Children's/Middle Grade Australia: Standalones
Wendy Mass, Rebecca Stead, Nicholas Gannon
(illustrator)
Bob
By American Author (New Jersey, New York)
Setting: Australia
Genres: Fantasy Mystery, Magical Realism
Picture Book
Ages: 8+
Representation and Themes: Friendship, self-discovery, the importance of family, magic realism, and the journey of remembering one's roots.
Livy returns to her grandmother's house in Australia after five years, sensing she's forgotten something crucial. She's right—Bob, a small greenish creature in a chicken suit, has been waiting in a closet for her return. Bob remembers Livy and her promise to help him, though he can't recall his origins or family. Together, Livy and Bob embark on a journey to uncover his past, discovering lasting magic along the way.
Discover a handpicked selection of standalone fiction and nonfiction reflecting the essence of Australia for middle grade audiences. From colorful picture books to deep novels featuring Aussie authors or local backgrounds, every title provides a total adventure—perfect for young readers keen to explore the Outback and more.
By Australian Author
Setting: Australia
Genres: Mystery Fiction
Novel
Ages: 8+
Representation and Themes: Coming of Age, Secrets and Revelations, Environmental Impact, Friendship and Loyalty, Courage and Confrontation, Historical Memory.
On the day of Cassie's birth, her town was submerged underwater as part of a celebratory event led by the mayor. Twelve years later, Cassie is inexplicably drawn to the manmade lake that now covers Old Lower Grange. She and her classmate Liam, who hides scars on his legs, swim across the lake's restricted areas, uncovering glimpses of the submerged town. As the water level drops, secrets emerge that a prominent figure wishes to keep hidden. Cassie is faced with the challenge of revealing these truths before it's too late, questioning whether she has the courage to confront what lies beneath.
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Elementals series:
Ice Wolves (Book 1)
Scorch Dragons (Book 2)
Battle Born (Book 3)
By Australian Author
Genres: Fantasy Adventure
Novel
Ages: 8+
Representation and Themes: Sibling Bonds, Friendship and Loyalty, Identity and Self-Discovery, Overcoming Adversity, Elemental Magic and Conflict, Acceptance of Differences.
In Vallen, ice wolves and scorch dragons are sworn enemies. When twelve-year-old orphan Anders discovers his elemental form differs from his twin sister Rayna's, he questions their connection. Despite Rayna being claimed by the dragons, Anders is determined to rescue her, as she remains his only true friend. To do so, he must join Ulfar Academy, a school for young wolves that prioritizes loyalty to the pack. For Anders, however, true loyalty and friendship transcend obedience, proving to be the most potent forces of all.
Children's/Middle Grade Australia: Series
Immerse yourself in our premier collection of captivating multi-book sagas and serialized tales deeply embedded in Australian culture for middle-grade readers. Showcasing Aussie authors and diverse landscapes, these ongoing literary quests invite kids to track favorite characters through epic bush adventures and unique local traditions.
The World Between Blinks series:
The World Between Blinks (Book 1)
Rebellion of the Lost (Book 2)
By Australian Author, American Author (South Carolina)
Genres: Fantasy Adventure, Historical Mystery
Novel
Ages: 8+
Representation and Themes: Family bonds, adventure, historical exploration, the importance of memory, and the magic of the unknown.
Join bestselling authors Amie Kaufman and Ryan Graudin on a journey into a realm where the lost are found and the impossible becomes reality.
Cousins Jake and Marisol, inspired by their Nana's legendary treasure hunts, embark on an extraordinary quest during their family's last summer vacation at her enchanting home. With a mysterious map Nana left behind, they venture to a lighthouse and accidentally enter the World Between Blinks, a magical place for lost things, filled with historical mysteries and legendary figures like Amelia Earhart and Atlantis.
Their adventure turns perilous when the man who can help them return home remains elusive. With time running out, Jake and Marisol must find him or risk staying lost in this captivating world.
This first installment in a fast-paced fantasy series blends intriguing historical facts and will delight fans of Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories and Margaret Peterson Haddix’s The Missing series, igniting the imagination and reminding us of the magic in the unknown.