The members of the Readings Teen Advisory Board are sharing the best books they've read this year – so far!
How to Be Normal
Ange Crawford
Camryn says: This is a wonderful young adult novel for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction. Ange Crawford thoughtfully explores the impact of coercive control on a family’s mental health through the story of Astrid, a teenager raised under the strict control of her father. In an attempt to experience teenage normality, Astrid’s parents enroll her in Year 12, after she's been homeschooled her entire life. As she navigates the unfamiliar world of high school, Astrid learns to live outside her comfort zone, establishing the importance of friendship and finding the courage to redirect her own life.
I loved this book for its unique plot and complex character development. The novel also creates opportunities for young readers to spark conversations with their own families and friends about the heavier themes addressed.
Unhallowed Halls
Lili Wilkinson
Tina says: This novel is a beautiful coalescence of gothic dark academia, metaphysical references, and the mundanity (or lack thereof!) of teenage life. Wilkinson explores the life of a young, troubled American teen as she navigates relationships at a Scottish boarding school dedicated to ‘posh fuck-ups’. As Page juggles the immense expectations from her peers and teachers, she uncovers the truth about her identity, her new friends and the mysterious school. The compelling narrative was impossible to predict, defying clichés and embracing the absurd.
This book is perfect for any YA lovers who want to try something new – Unhallowed Halls is a perfect blend that will satisfy your curiosity and broaden your horizons.
Antigone
Sophocles
Grace says: Antigone is a Greek tragedy that explores deep family connections, fate, strength and the tragic hero – particularly how a person can fall from a great height, both morally and in status.
The play follows our hero Antigone and her deep faith in the Greek Gods, and it comments on a variety of conflicts that are still experienced today, including the individual versus the State, and love for family vs love for power. It shows that no matter how weak the world wants you to be or how many hardships you and your family have endured, you can stay strong to your beliefs and your family.
Overall, it’s a powerful read with complex writing and themes, great for anyone interested in Greek mythology, theatre and strong female leads, or who has a love for tragic endings.
Lady’s Knight
Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Freddie says: This novel is a powerful stampede of the feminine: it displays resourcefulness and tenacity amongst a female society living in a dominantly male world. But Lady’s Knight is more than that. It evokes a feeling of power in women, and commands respect for women from men.
If Lady’s Knight had been written in Shakespeare’s time, I don’t doubt it would have been unspeakably controversial, and this is part of its magic. Chivalry is a quality all too often tied to men, and Gwen severs that tie. I am immensely fond of all of the heroines in this book. The cast is reminiscent of Ethel Smythe, Atalanta and Joan of Arc, all fierce female figures from history and legend who made themselves heard and shan’t soon be forgotten.
Wandering Wild
Lynette Noni
Klara says: My favourite book of the year so far is Wandering Wild by Lynette Noni. The book paints a beautiful image of the Blue Mountains in NSW where the story takes place.
Noni touches on hard topics like grief, trauma, and redemption gently and sensitively; this combined with the adventure and enemies-to-lovers romance, makes for an amazing read!
Earthlings
Sayaka Murata, translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori
Audrey says: Earthlings is a coming-of-age story of a young girl named Natsuki and her cousin, Yuu, who believe that their alienation from their families is because they’re from another planet. The story explores aspects of societal pressure and depersonalisation with a childlike perspective, through very twisted scenes. Don’t be fooled by the extremely cute cover (which I fell for); it was disconcerting because, as a reader, you have to find a balance between the beautiful writing and the way taboo content is satirised. The plot is outrageous, over-the-top, and insane.
Finally, the crowning achievement was the characters. Murata's characters make room, not only for the plot to grow, but also to challenge readers in what we consider to be ‘human’. This story is vastly outside the box (you could say out of this world, even) and I love it because of that.
This Stays Between Us
Margot McGovern
Esther says: This Stays Between Us has to be my favourite book of this year. It pulls you in from the start, keeping you eager for the next chapter, making it perfect for lovers of fast-paced horror and the supernatural.
This YA thriller follows Shelley, the new girl at St. Augustine’s School, and her classmates as they set off on a loosely supervised school camp. In an attempt to smooth out the tension between Shelley and her bunkmates, they decide to hold a seance – leading to the tagline: ‘when you call on the darkness, sometimes darkness replies’.
McGovern explores possession and psychological torment, as well as real world problems such as sexual violence and social dynamics, through the lens of a 90s horror film. The narrative switches perspectives between the four girls to give an insight into each character’s lives, experiences and worst nightmares.
Please note this book contains graphic depictions of violence and themes of sexual assault.
Black River
Ruby Jean Cottle
Elsie says: Black River by Ruby Jean Cottle is a paranormal romance YA thriller, blending reality and folklore. Perfect for lovers of Twilight, Black River follows the story of a girl called Dusty as she navigates both her teenage life and her strange experiences in the woodlands that surround her home. We follow both the journey of her strange experiences and the unfurling romance between her and the strange boy at the back of her biology class, who is much more than he seems at first glance.
Set in a small, mountainous town reminiscent of Bella Swan’s Forks, Dusty coexists between her normal, suburban life and her dark and mystical woodlands. If you love thrillers and romance with a touch of slow burn and mystery, this is the book for you!
Due for publication 26 August.
Mr Einstein's Secretary
Matthew Reilly
Kai says: Mr Einstein’s Secretary is a historical epic about Hanna Fischer, the daughter of a government advisor during the First World War and the whirlwind of events that leads her to become secretary to some of the most powerful men in the world during the Second World War.
This feminist epic highlights women’s power within a male dominated world and the lengths women had to go through to gain it. The story leaves you constantly guessing by giving glimpses of the future and the past, which add more suspense to the complex story.
Overall this story is fantastic for readers (like myself) who love history, strong female characters and the occasional gangster – and it's fantastic for a one-day-readathon!
Please note this book contains graphic depictions of violence, sexual assault, and atrocities committed in during the Second World War.
Sunrise on the Reaping
Suzanne Collins
Henry says: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is definitely my best book of 2025. The complex characters, setting and story make it such an interesting and emotional read. Collins brings the world of Panem back to life with new characters who are just as layered and conflicted as the ones in the original Hunger Games series. The plot is full of suspense and twists that keep you hooked, and the way she explores themes like power, rebellion, and survival makes the story feel deep and meaningful. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it. I love Haymitch and Maysilee, they’re both strong, powerful, and add so much depth to the Hunger Games world. A 5 out of 5 read for me!
