Review: The Garden of Lost Girls by A. L. Tait

 With The Garden of Lost Girls A. L. Tait has delivered a mystery crime read for the tween audience. Although I do love the plethora of middle grade books with dragons and magic The Garden of Lost Girls is a pleasant change.

Thirty years after Jessica's disappearance her niece and nephews are acting in the play that Jessica wrote for her year 12 exams. The play was on stage the night Jessica disappeared. Sam, Gracie and Archie are hoping the replay may jog someone's memory to something they saw that night.

The Garden of Lost Girls is a page-turning mystery and I love how the three teen protagonists worked together, piecing together snippets of information. It was like a jigsaw puzzle where the whole picture isn't revealed until the last piece is placed in position.

Tait draws the mystery out, drip feeding information in a way that has the reader engaged and keen to keep the pages turning. I was so invested in what could have happened to Jessica I almost turned to the end of the book. My anticipation of the final reveal was that great. When I did get there I must say, I never expected that ending!

The teens are polite and respectful although Sam does lash out until he realises how much the play means to his mother. I felt empathy for the teens as it would be hard living with the ghost of someone you've never met.

There are plenty of themes included that tweens will relate to; surfing, drama, crushes and books.

Tait treats her young readers with intelligence with a plot that is complex and the mystery compelling, however also sensitive to the age of the intended audience.

If your tweens have been asking for crime reads, The Garden of Lost Girls is the perfect option.

My rating 4 / 5 👧👧👧👧

Recommended age 10+ years

Publisher: Scholastic Australia

Publication date: 1st September 2026

Genre: Middle Grade 10+ Crime

Pages: 288

RRP: AU$18.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the author

#crimereadsfortweens #Australianauthor #thegardenoflostgirls #altait #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #ausbookbloggers 

Review: The Panacea: The Billywood Chronicles #1 by Caroline Jones

 The Billywood Chronicles: The Panacea by Caroline Jones is the first in a vividly imagined adventure series for upper middle-grade readers.

Follow Jack's journey to a parallel world on a quest to repair the Panacea and save both Orbis and consequently his own planet, Earth.

The Panacea has all the right elements for a best-selling middle grade fantasy.

The Chosen One ✅

Eccentric Grandfather ✅

Absent parents ✅

outlier, introvert hero ✅

Elusive nemesis ✅

It's not until Jack falls through the fault into the world of Orbis that he discovers that he is the one destined to save this parallel world from the Death, a destructive force destroying everything in its path.

With vividly imagined and highly detailed scenes the story played out in my mind as I read.

Fantastical creatures and monsters galore will keep readers engaged and turning the pages.

I liked that twelve-year-old Jack's growth was organic. He was scared and cried often but came through with courage and determination when needed, learning to believe in himself along the way.

The Panacea: Billy Wood Chronicles #1 is sure to have middle-grade readers enthralled as the suspense ramps up and danger is around every corner. Jack battles monsters to the death and the mystery of the Panacea is revealed.

This was a fast-paced story with cliffhanger chapter endings making the book hard to put down.

The story isn't all battles and danger. There is plenty of humour throughout, some at poor Jack's expense, giving some lightness to the plot.

There was a shaving scene which I thought very unlikely on the cusp of thirteen and it also didn't lend anything to the plot.

I was wondering how the series would continue. It seemed well wrapped up.... then that fabulous cliffhanger ending. Fans will be eager for book two.

And for all those dragon lovers.... there's dragons!!

My rating 4 / 5 👾👾👾👾

Recommended age: 10 - 14 years

Content: A chicken monster's head is decapitated - off page.

              battles against monsters to the death

Publisher: Hawkeye Publishing

Publication date: 17th May 2026

Series: The Billywood Chronicles #1

Genre: Middle Grade / Tween 

Pages: 266

RRP: AU$28.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#thebillywoodchronicles #thepanacea #carolinejonesauthor #middlegradefantasy #tweenfiction 

Review: Treeshape by Trace Balla

 The shape of a tree, the shape of me - Trace Balla

I loved Trace Balla's Leaf-Light; its feel of tranquility, sense of community and one with nature, and right from the cover of Treeshape I felt that same tranquility and connection to nature.

illustrated by Trace Balla

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 3rd march 2026

Genre: Graphic Novel / Memoir

Pages: 136

RRP: AU$32.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Treeshape is Trace Balla's own story. A personal story from the heart.

"Ever since I was a kid my favourite place has always been up a tree." - Trace Balla

Treeshape is a heartfelt memoir written as a graphic novel. It is a story filled with compassion and a deep appreciation of place.

Trace Balla uses visual storytelling. Trees have always been her go-to safety place. The book is exquisitely illustrated and hugely detailed. It is not a book that would be read in one sitting. The more you return to the story the more you see. 

Treeshape is not only a remarkable memoir it is also a visual delight. Presented with a combination of black & white sketches and real photos as layered images. Photos of the big old trees that matter most to Balla are included, giving the reader real glimpses of our natural world.

Treeshape is a book to ponder over and marvel in the beauty and scope of our natural world as Trace Balla takes her reader along as she travels around Australia. 

Treeshape is a unique masterpiece. certainly not like anything I've seen before.

The story showcases Trace Balla's love for the environment and her deep appreciation of place and connection with First Nation peoples.

My rating 5 / 5 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

Recommended age: 10+ years

#treeshape #traceballa #memoir #graphicnovel #booksonnature 

Review: The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks by Fiona Harris

The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks is a fun, relatable story that will be loved by any young tween just trying to fit in.

Gracie was one of the cool girls in year 6 but she's starting at a different high school to all her friends. A school where no one will know her. But, she has a plan; make friends with the cool girls, join the school band and soon she will be just as popular as her older sister Imogen.

Gracie is such a wonderful character. She is basically a kind and thoughtful girl and a bit geeky. I could understand why she wanted to be in the cool group, doesn't everyone!

Follow along, through Gracie's diary entries as she fumbles her way through, old friendships, new friendships, mean girls and bullying to finally realising that just being yourself and broadening your horizons is all you need to make the best sorts of friends.

Gracie's mother had died in a car accident and even though she did miss her and it was integrated into the story it wasn't solely focused on this sad event. 

I liked the addition of the school library as a safe haven and a place where she could connect with her mother.

Lots of fascinating information on horoscopes may have some young readers searching for more information on astrology and star signs.

I loved that Gracie and her grandparents were so close and when things were at a low she had somewhere to go for unconditional love and praise. I laughed at all Gracie's funny sayings that she got straight from her grandparents.

The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks is a humorous and heartfelt story about growing up and not knowing where you fit in anymore. It's about finding your place in a new environment, building resilience and trying to remember that other people may have bad things happening in their life that you don't know about. It holds a subtle message about always being kind.

I laughed all the way through and even got a little teary at the end. Gracie is funny, a little awkward and always thoughtful. She's a character who will stay in the hearts of many readers.

My rating 5/ 5 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

Recommended age: 9 - 12 years

Publisher: Affirm Press

Publication date: 31st march 2026

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 338

RRP: $16.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#theembarrassingconfessionsofgraciesparks #fionaharris #middlegradefiction #humour #aussieauthor #ausbookbloggers #kidsbookswelove

Book Review: Felix and the Future Agency by Rachel Morrisroe

Felix and the Future Agency is the fabulous new middle grade fantasy novel by Rachel Morrisroe. Filled with danger, action and magical creatures it is a must read for fans of the Percy Jackson series. 

 

Rachel has used real, ancient rumours, in and around London and the subway, and expands on them using imaginary outcomes to create a world where good triumphs over evil.

 

Twelve year old Felix Green is an outcast at his school. He can predict the future and tries to warn his fellow pupils about bad events that will happen. Labelled as strange by his peers and a trouble maker by his teachers, Felix is often suspended, accused of causing the events he has warned about.

Felix feels lost and dejected until he is invited to join a new school for children just like him. The Future Agency: an underground secret society set up to save the world from disasters that are predicted by the society members.

Rachel Morrisroe's exceptional world building is easy to follow and understand. All the different classes of magic and what they do is clearly explained. I loved the addition of bonded pets, celestaurs, made from the stars.  

 

Each scene is meticulously described giving the reader a vivid image as each scene unfolds. There are also a few half page black and white sketches by Paddy Donnelly for those, like me, that appreciate an added visual prompt.

The story can be a little dark at times but there is plenty of humour throughout to lighten the overall feel. Friendship problems to resolve and a few road bumps for Felix to navigate keep the story relatable and interesting.

 

Felix and the Future Agency is an electrifying and atmospheric introduction to a fantastical new hero.

Felix and the Future Agency is the perfect read for children who love fantasy and adventure stories.

I'm eager for the next instalment!

 

content: dead parents

              ghosts

              demons   

 

My rating 5 / 5 👦👦👦👦👦

Recommended age: 10 - 14 years

 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

Publication date: 18th June 2025

Genre: Fantasy / Middle Grade / Tween

Pages: 288

RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Loon Cove Summer by Donna Galanti

Loon Cove Summer is a heart-felt story of loss, grieving, first crushes and the will to make a difference.

 

Since her mother's death from cancer Sarah has been trapped in her grief. The only things that keep her going is helping out at the family's campground and trying to save the loons that live on their lake.

Loons: (North American English) or divers (British / Irish English) are a group of aquatic birds found in much of North America and northern Eurasia.  

 

Loon Cove Summer is a wonderful story for tween readers 10 -14 years. It raises awareness of environmental issues as thirteen -year-old Sarah volunteers at the wild bird rehabilitation centre and also tracks the loons movements and breeding. She has a mission to save the loons in the area. This was a project she started with her mother.

 

The introduction of Theo , who is on holiday at the lake, adds a lovely friendship theme. Sarah's crush on Theo is sweet and realistic and her awkwardness, clumsiness and blushing adds humour to the story. The banter and fun ribbing between Sarah and Theo is natural and amusing. Theo has been through his own tragedy and loss however exudes an air of confidence and resilience. Talking to Theo helps Sarah understand she is not alone in her grief. I think their friendship is what I loved most about the story.

 

Loon Cove Campground has a wonderful cast of eccentric inhabitants who add wit, humour, words of wisdom and a close community feel to the story.

 

Loon Cove Summer is a story about realising your dreams for the future and working towards making them happen.

 

" Every big idea starts small with one person ... So, go - be that one person who makes a change for the better." - Loon Cove Summer

 

I adored this heartrending and heartwarming story of working out who you are after a major loss, moving on with your life and dreams. I enjoyed the environment aspect with the raptor rehabilitation centre, encouraging children to become wildlife warriors and junior conservationists.

 

Loon Cove Summer is a memorable read filled with humour, suspense, hope and reconciliation.

Donna Galanti evokes a world where love, hope and connectedness ultimately triumph.

 

Perfect for fans of: Nature, survival stories, great outdoors, STEM adventure, and environmental causes. 

 

Content: dead mother

              first kiss - very sweet 

 

My rating 5 / 5  🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆 

Recommended age: 10 - 14 years

 

Publisher: Wild Trail Press

Publication date: 6th May 2025

Genre: Children's / Tween Fiction

Pages: 276 

Price: AU$9.14 (kindle) 

Source: Courtesy of Media Masters Publicity

 

 

  

Book Review: Chickenpox by Remy Lai

Set in the 1990's Chickenpox is a fabulously funny graphic novel narrated by the eldest of five siblings, twelve-year-old Abby Lai. 

Abby tries to get away from her siblings any chance she gets. She'd rather spend time with her friends far away from her annoying brothers and sisters. But when they all come down with chickenpox Abby is trapped inside, for two whole weeks.

 

I found Chickenpox to be outrageously funny. You don't need to have had chickenpox to imagine what it would be like trapped inside with your younger siblings.

Plenty of hijinks and antics abound as Abby not only tries to entertain her siblings but also has to navigate friendships by phone whilst always wondering what is going on at school in her absence.  

Luckily we now have a vaccine available for chickenpox so readers of Remy Lai's novel may not know the constant itch and isolation but I am sure their parents can remember and have some stories to tell.  

Reading Chickenpox took me back to when my five children had the virus and we were stuck at home for 5 weeks as they seemed to get it one after the other. There was much hijinks and mayhem back then too.

 

Content: I would just like to highlight this sentence from the book, if buying for younger readers.

"When I was little and still believed in Santa and unicorns" 

You should always believe in Santa and unicorns! 🎅🦄

 

My rating 5 / 5  🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th February 2025

Genre: Graphic Novel / Middle Grade

Pages: 240

RRP: AU$19.99 (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles by Corey Tutt

Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles is the ultimate children's science book by DeadlyScience founder Corey Tutt, best selling author of The First Scientists. 

 

illustrated by Ben Williams

 

 Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 4th February 2025

Genre: Non Fiction / Picture Book

Pages: 140

RRP: AU$32.99 (Hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles is an amazing book filled with cool facts and vibrant, real to life illustrations that will entrance and enthrall all reptile enthusiasts big and small.

 

With over 60 reptiles and information on what they look like, what makes it deadly, favourite feeds, predators and prey and how they breed.

For each reptile you will also discover its First Nations name and where it can be found in Australia.

 

Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles is a fantastic hardcover book that will become a treasured reference guide to children interested in reptiles, conservation and the environment.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🐍🦎🐢🐊🐍

Recommended age: 8 - 14 years

 

 

 

Spotlight: Lemons are a Girl's Best Friend by Janet Hayward

 I've reviewed Lemons are a Girl's Best Friend over on The Burgeoning Bookshelf however I wanted to highlight it here as well as it is a fabulous little book for tweens.

 

 As more and more young girls are spending their pocket money on overpriced serums at Sephora and Mecca it is refreshing to see a book being written offering girls inexpensive and natural alternatives.

 

See my full review on The Burgeoning Bookshelf Lemons are a Girl's Best Friend Review. 

 

Published by Simon & Schuster on 30th October 2024

 

My rating 5 / 5  🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

Book Review: Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica by Alison Lester & Coral Tulloch

 In Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch take their readers on a fascinating exploration of Antarctica through a specially selected mix of their own and others' work, through the stages from early exploration to present day.

 

 Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: Children's

Genre: Non Fiction

Pages: 96

RRP: AU$35.00 (hard back)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica is a feast for the eyes as well as the mind. It has been published under Allen & Unwin's Children's imprint and written with ages 8 - 14 in mind however Into the Ice will truly appeal to all ages. I've always had an interest in the early explorers of Antarctica and I love how this book shows the early history and also highlights the beauty and wonder of the continent.

You don't need to have an interest in Antarctica or its history to be captivated by this beautiful hardcover compilation of photos, paintings, sketches and notes from diaries of some of the most noted explorers.

Lester and Tulloch include their own reactions and feelings of awe as they see first-hand the wonder that is Antarctica.

Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica is the perfect coffee table book. A spellbinding book that you will be urged to pick up again and again.

My rating 5 / 5 ❄❄❄❄❄

I recommend Into the Ice for all ages - 96 pages of wonder and awe.

 

 

 

Book Review: Breaking Pointe by Chenée Marrapodi

 Breaking Pointe

by

Chenée Marrapodi

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Genre: Tween 10 - 14 years

Pages: 288

RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback) 

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Breaking Pointe

Breaking Pointe is an inspiring story about friendship, dancing and holding onto your dream.

 

Breaking Pointe is the second book by Chenee Marrapodi featuring the students of the Perth Ballet Academy. The first book is titled One Wrong Turn.

 

Valentina is worried that her parents can't afford the dance fees and she may have to give up her dream.

 

Amelia is not coping, she is tired and can't seem to focus. When she collapses and is rushed to hospital a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis shatters her world. Will she have to give up dancing?

 

Marrapodi includes themes of cultural differences, the pressure of elite dancing and the complexity of friendships when they are in competition against each other.

 

I loved that Chenee Marrapodi portrays the type1 diagnosis so accurately. From the point of view of Amelia who felt like it was a life ending diagnosis to the point of view of her parents who fretted, panicked and over reacted. Having an adult child with T1 I could relate to it all.

 

Breaking Pointe is an invaluable resource, not only for children who have been diagnosed with T1 but also their friends and teachers.

 

Breaking Pointe is a story that teaches empathy and understanding about cultural differences and living with a chronic condition.  

 

Breaking Pointe will be particularly enjoyed by girls and boys who love to dance. 

My rating 4 / 5 🩰🩰🩰🩰

 

 

Book Review: Hockey Wars 15: Graduation by Sam lawrence & Ben Jackson

 Hockey Wars 15: Graduation

by

Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson

illustrated by Tanya Zeinalova

 

Publisher: Indie Publishing Group

Publication day: 2nd June 2024 

Series: Hockey Wars #15

Genre: Tween Fiction

Pages: 142

Source: Courtesy of the authors 

 

Review: Hockey Wars 15 Graduation

 It was a delight to follow this wholesome group of young teens as they celebrated the end of Middle School (grade 8 in the USA) and their academic and sporting achievements, cheering each other on and planning towards their futures.

 

I like that the group of girls and boys have been just friends enjoying hanging out together but now about to enter High School (turning 14) they are beginning to pair up experiencing the first thoughts of a relationship. Sweet, wholesome and good fun!.

 

Young readers will love all the fanfare of getting ready for graduation and will relate to the worries about losing friendships when they go to different high schools.

 

This edition mainly focuses on the graduation and the characters' burgeoning relationships but there are still plenty of sport filled moments with a golf day and a friendly hockey match.

 

Tanya Zeinalova's illustrations are an added delight and I loved trying to pick which illustration was which character.

 

My rating 4 /5 🎓🎓🎓🎓

Recommended age 10 -14 years

Book Review: Father of the Lost Boys (young readers ed.) by Yuot A. Alaak

 Father of the Lost Boys

by

Yuot A. Alaak

THE MECAK AJANG ALAAK STORY

 

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 4th June 2024

Genre: Middle Grade / Non Fiction

Pages: 160

RRP: AU$17.99 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Father of the Lost Boys

Father of the Lost Boys for younger readers is a rewrite of the adult edition to be appropriate reading for younger readers aged 8+ years. I haven't read the adult version but I feel this book will have less graphic detail of the death and destruction rained on the people of Sudan. 

 

Yuot recounts the harrowing journey of Mecak Ajang Alaak as he walks 20,000 displaced boys aged 8-12 years, over a period of 2 years, to freedom. He was a man of tremendous moral and ethical stature and he instilled this in his son and the boys that looked to him for guidance

 

Not only is Father of the Lost Boys a wonderful story of courage and perseverance it also teaches a lot about the history of unrest in Sudan and neighbouring countries. I learnt a lot from Yuot's story. 

Reading Father of the Lost Boys gives the opportunity to teach empathy and compassion for refugees and displaced persons. A real eye opener for children to see what children in other countries deal with and how they work together and still manage to find joy in the simplest things in life.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Yuot A. Alaak currently lives in Perth with his family where he works as a mining professional, having attained degrees in geosciences and engineering. 

Recommneded age: 8 -14 years

CONTENT: death of children from hunger and exhaustion

                   children taken by wild animals

                   an execution by firing squad

                   some children drown

See Fremantle Press website for teaching notes and activities.

https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/father-of-the-lost-boys-for-younger-readers/

 

Book Review: Mawson in Antarctica by Joanna Grochowicz

 Mawson in Antarctica:

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

by

Joanna Grochowicz

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 4th June 2024

Genre: Children's Non Fiction

Pages: 272

RRP: $19.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Mawson in Antarctica

I've always been fascinated by the great explorers. Men and women who brave deadly conditions to advance our understanding of the world we live in.

 

Joanna Grochowicz has written a gripping rendition of Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition which ran from 1911 - 1914. Their main goal was to chart a section of the coast.

I liked the addition, in the front of the book, of a list of the men who were part of the expedition and the job each man was assigned to although, once there, it was soon clear that everyone had to pitch in wherever. 

The unforgiving landscape and the men's battle with exhaustion, hunger and frostbite is all vividly described and as I read I was never in doubt of how bitterly cold it was and how dangerous a sudden change in the weather could be.

In Mawson in Antarctica Grochowicz uses the notes and diaries kept by the explorers, plus extensive research, to recreate the ambience and conversations between the men to write a highly engaging story about ordinary men who rose to extraordinary heights of courage and endurance.

Perfectly written for the intended age group of 10 - 14 years. I love that children are not only getting a totally immersive and gripping read but they are also learning an important part of Australian history and I hope, like me, it encourages readers to search for more information on Mawson and his team of adventurers.

 

Includes insert pages of photographs taken during the expedition.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher recommended age: 10 -14 years

My age recommendation 12+ years

CONTENT: The men are reduced to eating the dogs to stay alive.

 

Book Review: Smoke & Mirrors by Barry Jonsberg

 Smoke & Mirrors

by

Barry Jonsberg

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 30th January 2024

Genre: Young Adult / Junior Fiction

Pages: 272

RRP: $19.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Smoke & Mirrors 

Barry Jonsberg writes heartfelt stories that cut to the core of serious issues and Smoke & Mirrors is no exception. With themes of fractured families, alcoholism, cancer and voluntary assisted dying Smoke & Mirrors could be a sombre read but Jonsberg adds humour to lighten the story.  

 

Grace cares about two things, magic and her grandmother. They share a sharp sense of humour and Gran can give back as much as Grace dishes out.

Grace doesn't trust anyone and when Simon offers to help her become a social media star and earn money from her magic act she doesn't trust him either but is prepared to take his help, at arm's length.

 

Smoke & Mirrors is a heartfelt story about a teen trying to find her place in the world. Grace's family have suffered a tragedy and instead of helping each other they have each turned inward blocking their loved ones out. 

When Gran is diagnosed with a terminal illness Grace volunteers to be her carer.

 

Reading Smoke & Mirrors as an adult I found the story heartbreaking, however I feel the targeted age group would connect more with the magic, how amazing and determined Grace is and how restorative her friendship with Simon is.

 

I loved the way Jonsberg revealed the twists subtly, a few words spoken, easily missed.

 

The publisher's age range is 10 - 14 years. I might be a little cautious but with the topics explored I have recommended an age range of 12 -16 years. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐