Our Teen Advisory Board have been busy reading and letting us know what they’re loving; below, you can read recommendations from three of our fantastic 2021 board members. You can also browse the favourite books by favourite authors collection – compiled by the entire board – here.

Aurelia Orr is reading The End of the World is Bigger Than Love by Davina Bell & Waking Romeo by Kathryn Barker

I can barely put to words how I feel after reading The End of the World is Bigger Than Love. A masterful tapestry of brutality and poetry, this book magnifies the severity that a pandemic and global warming can cause on our planet. A survival story between two sisters that you will never forget.

I finished Waking Romeo by Kathryn Barker last night and it was SO GOOD. I loved every minute of it and devoured it in two days (stayed up to 3am first night, 1.30am the next). Easily a 5 star read for me. It’s an addictive retelling that questions whether one’s life is predetermined by fate or if we can take charge to choose our own destinies. An all-nighter that will never leave you bored.

Claire Heazlewood is reading The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni & The Gaps by Leanne Hall.

Rather than traversing the detective novel path, The Gaps explores the emotions of ‘those who were left behind’ after a student is abducted. The experience and the characters will will keep you hooked until the last page.

I’ve read all of Lynette Noni’s books and The Prison Healer is my new favourite! Her cheerful style brings light to a dark premise. The plot was full of shock twists which led to my inability put it down. The only issue is that now I have to wait for the sequel!

You can also read Clare Heazlewood’s beginner’s guide to Lynette Noni here.

David Dodson is reading Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard

Gritty, harrowing, and confronting, Invisible Boys is an eye-opening exploration of three boys growing up in rural Australia, while coming to terms with being gay. Whilst this book is full of raw emotion, brutal realizations, and devastating injustices, Sheppard leaves the reader with a strong message of hope and resilience. This book is perfect for those who wish to be challenged, offering candid discussions on the issues affecting the LGBT community.