#BookReview: The Boy from the Mish, by Gary Lonesborough (Goodreads Author), Allen and Unwin, 2021 From the publisher: ‘I don’t paint so much anymore,’ I say, looking to my feet. ‘Oh. Well, I got a boy who needs to do some art. You can help him out,’ Aunty Pam says, like I have no say […]
Concrete Rose, Angie Thomas, Walker Books Australia, 2021 From the publisher: If there’s one thing seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter knows, it’s that a real man takes care of his family. As the son of a former gang legend, Mav does that the only way he knows how: dealing for the King Lords. With this money he […]
Dog, Shaun Tan, Allen and Unwin, 2020 From the publisher: A beautifully poetic and gorgeously illustrated reflection on the relationship between dogs and humans. Dog is a stand-alone picture book of one of the most-loved stories from the bestselling and internationally acclaimed Tales from the Inner City by Shaun Tan, winner of the 2020 […]
The Bad Bassinis, Clair Hume and Tom Jellett, Scholastic, 2020 From the publisher: The Bassinis were BIG. The Bassinis were BURLY. And those BIG, BURLY Bassinis . . . were BAD. The Bassinis are the baddest dogs in town–that is, until they come across Pipsqueak! Parenting changes you. When I was a kid, […]
Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero, Ellie Royce and Hannah Chambers, Pow! Kids Books, 2020 From the Publisher: Told from the perspective of their adoring nephew, Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero is the story of a courageous drag queen who saves the day, and brings two communities together. The young narrator thinks it’s awesome that his […]
As Fast as I Can, Penny Tangey, University of Queensland Press, 2020 From the publisher: One girl. One dream. A few hurdles. Ten-year-old Vivian is determined to win a medal at the Olympic Games one day. Problem is, she hasn’t found a sport she’s any good at yet. But everyone says if you work […]
Wrestle! By Maya Newell, Charlotte Mars, and Gus Skattebol-James, illustrated by Tom Jellett, Allen and Unwin, 2019. From the publisher: I love wrestling. When I grow up, I want to be just like my wrestling heroes: big and tough, with really huge muscles. The only problem is, my mums don’t like fighting… A funny […]
Peta Lyre’s Rating Normal, Anna Whateley, Allen and Unwin, 2020 From the publisher: At sixteen, neurodivergent Peta Lyre is the success story of social training. That is, until she finds herself on a school ski trip – and falling in love with the new girl. Peta will need to decide which rules to keep, and […]
Deep Water, Sarah Epstein, Allen and Unwin, 2020 From the publisher: HENRY WEAVER IS MISSING Three months ago, thirteen-year-old Henry disappeared from The Shallows during a violent storm, leaving behind his muddy mountain bike at the train station. MASON WEAVER IS TRAPPED While Mason doesn’t know who he is or what he’s capable […]
Red Day, Sandy Fussell, Walker Books Australia, 2020 From the publisher: Set against a backdrop of the 1944 Cowra Prisoner of War Camp breakout, this powerful story explores an important part of Australia’s past and how it informs the future. Set in a modern-day small town among the remnants of a Japanese POW camp, this […]
