Nathan never understood what was ‘fun’ about secrets, probably because he’s always had to keep a very big one, even from his best friend, Victor. Although he appears to be a typical grade-six kid, Nathan learned at an early age that his family is from another planet, and he’s part of an experiment to workContinue reading “Review: ‘The Experiment’ is a flying adventure”
Tag Archives: middle grade
Review: The Paperbark Tree Committee
Twelve-year-old Art and his younger brother Hilary are great friends, best friends. When they move to the city from a small rural town, Art struggles to fit in. His dad is too busy to give him much attention, but his stepmum is always ready to listen. And there’s the paperbark tree. Art and Hilary holdContinue reading “Review: The Paperbark Tree Committee”
Danielle Binks on writing middle grade, school refusal, and the power of sad stories | Author interview
We were thrilled to sit down with Danielle Binks to talk all about her latest novel, Six Summers of Tash and Leopold: a big, hopeful, coming-of-age middle-grade book that features complicated families and life-changing summers. The novel follows the titular characters as they deal with difficult life transitions and school can’t (a.k.a. school refusal). DanielleContinue reading “Danielle Binks on writing middle grade, school refusal, and the power of sad stories | Author interview”
Penny Draws a Secret Adventure continues a heartfelt depiction of childhood anxiety
Little by little, Penny Lowry is making it through grade five—with a bit of help from her friends and her loveable dog, Cosmo. There’s a lot of change to deal with this year! Penny’s newborn twin brother and sister have everyone in her family on their last nerve with their crying. Her friends, Maria andContinue reading “Penny Draws a Secret Adventure continues a heartfelt depiction of childhood anxiety”
Interview: Sara Shepard on the Penny Draws series
The “Penny Draws” series revolves around fifth-grader Penny Lowry, who navigates a challenging emotional landscape amid the trials of school life. The story deals with themes such as mental health and anxiety, exploring Penny’s struggle with her ever-changing friendships. We chat with author Sara Shepard, who is also the author of “Pretty Little Liars” series.
Review: Managing big feelings in Philomella
A were-dragon? A talking tree? Saving a world she didn’t know existed? … Philomella’s having an unusual day. Mystery, humour and sparkling magic combine in this middle-grade fantasy-adventure novel – perfect for fans of The World Between Blinks and The Phantom Tollbooth. When Philomella is drawn into the Impossible Forest – a place where anything can happen and usually does –Continue reading “Review: Managing big feelings in Philomella”
Interview: Allayne L. Webster talks Selfie
In this special interview, we chat with Allayne L. Webster, who recently published her tenth novel, Selfie. In Selfie, we meet year 8 student Tully, who is shocked to find herself the new best friend of teenage influencer Dene Walker. We chat about teenage friendships, the impact of social media on trust and identity, andContinue reading “Interview: Allayne L. Webster talks Selfie”
S3E2. Tiger Daughter (ft. interview with Rebecca Lim)
Last episode was prompted by Elise’s recommendation. This time, it’s Priscilla’s. Tiger Daughter tells the story of Wen and Henry, and what happens when tragedy strikes their community. We cover themes of domestic abuse, misogyny, and the ripple effect of suicide – all framed by the Chinese immigrant experience in Australia. The first part of this episodeContinue reading “S3E2. Tiger Daughter (ft. interview with Rebecca Lim)”
S02E08. A Monster Calls
What does it mean when a monster shows up at your window? For our final review episode of Season 2, we discuss A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness with special guest, author Mat Larkin. We talk about the stages of grief, middle grade tropes, surprisingly therapeutic monsters, and all the feels! Mental health issues covered:Continue reading “S02E08. A Monster Calls”
Novel Feelings 