Junior Book Club – this month’s reads
Friday, 6 March 2026 Books+Publishing @booksandpublishing
Searching for your next great read to share with kids? Our Junior Book Club highlights new titles each month that are perfect for classrooms, libraries and family reading time. From fun and imaginative adventures to books that spark curiosity and conversation, these are the latest releases worth adding to your shelves and sharing with young readers of all ages.
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Amanbidji Garu Kids of Amanbidji ILF ISBN: 9781922592804 RRP: $24.99 Age: 5 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “This is a story written by kids for kids. It’s a hilarious, fun adventure through the remote community of Amanbidji. Young readers will get a glimpse into a life that’s different from theirs and learn words in the First Languages Kriol and Ngarinyman. It can inspire conversations around the importance of readers seeing themselves reflected in a story, learning more about Australia’s First Nations peoples, and discussing connection to place.” – Samantha Mansell, publishing project editor, ILF | |
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A Concise Compendium of Wonder Ceridwen Dovey, Ursula Dubosarsky and Jennifer Mills Pink Shorts Press ISBN: 9781763847545 RRP: $32.99 Age: 10 and over Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: “This little collection ranges from science fiction to adventure story to fable in its three retellings of classic fairytales, with their eye on the eco-anxiety of our current times. The stories don’t shy away from the darkness inherent in the original tales. It is a book for all ages, and a perfect cross-generational read.” – Margot Lloyd, publisher, Pink Shorts Press | |
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The Flower Garden Claire Saxby, illus Lucia Masciullo Walker ISBN: 9781760657352 RRP: $25.99 Age: 7 to 12 Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: “In The Flower Garden, author Claire Saxby sheds light on a dark and often overlooked part of Australia’s Second World War history: the experiences of women and children in Changi Prison. Saxby’s lyrical prose focuses on the enduring kindness and tenacity of these prisoners despite their circumstances, particularly the children, who make a ‘flower garden’ quilt as a birthday surprise for their beloved teacher Mrs Ennis. Young readers will love the watercolour artwork and spotting the secret scraps of colour and thread that the children collect to make their quilt.” – Erin Middleton, editor, Walker | |
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Good Young Men Gary Lonesborough A&U Children’s ISBN: 9781761182174 RRP: $22.99 Age: 14 to 18 Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: “An extraordinary YA coming-of-age story about three Aboriginal boys on the cusp of adulthood, wrestling with the shocking death of their friend in a community where racial tension is ever-present. Unflinchingly traversing challenging territory, Good Young Men is ultimately a life-affirming YA novel that balances an authentic exploration of racism, tragedy, coming-out and family responsibilities with a profoundly moving story of teenage resilience, quiet romance, friendship, courage and hope.” – Jodie Webster, publisher – books for children and young adults, A&U | |
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Lamington Left Behind Andrea Innocent HGCP ISBN: 9781761212819 RRP: $19.99 Age: 8 to 12 |
| Why young readers will love it: “Lamington Left Behind is a gorgeously big-hearted middle-grade adventure from debut graphic novelist – and real-life wildlife carer – Andrea Innocent. Alone in the distinctive Australian wilderness, young Lamington discovers she can speak to koalas, encounters talking mushrooms, and falls in with a gang of feral children. Perfect for fans of Luke Pearson’s Hilda series and Jason Pamment’s Treasure in the Lake.” – Steve Shepherd Spargo, children’s campaign manager, HGCP | |
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The Lost Defenders Sam Summers Penguin ISBN: 9781761355059 RRP: $17.99 Age: 10 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “Perfect for young readers looking for their next fantasy read after Percy Jackson, The Lost Defenders has the perfect balance of action, adventure and magic! With a trio of unlikely, relatable heroes, the book proves anyone can save the world, magical powers or not.” – Lexi Stevens, children’s publicist, PRH | |
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The Missing Pencil Case (Your Next Read Silver) Jasmin McGaughey, illus Jade Goodwin Affirm ISBN: 9781923419315 RRP: $12.99 Age: 5 to 8 Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: “Children will love these books for their funny, engaging, easy‑to‑read stories, while parents and educators will love that they’re expertly developed, curriculum‑aligned and created to support every kind of reader. As the series progresses, there will truly be a book for every reader, growing a generation of readers.” – Tash Besliev, executive publisher, S&S | |
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Poster Boys Scott Woodard Lothian ISBN: 9780734423801 RRP: $19.99 Age: 13 to 17 Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: “A jock, a try-hard and a space cadet. Highview Grammar will rue the day it put ‘History’ on the curriculum – because this unlikely trio is starting a revolution. Teens will love this laugh-out-loud debut novel with lots to relate to (after all, who hasn’t dreamed of starting a school uprising at least once?). Both a satirical commentary on traditional private school values and a YA coming-of-age caper, there’s something for everyone and plenty to talk about in this fast-paced novel with a whole lot of heart.” – Jeanmarie Morosin, head of children’s publishing, Hachette | |
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My Super Uncle Dannika Patterson, illus Seantelle Walshe Ford St ISBN: 9781922696540 RRP: $27.95 Age: 5 to 9 |
| Why young readers will love it: “My Super Uncle is written in a playful rhyme and is rich in child-centric and age-appropriate language. Literary devices include alliteration, assonance and wordplay. It holds wide appeal for children and their families, and makes an ideal gift book for welcoming new babies, especially those belonging to rainbow and culturally diverse families. It serves as an age-appropriate conversation starter about different kinds of families, and as an accessible resource for parents, teachers, counsellors and wellbeing professionals.” – Paul Collins, publisher, Ford St | |
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Ten Naughty Numbats (One to Ten and Back Again #1) Grace Nolan, illus Nancy Bevington Big Sky Publishing ISBN: 9781922896575 RRP: $24.99 Age: 0 to 7 Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: “A delightful introduction to counting and addition, combining playful rhyme and vibrant illustrations to engage young readers while building early numeracy skills.” – Mika Gonzales, social media and marketing assistant, Big Sky Publishing | |
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The Umbrella Niki Foreman and Binny Talib Penguin ISBN: 9781761348242 RRP: $24.99 Age: 3 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “A beautiful, genuine story that shines a light on the joys and complexities of neurodivergence, The Umbrella is a wonderful book club pick to inspire kindness, acceptance and belonging in young readers. An excellent inclusion in Neurodiversity Celebration Week activities!” – Jessica Pearson, children’s marketing executive, PRH | |
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Up, Down, Over, Through Jane Godwin, illus Kim Drane Lothian ISBN: 9780734423733 RRP: $24.99 Age: 0 to 5 Teacher’s notes |
| Why young readers will love it: “Young readers and pre-schoolers will love this bright and fun picture book that explores early spatial concepts – up, down, over, through! With pitch-perfect read-aloud text and bright and exuberant illustrations, this picture book teaches spatial concepts in an engaging and relatable way – through 2 young children spontaneously meeting and playing together at the playground. From award-winning children’s writer Jane Godwin and illustrator Kim Drane.” – Jeanmarie Morosin, head of children’s publishing, Hachette | |
Category: Book Club
