We are delighted to reveal the six books shortlisted for The Readings Children’s Prize
The Readings Children's Prize is chosen by a panel of staff judges and awarded to the best novel from an emerging Australian children's author.
Magical, funny, timeless, and adventurous; we are confident there is something here for every kind of young reader.
Read the judges' comments below and learn more about the six books in the Readings Children's Prize 2025 shortlist here.
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Big Trouble with Angry Chairs
Lachlann Carter & Douglas Holgate (illus.)
'Ungovernable sisters Clare and Maddie are wholly captivating as they make trouble and save the day. Fast-paced and packed with mischief, Big Trouble with Angry Chairs is for those craving stories with suspense and humour in equal measure – regardless of your age, you will be left in fits of giggles.' – Celeste Perry
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The Girl Who Cried Bird
Katherine Collette
'Alma T. Best is a fabulous character: an awkward, “too-tall” middle child who often gets stuck with the worst pancake. So when she gets some fame by chance, of course she defends her title against all doubters, even when it leads her to make some wonky plans. Hilarious! Funny drawings, too!' – Bernard Caleo
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Brightest Wild
Tania Crampton-Larking
'Alex’s unconventional blended family makes for the perfect introduction to many complicated topics. With tenderness and warmth, this story explores cultural differences, moving away, and grief. Most of all, it highlights the value of connection to Country, regardless of who you are. Brightest Wild is sweet, sensitive, and deeply enchanting.' – Celeste Perry
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Hi from Outer Space
Fiona Katauskas
'This is the alien that we would all like to meet at our local park: friendly, funny, invisible to most people, and keen to meet the Prime Minister. Also: three eyes! This light-hearted, good-natured book is full of great cartoons by the author, plus it’s informative – who knew that aliens loved shoes?' – Bernard Caleo
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How to Free a Jinn
Raidah Shah Idil
'Full of family, faith and big feelings, Insyirah is a fish out of water, torn between her Australian upbringing and her Malaysian heritage. We loved the humour, heart and fantasy elements within a world that is so vividly realised you can almost feel the humidity (and taste the food)!' – Tamuz Ellazam
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Queen of Dogs
Joe Weatherstone
'This book is such a fun caper. The dogs are wonderfully entertaining, it’s well written with great pace, mystery, action and so much heart. I loved how it felt community-minded and celebrated achievements beyond academic and sporting successes. It’s an exciting read that kids will love!' – Kim Gruschow
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We are also thrilled to reveal the six books shortlisted for The Readings Young Adult Prize 2025
Chosen by a panel of staff judges, this prize celebrates emerging Australian voices in youth literature, and the six titles on our shortlist are perfect for readers aged 12+.
This year’s books include an inspiring novel about standing up for what's right, a darkly funny dystopian horror, a romantic fantasy with impeccable world-building, an emotionally charged novel about finding your freedom, an evocative portrayal of a girl’s experience living with autism, and an unsettling post-apocalyptic mystery. Read the judges' comments below and learn more about the six books in the Readings Young Adult Prize 2025 shortlist here.
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A Good Kind of Trouble
Brooke Blurton & Melanie Saward
'This delightful book will have you falling in love with Jamie, our strong and energetic protagonist. It covers some heavy topics such as racism and homophobia, but they’re explored in an easy-to-digest way. It’s perfect for footy lovers and kids who fight for what they believe in.' – Lucie Dess
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Aisle Nine
Ian X. Cho
'A darkly funny dystopian horror novel, a biting satire of consumerism, and an endearing love story about a boy who just wants to get the girl and maybe even save the world – there’s a lot to like about Ian X. Cho’s impressive debut.' – Kate O'Mara
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This Dream Will Devour Us
Emma Clancey
'Emma Clancey’s debut, a standalone romantic fantasy, features wonderful world-building and a fully realised cast of chaotic and complex characters that make this decadent blend of magic, science, romance, mystery, and late-stage capitalism an absolute delight to read.' – Kate O'Mara
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How to Be Normal
Ange Crawford
'Although it explores dark themes, this emotionally charged and authentic novel is written with great understanding and care. It’s about finding your freedom and discovering your true self. I adored it and I can’t wait to see what Ange Crawford does next.' – Lucie Dess
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White Noise
Raelke Grimmer
'A deeply engaging and evocative portrayal of a girl’s experience living with autism, and a heartfelt and touching exploration of family, belonging, girlhood, friendship and grief.' – Miranda La Fleur
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Anomaly
Emma Lord
'Exciting and mysterious, Anomaly is so convincingly written that readers will feel just as unsettled as Piper herself. These characters feel completely real, as does their grief, uncertainty, and strength. Gloriously suspenseful.' – Fiona Hardy
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Save with The Readings Prize 2025 shortlist packs
You can buy all six shortlisted titles in the children's and young adult shortlists in specially priced packs.
These packs are available online and in all of our shops (except Readings Carlton).
Buy our Children's shortlist pack for $89.99 (was $106.94 RRP)
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Buy our Young Adult shortlist pack for $99.99 (was $133.94 RRP)
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