Great new Australian middle fiction
There's lots of wonderful new middle fiction coming out, so we've put together a roundup of our latest favourites from Aussie authors. From fantasy adventures about strange conspiracies or wild chases, to realistic fiction about school projects and fresh starts, these titles will delight any young reader.
The Apprentice Witnesser
By Bren MacDibble
Bastienne Scull is a young orphan who lives with the local Witnesser of Miracles, Lodyma Darsey, who investigates 'miraculous events' and spins them into stories she tells at the night markets. One day, two young boys arrive in town asking Lodyma to go on a mysterious mission to a monastery. And when Lodyma and Bastienne arrive, what they discover will change their lives.
A wonderful novel, full of hope, courage, resilience and family. Perfect for ages 10+.
The Helios Book
By Slade Carter
On holiday in rural Australia, twelve-year-old twins Hugo and Kitty befriend their solitary neighbour, Lucas, who has developed a powerful solar device he calls the Helios Book. In a desperate attempt to protect the powerful device from forces trying to steal it, the twins follow a fairywren down a wombat burrow and into the mysterious world of Taara.
The Helios Book is the Adventures of Alice in Wonderland for kids growing up in the Age of Extinction. Best for ages 8+.
Cora Seen and Heard
By Zanni Louise
Cora Lane gets tongue-tied, is often ignored and would rather hide in the library than step onto a stage. However, when her parents decide to renovate an old theatre in small-town Tasmania, Cora realises this is the perfect opportunity for her to reinvent her personality. When Cora quickly slips back into her old ways, she feels lost.
Frustrated she's not the person she wants to be, she shares her deepest feelings with her imaginary pen pal. The last thing she'd expect is for her letters to go missing. And now, the real Cora Lane is about to go public, but is she ready?
Recommended for ages 10+.
Wolves of Greycoat Hall: Tayles of the Forest
By Lucinda Gifford
The latest in Lucinda Gifford's charming Wolves of Greycoat Hall series finds Boris and his family at back at home in Morovia — a country full of fairy tale forests, Medieval alleyways and quirky Wolfish traditions.
Christmas at Greycoat Hall is time for festivities, feasting, presents - and more feasting. But why are valuables disappearing? And who is the mysterious Cerberus Schwartz?
A cosy read for ages 8+.
The Kindness Project
By Deborah Abela
A heartwarming story about four kids who overcome their differences and take on the world.
Ms Skye thinks kids can change the world with a Kindness Project. Nicolette wants to, but how can she when Layla treats her like she's invisible and DJ picks on everything she says? But Leaf thinks Nicolette can be a superhero, so maybe if they work together they just might do it.
Perfect for ages 8+.
