Novels for middle years

Fraillon, Z. (2020). The Lost Soul Atlas. Lothian.

The story begins as Twig wakes up in the Afterlife with only some vague memories and must decide whether to live in blissful ignorance of his life or set out on a quest to find his father …and to remember. A dual narrative addressing social issues like homelessness and corruption but ultimately about hope, friendship and family.

Godwin, J. (2020). When Rain turns to Snow. Lothian.

Well-crafted characters caring young people who must confront adult responsibilities and challenges. The story explores what a family is and other issues including secrets and social media.

Gordon, K. (2020). Aster’s good, right things. Riveted Press.

Aster has set herself a daily challenge: she must do a good, right thing every day to make someone else's life better. Nobody can know about her 'things', because then they won't count. And if she doesn't do them, she knows everything will go wrong. Then she meets Xavier. He wears princess pyjamas and has his own kind of special missions to make life better. CBCA 2021 Book of the Year for Younger Readers.

Rodda, E. (2021). Elize Vanda’s Button Box. Harper Collins.

A gentle adventure filled with magic and wonder from multi-award-winning author Emily Rodda. The story nurtures the having of imaginative ideas.

Saunders, K. (2020). Bindi. Illus by Leffler, D. Magdabala books.

A beautifully written verse novel, ‘written for those who plant trees’. Eleven year old Bindi explores climate, bushfires, and healing. Dub Leffler’s illustrations are wonderful. Winner Western Australian Premier’s Award.

Whiting, S. (2020). The Book of Chance. Walker books.

Inspired by a real crime, this book is full of suspense. It explores what happens when everything Chance believes is true falls apart. Whiting considers what is truth, what is a lie and how does one deal with the grey in between? The very real problem of cyber-bullying is another issue raised.

List compiled by Robyn Ewing AM

Professor Emerita | Sydney School of Education and Social Work| Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences |Co-Director Creativity in Research, Engaging the Arts, Transforming Education (CREATE) Centre |Board Member, WestWords| Honorary Associate, Sydney Theatre Company| Principal Fellow ALEA| Visiting Scholar, Barking Gecko Theatre|