I have loved every book in this series, but this one is possibly my favourite. Like the previous books, All the Beautiful Things is set during World War II. Anna’s little sister Eva was born with a disability, making her body weaker and her mind slower to learn things. Eva brightens the lives of allContinue reading “All the Beautiful Things by Katrina Nannestad”
Author Archives: Anna Quinlan
The Midwatch by Judith Rossell
The quality of this book is evident from the moment you hold it in your hands. It reminds me of the beautiful books I read as a child, with soft thick paper, and intricate illustrations. The Midwatch was an absolute pleasure to read. Maggie Fishbone is an orphan from Mud Harbour. After pushing bully NedContinue reading “The Midwatch by Judith Rossell”
Six summers of Tash and Leopold by Danielle Binks
How could I resist a story with a hero dog named Rosie? There are so many layers to this story that I can’t do it justice with a short synopsis, but I will try. The layers are interwoven, and each unfolds at the perfect time, making it hard to avoid spoilers. When the story begins,Continue reading “Six summers of Tash and Leopold by Danielle Binks”
Two can play that game by Leanne Yong
Samantha and Jaysen meet when Jaysen grabs the ticket to a game design workshop that Sam is desperate to attend. To decide who gets to keep the ticket , Sam and Jay agree to a competition of player versus player video games. Because of the tight-knit Australian-Malaysian community they belong to, the competition takes placeContinue reading “Two can play that game by Leanne Yong”
Grace Notes
It’s been a while since I shared one of my reads, but this one is too good not to share. Grace has a passion for playing violin. Crux has a passion for creating street art. Despite being talented at what they do, both are needing to hide elements of their art practice from their parents.Continue reading “Grace Notes”
Queenie in seven moves by Zanni Louise
It’s not the way anyone would choose to finish year six. Peachy, the house Queenie and her mum Clare have lived in for as long as Queenie remembers, is being sold, due to the effects of the COVID pandemic on the real estate market. Queenie is heartbroken at leaving Peachy, especially when finding another rentalContinue reading “Queenie in seven moves by Zanni Louise”
The Other Side of Tomorrow by Hayley Lawrence
I wasn’t going to read this beautiful book. The cover didn’t grab me and the blurb sounded too close for comfort, having spent some time in recent years dealing with oncology departments myself. But I decided to read the whole shortlist, so I set to it. Wow am I ever glad I did! Abby’s familyContinue reading “The Other Side of Tomorrow by Hayley Lawrence”
The Way of Dog by Zana Fraillon
Scruffity is born in a puppy farm. The Way of Dog charts his journey from being unwanted to finding a home, with plenty of adventures, love and tragedy along the way. Scruffity brings The Way of Dog into his relationships with the shoe-legs he meets and teaches them what it means to dig and toContinue reading “The Way of Dog by Zana Fraillon”
Runt by Craig Silvey
Annie Shearer and her dog Runt live with Annie’s family in the rural town of Upson Downs. Runt is an incredibly agile dog, but the problem is that Runt only obeys Annie, and only when no one is watching. To try and save the family farm, Annie manages to take Runt all the way toContinue reading “Runt by Craig Silvey”
Wandi by Favel Parrett
I picked up Wandi after listening to an intriguing interview with Favel Parrett on the Middle Grade Mavens podcast. I’m so glad I did. This was a beautiful book to read with its gorgeous cover and simple and effective illustrations. It’s a book to learn from, being based on real events, while also being anContinue reading “Wandi by Favel Parrett”
Anna Quinlan - Author 