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 […]
The Callers
The Callers by Kiah Thomas is a gripping, nuanced fantasy read (for 9-12 year olds) with such a unique, thought provoking storyline. This is a story which entices readers to question how they would respond to the moral dilemmas the main characters face as the protagonist has to unlearn all that he has ever known […]
Read Aloud Books for Children in Upper Primary School
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 […]
We Run Tomorrow
We Run Tomorrow by Nat Amoore with art by Mike Barry and published by Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House Australia is brimming with adventure and suspense as well as a (mostly) likeable cast of diverse characters. These are the types of characters you can’t help but cheer on; celebrate their wins with […]