2023 was a wonderful year for LQBTQIA+ stories. Our selection of highlights includes both local and international releases, and spans everything from supernatural adventures to the all too real trials and tribulations of high school.

Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens

Two rival apprentice sorcerers must team up in a quest to save their teachers and protect their own magic in this lively romantic adventure.

Edison Rooker isn’t sure what to expect when he enters the office of Antonia Hex, the…

Read more ›

Poppy from our Teen Advisory Board takes a closer look at Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series adaptation; specifically, what is the key bookish character of Isaac seen reading throughout the television series – and would you enjoy the books, too?

All fans of the graphic novel series Heartstopper will be excited to read Alice Oseman’s latest volume (Volume 5), and just like me, will be rereading her books and rewatching the Netflix series adaptation in anticipation. But when they're…

Read more ›

There is nothing more exciting than discovering an author at the beginning of their career. We are extremely fortunate that this year has been really strong for debut authors in young adult fiction. Here are a selection of our favourite debut young adult titles for 2023, many of which come from very talented Australian authors.

Two Can Play That Game by Leanne Yong

Sam Khoo has one goal in life: create cool indie games. She's willing to do anything to…

Read more ›

Artichoke to Zucchini by Alice Oehr

No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 18) by Jeff Kinney

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

No Words by Maryam Master

Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography by Wendy Loggia & Elisa Chavarri (illus.)

Kimmi: Queen of the Dingoes by Favel Parrett

The Blunders by David Walliams & Adam Stower (illus.)

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass

Completely Normal (and…

Read more ›

It is such a brilliant and exciting adventure to discover novels as a teen. After growing up on Tove Jansson, Enid Blyton and Harry Potter, I keenly await, as I get older, further broadening my tastes and knowledge, grappling with my mountainous to-read pile, and figuring out how on earth I’ll fit them on my bookshelf afterwards. I might have to resort to extreme measures, such as stacking them in great piles which intimidate visitors. Most of all, I’m…

Read more ›

Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best young adult books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black

Jump back into the world of Elfhame in The Stolen Heir. It’s been eight years since the Battle of the Serpent and we are now following Jude’s brother Oak and the changeling queen, Suren. The two were…

Read more ›

Songlines: First Knowledges for Younger Readers by Margo Neale, Lynne Kelly & Blak Douglas (illus.)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

The 169-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton (illus.)

No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 18) by Jeff Kinney

Write Fight Flee! by 100 Story Building

Artichoke to Zucchini by Alice Oehr

Look Who’s Talking (the Bad Guys: Episode 18) by Aaron Blabey

What to Do When You’re Not Sure What to Do by…

Read more ›

The Gab Williams Prize seeks to acknowledge the contribution of young adult author and immediate past manager of The Readings Prize, Gabrielle Williams, who passed away early in 2023.

Unlike the other prize winners, which are chosen by panels of Readings booksellers this prize has been chosen by teens themselves, all aged between 14 to 18, and all participants in The Readings Teen Advisory Board. The board read the shortlist for The Readings Young Adult Prize and came together to…

Read more ›

Are you finding it hard to decide which title on the 2023 Readings Young Adult Prize shortlist to read? Well this guide will help you choose based on books you've previously read and loved!

If you loved Wuthering Heights...

Where You Left Us by Rhiannon Wilde

An evocative YA mash-up that’s like Wuthering Heights meets Sherlock Holmes, with Taylor Swift’s Evermore as the soundtrack.

Sisters Cinnamon and Scarlett are home for the summer, looking after their father who’s suffering…

Read more ›

With the upcoming announcement of this year's winner, our Young Adult Prize shortlist authors talk about their inspiration, the creative process, their perfect reader, their favourite writing advice, and what they hope readers take away from their books.

What was the initial inspiration for your story?

Alice Boyle (Dancing Barefoot): The initial inspiration for Dancing Barefoot came in my final year of my creative writing degree. I was doing a subject on writing for young adults and…

Read more ›

The 169-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton (illus.)

Never a Hero by Vanessa Len

No Words by Maryam Master

Cat of Death! by Aaron Blabey

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

Evie and Rhino by Neridah McMullin, Astred Hicks (illus.)

This Camp is Doomed by Anna Zobel

One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

The Bookseller’s Apprentice by Amelia Mellor

The…

Read more ›

Alicia from Readings Kids recently had the exciting opportunity to interview YA fantasy superstar Megan Whalen Turner and below is the transcript of what transpired.

Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to ask you some questions on behalf of Readings. Before I get into those I just wanted to tell you how much I love your books and how much they have meant to me. I began reading the Queen’s Thief series when I was 14 and…

Read more ›

As years go by, time after time, humans around the world are drawn to the same books, connecting us from every corner of the globe: some notable examples include plays, such as Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, classic novels such as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, as well as Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, to name a few.

But why should we be chained to the books of our past…

Read more ›

Olivia from our Teen Advisory Board has curated a selection of all-time favourite fantasy novels to tempt you.

Fantasy novels are totally immersive. They’re perfect for staying up late over summer (or during term!), to read on the tram home from school, or really, just to crack open in any situation! Below are four fantasy books I highly recommend escaping into.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

This is the book that made me fall in love with fantasy; strange…

Read more ›

One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus

Welcome to Sex! by Dr Melissa Kang & Yumi Stynes

The World’s Worst Monsters by David Walliams

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

Scar Town by Tristan Bancks

Never a hero by Vanessa Len

The Skull by Jon Klassen

It’s the Sound of the Thing by Maxine Beneba Clarke

This Camp is Doomed by Anna Zobel

Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures by Jason Pamment

Storm by Jane Bunn

The Detective’s…

Read more ›

Melissa Keil is one of the most talented romantic comedy writers for young adults today. We are delighted that her three stunning YA novels have been re-released with gorgeous new covers for a new generation of readers to discover. She recently visited our Teen Advisory Board and below is what they had to say.

'Her books read like a love letter to Melbourne, and you will find yourself falling in love with both the story and the city!’ — Aalia…

Read more ›

The winners of the 2023 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Shadow Judging Book of the Year Awards have been announced. Inaugurated in 2022, the awards this year were judged by over 2000 young readers from more than 250 groups across Australia.

A vibrant network of young readers, from emerging to young adult, dive deeply into the 2023 CBCA Shortlist and express their opinions and share their responses as judges ‘shadowing’ the CBCA Judges. They use the same criteria to…

Read more ›

The Readings Young Adult Prize is presented to the best contribution to Australian youth literature from an emerging author.

Our staff judges for the 2023 prize are Aurelia Orr (chair of judges, Readings Kids), Lucie Dess (marketing and events co-ordinator), Emma Janes (Readings Doncaster) and Stephanie King (Readings Emporium). We're thrilled to announce this year's six Young Adult Prize shortlist titles, and look forward to sharing our New Australian Fiction Prize shortlist soon! The six titles on the below shortlist…

Read more ›

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced their Book of the Year Awards winners for 2023. These Awards celebrate the best Australian books for readers in early childhood up to young adult readers.

Here are the winners for each category:

Older Readers (Ages 13-18 years)

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers in their secondary years of schooling. Ages 13-18 years.

Note: Books in this…

Read more ›

Welcome to Sex! by Dr Melissa Kang & Yumi Stynes

Inkflower by Suzy Zail

Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures by Jason Pamment

Sink or Swim (Wolf Girl, Book 9) by Anh Do

It’s the Sound of the Thing by Maxine Beneba Clarke

The Bad Guys Episode 17: Let the Games Begin! (Full Colour Edition) by Aaron Blabey

Blind Spot by Robyn Dennison

The Skull by Jon Klassen

Australia: Country of Colour by Jess Racklyeft

Hairy Maclary from…

Read more ›

Looking for a new book to pick up but inspiration hasn't hit you? Well, I've compiled a stack of new release young adult books from authors you've loved before.

Did you devour Hive and Rogue? Then you know you'll love...

One Song by A.J. Betts

Aspiring singer-songwriter Eva has one last chance to enter Triple J Unearthed High and break into the music industry.

But after three failed attempts, she needs some help.

Cue the band: perfectionist Eva, charismatic…

Read more ›

If you're anything like me, you love a good graphic novel! And there have been some incredible new releases recently. Below are some suggestions to help you pick your next read.

Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa

High-school senior and notorious wallflower Hawkins finally works up the courage to remove her mascot mask and ask out her longtime crush: Regina Moreno, head cheerleader, academic overachiever, and all-around popular girl. There’s only one teensy little problem: Regina is already dating…

Read more ›

Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer

Wilam: A Birrarung Story by Andrew Kelly & Aunty Joy Murphy

With a Little Sprinkle of Courage by Jackie Case

Welcome To Country by Aunty Joy Murphy & Lisa Kennedy

The Bad Guys Episode 17: Let the Games Begin! by Aaron Blabey

The Sun and the Star (from the World of Percy Jackson) by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro

Custodians (Wylah the Koorie Warrior, Book 2) by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard

Exit…

Read more ›

A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson

The Sun and the Star (from the World of Percy Jackson) by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer

Robodog by David Williams

The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman

Let the Games Begin! (the Bad Guys: Episode 17) by Aaron Blabey

With a Little Sprinkle of Courage by Jackie Case

Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (The Adventures of Dog Man, Book 11) by Dav Pilkey

…

Read more ›

Are you a fan of reading books that will keep you up at night? Well these recent young adult releases are for you ... if you dare.

She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran

Jade Nguyen has always lied to fit in. She's straight enough, Vietnamese enough, American enough – at least for this summer with her estranged father in Vietnam. Just five weeks of ignoring the quietly decaying French colonial house he's fixing up, then college and freedom…

Read more ›

It's getting colder and if you're anything like me, there's nothing you'd rather do than snuggle up with a book. This blog is full of cosy graphic novels to help you choose what to pick up next.

For those who needs a little bit of courage...

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is…

Read more ›

As the weather turns rapidly colder, consider snuggling up with a blanket, a cup of tea and one of these thrilling new releases. A new solo release from bestselling New York Times author, Amie Kaufman, is our Book of the Month, but we also have a captivating new story from YA darling, Will Kostakis, a debut YA from Australian fiction author, Tegan Bennett Daylight, and a new one from US based Australian author, Jen Wilde. Let’s get into it!

YA…

Read more ›

Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (The Adventures of Dog Man, Book 11) by Dav Pilkey

Pasta! by Felice Arena & Beatrice Cerocchi

The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart (illus)

Robodog by David Williams

The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-Bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold

The Bowerbird by Julia Donaldson and Catherine Rayner (illus)

The Glow by Sofie Laguna & Marc McBride (illus)

Moon Rising (Wings of Fire graphic novel 6) by…

Read more ›

Our outgoing Teen Advisory Board were delighted to receive, as one of their last books, a proof copy of the new fantasy novel by Lili Wilkinson, A Hunger of Thorns. The teens loved it and were excited by the opportunity to ask Lili some questions about her process and inspiration.

Have you been working on/thinking about this book while writing other books? Or is it a relatively new idea?

SO LONG. At least a decade, maybe longer. I’ve always…

Read more ›

So, you just binged the latest trending show and don't know what you could possibly do now that you are without it? Well, I'm here to help! Here you'll find a helpful guide to match your current favourite show with the next YA novel you need to add to your TBR.

You're still shaking after the season finale of You...

None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney

This outstanding psychological thriller will quench your thirst for more serial killers.

In 1982…

Read more ›

The shortlists for the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration have been announced!

The Carnegie Medal for Writing is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. The Carnegie Medal for Illustration* is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.*formerly known as the Kate Greenaway Medal

Below are this year's two shortlists.

The 2023 Yoto…

Read more ›

The Readings Teen Advisory Board meets monthly to discuss all things bookish and chat with some amazing people in the industry. During a recent meeting, we had the chance to interview author, Ann Liang. After her smash hit debut, If You Could See The Sun, she's just released another great read, This Time It's Real. Here is an extracted version of our discussion with Ann, written and compiled by Bonnie-Mai Smith, and edited for clarity.

Bonnie-Mai: What did you…

Read more ›

As summer slowly fades and the nights get cooler, it's the perfect time to get stuck into some brilliant new YA that is coming our way. Perfect for book clubs or independent reading, we have a slightly magical story set in Japan, an Australian coming-of-age, a new Patrick Ness (always exciting!), an Australian debut fantasy, a queer rom-com, and a classic that deserves revisiting.

MARCH YA BOOK OF THE MONTH

Catfish Rolling by Clara Kumagai

Set in the islands of…

Read more ›

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced its Notable Books for 2023. Congratulations to all the authors, illustrators and publishers!The CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children’s literature. The CBCA Awards were first presented in 1946 and are the longest-running book awards in Australia.

See below the links to the notable books for each category.

Older Readers

Books in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and are appropriate…

Read more ›

We have a number of exciting Australian debuts this month, as well as a novel by classic Australian children's author, Paul Jennings, and some fantastic releases from international authors!

YA BOOK OF THE MONTH

Two Can Play That Game by Leanne Yong

This story is focused around the ultra-competitive gaming world and two teens, Jay and Sam, who both want the same thing: an elusive ticket to the latest game design workshop, which is a fast-track to a career making…

Read more ›

We’ve run the reports and done the maths. Here are our 100 bestselling kids & YA books from the past year.

The 156-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold

Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman

Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard

One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Maybe by Kobi Yamada & Gabriella Barouch

Barefoot Kids by Scott Pape

Where is…

Read more ›

Looking for something to pick up during the summer holidays but don't know where to start? Teen Advisory Board member, Bonnie Mai, has some great recommendations based on titles you already know and love. She says:

The sun is beaming and there's not a single thought about studying in my mind, school's out and it's time to go to the beach! For some, the weather has not been very summery, but these books will definitely put you in a shining…

Read more ›

It's been a wonderful year for imaginative and inclusive works of fantasy and science fiction for young adults! This list is by no means exhaustive — there's simply too many excellent books — but it is certainly a wonderful place to begin exploring a selection of this year's highlights.

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

In this enchanting debut YA fantasy, a young tea-maker travels to the capital city to take part in a cutthroat magical competition…

Read more ›

2022 was a wonderful year for LQBTQIA+ stories. Our selection of highlights includes both local and international releases, and spans everything from WWII mysteries to the perils of global boy band fame.

Dancing Barefoot by Alice Boyle

This debut queer romance is both heartfelt and hilarious.

Patch has been deeply and unrequitedly in love with the star of the school’s basketball team for years, but when they are suddenly thrown together due to an unfortunate incident with a bottle of…

Read more ›

Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best young adult books of the year, as voted for by Readings’ staff, and displayed in no particular order.

A Walk in the Dark by Jane Godwin

Four students are thrown together for an overnight hike in the Otways with no adult supervision. They must find their way out on their own, with only a compass, a map and some flashlights – that…

Read more ›

There is nothing more exciting than discovering an author at the beginning of their career. We are extremely fortunate that this year has been really strong for debut authors in young adult fiction. Here are a selection of our favourite debut young adult titles for 2022, many of which come from very talented Australian authors.

Only a Monster by Vanessa Len

This time-travelling fantasy epic published back in February has been one of our stand-out YA titles this year. The…

Read more ›

Adolescence is a confusing, difficult time - even more so when your brain is wired differently to other teens. Here are a collection of powerful stories, both fiction and non-fiction, about living with neurodiversity as a teenager that provide insights and empathy for the complexity, challenges, and joy of living neurodivergently.

Different, Not Less by Chloe Hayden

Growing up, Chloe Hayden felt like she’d crash-landed on an alien planet where nothing made sense. She moved between 10 schools in 8…

Read more ›

We are delighted to have many recent children’s books that are richly imagined and would be perfect for study by book clubs and in classrooms. Here are some of our favourites.

AGES 5 AND UP

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder

With humour and pathos, Sworder reflects on the strange nature of giving and receiving love and celebrates those parents who embrace a hard life for themselves in the hope of a better life for their children.

Themes include:

…

Read more ›

Triple Threat by Katy Warner

The 156-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Little Gem by Anna Zobel

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder

The Goodbye Year by Emily Gale

Nothing More to Tell by Karen McManus

A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr

The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Wylah the Koorie Warrior by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard

Chippy Chasers: Chippy Jackpot by Sam Cotton

Our bestselling title this week was the latest young adult…

Read more ›

We have so many exciting Australian young adult new releases this month. Our Book of the Month is a feel-good queer rom-com that our reviewer absolutely adored. We’re also excited by a First Nations fantasy that goes back in time to Australia pre-colonisation. It is utterly brilliant!

Hotly anticipated new novels by Frances Hardinge and Karen McManus have finally arrived, we’re loving a Gothic coming of age story about two very different sisters, not to mention a thriller set in…

Read more ›

The 156-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Dancing Barefoot by Alice Boyle

Nothing More to Tell by Karen McManus

Hasina: Through My Eyes by Michelle Aung Thin

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder

Sadie Starr’s Guide to Starting Over by Miranda Luby

Be Careful Xiao Xin! by Alice Pung & Sher Rill Ng

A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr

Where You Left Us by Rhiannon Wilde

The Goodbye Year by Emily Gale

Our top selling title…

Read more ›

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder

Bindi by Kirli Saunders

Whodunnit Eddie Woo?: Time Out by Eddie Woo, Jess Black & Mitch Vane

Nothing More to Tell by Karen McManus

Treasure in the Lake by Jason Pamment

The Final Gambit: The Inheritance Games 3 by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon by Gabrielle Wang

All the Little Tricky Things by Karys McEwen

Little Gem by Anna Zobel

Wylah the Koorie Warrior: Guardians Book…

Read more ›

We’ve all read Heartstopper, but what should you read next? Whether we related to the themes, the characters, or just loved the vibes; here are some books that we think you’ll enjoy after you’ve read the popular webcomic turned television series.

Read below for some personal recommendations or browse our full list of suggested reads here.

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales

Perfect on Paper is the perfect rom-com any YA reader could ask for. It’s also the…

Read more ›

Passionate about manga or curious about the artform? To help build your manga collection, this month we have a 3-for-2 offer on the first three volumes in a range of bestselling manga series. Buy two books and choose a third title in the range (of equal or lesser value) for free. This offer is available in all Readings shops (excluding SLV and online) until 30 September 2022 on stickered, in-stock items only, while stocks last.

Below are six popular series…

Read more ›

There is nothing I love more than a book set inside the world of the theatre. Backstage shenanigans, identity crises, overblown egos, stories within stories, and the long hours characters are forced to spend together create highly combustible, and often hilarious, scenarios.

Recently it seems that young adult fiction is brimming with titles focused around school or university theatre or musical productions, community theatre, or even big Broadway dreams. And why not, because when you’re young and dramatically inclined, all…

Read more ›