Teen Advisory Board

Reading into the Heartstopper universe

by Poppy, Readings Teen Advisory Board

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…

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Our Teen Advisory Board's favourite books of 2023

It's been a huge year of reading for our Teen Advisory Board. Below you can discover some of their favourite books from 2023, what their go-to summer break reads are, as well as the books they're hoping to buy, borrow or be gifted these holidays.

Favourite book of the year?

'At the beginning of this year, I picked up a beautiful copy of Jane Eyre, which had been given to me as a Christmas gift. Delightedly, I flew through…

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An Introduction to classics

by Ione Rawlings, Readings Teen Advisory Board

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…

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Finding your inner artist through books

by Poppy, Teen Advisory Board

Art is everywhere around us, including in the books we read. To help find the perfect gift for the art lover in your life, or to unlock your own creativity, here are some personal favourites which might provide inspiration.

Prolific children’s author Peter H. Reynolds is probably already on your child’s bookshelf. But I think two of his picture books are as perfect for adults as they are for young readers. Ish shares the story of Ramon, a boy who…

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Q&A with Megan Whalen Turner

by Alicia Guiney

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

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What are the future classics of literature?

by Aalia Rashid, Teen Advisory Board

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…

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Best fantasy recommendations for teens, from a teen

by Olivia Campbell, Teen Advisory Board

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…

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Melissa Keil meets The Readings Teen Advisory Board

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…

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Meeting the name behind the book

by Poppy, Readings Teen Advisory Board

Poppy from our Teen Advisory Board reflects on how attending book launches, author signings and workshops can enrich your reading experience as well as be inspiring and educational.

Books can be so much more than something you read once and put on your shelf. Attending book launches, author signings and workshops can enrich your reading experience. It allows you to meet the creator behind the work, understand their point of view and motivate you to try something new.

I still…

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The Teen Advisory Board discuss perceptions and expectations around different types of books

by Readings Teen Advisory Board

In this blog, our TAB explore perceptions and expectations around genre by answering two questions.

Do you think all book genres and readerships are treated the same, or are some viewed as more worthy of our time and attention? Do you think as a society we value the right kinds of books?

Anahatt Kaur: As a society on the whole, I feel that we’ve stigmatised certain genres as 'trashy' or 'mind-numbing', while placing other genres on pedestals for their 'literary…

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