Perfect for all readers from 7 to 70, Einstein the Penguin introduces an unforgettable new character in a future-classic and fantastically funny debut for all the family to enjoy. Get ready to welcome the most extraordinary penguin into your own home… (Goodreads)

Einstein the Penguin by Iona Rangeley

There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost. But one night, April catches a glimpse of something distinctly bear shaped loping across the horizon. A polar bear who shouldn’t be there—who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home. (Goodreads)

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold

Two very different Grade 6 girls meet in their school sick bay. Meg is a loner. New girl Riley, is a Type 1 diabetic and already popular. As Meg and Riley are forced to spend more and more time together in the cramped sick bay room, they start to uncover each others secrets and find the courage to be who they really are. (Publisher)

Sick Bay by Nova Weetman

When seventh-grader Josephine’s mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, she wants to keep it secret, even from her best friend Makayla, but her twin brother, Chance, has other ideas. (Publisher)

Pink Hair and Other Terrible Ideas by Andrea Pyros

Lottie Brooks is 11 3/4 and her life is already officially over – not only is she about to start high school without any friends or glamorous swooshy hair, she’s just discovered she’s too flat-chested to wear a bra! (Goodreads)

The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby

Eleven-year-old Alberta Bracken is having a terrible summer. After a bike-riding accident, caused by the local bully, her arm’s in a cast so she can’t do her most favourite holiday activity: boogie boarding at the local beach. And her little sister Clementine is extremely annoying. So when budding film-maker Mikki Watanabe suggests they start a YouTube channel about the secret life of trees. (Back cover)

Mikki and Me and the Out-of-Tune Tree by Marion Roberts

1945. War has ended, but for sisters Flora and Isobel the struggles still continue. They’ve lost their father and had their home destroyed in a bombing raid, and now they must go to live with their aunt and her awful husband Mr Godfrey in their ancestral home, Splint Hall. (Goodreads)

The Secrets of Splint Hall by Katie Cotton

Twelve-year-old Ming Qong is convinced that girls must have changed the world, even if they are rarely mentioned in history books. So when Ming gets the chance to go back in time, she imagines herself changing destinies from a glittering palace or an explorer’s ship. Instead, she ends up in Australia in 1898, living a tough life as Flo Watson on a drought-stricken farm. (Goodreads)

Ming and Flo Fight for the Future by Jackie French

The First World War has ended, but it hasn’t gone away. When Natty has to move to a new village, she meets two young soldiers who are still battling the effects of war. Huw can’t forget the terrible things he’s seen, but Johnny doesn’t even remember who he is. (Goodreads)

When the War Came Home by Lesley Parr

It takes a (mostly) reformed thief to catch a spy. Which is why Gilly Cobbler, Enchantasia’s most notorious pickpocket, volunteers to stay locked up at Fairy Tale Reform School…indefinitely. Gilly and her friends may have defeated the Evil Queen and become reluctant heroes, but the battle for Enchantasia has just begun. (Goodreads)

Charmed by Jen Calonita

When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right suitcase. (Goodreads)

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski

Olia lives with her parents in an old crumbling castle, filled with hidden turrets and secret doorways. When she follows a mysterious cat to one of the castle’s roof domes, she finds herself stepping through one such doorway into a magical land filled with wonders. (Goodreads)

The Castle of Tangled Magic by Sophie Anderson

Eleven-year-old Tulsi comes from a long line of women magicians, but her mother has always forbidden her to learn Big Magic. It’s dangerous, thrilling, and powerful–and Tulsi wants it more than anything. (Goodreads)

Big Magic by Sarah Armstrong

When twelve-year-olds Willa and Manny hear of a mysterious animal prowling their town, they are determined to prove it is real. Following it into a cave one full moon, they are swept into an alternative world — one where pollution and conflict were conquered decades ago. (Goodreads)

Into the Sideways World by Ross Welford

Nine and her friends have broken the curse on their marvellous, magical House, and are free to travel the worlds once more! Their first stop: The Wizarding Hopscotch Championships. (Goodreads)

The Tower at the End of Time by Amy Sparkes