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
Chickenpox by Remy Lai

Chickenpox

Remy Lai

240 pages • 2025 • 6 editions

fiction graphic novel middle grade funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
Moonboy by Anna Ciddor

Moonboy

Anna Ciddor

288 pages • 2025 • 2 editions

user-added

fiction historical middle grade
Getting Dusty by Jared Thomas

Getting Dusty

Jared Thomas

108 pages • 1 edition

fiction young adult
On Gallant Wings by Helen Edwards

On Gallant Wings

Helen Edwards

288 pages • 1 edition

fiction historical history
Violet and the Velvets #1: The Case of the Missing Stuff by Rachael King

Violet and the Velvets #1: The Case of the Missing Stuff

Rachael King

208 pages • 1 edition

fiction childrens
Our History: Bold Ben Hall by Sophie Masson

Our History: Bold Ben Hall

Sophie Masson

240 pages • 1 edition

fiction historical
Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Nevermoor #2

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow

Jessica Townsend

11h 50m • 2018 • 107 editions

fiction fantasy middle grade adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Brightest Wild by Tania Crampton-Larking

Brightest Wild

Tania Crampton-Larking

240 pages • 1 edition

fiction middle grade
Starfell: Willow Moss & the Lost Day by Dominique Valente

Starfell #1

Starfell: Willow Moss & the Lost Day

Dominique Valente

5h 19m • 2019 • 21 editions

fiction fantasy middle grade adventurous fast-paced
Goldfields Girl by Elaine Forrestal

Goldfields Girl

Elaine Forrestal

216 pages • 2020 • 3 editions

informative reflective medium-paced