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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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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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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...
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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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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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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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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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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...
23 views0 comments


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...
34 views0 comments


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...
20 views0 comments


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...
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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...
379 views0 comments


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...
21 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...
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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...
31 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...
62 views0 comments


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...
13 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
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