Australian Author Reading Challenge – Emu Level and Beyond 2021

This year, one of the challenges I had a go at was the Aussie Author Reading Challenge. I started with Kangaroo level, and completed that by mid-March, so read onwards, even overtaking Emu. Not all the Australian books I read were used for this challenge, I used about 111 of my total. 84 were women, and 27 were men. Fifty of the authors were new to me. Next year, I am planning on Kangaroo level again and will extend if I need to. My main reason for that is as I primarily focus on Australian Women Writers, this gives me less stress trying to find male authors – as I am hoping to read things I enjoy for the most part, and will probably find many of these authors fall across my path by chance, rather than having to seek them out. It’s a strategy that has worked well in the past, and allows me to focus on the reading and align the challenge and the book in a casual, stress free way, rather than spending too long looking for a specific book to fit a specific challenge.

Aussie Author Reading Challenge 2021

Level: Kangaroo

12 – 4 male, 4 female, 4 new to you

Level: Emu

24 – 10/10 female, 10/10 male, 10/10 new to you

Female

1. Monty’s Island: Elvis Eager and the Golden Egg by Emily Rodda and Lucinda Gifford (adventure)

2. Friday Barnes: The Plot Thickens by R.A. Spratt (crime)

3. Elizabeth and Elizabeth by Sue Williams (new to you, historical fiction)

4. Cry of the Firebird by T.M. Clark (new to you, crime)

5. Shiver by Allie Reynolds (new to you, thriller)

6. What Zola Did on Thursday by Melina Marchetta and Deb Hudson (family)

7. The Golden Tower by Belinda Murrell (fantasy, timeslip)

8. The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions by Kerry Greenwood (crime, historical fiction)

9. The Emporium of Imagination by Tabitha Bird (new to you, magical realism)

10. The French Gift by Kirsty Manning (historical fiction, WW2 French Resistance, dual timeline)

11. One Italian Summer by Pip Williams (new to you, memoir)

12. Huda and Me by H. Hayek (new to you, adventure, diversity)

13. Heroes of the Secret Underground by Susanne Gervay (new author, historical fiction, time slip)

14. Move that Mountain by Kate and Jol Temple, illustrated by Terri Rose Baynton

15. Traffic: A Sandi Kent Mystery by Robin Gregory (mystery, fiction)

16. Michaela Mason’s Big List of 23 Worries by Alexa Moses (fiction, contemporary)

17. Wednesday Weeks and the Tower of Shadows by Denis Knight and Cristy Burne (male, female new to me, fantasy)

18. The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer (historical fiction)

19. Drum Roll, Please…it’s Stevie Louise! By Tanya Hennessy (comedy, middle grade)

20. A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr (#OwnVoices)

21. I Really Want a Pet by Jackie Hosking (animals, humour)

22. Winner, Winner, Bin Chicken Dinner by Kate and Jol Temple (humour)

23. Night Ride into Danger by Jackie French (historical fiction)

24. Can’t Say it Went to Plan by Gabrielle Tozer (contemporary, young adult)

25. Stealing Time by Rebecca Bowyer (dystopia)

26. Eliza Vanda’s Button Box by Emily Rodda (magical realism)

27. Digging up Dirt by Pamela Hart (crime)

28.The Right Way to Rock by Nat Amoore (middle grade)

29. How to Make a Pet Monster: Flummox by Lili Wilkinson (junior fiction)

30. Little Gem and the Mysterious Letters by Anna Zobel (fantasy)

31. Secrets My Father Kept by Rachel Givney (historical fiction)

32. Small Acts of Defiance by Michelle Wright (historical fiction)

33. The Painting by Alison Booth (literary, mystery)

34. The Boy Who Stepped Through Time by Anna Ciddor (historical fiction, time slip)

35. Mertales: The Best Friend Promise by Rebecca Timmis (magical realism, fantasy)

36. The Eighth Wonder by Tania Farrelly (historical fiction)

37. A Weekend with Oscar by Robyn Bavati (contemporary)

38. Alice-Miranda in Egypt by Jacqueline Harvey (contemporary, mystery)

39. The Travelling Bookshop: Mim and the Baffling Bully by Katrina Nannestad (contemporary)

40. Meet Ella: Spotty Puppy by Rebecca McRitchie (contemporary)

41. Meet Ella: New Teacher by Rebecca McRitchie (contemporary)

42. Skin Deep by Hayley Lawrence (disability)

43. The Wolf’s Howl: A Maven and Reeve Mystery by A.L. Tait (fantasy, mystery)

44. Sugar Two Queens by Malla Nunn (racism, #OwnVoices)

45. Just Murdered (Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries) by Katherine Kovacic (historical fiction, crime)

46. Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells (historical fiction)

47. Ella at Eden: Camp Midnight by Laura Sieveking (contemporary)

48. The Magnificent Hercules Quick by Ursula Dubosarsky (contemporary)

49. Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta (contemporary)

50. The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna (fantasy/magical realism)

51. It’s Not You, It’s Me by Gabrielle Williams (time slip)

52. When Days Tilt (Time Catchers #1) by Karen Ginnane (historical fiction, fantasy)

53. The School of Talking Pets by Kelli Anne Hawkins (magical realism)

54. Drover by Neridah McMullin and Sarah Anthony (history)

55. Monkey’s Great Adventures: Afloat in Venice by Tina Wilson (words and pictures), Joan Wilson (knitting) and Matt Ottley (music) (travel)

56. Coco and the Bee by Laura Bunting and Nicky Johnston (contemporary)

57. Lola Out Loud: The Recipe for Disaster by Shannan and Tayla Stedman (contemporary)

58. The Wattle Island Book Club by Sandie Docker (contemporary)

59. The Housemate by Sarah Bailey (crime)

60. Wandi by Favel Parrett (contemporary)

61. Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee (magical realism)

62. Kensy and Max: Take Down by Jacqueline Harvey (spies, mystery)

63. Australia Remembers: Len Waters by Caroline Bauer (history, non-fiction)

64. Glint of Gold by Kate McGann and Patricia Ward (contemporary)

65. Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Nannestad (historical fiction)

66. The Monster of Her Age by Danielle Binks (contemporary)

67. The Magic of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt (fantasy)

68. The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn by Kate Gordon (ghost story)

69. Christmas always Comes by Jackie French (historical fiction)

70. Deltora Quest: 21^st Anniversary Edition by Emily Rodda (fantasy)

71. The Astonishing Chronicles of Oscar from Elsewhere by Jaclyn Moriarty (fantasy)

72. Witched! The Spellbinding Life of Cora Bell by Rebecca McRitchie (fantasy)

73. Kensy and Max: High Voltage by Jacqueline Harvey (mystery)

74. Ella at Eden: The School Spy by Laura Sieveking (contemporary)

75. The Spy’s Wife by Fiona McIntosh (historical fiction)

76. The Freedom of Birds by Stephanie Parkyn (historical fiction)

77. Fancy Meeting You Here by Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus

78. No Hearts of Gold by Jackie French (historical fiction)

79. Bad Habits by Sarah Evans (crime)

80. Grace’s Secrets by Louise Park (time slip, magical realism)

81. Grace’s Escape by Louise Park (time slip, magical realism)

82. Ella at Eden: The London Thief by Laura Sieveking (mystery)

83. Monty, Dog Detective: The Bone Ranger by Louisa Bennet (mystery)

84. Elsewhere Girls by Emily Gale and Nova Weetman (time slip)

Male

1. The Nerd Herd by Nathan Luff and Chris Kennett (new to you, humour)

2. Joe and the Stars by Phil Cummings and Connah Brecon (new to you, family)

3. School of Fish: Fintastic Four by Louis Shea (graphic novel, school)

4. Stunt Kid Seriously Stacks It by Jack Heath (action, comedy, satire)

5. The Gentle Genius of Trees by Philip Bunting (non-fiction)

6. Harmony by Richard Yaxley (new to you, historical fiction, family story)

7. Bedtime is Boring by David Campbell and Daron Parton (sleep)

8. Move that Mountain by Kate and Jol Temple, illustrated by Terri Rose Baynton (male, female, fiction, environment)

9. The Holocaust: A Chronicle of History and Hope by Hugh Dolan and Adrian Barbu (history, historical fiction, graphic novel, new to you)

10. 200 Minutes of Mystery by Jack Heath (male, mystery, short stories)

11. Wednesday Weeks and the Tower of Shadows by Denis Knight and Cristy Burne (male, female new to me, fantasy)

12. Feelings #3: The Worried Elephant by Phillip Gwynne (mental health)

13. Winner, Winner, Bin Chicken Dinner by Kate and Jol Temple

14. Common Wealth by Gregg Dreise

15. Rachel’s War: The Story of an Australian WW1 Nurse by Mark Wilson (history, historical fiction)

16. Nerd Herd #2: Raging Wool by Nathan Luff and Chris Kennett (humour)

17. Macca the Backpacker by Matt Cosgrove (picture book)

18. Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey (Halloween)

19. The Nancys by R.W.R McDonald (crime, LGBTQIA+)

20. Super Geeks: Planet Pancake by James Hart (Comic/Graphic Novel)

21. The Lanternist by Stephen Orr (historical fiction)

22.The Curse of the Vampire Robot by Graeme Base (poetry)

23. School of Fish: Frozen Fish by Louis Shea (graphic novel)

24. Kid President Totally Rules by Jack Heath (contemporary)

25. Treasure in the Lake by Jason Pamment (fantasy)

26. Brainwaves by Ziggy Alberts (poetry)

27. Real Pigeons Fight Crime by Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood (Mystery)

Complete List

1. Monty’s Island: Elvis Eager and the Golden Egg by Emily Rodda and Lucinda Gifford (adventure)

2. Friday Barnes: The Plot Thickens by R.A. Spratt (crime)

3. Elizabeth and Elizabeth by Sue Williams (new to you, historical fiction)

4. Cry of the Firebird by T.M. Clark (new to you, crime)

5. Shiver by Allie Reynolds (new to you, thriller)

6. The Nerd Herd by Nathan Luff and Chris Kennett (new to you, humour)

7. Joe and the Stars by Phil Cummings and Connah Brecon (new to you, family)

8. What Zola Did on Thursday by Melina Marchetta and Deb Hudson (family)

9. Bedtime is Boring by David Campbell and Daron Parton (sleep)

10. The Golden Tower by Belinda Murrell (fantasy, timeslip)

11. School of Fish: Fintastic Four by Louis Shea (graphic novel, school)

12. Stunt Kid Seriously Stacks It by Jack Heath (action, comedy, satire)

13. The Gentle Genius of Trees by Philip Bunting (non-fiction)

14. Harmony by Richard Yaxley (new to you, historical fiction, family story)

15. The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions by Kerry Greenwood (crime, historical fiction)

16. The Emporium of Imagination by Tabitha Bird (new to you, magical realism)

17. The French Gift by Kirsty Manning (historical fiction, WW2 French Resistance, dual timeline)

18. One Italian Summer by Pip Williams (new to you, memoir)

19. Huda and Me by H. Hayek (new to you, adventure, diversity)

20. Heroes of the Secret Underground by Susanne Gervay (new author, historical fiction, time slip)

21. Move that Mountain by Kate and Jol Temple, illustrated by Terri Rose Baynton (male, female, fiction, environment)

22. The Holocaust: A Chronicle of History and Hope by Hugh Dolan and Adrian Barbu (history, historical fiction, graphic novel, new to you)

23. 200 Minutes of Mystery by Jack Heath (male, mystery, short stories)

24. Traffic: A Sandi Kent Mystery by Robin Gregory (mystery, fiction)

25. Michaela Mason’s Big List of 23 Worries by Alexa Moses (fiction, contemporary)

26. Wednesday Weeks and the Tower of Shadows by Denis Knight and Cristy Burne (male, female new to me, fantasy)

27. The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer (historical fiction)

28. Drum Roll, Please…it’s Stevie Louise! By Tanya Hennessy (comedy)

29. A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr (#OwnVoices)

30. I Really Want a Pet by Jackie Hosking (animals, humour)

31. Feelings #3: The Worried Elephant by Phillip Gwynne (mental health)

32. Winner, Winner, Bin Chicken Dinner by Kate and Jol Temple (humour)

33. Common Wealth by Gregg Dreise (poetry)

34. Night Ride into Danger by Jackie French (historical fiction)

35. Can’t Say it Went to Plan by Gabrielle Tozer (contemporary, young adult)

36. Stealing Time by Rebecca Bowyer (dystopia)

37.Rachel’s War: The Story of an Australian WW1 Nurse by Mark Wilson (history, historical fiction)

38. Eliza Vanda’s Button Box by Emily Rodda (magical realism)

39. Digging up Dirt by Pamela Hart (crime)

40.The Right Way to Rock by Nat Amoore (middle grade)

41. How to Make a Pet Monster: Flummox by Lili Wilkinson (junior fiction)

42. Nerd Herd #2: Raging Wool by Nathan Luff and Chris Kennett (humour)

43. Little Gem and the Mysterious Letters by Anna Zobel (fantasy)

44. Macca the Backpacker by Matt Cosgrove (picture book)

45. Secrets My Father Kept by Rachel Givney (historical fiction)

46. Small Acts of Defiance by Michelle Wright (historical fiction)

47. The Painting by Alison Booth (literary, mystery)

48. The Boy Who Stepped Through Time by Anna Ciddor (historical fiction, time slip)

49. Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey (Halloween)

50. The Nancys by R.W.R McDonald (crime, LGBTQIA+)

51. Mertales: The Best Friend Promise by Rebecca Timmis (magical realism, fantasy)

52. The Eighth Wonder by Tania Farrelly (historical fiction)

53. A Weekend with Oscar by Robyn Bavati (contemporary)

54.  Super Geeks: Planet Pancake by James Hart (Comic/Graphic Novel)

55. The Lanternist by Stephen Orr (historical fiction)

56. Alice-Miranda in Egypt by Jacqueline Harvey (contemporary, mystery)

57. The Travelling Bookshop: Mim and the Baffling Bully by Katrina Nannestad (contemporary)

58. Meet Ella: Spotty Puppy by Rebecca McRitchie (contemporary)

59. Meet Ella: New Teacher by Rebecca McRitchie (contemporary)

60. Skin Deep by Hayley Lawrence (disability)

61. The Wolf’s Howl: A Maven and Reeve Mystery by A.L. Tait (fantasy, mystery)

62. Sugar Two Queens by Malla Nunn (racism, #OwnVoices)

63. Just Murdered (Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries) by Katherine Kovacic (historical fiction, crime)

64. Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells (historical fiction)

65. Ella at Eden: Camp Midnight by Laura Sieveking (contemporary)

66. The Magnificent Hercules Quick by Ursula Dubosarsky (contemporary)

67. Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta (contemporary)

68.  The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna (fantasy/magical realism)

69. It’s Not You, It’s Me by Gabrielle Williams (time slip)

70. The Curse of the Vampire Robot by Graeme Base (poetry)

71. When Days Tilt (Time Catchers #1) by Karen Ginnane (historical fiction, fantasy)

72. The School of Talking Pets by Kelli Anne Hawkins (magical realism)

73.  Drover by Neridah McMullin and Sarah Anthony (history)

74. Monkey’s Great Adventures: Afloat in Venice by Tina Wilson (words and pictures), Joan Wilson (knitting) and Matt Ottley (music) (travel)

75. Coco and the Bee by Laura Bunting and Nicky Johnston (contemporary)

76. Lola Out Loud: The Recipe for Disaster by Shannan and Tayla Stedman (contemporary)

77. School of Fish: Frozen Fish by Louis Shea (graphic novel)

78. The Wattle Island Book Club by Sandie Docker (contemporary)

79. Treasure in the Lake by Jason Pamment (fantasy)

80. Brainwaves by Ziggy Alberts (poetry)

81. The Housemate by Sarah Bailey (crime)

82. Wandi by Favel Parrett (contemporary)

83. Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee (magical realism)

84. Kensy and Max: Take Down by Jacqueline Harvey (spies, mystery)

85. Real Pigeons Fight Crime by Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood (Mystery)

86. Australia Remembers: Len Waters by Caroline Bauer (history, non-fiction)

87. Glint of Gold by Kate McGann and Patricia Ward (contemporary)

88. Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Nannestad (historical fiction)

89. The Monster of Her Age by Danielle Binks (contemporary)

90. The Magic of Magnolia Moon by Edwina Wyatt (fantasy)

91. The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn by Kate Gordon (ghost story)

92. Christmas always Comes by Jackie French (historical fiction)

93. Deltora Quest: 21^st Anniversary Edition by Emily Rodda (fantasy)

94. The Astonishing Chronicles of Oscar from Elsewhere by Jaclyn Moriarty (fantasy)

95. Witched! The Spellbinding Life of Cora Bell by Rebecca McRitchie (fantasy)

96. Kensy and Max: High Voltage by Jacqueline Harvey (mystery)

97. Ella at Eden: The School Spy by Laura Sieveking (contemporary)

98. The Spy’s Wife by Fiona McIntosh (historical fiction)

99. The Freedom of Birds by Stephanie Parkyn (historical fiction)

100. Fancy Meeting You Here by Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus

101. No Hearts of Gold by Jackie French (historical fiction)

102. Bad Habits by Sarah Evans (crime)

103. Grace’s Secrets by Louise Park (time slip, magical realism)

104. Grace’s Escape by Louise Park (time slip, magical realism)

105. Ella at Eden: The London Thief by Laura Sieveking (mystery)

106. Monty, Dog Detective: The Bone Ranger by Louisa Bennet (mystery)

107. Elsewhere Girls by Emily Gale and Nova Weetman (time slip)

Authors New to Me

1. Sue Williams
2. Allie Reynolds
3. T.M. Clark
4. Nathan Luff
5. Phil Cummings
6. Louis Shea
7. Jack Heath
8. Richard Yaxley
9. Tabitha Bird
10. H. Hayek
11. Pip Williams
12. Susanne Gervay
13. Hugh Dolan
14. Cristy Burne
15. Denis Knight
16. Tanya Hennessy
17. Shirley Marr
18. Gregg Dreise
19. Phillip Gwynne
20. Jackie Hosking
21. Gabrielle Tozer
22. Mark Wilson
23. Michelle Wright
24. Rebecca Timmis
25. R.W.R McDonald
26. Rebecca Timmis
27. Tania Farrelly
28. Robyn Bavati
29. James Hart
30. Stephen Orr
31. Hayley Lawrence
32. Katherine Kovacic
33. Sofie Laguna
34. Gabrielle Williams
35. Karen Ginnane
36. Neridah McMullin
37. Kelli Anne Hawkins
38. Sandie Docker
39. Jason Pamment
40. Ziggy Alberts
41. Andrew McDonald
42. Caroline Bauer
43. Kate McGann
44. Edwina Wyatt
45. Kate Gordon
46. Sarah Evans
47. Louise Park
48. Louisa Bennet
49. Emily Gale
50. Nova Weetman