hat-tastic Adventures Book 1: How Does A Hat Save The Day? Author: Ellie Royce Illustrator: Mardi Davies Publisher: We Are All Made of Stories Publication date: June 21, 2022 Themes: Family, friendship and community This review is part of a Books on Tour campaign Avery’s Hat-tastic Adventures Book 1: How Does A Hat Save The […]