Below are our top picks for book clubs from the recent crop of new releases for young people.
For readers aged 5-8
Open your Heart to Country by Jasmine Seymour
A moving account of reconnection to Country from a First Nations perspective. This picture book invites readers to reflect on the importance of place, not only for First Nations’ peoples but for everyone.
Themes include:
- Country
- language
- identity
Explore the full teacher’s notes
What to Say When you Don’t Know What to Say by Davina Bell
A warm and whimsical guide to negotiating life’s little moments and big emotions with empathy, kindness and words from the heart.
Themes include:
- feelings and emotions
- negotiating skills
- visual literacy
Explore the full teacher’s notes
For readers aged 8-12
Wylah the Koorie Warrior by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard
Wylah is brave, clever and strong-willed, and all her best friends are giant megafauna animals. But she isn’t a warrior. Then comes the day when her family is stolen by the dragon army, and she must find the courage to set out on a journey to save them.
Themes include:
- Fantasy adventure
- First Nations culture
- family
- friendship
Explore the full teacher’s notes
August and Jones by Pip Harry
The story of two extraordinary kids who discover the life-changing power of friendship and teamwork.
Themes include:
- disability
- friendship
- family separation
- home
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The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm by Karen Foxlee
Miss Mary-Kate Martin might be anxious, but she’s not scared of monsters. Travelling the globe with her famous archaeologist mother, Mary-Kate helps solve legendary problems.
Themes include:
- fantasy adventure
- anxiety
- animals
- environment
Explore the full teacher’s notes
For readers aged 13 and up
The Museum of Broken Things by Lauren Draper
A humorous, beautifully observed YA novel about overcoming grief amid the vulnerability of high school relationships.
Themes include:
- grief
- secrets
- family
- friendship
Explore the full teacher’s notes
My Spare Heart by Jared Thomas
Phoebe’s non-Indigenous mother and her father, an Aboriginal man, have split up and she’s moved to a country town. When her mum becomes increasingly unreliable, Phoebe needs to figure out how to get help.
Themes include:
- family separation
- addiction
- secrets
- friendship
Explore the full teacher’s notes
