Junior Book Club – this month’s reads
Friday, 10 April 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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Belong Sharon Seymour, illus Freya Goldsmith WestWords ISBN: 9781923044678 RRP: $24.95 Age: 3 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “Belong is about trying to fit in and failing, making connections and the value of discovering a true friend and a sense of where you really belong. The delicacy of the story, the word play and the combination of warmth and a decidedly contemporary sensibility make this work perfect for young children moving from the nest out into the world.” – Michael Campbell, publisher, WestWords | |
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Dugongs of the Sky Emily Larkin Wombat Books ISBN: 9781761113277 RRP: $17.99 Age: 10 to 14 Teacher resources |
| Why young readers will love it: “Dugongs of the Sky is an exciting seafaring adventure for middle-grade readers about magic, mystery and friendship. This book is ideal for animal lovers as it has a strong theme of conservation and talks about our responsibility for the environment, as well as covering the themes of courage, leadership and diversity.” – Lynne Stringer, editor, Wombat Books | |
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The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks Fiona Harris Affirm Kids ISBN: 9781923135642 RRP: $16.99 Age: 9 to 12 |
| Why young readers will love it: “With laugh‑out‑loud diary entries and confident, grown‑up packaging, Fiona Harris has delivered a must‑read middle‑grade novel for readers graduating from Lottie Brooks wanting to see their own lives reflected back at them.” – Tash Besliev, executive publisher, children’s publishing, S&S | |
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The Escape Game Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss Penguin ISBN: 9781761356179 RRP: $12.99 Age: 13 and over Teacher resources |
| Why young readers will love it: “With twisty puzzles and red herrings galore, young adults will love this fast-paced murder mystery, set in an escape room reality TV show. Narrated by a set of interesting and unreliable protagonist perspectives, this book constantly keeps you guessing, making it perfect for dissecting in Book Club. Did you guess the killer?” – Lexi Stevens, children’s publicist, PRH | |
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The Friendship Paradox Aśka A&U Children’s ISBN: 9781761181689 RRP: $22.99 Age: 13 to 18 |
| Why young readers will love it: “A highly relatable graphic novel about an eventful gap year perfect for the teen reader looking for a fast entertaining read. Aśka captures the challenges and rewards of Dash’s often eye-opening experiences with nuance, humour and warmth, and a smattering of science. There are hidden depths to this story that explores friendships and the sometimes confusing way life works, and I absolutely loved it. If only I’d been able to read something like this when I finished school!” – Anna McFarlane, publisher – books for children and young adults, A&U | |
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Fur Power! (Guinea Wigs #1) Rebecca McRitchie, illus Shiloh Gordon HarperCollins ISBN: 9781460767184 RRP: $16.99 Age: 7 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “Young readers will adore Fur Power! for its laugh-out-loud humour, quirky characters and the sheer joy of watching five guinea pigs transform into unlikely superheroes! It’s a heartwarming, action-packed adventure that celebrates friendship, bravery and the power of a really good wig!” – Ana Vivas, publisher, HarperCollins | |
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Girls Like Katrina Germein & Deb Hudson MidnightSun ISBN: 9781922858726 RRP: $29.99 Age: 3 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “Girls Like is a bright and inspirational book about the unlimited potential of young girls, embracing their diversity in culture, ability, belief and appearance. The children are able to empower themselves and others to achieve great things and build strong friendships. Through representation and rhyme, Girls Like inspires young readers to be accepting of others and confident in their dreams. It’s such a gorgeous read.” – Madison Lamshed, editor, MidnightSun | |
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Myra in the Middle Seetha Dodd, illus Peter Cheong UQP ISBN: 9780702270994 RRP: $14.99 Age: 6 to 9 |
| Why young readers will love it: “This delightful first junior novel by author Seetha Dodd will encourage young readers to investigate some of the big changes they (or friends) may be experiencing in their own lives. Like lots of young readers, Myra finds herself becoming a big sister, and while she’s not so sure about no longer being the youngest, her friends and family help her to uncover all the great things that come along with being in the middle. It’s a sweet and funny novel about new siblings, family, culture and finding your place – at home, at school and on the soccer field.” – Sarah Valle, senior publicist, UQP | |
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Prickles Phil Cummings, illus Jennifer Goldsmith Scholastic ISBN: 9781760266028 RRP: $26.99 Age: 4 and over |
| Why young readers will love it: “Prickles is the irresistible story of a timely encounter between a street cat whose eyesight is fading (Prickles) and a kind-hearted guide dog (Molly). With huge appeal to animal lovers and positive social messages, Prickles encourages conversation about inclusion, acceptance and helping others through a gentle, age-appropriate story. It explores community, connection and the importance of those who help us find our way. Young readers in a Book Club could draw closely on their visual literacy skills to spot the early moments where Prickles and Molly – along with her vision-impaired companion – almost cross paths in their everyday lives. They could also identify challenges for Molly, as she guides her companion through often-noisy suburban streets and the city, navigating a path through common distractions such as workers jackhammering a road, a loud motorbike, playful pigeons, and a child wrangling balloons.” – Rebecca Young, senior publisher, Scholastic | |
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Spare Kisses Pip Harry, illus Yiscah Marcatili Lothian ISBN: 9780734423511 RRP: $24.99 Age: 3 and over Teacher resources |
| Why young readers will love it: “From award-winning author Pip Harry, this warm-hearted celebration of grandparents and their endless supply of love highlights the special role grandparents have in raising children. Filled to the brim with marvellous treats, special surprises and all the wonderful trinkets children love to discover at Nan’s house, young readers will adore reading this with a parent (or grandparent!).” – Jeanmarie Morosin, head of children’s publishing, Hachette | |
Category: Book Club
