Aussie Kids Books

Book Reviews

Welcome to my blog! This blog is a celebration of Australian children's fiction - including young adult, middle grade, junior fiction, and picture books.

Read on for my reviews!

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The End of the World is Bigger Than Love, by Davina Bell

Sandy

Mar 12, 20213 min read

The End of the World is Bigger Than Love, by Davina Bell

Wow. This book left me breathless with the sheer scope and depth and beauty of it. It is a powerful and emotive read set in a dystopian...

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Just Peachy by Michaela Skilney, illustrated by Vikki Chiu

Sandy

Mar 6, 20212 min read

Just Peachy by Michaela Skilney, illustrated by Vikki Chiu

There is much humour and heart in this gorgeous story of a little burlesque dancing peach named Dita, whose dream is to dance on the...

13 views0 comments

Sandy

Mar 4, 20212 min read

A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr

This is a beautifully crafted magical story for middle grade readers which made my heart feel like bursting with all the sadness and...

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My Girragundji, by Meme McDonald & Boori Monty Pryor

Sandy

Mar 1, 20212 min read

My Girragundji, by Meme McDonald & Boori Monty Pryor

This beautiful little book was awarded the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers in 1999, and this is the 20th anniversary edition of...

108 views0 comments

Sandy

Mar 1, 20211 min read

Raw Blue, by Kirsty Eager

This powerful, moving young adult novel has a backdrop of surfing and the ocean weaving through the narrative, making it the perfect...

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You Were Made For Me, by Jenna Guillaume

Sandy

Feb 16, 20211 min read

You Were Made For Me, by Jenna Guillaume

You Were Made for Me is a fun and addictive story for young adults, which I devoured over the Christmas break. I loved the voice of the...

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Stupid Carrots, by David Campbell; illustrated by Daron Parton

Sandy

Feb 15, 20212 min read

Stupid Carrots, by David Campbell; illustrated by Daron Parton

This book has become a huge favourite in our household and is chosen regularly by Mr 4 as his bedtime read. We love this book for its...

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Girl of the Southern Sea, by Michelle Kadarusman

Sandy

Jan 30, 20212 min read

Girl of the Southern Sea, by Michelle Kadarusman

This is an empowering, moving and beautifully articulated story of loss and grief and family love, of finding your inner strength against...

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The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn, by Kate Gordon

Sandy

Jan 27, 20212 min read

The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn, by Kate Gordon

This enchanting story for middlegrade readers is at once both uplifting and heartbreaking. It has the dreamy flow and rhythm of a...

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Living on Stolen Land, by Ambelin Kwaymullina

Sandy

Jan 27, 20212 min read

Living on Stolen Land, by Ambelin Kwaymullina

'You are living on stolen land what can you do about it?’ (p.6). This book is a poignant, empowering call for action, which exposes the...

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A Day at the Beach, by Cassie Roberts; illustrated by Judy Richards

Sandy

Jan 18, 20211 min read

A Day at the Beach, by Cassie Roberts; illustrated by Judy Richards

Not only does this picture book have perfect summer vibes, with its beach setting and bright sun-drenched illustrations, but it also...

33 views0 comments

Sandy

Jan 13, 20213 min read

The Little Wave, by Pip Harry

I really love verse novels - so when I heard about this book for middle grade readers told in verse, I was keen to read it. Verse novels...

368 views0 comments

Too Many Cheeky Dogs, by Johanna Bell & Dion Beasley

Sandy

Jan 11, 20211 min read

Too Many Cheeky Dogs, by Johanna Bell & Dion Beasley

This delightful picture book engages its young readers from the first page through its use of bright colours, and questions directed at...

20 views0 comments

Sandy

Jan 11, 20211 min read

This One is Ours, by Kate O'Donnell

This engaging story of art and activism is set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris. Sixteen-year-old artist Sofie is an exchange...

7 views0 comments

Sandy

Jan 9, 20212 min read

Across the Risen Sea, by Bren MacDibble

I love this beautifully crafted middle grade novel not only for its story of adventure and mystery, but also for its compelling, unique...

30 views0 comments

Sandy

Jan 7, 20212 min read

Snippet from my YA manuscript Exposed.

I hope you enjoy this snippet from my young adult manuscript 'Exposed.' Exposed was shortlisted for the Matilda Children's Literature...

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Wandering Star by Natalie Jane Prior, illustrated Stephen Michael King.

Sandy

Jan 7, 20211 min read

Wandering Star by Natalie Jane Prior, illustrated Stephen Michael King.

This beautifully written and illustrated picture book tells a magical story about a young girl and her beloved horse, who together 'roam...

12 views0 comments

Sandy

Dec 28, 20202 min read

Stars Like Us, by Frances Chapman

If you love an addictive edgy read set against a background of rock music, fame and teen relationships, then this is the book for you! I...

16 views0 comments

Sandy

Dec 28, 20201 min read

Ghost Bird, by Lisa Fuller

Reasons why Ghost Bird is one of my top reads of 2020: The writing: this is a beautifully crafted book, with writing that is rich with...

56 views0 comments

Sandy

Dec 24, 20202 min read

Rudie Nudie Christmas, by Emma Quay

Here is my pick of the best picture book to share with your little people on Christmas Eve: 'Rudie Nudie Christmas,' written and...

33 views0 comments

Aussie Kids Books

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