Oh… the power of reading! This book is an absolute gem and a heart-breaking journey into life, death, reading and friendship. The ‘Secret Society’ is a group of determined librarians who attempt to rise above patriarchal governance and hardship and maintain their aim to promote reading in every circumstance, despite war, poverty and oppression. With Dorotha sharing a brief written account of her role within Lodz in a Polish ghetto to keep reading and books alive amongst the Jewish occupants (and staying alive without enough food and warmth), and Joyce sharing her experiences providing a mobile library service during The Blitz in London, there are so many times when only the escape of a ‘story’ provides hope. With the written encouragement of their own inspiration - Virginia Woolf, they set out to prevent ignorance and hopelessness from ruling in a world addressing evil. The sadness of the Jewish experience is confronting, and yet the story should always be heard, and the experience of life during the Blitz has its own heartaches. Surprisingly, love still finds a way even in the face of the horrors of war, but there are also painful stories of loss and grief.
This historical fiction gem is based on some meticulous research and interviews by Kate Thompson and anyone who esteems reading will love her powerful story. It swaps narrative focus between Dorotha in Poland and Joyce in London but also includes other character’s storylines. Dorotha’s refugee sister has a sad twist in her ‘rescue’ as a victim of abuse in England, and there is also a strong hint of trauma that remains even after the war is over. Libraries that survive despite attack and librarians that display incredible fortitude make this a book for bibliophiles as well as those that love historical fiction. This is a book for adults, but younger readers aged 15+ who want an insight into the history of antisemitism and war impacts will also value this book. This is a book that reminds us of the power of insight through literature.
Themes War history - United Kingdom, World War II – Poland, Reading, Libraries, Librarians, World War 2 - Jewish experience, Polish Jews.
Holly by Adalyn Grace is a young adult fantasy novella that combines elements of romance, mystery and the supernatural. Set during the Christmas season, the story follows Blythe and Aris as their quiet holiday is disrupted by restless spirits, leading them into a mystery that gradually unfolds. Despite not having read the earlier books in the series, the novella remains easy to follow and does not feel confusing or overwhelming.
The characters are one of the strongest aspects of the novella. Despite the fantasy setting, they feel believable and emotionally realistic. Blythe, in particular, is mature and well-developed, and her thoughts and reactions make her easy to connect with. Her relationship with Aris adds depth to the story and contributes to the overall emotional tone.
The plot is not heavily action-driven, instead focusing more on character development and the mystery itself. While this slower pace may not appeal to all readers, it allows the story to feel more meaningful and consistent. The events unfold in a way that maintains interest without relying on constant action.
The novella also explores themes such as love, loss and letting go of the past. These ideas are told throughout the narrative and are reflected in both the characters and the supernatural elements of the story. The setting of ‘Wisteria Gardens’ plays an important role in creating an atmospheric tone, blending a slightly eerie mood with the warmth of the festive season.
Grace’s writing style is descriptive and atmospheric, with moments of almost poetic language. This helps to create a strong sense of place and enhances the emotional impact of the story.
Overall, Holly is a thoughtful and engaging read, particularly for those who enjoy character-focused fantasy with a more reflective tone. While it may not suit readers looking for fast-paced action, its atmosphere and emotional depth make it a memorable novella. Recommended for ages 14+, but also depends on the reader's sense of maturity, as there is some light cursing, romantic scenes, and some dark fantasy themes.
The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi is a standalone young adult fantasy romance that blends folklore and magic into a lush story with emotion and mystery. It is set in a world carved by curses, enchantments, and veritas swans, drawing readers with its dreamlike tone. This novel features a "Bachelor-style" tournament of brides, lyrical worldbuilding, and a friends-to-lovers emotional romance.
At the centre of the story is Prince Arris of the Isle of Malys, who must find true love to avoid a deadly curse caused by a poorly worded wish to a sea witch. If he fails, he risks being murdered by his bride and transformed into a sentient tree. Unlike traditional, macho fairy-tale heroes, Arris is gentle, thoughtful, and a wistful romantic who is navigating through a perilous situation of his potential wives trying to cut his heart out and inherit his throne.
Alongside him is Demelza, a descendant of the veritas swans, gifted with the ability to sing truth-revealing songs. Her character is unique, spirited, and motivated by a desire for independence. When she enters the bridal tournament, seeking protection as she escapes her father, she forms a strategic alliance with Arris.
Together, they strike a deal: she will help uncover which contestants intend to harm him, while he offers her safety. Their partnership gradually develops into something deeper, adding emotional nuance to the whimsical storyline.
This novel is slow-paced and character-driven, unfolding through a series of stepping stones, suitable for slow-burn lovers. It was spellbinding from the first line to the end. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a book woven with enchantment, particularly for readers aged 13+ due to its themes and content.
In terms of tone and style, it is reminiscent of Cruel Prince by Holy Black, Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephen Barber and The Selection series by Kiera Cass.
Cricket fans will certainly feel on the winning team with the latest book Cricket Champs from the Howzat Pat! series. This book is a fantastic read - jam packed full of energy, inspiration and authenticity. Cleverly co-written by current Australian cricket captain, Pat Cummins and Dave Hartley with awesome accompanying illustrations by Serena Geddes, this book has it all. The fourth book in the series, it combines sport, friendship, teamwork and resilience, in a way that will strongly appeal to young independent readers who love the game of cricket.
The story follows Pat and his close friends Beth and Prav as they prepare for an important cricket match and the potential to represent their state. While they are determined to play their best and enjoy the game, they need to rise above the ongoing bad sportsmanship of fellow cricketer, Levi. Can Pat and his friends not only win each game, but win over the bully who seems to enjoy antagonising them?
This is one of the book’s greatest strengths, highlighting the true spirit of sport. The story explores teamwork, perseverance, fairness and friendship. Young readers see how Pat, Beth and Prav learn to stay positive, work together and rise above mean behaviour, showing that winning with integrity is far more important than winning at any cost. This positive message makes the book both entertaining and meaningful.
Cummins and Hartley bring real-life insight into what it feels like to play the game at different levels - from club matches to bigger dreams. Also intertwining the love of Country, through Beth’s Aunty Josephine; wildlife, nature and beauty are explored.
The book’s layout thoughtfully supports developing readers. With well-spaced line width, easy-to-follow text and occasional extra-large words for emphasis, the design helps with tracking and builds reading confidence. This thoughtful presentation makes it a perfect choice for children ready to move into longer chapter books.
Overall, Cricket Champs is a fun, motivating and accessible read that celebrates friendship, resilience and the joy of playing fair. Young readers will finish the book cheering - and potentially dreaming of their own cricketing adventures.
‘This is where we say goodbye’ aches with the sorrow and confusion of losing a loved one. Maud spends her 21st birthday hiding in a library toilet, rather than go home to the birthday celebration prepared by her housemate, because how can you celebrate a birthday when the next day you are going to the funeral for your favourite brother? Even worse, how can you have a party, when you are grappling with understanding how your brother took a leap off a bridge? As long as the police divers have not found a body, maybe there can be some kind of pretence that he is still alive somewhere.
The story is told in Maud’s voice as though talking to the reader. She says ‘I honestly don’t know where the frig to start, guys’. And what follows are bizarre thoughts and memories of all kinds of strange scenarios that mix hilarity with desperation. It is comedy and tragedy at the same time. Maud’s manic imagination conjures all kinds of weird excuses rather than face the loss that is eating away at her heart. It is an account of just twenty-four hours, but so much spins out in those hours that it feels like a whirlwind rushing towards the final reckoning with self acceptance.
Howard McKenzie-Murray’s debut novel was one of four shortlisted for the City of Fremantle Hungerford Award 2024. It shows his experience as a playwright bringing voices to the stage. The characters are vivid, endearing, and funny, and will keep you intrigued to read to the end.
Themes Mental health, Grief, Suicide, Love.
Helen Eddy
Annie and Maeve are definitely not friends by Olivia Muscat
Annie and Maeve are Definitely Not Friends is about two girls, Annie and Maeve, who are both blind. Maeve has been blind her whole life, whereas Annie just recently became blind. The book depicts both girls’ challenges and obstacles but also their persistence. Despite their similarities, they believe they do not have much in common. Annie has just moved to a new school, and she gets paired with Maeve, which she isn’t so happy about. The story is set in Australia and is a great representation of disabled identities from blind author and disability activist Olivia Muscat.
This book may be a slow one at first, but trust me, it gets better. I was keen to know whether the girls persist, and will there be events that blossom a friendship? I found this book realistic to the way Australian schools run, which made it more relatable.
Three girls. Three fates. Three interwoven stories.
The stories of Miri and Aleita, set one hundred years apart, interwoven with the ‘fairytale’ of Sylvie, contain various strands which bind them together. Sharing a passion for knowledge, talented at handicrafts including knitting and weaving, and having a love of textiles, all three characters bear strong similarities. Their desire to discover the truth, fight for equality and justice for women, build community, and campaign for the environment are important priorities of all three.
Studying Year 12 in 2025, eighteen-year-old Miri is a keen and capable student with definite plans for her future. When she becomes pregnant to her boyfriend Jonah, these plans are thrown into disarray. How will her future look if she decides to have her baby? Is their relationship strong enough to withstand such a major change? With her dysfunctional family, who will be there to support her? Will she be able to fulfill her dreams, whilst also allowing Jonah to achieve his?
In 2125, digital implants, artificial intelligence or the Consciousness Cluster (CC) not only harvest but also control the thoughts and movements of the bulk of the population. The only place in which one is free from ‘neural jolts’ is the library. Bots and holograms are part of life.
Sixteen-year-old Aleita, eager to support the work of her late grandmother, becomes involved in a project designed to ostensibly observe her impulses when ‘jolted’ by a third party. Initially, she believes she is furthering scientific and neural research. Is EveNet an ethical company, or is it going beyond what is reasonable in terms of personal freedom?
Sylvie’s tale appears in snippets between the stories of the other two young women, with its mystical nature transcending time and space. The timeless quality of her story leaves the reader questioning its origin or author.
Having personally spent thirty years working in teacher librarian roles, my love of libraries and literature is in synch with the views Comer expresses in her dedication. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed her first title, I feel her writing has gone from strength to strength. Given that her previous book, Grace Notes, has already won a CBCA award I would be surprised if this title isn’t shortlisted in future too.
Daisy is fast, the latest swimmer in the district. She even beat Marvin Marlin and Sally Swordfish for the championship.
When she swims, it is always in the fast lane at the pool and she does 100 laps each time. But one day, Frank appears. He drops into the fast lane, annoying Daisy and her laps. She tells him that perhaps he needs to be in a slower lane, but he demurs. He keeps swimming until he runs out of puff, and she again suggests the slow lane. Again he says there is room enough room for two, and off he swims. But when he interrupts Daisy again, his long legs interfering with her butterfly sprint, she takes action, elbowing him into the lane ropes.
He keeps turning up in the fast lane however, reading the paper, listening to his mobile, until Daisy leaps from the pool thinking about what to do.
She looks over at the park and there is Frank with some friends having a picnic.
She is still cross, not wanting to share the fast lane, and walking towards Frank, falls into the pond. Her dark mood is lessened as Frank offers her a piece of chocolate cake.
He asks her to join the picnic and apologises for hanging out in the fast lane. Even though he is a frog, he cannot swim as well as he should. Frank and Daisy are now able to work together in the pool and still achieve Daisy’s aim.
Delightful illustrations support the text, with humour and lots of colour. Readers will find lots to seek out on the detailed pages and laugh out loud at the animals in their guises. I love the flamingos doing aquarobics, and the image of Frank in a John Travolta pose, just two of the very funny and apt illustrations in The Fast Lane.
Themes Swimming, Sharing, Humour, Friendship.
Fran Knight
If I could eat the stars and other poems by Rebecca Newman and Sally Murphy. Illus by Briony Stewart
Reading this poem will be risky- alliteration will torment you with tongue twisters, similes will surround you like sharks, occasional rhyme will take up your time And KA-BLAM! onomatopoeia will shock you. Do not read this poem…
And so begins If I Could Eat the Stars, the follow up collection to Right Way Down published in 2024. This latest collection is a treasure trove of verse by Australian poets including Cristy Burne, James Foley, Briony Stewart, A. J. Betts, Frané Lessac, Sally Murphy, and Meg McKinlay. The book is divided into four distinct sections: Livewires, In Full Swing, Off The Beaten Track and On Top Of The World.
This dynamic collection offers a wonderful opportunity for classroom exploration and discussion, showcasing an inspiring range of poetic styles that will enhance students’ understanding of how poetry can look, sound, and function. Traditional verse, rhyming poems, Haiku, cinquain, an inventive shape poem in the cleverly constructed Space Whales, sit alongside a coding poem, poems with humour and those that show movement, such as Breeze on the Djarlgarro Beelier (Noongar) the Canning River and Bewitched. The inclusion of Tamil and Noongar language introduces cultural awareness and invites conversation about language diversity. With its variety and accessibility, this is a text that warrants multiple readings. As a teaching resource, If I Could Eat the Stars lends itself perfectly to modelling, comparison activities and creative writing tasks across the primary years. Illustrations by Briony Stewart add another visual dimension to the text and the list of poets in the final pages provides a valuable reference for further research.
Grave Robbing and Other Curious Activities is a book I truly think more students should read. It offers a lot more than a strange mystery. The story is about Alexander Steeple, a boy who lives in his family’s mortuary. This unusual setting makes the book really stand out. The book has a spooky atmosphere that feels timeless. The story explores what happens when a body mysteriously disappears, which pushes Alex into an investigation that makes him face his fears. He discovers strengths he didn't know he had. McKerrow uses the mortuary and small-town setting to create tension, humour and curiosity. He shows readers that even strange places can teach us something. Through Alex’s journey we see how he solves the mystery. He trusts his instincts, pays attention to details and slowly builds his confidence. This makes him a relatable and inspiring character. The people around him and his mother and the strange townsfolk add depth and personality to the story. Key themes in the book are courage, belonging and embracing what makes you different, which are woven naturally into the plot. This makes the book not only fun but also meaningful. What I learned from this novel is that feeling different isn't something to hide - it can actually become your strength. That message alone makes this book worth recommending to anyone who enjoys mysteries with heart and originality.
Smyan A. (Student)
Wild Darling by Alexandra Moody
Electric Monkey, 2026. ISBN: 9780008794149.
Parker Darling is ready to step up as a team captain, now that his older brothers have moved on, but things don’t go as planned when he finds out his coach is someone that already dislikes him for a mistake he made in his past. A mistake that involves the coach’s daughter, Mackenzie Foster. Kenzie loves hockey as much as Parker, but she’s constantly being benched by her dad, and forced to sit on the sidelines, even though she’s more than capable of proving herself. When circumstances push them into working together, the tension is undeniable, and what starts as frustration quickly turns into something much harder to ignore.
Parker is competitive, confident, and always used to being in control, but underneath the façade, is someone trying to live up to expectations and prove that he can be someone without his brothers around. Kenzie, on the other hand, is strong, determined, and not afraid of a challenge, even if it means going against her father for her place in the team. Kenzie and Parker’s dynamic is full of tension, banter and that constant push and pull that makes you want to keep reading just to see who gives in first.
Wild Darling is a book about identity, pressure, and learning to trust others when you can’t even trust yourself. The characters feel real and relatable, especially in the way they deal with expectations, whether themselves or from family, and their struggle to prove their worth. Kenzie’s determination to prove she belongs on the team adds a strong layer of empowerment, while Parker is on his own journey to show that confidence doesn’t always mean you have everything figured out.
The book is set in a familiar, small, tight-knit community where reputations stick, where it feels like everyone is watching your every move, especially when it comes to hockey. The plot is more character-driven than action heavy, focusing on the balance between emotional tension and character development, than on big dramatic twists. It’s the kind of story that builds up slowly, with meaningful moments, small interactions, and just enough angst to keep you hooked. The kind that makes you pause, smile, and get frustrated when characters are this close to admitting how they feel.
Themes of vulnerability, pressure, gender expectations in sports, and emotional growth are woven throughout the novel. Even though it’s a clean romance, it still captures the intensity of first love, hesitation, and the fear of getting hurt. It’s soft but still full of feeling, and the slow-burn dynamic makes everything hit just a little harder.
For fans of books like Better Than the Movies or The Summer I Turned Pretty, Wild Darling is definitely worth the read. It’s sweet, emotional, and full of tension, with just the right amount of banter and heart to keep you completely invested.
Themes: Vulnerability, Identity, Pressure, Emotional Growth, Sports & Gender Roles, First Love
Hamsini C. (Student)
Serendipity by Gabbie Benda
Penguin Random House, 2026. ISBN: 9781761621352. (Age:8-12+)
Serendipity, Dippy to her friends, is a super confident middle schooler, a popular student representative, talented basketball player and she has a leading part in the school play, Macbecky. Her confidence comes with a belief that she is lucky and cannot fail while fortune smiles on her. When she wins tickets to the local carnival Dippy is oblivious to the fact that she is unprepared for her role in the school and selfish with the ball at basketball practice in her eagerness to rush off and have fun with best friend Basil at the carnival. They have a great time but an accidental toppling of Zam Zam, the mechanical fortune telling machine leaves Dippy believing she has been cursed. Just like that, her luck seems to have run out and she is fearful that people won’t like her if she is not lucky. Rather than take responsibility for her failures, for being overcommitted and disorganised, she sets out to find a way to lift the curse. In spite of misgivings, Basil sticks by her but Serendipity has to find out for herself that she is responsible for her own success and that being a team player and working with others is worth more than luck. The colourful cartoon style is packed with interesting detail and action and the red filter denoting a dramatic change of emotion works very well when Basil vents her frustration that Dippy blames bad luck rather than lack of effort for her failures. I was a bit disappointed to find out Basil was a girl as it worked quite well for the character to be genderless. My other reservation was the image on page 209 of a player holding on to the basketball hoop after a successful shot, which is dangerous and considered a foul in many codes. Otherwise this is a fun, and engaging read with an appealing set of characters and some worthwhile messages.
Themes Graphic novel, friendship, cartoon humour.
Sue Speck
A tiny little world by Joel Sorrensen
Little Steps, 2025. ISBN: 9781923306257. (Age:4-8 years)
A tiny little world has a somewhat jolting storyline partially because, to read it, the reader must follow text that swirls around, moves in waves and other patterns and has to be found in different places on different pages. The spread layout is quite a thing not always providing the reader with sufficient clues about how to progress through the story. Tracking between the complex pictures and the "mostly" matching text is a challenge that some children may enjoy. Other children may find it a challenge to hold the storyline whilst simultaneously being distracted by the vibrant art. It is definitely a book that calls for high energy interactive shared reading.
The strength of A tiny little world is in its artistic layout with the author/artist Joel Sorrensen focussing more on the visual/artistic impact leaving the story line playing a subordinate role. Some effort from the reader is required to follow the text and match it to the pictures to make sense of the plot.
The cover art is bold, bright and cartoonish. Throughout the book the double page spreads cover edge to edge with very little white space. Busyness, complexity, detail, brilliant colour and energy fill the entire pages with text (like a puzzle) having to be found. The typography, like the art, is a feature of A tiny little world. Font style, sizing and placement contribute to the artistic impact of the book. Bursts of colour help with emphasis when reading. These aspects of design encourage an active and energetic interaction with the text and accompanying artwork.
The young reader is cast as a space explorer in the front matter with a box to write their name in under the text... 'This book belongs to space explorer_' Like the cover, the front and back end pages give an idea of the exotic, crazy, bright world packed with weird sights that are found in the book. The end papers at the back include a colouring page and a blank page with a request to draw your own planet or creature. Set in deep space, the pictures are populated with strange and exotic alien creatures and backdrops and the eye is drawn to action in different locations on the pages.
The central character is an endearing little lizard named Rexy. Something new burns through the atmosphere and lands in his world and the adventure begins leading to a changed life for Rexy. Sorrensen uses exclamatory language "Watch out...!", strings of adjectives..." tall ,lanky, keen, lean, glowing, green grass grazer.", alliteration... "Suddenly, some slimy, slippery sliders surrounded them.", rhyme and rythm and other forms of word play for the enjoyment of young readers.
While some readers (adults) may find A tiny little world a little contrived and the message of small consequence, others may see it as a lot of energetic fun and a very good book for children who need a lot of high energy interaction in a book in order to capture attention.
A tiny little world could lend itself well to graphic novel format. This reader can see it being used as a stimulus in the art classroom and being useful for primary aged children who enjoy drawing. By and large, the standout aspect of A tiny little world is Sorrensen's encouragement of the creative, artistic side of the child. That has to be a very good thing.
Themes Finding a friend, Space, Aliens, Helping, Searching.
On each page an illustration reflects the united humanity of us all. We are all of one race, the human race, and Gregg Dreise’s stunning images reflect the techniques he has used in previous books, Silly birds and Cunning crow being two of my favourites.
Back and white hands join together ont the cover, both part of the greater race to which we all belong. And this is repeated throughout the book. In rhyming pairs of lines, Dreise propels his ideas, using words such as humanity, unity, kindness, compassion, empathy and equality, and phrases like, walking side by side, and racism will not exist with equality.
On each page, readers will see a wonderfully panorama inviting children to look closely at the details on each page and read the succinct words accompanying the illustration. On one page the dove of peace moves over the blue background with the words humanity written across its body. Several pages reveal an image of the world, showing that we are all one race, the human race. Another page shows a staircase leads upwards but only one group of people are on the staircase, others are behind the bars of the prison beneath. The image of Uluru is enclosed by the arms a black and white, going their hands together over the sunrise.
Most pages are full of positive words, using words such as compassion and equality. But some pages show the results of the ugliness of racism, people in prison, a family being vilified, people kowtowing to a leader. Each of these will promote deeper thought and discussion amongst children about the lack of opportunity afforded to some, in a country which promotes more.
Themes Aboriginal themes, Racism, Humanity.
Fran Knight
Seed by Bri Lee
Simon & Schuster, 2025. ISBN: 9781761633881. (Age:Adult) Highly recommended.
In Antarctica there is a seed vault hidden in the Transantarctic Mountains, a replacement for the bombed Svalbard seed vault in the Artic. It is where all the world sends their seeds to be categorised and stored for a future time when man has destroyed everything. The seeds will be used to bring the Earth back to life.
Mitchell and Frances are two colleagues returning to the Anarctos Project in Antarctica. For Mitch returning to the stark white landscape, a place without people, it is like returning to the home he loves. For Frances, there is hopeful anticipation that her kelp application will mean the future inclusion of the marine plants she cares about. They are the committed ones returning to an environment they are very familiar with; they both know all the routines, how to get the chores done, and how to co-exist in the cold and isolation.
But strange things start to happen. Firstly there is a surprise ‘contaminant’, a cat found inside the top-secret building, and then gradually an accumulation of malfunctions, which means that the two of them are cut off, alone at the ends of the Earth. With unknown danger threatening them Mitch and Frances finding themselves confiding secrets that they wouldn’t normally share. They are both desperate to survive.
Bri Lee depicts a dystopian world visibly suffering from the effects of climate change. The Anarctos team is driven to save the planet. Mitch is vegetarian, a commited anti-natalist, refusing parenthood on moral and ethical grounds. However, his ex-wife Kate, the search and rescue helicopter operator, finds elation in rescuing people from the most dangerous situations. They both want to save the planet, but the essential conflict is between saving the planet from people or saving the planet for people.
The tension ratchets up as Mitch and Frances are forced to make drastic decisions in order to survive. Seed becomes a nail-biting suspense, where the reader is impelled to turn each page faster and faster to find out what happens next. It is an extraordinary novel which moves from a dystopian scenario to an intense examination of the human qualities of love, friendship, forgiveness, and acceptance.
