Category: history

#AussieAuthors2026, #AussieYAChallenge, #LoveOZMG, #LoveOzYA, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Book bingo, Book Industry, Books, challenges, Children's Literature, Dymocks Reading Challenge, Fables, Fairytales, Fantasy, historical fiction, history, literary fiction, middle grade, Publishers, Reading, Reviews, series, Young Adult

Dymocks Reading Challenge March Completed

Ashleigh

And March is done! I have completed the three March prompts, so now I have 27 to go, and I am keen to see what else Dymocks have in store for us this year. I’m hoping whatever comes my way or is already on my shelves will work, as it will make it easier finding… Continue reading Dymocks Reading Challenge March Completed

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Elsewhere by Shelby Matheson

Ashleigh

Title: Elsewhere Author: Shelby Matheson Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction Publisher: Wombat Rhiza Published: 4th June 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 400 Price: $19.99 Synopsis: At the outbreak of World War I, eleven-year-old Elsie Clarke is sent to a mysterious school in the woods for only the most talented children. But fewer still, the Gifted, are invited to… Continue reading Elsewhere by Shelby Matheson

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Double Act: Eirene Mort & Nora Kate Weston by Dr Sylvia Martin

Ashleigh

Title: Double Act: Eirene Mort & Nora Kate Weston Author: Dr Sylvia Martin Genre: Biography Publisher: NLA Publishing Published: 1st March 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 256 Price: $36.99 Synopsis: The incredible 60-year creative partnership between Eirene Mort and Nora Kate Weston is explored in intricate detail in a moving new biography from NLA Publishing. Eirene… Continue reading Double Act: Eirene Mort & Nora Kate Weston by Dr Sylvia Martin

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Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero by Thomas Higgs with Colin Hall, illustrated by Wally Wilfred

Ashleigh

Title: Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero Author: Thomas Higgs with Colin Hall, illustrated by Wally Wilfred Genre: Non-Fiction Publisher: NLA Publishing Published: 15th February 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 48 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: In the remote Roper River region of the Northern Territory more than 120 years ago, an Alawa man committed an act of such exceptional… Continue reading Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero by Thomas Higgs with Colin Hall, illustrated by Wally Wilfred

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#AussieYAChallenge Nix Level Completed

Ashleigh

I managed to complete my Nix level early this year, as I have already had quite a few young adult books cross my path in my reading and reviewing. They’ve covered quite a wide range of genres and stories so far, and it’s going to be interesting to see what else I come across over… Continue reading #AussieYAChallenge Nix Level Completed

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February 2026 Reading Round Up

Ashleigh

This February I read 27 books. Most were review books, and most were by women. I reviewed 23 of the books I read, and there are some other reviews coming in the next few months. I’m also getting through my reading challenges for the year, and ticking off thing as I go or as I… Continue reading February 2026 Reading Round Up

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Anna’s War by D.J. Taylor

Ashleigh

Title: Anna’s War Author: D.J. Taylor Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Riveted Press Published: 2nd July Format: Paperback Pages: 192 Price: $17.99 Synopsis: Holland, 1943: In the last eighteen months of World War II, 14-year-old Anna’s life is thrown into a perilous world of secrets and danger. Her once-ordinary town in German-occupied southern Holland is transformed… Continue reading Anna’s War by D.J. Taylor

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Treeshape by Trace Balla

Ashleigh

Title: Treeshape Author: Trace Balla Genre: Memoir Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 3rd March 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 136 Price: $32.99 Synopsis: An extraordinary, inspiring and hope-filled graphic novel from the multi-award-winning creator of Rivertime, Rockhopping, Landing with Wings and Leaf-light, Trace Balla's stunning memoir reveals her personal and life-changing experiences of place, her understanding of the natural… Continue reading Treeshape by Trace Balla

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ANZAC Biscuits (Special Edition) by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Owen Swan

Ashleigh

Title: ANZAC Biscuits (Special Edition) Author: Phil Cummings, illustrated by Owen Swan Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Scholastic Australia Published: 1st March 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $26.99 Synopsis: Rachel's in the kitchen, warm and safe. Her father's in the trenches, cold and afraid ... When Rachel makes biscuits for her father, she adds the… Continue reading ANZAC Biscuits (Special Edition) by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Owen Swan

animals, Book Industry, Books, Children's Literature, historical fiction, history, Junior Fiction, literary fiction, mythology, Picture Books, Publishers, Reading, Reviews

Kupe and and the Great Octopus of Muturangi by Mat Tait

Ashleigh

Title: Kupe and and the Great Octopus of Muturangi Author: Mat Tait Genre: Fiction Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 24th March 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 36 Price: $29.99 Synopsis: Kupe's voyage to Aotearoa, told and illustrated by award-winning author Mat Tait. Kupe's voyage to Aotearoa!Kupe found that a huge, fearsome wheke (octopus) was taking all… Continue reading Kupe and and the Great Octopus of Muturangi by Mat Tait