Category: middle grade

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Dymocks Reading Challenge Volume 1:  January to April Completed

Ashleigh

I have completed the first stage of my Dymocks Reading Challenge for 2025. Volume one had nine prompts, and I managed to fill all of them, though I admit the Top 101 prompt is getting harder every year, mostly due to the proliferation of series, and overly popular books being on there. To tackle this,… Continue reading Dymocks Reading Challenge Volume 1:  January to April Completed

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The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

Ashleigh

Title: The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest Author: Aubrey Hartman Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Walker Books Published: 1st May 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 320 Price: $19.99 Synopsis: A delightfully grim tale about an undead fox whose lonely existence is turned upside down when he learns his job as usher of souls is in jeopardy, perfect for… Continue reading The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

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The Only Branch on the Family Tree by Sherryl Clark

Ashleigh

Title: The Only Branch on the Family Tree Author: Sherryl Clark Genre: Verse novel Publisher: UQP Published: 29th April 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 112 Price: $14.99 Synopsis: It’s always been Gemma and her mum – just the two of them. As close as best friends. But while researching a class project about family, Gemma makes… Continue reading The Only Branch on the Family Tree by Sherryl Clark

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The Surface Trials by HM Waugh

Ashleigh

Title: The Surface Trials Author: HM Waugh Genre: Science Fiction Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 29th April 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 336 Price: $18.99 Synopsis: An epic page-turner full of twists you won't see coming, set on an alien planet where, under the watch of a galaxy-wide TV audience, Ammy Antares and her fellow competitors… Continue reading The Surface Trials by HM Waugh

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The Potion Experiment by Elle McFadzean

Ashleigh

Title: The Potion Experiment Author: Elle McFadzean Publisher: Elle McFadzean Publication Date: 18 February 2025 Price: $21.99 Page numbers: 276 Genre: MG Fantasy Synopsis/Blurb: When thirteen-year-old scientist Ange is whisked from her home to the middle of a forest, she thinks she’s cracked teleportation. Until she hears Eva’s voice in her head, talking about magic… Continue reading The Potion Experiment by Elle McFadzean

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Books for ANZAC Day

Ashleigh

ANZAC Day is coming up next Friday, and it marks two significant anniversaries: 110 years since the landing at Gallipoli of the first ANZACS, and 80 years since the end of World War Two, as well as commemorating all who have served Australia in war. The following list of books are about the ANZACS and… Continue reading Books for ANZAC Day

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On Gallant Wings by Helen Edwards

Ashleigh

Title: On Gallant Wings Author: Helen Edwards Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Riveted Press Published: 2nd April 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 288 Price: $17.99 Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Ava lives in Darwin with her family and their homing pigeons, of which Essie is Ava’s favourite. A Japanese family live next door and their son, Kazuo, is Ava’s best… Continue reading On Gallant Wings by Helen Edwards

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2024 Aurealis finalists

Ashleigh

​Yesterday, the shortlist for this year’s Aurealis Awards, which is in its 30th year, was announced. It covers fantasy, horror and science fiction across novels, short stories, adult, children’s and young adult categories. I have read quite a few in some categories, whilst for others, this is the first time they have come to my… Continue reading 2024 Aurealis finalists

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March 2025 Reading Round Up

Ashleigh

In March I read thirty-two books between reviewing and other reading, to keep on top of things as much as I could. I have been trying not to fall behind on anything, and I managed to review for my blog and a few other places. I still have some books to read and review, but… Continue reading March 2025 Reading Round Up

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ASLA DANZ CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD 2025 SHORTLISTS ARE ANNOUNCED

Ashleigh

Awards season is heating up with lots of long lists and short lists coming in over the next few months. The latest short list announcement is the ASLA DANZ Children’s Book Award, which is voted for by children and young adults. Congratulations to those who have made the shortlist and thank you to the wonderful… Continue reading ASLA DANZ CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD 2025 SHORTLISTS ARE ANNOUNCED