Read Aussie/Australian Middle Grade Books in 2025

jess64au's profile picture jess64au Host

2 participants (34 books)

01 Jan 2025—31 Dec 2025

Overview

Middle-grade fiction is a category of books written for children aged 8–12, and is designed to bridge the gap between early readers and young adult fiction. Some characteristics of middle-grade fiction include:
Length: Middle-grade books are usually 20,000–50,000 words long 
Themes: Common themes include friendship, resourcefulness, adaptability, and resilience 
Characters: Strong central characters are a key feature 
Violence: Violence and gore are usually kept to a minimum 
Family: Family is often featured in a way that young adult novels don't 
Plot: Plot lines often include fitting in with friends, sibling rivalry, or becoming attracted to others 
Genre: Middle-grade fiction can include fantasy, adventure, mystery, history, and contemporary worlds
To meet Australian Classification it should be either set in Australia or written or published in Australia.  Think CBCA awards 

Challenge Books

All books added
Ming and Maria Explore the Universe by Jackie French

Ming and Maria Explore the Universe

Jackie French

272 pages • 1 edition

fiction historical medium-paced
Willow Bright's Secret Plot by A.L. Tait

Willow Bright's Secret Plot

A.L. Tait

192 pages • 1 edition

fiction childrens
Down the Plot Hole by Annaleise Byrd

Down the Plot Hole

Annaleise Byrd

192 pages • 2025 • 1 edition

fiction
The Marvellous Submarine (the Marvellous Submarine, #1) by Conor McCammon, Clayton Zane Comber

The Marvellous Submarine (the Marvellous Submarine, #1)

Conor McCammon, Clayton Zane Comber

208 pages • 1 edition

Washpool by Lisa Fuller

Washpool

Lisa Fuller

288 pages • 2025 • 2 editions

fiction middle grade
Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Nevermoor #3

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow

Jessica Townsend

464 pages • 2020 • 68 editions

fiction fantasy middle grade adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
Little Bones by Sandy Bigna

Little Bones

Sandy Bigna

288 pages • 2025 • 1 edition

fiction fantasy middle grade poetry emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
How to Sail to Somewhere by Ashleigh Barton

How to Sail to Somewhere

Ashleigh Barton

288 pages • 2025 • 1 edition

fiction middle grade mystery
Spirit of the Crocodile by Lyn White, Michelle Scott Tucker, Aaron Fa'Aoso

Spirit of the Crocodile

Lyn White, Michelle Scott Tucker, Aaron Fa'Aoso

256 pages • 2025 • 1 edition

fiction childrens hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
The Paperbark Tree Committee by Karys McEwen

The Paperbark Tree Committee

Karys McEwen

208 pages • 2025 • 1 edition

user-added

fiction childrens middle grade