New Kids and YA books for book clubs

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:

  • love
  • migration
  • multiculturalism
  • coming of age

Explore the full teacher’s notes here.


Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

Sophie Blackall takes readers on an enchanting visit to a farmhouse across time, to witness the way that history spins stories.

Themes include:

  • history & memories
  • the seasons
  • farming life

Explore the full teacher’s notes here.


AGES 9 AND UP


No Words by Maryam Master

The story of a 12-year-old refugee who’s trying to establish a new life in Australia, grapple with his past and, most importantly, find his voice.

Themes include:

  • language and words
  • bullying
  • neurodivergence
  • refugees

Explores the full teacher’s notes here.


The Goodbye Year by Emily Gale

This story explores all the trickiness and confusion of the end of primary school and a new stage of life that looms with all of its uncertainties and possibilities.

Themes include:

  • fear
  • family
  • times of crisis
  • history

Explore the full teacher’s notes here.


AGES 11 AND UP


A Walk in the Dark by Jane Godwin

Set in the lush rainforest of Victoria’s Otway Ranges over the course of one night, this story is a compulsively readable, suspense-filled adventure.

Themes include:

  • friendship
  • trust
  • identity
  • consent

Explore the full teacher’s notes here.


Where You Left Us by Rhiannon Wilde

A story about healing, home and how to pick up the pieces when you feel left behind.

Themes include:

  • family and sibling dynamics
  • depression and grief
  • love and sexuality
  • ghosts and hauntings

Explore the full teacher’s notes here.


Did you know Readings runs book clubs for young people (and adults) at our Doncaster store? You can find more information here.

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Cover image for My Strange Shrinking Parents

My Strange Shrinking Parents

Zeno Sworder

In stock at 5 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 5 shops