Leanne Hall

Leanne Hall is a former children’s and YA specialist for Readings online

Review — 2 Nov 2021

Parachutes by Kelly Yang

Dani is a high-achieving Filipino American scholarship student at American Prep high school in California. When she’s not practising with the debate team and planning her path to Yale, Dani…

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Blog post — 26 Jul 2021

Must-read YA for the second half of 2021

There are some really exciting YA books coming out in the second half of this year, so buckle up! Your TBR pile is about to grow…

Half My Luck by…

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Blog post — 19 Jul 2021

Seven picture books to lift your spirits

In need of a pick-me-up? These seven picture books are guaranteed to make you feel better, with humour, compassion, colourful illustrations and new perspectives.

Mole in a Black and White

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Blog post — 12 Jul 2021

Recent escapist fantasy reads for kids

If you love magic, quests, mythical beasts, sinister villains, alternate worlds and saving everyone from evil, then you will love these recent fantasy reads.

Rainbow Grey by Laura Ellen Anderson

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Blog post — 5 Jul 2021

Recommended children's books & news for July

This month in kids books we’ve got a funny and honest verse novel, a new picture book from a master Australian storyteller, charming junior fiction about animals, a time-bending adventure…

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Blog post — 5 Jul 2021

Recommended YA books & news for July

This month in YA books we’ve got a sunny summer romance that will make you forget your winter blues, a feminist psychological thriller, a lush fairytale retelling, plant-whispering witchy business…

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Blog post — 9 Jun 2021

Recommended children's books & news for June

Coming into the winter months, we’ve got books about consent and bodily autonomy for all ages, books to deeply appreciate Australia’s unique natural landscape and culture, tales of furry and…

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Blog post — 9 Jun 2021

Recommended YA books & news for June

This month in YA books we have a groundbreaking thriller centred on a Native American teen, sweet and magical romances, gripping Australian history, a unique and moody illustrated novel, and…

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Blog post — 26 May 2021

Animal adventures for young readers

Animals in books can be protagonists, best friends, imaginary friends, heroes, vulnerable companions and so much more. Here are some of our favourite books for readers aged 8 -12 years…

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Blog post — 10 May 2021

Eight recent First Nations books for kids & teens

Welcome, Child! by Sally Morgan

This joyous board book welcomes babies to the world with elegantly simple text and beautiful pictures of birds, hearts, stars and flowers. Full of the…

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