Every year our staff vote for their favourite books, albums, films and TV shows of the past 12 months. Here are our top 10 middle fiction books (for ages 8 - 12) of the year, voted for by Readings’ staff, and displayed in no particular order.

(You can find all our best picks for books, CDs & DVDs of 2016 here.)

Pax by Sara Pennypacker and Jon Klassen

Pax is an enthralling story of love between a boy and his fox and their remarkable struggle to overcome abandonment. Long after you’ve finished Pax and Peter’s compelling adventure, their courage and devotion will move you. Appealing illustrations render life to these unforgettable protagonists. This book is set to become a classic.

– Athina Clarke

The Other Side of Summer by Emily Gale

After the unexpected death of her older brother, Summer’s father moves her family from London to Melbourne for a fresh start. This beautifully written novel is rich in mystery, and while utterly heartbreaking at times, it’s also a story filled with warmth and hope. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead.

– Nina Kenwood

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

A Newbery Honor Book for 2016, this is a moving and captivating story set in World War II England. Nine-year-old Ada is disabled and terribly mistreated by her mother, when along with other children she is evacuated to the countryside for safety. Here, she and her brother find respite with a kindly host. How she learns to trust others and feel worthwhile is at the heart of this memorable story.

– Alexa Dretzke

The Other Christy by Oliver Phommavanh

In this gently humorous story, Oliver Phommavanh depicts the experiences of a Cambodian family who’ve migrated to Australia, and some of the struggles they face. I adored Christy who, despite a quiet exterior, is a feisty, determined tween with a mind of her own and a passion for creating delicious baked goods.

– Bronte Coates

The Secrets We Keep by Nova Weetman

After Clem’s house is destroyed in a terrible fire, she begins at a new school with second-hand clothes and little else. Desperate to fit in, she tells an untruth to a potential friend. But before long the lie has taken over, and Clem doesn’t know how to free herself. Ages 10 and up.

– Jo Boyce

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

This is a coming-of-age novel set on a Pennsylvanian farm where life is wholesome. It is an inspirational story about a perceptive young girl who has the courage to take on the school bully, the humanity to defend those most vulnerable and the fortitude to stand against community prejudice.

– Natalie Platten

Iris and the Tiger by Leanne Hall

Twelve-year-old Iris is sent to Spain to spy on her reclusive great aunt for her parents, but she quickly becomes drawn into a mysterious world of strange happenings and surrealist art. Is life imitating art or is it the other way round? This is a wonderful story of finding your true self (and true friends) in a foreign land. Ages 10 and up.

– Angela Crocombe

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

Raymie Nightingale begins with three girls standing in the muggy heat of a hot Florida summer waiting for their baton twirling lesson to begin, and ends with a spectacular feat of bravery. In between is DiCamillo’s beautifully lyrical text, compassionate characters and quirky humour. A gentle, perfect adventure.

– Lian Hingee

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

Serafina is a wonderfully unusual, feisty heroine. In this supernatural mystery she finds herself battling the sinister Man in the Black Cloak, while uncovering the secret of her true nature. The setting of the sprawling Biltmore mansion, surrounded by creepy forest heightens the suspense. Readers aged 10 and up will be enchanted by Serafina and her haunting quest.

– Daniella Robertson

A Most Magical Girl by Karen Foxlee

Annabel learns she is a witch and, in a race against time, with the help of a wild girl and an absolutely lovable troll, she must step up to fight the evil and darkness that is emerging in the underworld of Victorian London. This is an enchanting fantasy adventure story that champions friendship and goodness.

– Kim Gruschow