So, in 2025, I read 44 books by men from around the world, with a focus on lesser-known Australian men. Yes, they get their own post because it’s much easier to split things up when you’ve read over 200 books, and make separate posts for things so people can find what they want in these… Continue reading Total Men
Tag: middle grade
Non-Australian Women read
In 2025, I read 25 books by women who weren’t from Australia. These authors were, based on what I was able to get, what I was sent for review, or what I had on my shelves, European, British, and at least one from New Zealand, and a few from the USA. Some of these were… Continue reading Non-Australian Women read
Alice-Miranda Takes the Lead by Jacqueline Harvey
Title: Alice-Miranda Takes the Lead Author: Jacqueline Harvey Genre: Fiction Publisher: Puffin Published: 7th May 2019, first published 2011 Format: Paperback Pages: 304 Price: $1699 Synopsis: The tiny girl has TWO schools to save in this awfully lovely adventure. The tiny girl has TWO schools to save in this awfully lovely adventure. Alice-Miranda is thrilled… Continue reading Alice-Miranda Takes the Lead by Jacqueline Harvey
The 113th Assistant Librarian: Lost in a Book by Stuart Wilson
Title: The 113th Assistant Librarian: Lost in a Book Author: Stuart Wilson Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Penguin Australia Published: 30th September 2025 Format: Hardcover Pages: 288 Price: $19.99 Synopsis: The exciting sequel to The 113th Assistant Librarian is here! Oliver has settled into his life as the 113th assistant librarian. He loves his job – even though it… Continue reading The 113th Assistant Librarian: Lost in a Book by Stuart Wilson
Gloam by Jack MacKay
Title: Gloam Author: Jack MacKay Genre: Fantasy/Horror Publisher: Rock the Boat Published: 2nd September 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 272 Price: $16.99 Synopsis: In a creaky old house on a small, damp island, someone - or something - is waiting...Gwen doesn't want to admit that everything feels wrong since her mum died. There's no time for all these feelings… Continue reading Gloam by Jack MacKay
Dawn of the Dragons by Mari Mancusi
Title: Dawn of the Dragons Author: Mari Mancusi Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Scholastic Australia Published: 1st December 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 320 Price: $19.99 Synopsis: The dragons are coming ... are you prepared? This thrilling, dystopian adventure story is perfect for fans of Wings of Fire and Impossible Creatures. Lucas isn't having the best summer. While… Continue reading Dawn of the Dragons by Mari Mancusi
The Girl and the Ghost: Family Secrets by Jacqueline Harvey
Title: The Girl and the Ghost: Family Secrets Author: Jacqueline Harvey Genre: Mystery Publisher: Puffin, Penguin Australia Published: 21st October 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 368 Price: $16.99 Synopsis: A trip to Paris and Versailles, an escaped convict, an ancient underground cave network, family mysteries and . . . ghosts. Josephine Eloise Thomas is in Paris… Continue reading The Girl and the Ghost: Family Secrets by Jacqueline Harvey
The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe by Karen Foxlee
Title: The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe Author: Karen Foxlee Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 18th November 2025 Format: Hardback Pages: 400 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: An inventive and playful fantasy-adventure about an abandoned girl, a friendly ogress and a terrible curse from the multi-award-winning and bestselling author of Dragon Skin and Lenny's Book of Everything. 'A… Continue reading The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe by Karen Foxlee
This Is Us: Essential Australian Poems for Young People by Libby Hathorn and Jude Fell, illustrated by Tull Suwannakit
Title: This Is Us: Essential Australian Poems for Young People Author: Libby Hathorn and Jude Fell, illustrated by Tull Suwannakit Genre: Poetry Publisher: NLA Publishing Published: 1st November 2025 Format: Hardcover Pages: 112 Price: $34.99 Synopsis: In this beautifully illustrated collection of poems, editors Judith Fell and Libby Hathorn have have gathered the voices of… Continue reading This Is Us: Essential Australian Poems for Young People by Libby Hathorn and Jude Fell, illustrated by Tull Suwannakit
The Wintrish Girl (Talismans of Fate #1) by Melanie La’Brooy
Title: The Wintrish Girl (Talismans of Fate #1) Author: Melanie La’Brooy Genre: Fantasy Publisher: UQP Published: 30th August 2022 Format: Paperback Pages: 440 Price: $17.99 Synopsis: On Talisman Day in Arylia, every child receives an object that gives them special powers and reveals their destiny. Every child except for the Wintrish girl, Penn, that is.… Continue reading The Wintrish Girl (Talismans of Fate #1) by Melanie La’Brooy
