We are proud to announce the six shortlisted titles for The Readings Young Adult Prize 2025! The Readings Young Adult Prize is presented for the best new contribution to Australian youth literature from an emerging author.
Our staff judges for 2025 are Fiona Hardy (chair of judges; Readings Doncaster), Lucie Dess (Readings Marketing), Miranda La Fleur (Readings St Kilda) and Kate O’Mara (Readings Hawthorn).
You can also view our recently announced shortlist for the New Australian Fiction Prize here!
A Good Kind of Trouble
Brooke Blurton & Melanie Saward
Jamie is footy-mad and has a crush on her best friend Loz, but she’s worried Loz likes her older brother. Jamie is used to standing up for herself, but when a new girl at school walks out with her in protest against their outdated history lesson, Jamie finds a new ally. They start an inspiring project to get First Nations history taught in their school. For ages 11+.
'This delightful book will have you falling in love with Jamie, our strong and energetic protagonist. It covers some heavy topics such as racism and homophobia, but they’re explored in an easy-to-digest way. It’s perfect for footy lovers and kids who fight for what they believe in!' – Lucie Dess
Aisle Nine
Ian X. Cho
Jasper works at the Here for You discount store, where aisle nine features a portal straight to hell and demons keep devouring customers and staff. With a flatmate/best friend who’s also a cute kitty-monster, Jasper’s life is your usual apocalyptic disaster zone. When his crush starts working at the shop, they decide to team up to save the world. For ages 12+.
'A darkly funny dystopian horror novel, a biting satire of consumerism, and an endearing love story about a boy who just wants to get the girl and maybe even save the world – there’s a lot to like about Ian X. Cho’s impressive debut!' – Kate O’Mara
This Dream Will Devour Us
Emma Clancey
When Nora miraculously wins a lottery to attend the Dream Ball hosted by the Lamours, an ultra-wealthy pharmaceutical family with two handsome brothers at the helm, she hopes her entry to their magical world will mean she can save her sick brother. However, she finds secrets and conspiracies that threaten everything. For ages 14+.
'Emma Clancey’s debut, a standalone romantic fantasy, features wonderful world-building and a fully realised cast of chaotic and complex characters that make this decadent blend of magic, science, romance, mystery, and late-stage capitalism an absolute delight to read.' – Kate O’Mara
How to Be Normal
Ange Crawford
Astrid is in Year 12 and attending high school for the very first time after being home-schooled by her controlling father. She finds friends and a potential girlfriend, but must keep her thoughts and movements hidden. She will need the support of her new friends as she plans a high-risk escape for her mum and herself. For ages 12+.
'Although it explores dark themes, this emotionally charged and authentic novel is written with great understanding and care. It’s about finding your freedom and discovering your true self. I adored it and I can’t wait to see what Ange Crawford does next!' – Lucie Dess
White Noise
Raelke Grimmer
Emma and her dad live on Larrakia Country in Darwin and have a great relationship, although they are still grieving the death of her mother. Emma’s best friend Summer is volleyball-mad, so when Emma wins a coveted place on a beach volleyball program and Summer moves to the other side of town, their close friendship is challenged. Navigating a recent autism diagnosis, grief and friendship, this is a beautiful slice-of-life story. For ages 14+.
'A deeply engaging and evocative portrayal of a girl’s experience living with autism, and a heartfelt and touching exploration of family, belonging, girlhood, friendship and grief.' – Miranda La Fleur
Anomaly
Emma Lord
After a terrible virus swept through her world, Piper is living alone at her aunt’s house with her dog, Griff, as her only companion. Running out of food, she makes a desperate dash to a neighbouring house for supplies and returns with another survivor. But he’s being followed by Reapers – terrifying non-human killers that will stop at nothing. This is a thrilling, post-apocalyptic story that those who love dystopian fiction will devour. For ages 14+.
'Exciting and mysterious, Anomaly is so convincingly written that readers will feel just as unsettled as Piper herself. These characters feel completely real, as does their grief, uncertainty, and strength. Gloriously suspenseful.' – Fiona Hardy
The Readings Young Adult Prize Shortlist Pack
Get the six books shortlisted for the Readings Young Adult Prize for a special price! Normally $133.94, while stocks last you can get the pack for just $99.99.
Stay tuned for the announcement of The Readings Children's Prize tomorrow! The 2025 prize winners will be announced on Friday 14 November as part of the A Day in Carlton festival!
