#AussieYAChallenge

Usually I like to choose and finalise my challenges in January, but fellow book blogger, Amy at Lost in a Good Book has just posted a challenge that she created called the #AussieYAChallenge – in an attempt to read more Australian Young Adult books throughout the year. I have decided to give this a go, and joined the group on Storygraph as well.

I enjoy challenges that promote reading Australian books like the #AussieYAChallenge, because I think more Australian books need to be promoted, or that need to be discovered, with overseas YA books getting the bulk of attention here. Like Amy, I want to rectify this and that is why my blog focuses predominantly on children’s, middle grade, and young adult books from Australian creators and authors. I push these books to the top of my TBR piles, and aim to give new and backlist books and authors attention and publicity to ensure these books are not forgotten in favour of the ‘it’ books. In many ways, I have always read this way. Whilst there have been times I have read popular books and series, I have always maintained my stance of focusing on the books and authors that are often not as widely read or as loud. And this is where I think the true gems of Australian literature for children and young adults can be found.

So, you can complete this challenge at your own pace throughout 2o24 or whenever you choose to start it – for me, that is now and I am aiming to complete any prompts Amy puts in the Storygraph group as well. The great thing with this challenge – and my other challenges, is that there is no monthly check in. Rather, using the #AussieYAChallenge hashtag, you can post updates as you go – and to share your news with everyone taking part.

To join the challenge, comment on the above linked page for Lost in a Good Book, or you can link your own post to the page, as well as linking back to the page in a blog post or social media. Using the hashtag will get you involved and help you find fantastic titles.

Now what? Choose your level from the following:

• Binks: read three books
• Marchetta: read six books
• Marsden: read nine books
• Nix: read twelve books
• Create your own challenge, and nominate your own goal

Now, I have decided to aim for Marchetta to Nix, but have added three on for my own goal as a minimum. It’s to cover any possibilities of not getting to what I want or reading way more than I have nominated to.

And, there are a few prompts too:

#AussieYAChallenge Prompts:

A 2024 Release:

A Classic Title:

A CBCA Shortlister:

Read an Anthology:

Under 200 pages:

Amy has some good tips to succeed as well:

• Follow the #AussieYAChallenge hashtag to see what other people are reading and recommending
• Follow #LoveOzYA across all social media for more ideas
• Browse Amy’s website for ideas
• Download the icon and header to help spread the word.

Onto the challenge! Good luck if you’re taking part!