Ready to meet your next read? Teen Breathe has teamed up with writer, book blogger, and avid reader Emily Waller to bring you our latest book recommendations.
TILDA BY SUE WHITING (AGES 9+)
Two months shy of her 11th birthday, Matilda Moss is sent to live at Brushwood Convent, a South Australian orphanage for girls, after her papa leaves to fight the Boer War. Matilda refuses to believe she’s been abandoned – her papa promised he’d only be gone for a short while – but mean-spirited Sister Agatha has other ideas. When Matilda refuses to declare she’s orphaned as Agatha insists, it becomes apparent something is askew. Together, Matilda and her best friend Annie must unite to unravel all that is brewing behind closed doors. A captivating historical fiction brimming with resilience, courage, and hope.
LEILA AND THE BLUE FOX BY KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE AND TOM DE FRESTON (AGES 9+)
Traversing the Arctic expanse is both daunting and wonderful, and beneath the endless daylight of summer, two very unlikely companions are about to cross paths. An arctic fox embarks on a gruelling journey across the wilderness; navigating frozen lakes and snowy peaks – all while keeping an eye out for predators. The fox takes each challenge within her stride; however, nothing could prepare her for meeting Leila, a young girl on a journey of her own. Within no time, Leila and the fox unite, giving rise to an adventure like no other. A gripping, heart-warming, and emotionally charged tale.
THE GOODBYE YEAR BY EMILY GALE (AGES 10+)
Embarking on her final year of primary school, Harper knows everything she wants: to land a leadership position, dodge the playground meanies, and spend time with her friends. When Harper misses out on the leadership roles her friends secure, she thinks things can’t get any worse. That is, until her parents accept overseas jobs, she is sent to live with her obscure grandmother, Lolly, and a global pandemic strikes! Harper is quickly consumed by fear as strange things start to happen and she’s convinced someone is haunting her. A captivating story that explores friendship, change, and growing pains.
MING AND MARIE SPY FOR FREEDOM BY JACKIE FRENCH (AGES 10+)
It’s not every day you find yourself flung back in time to World War One, unless of course, you’re Ming Qoong! After landing in Belgium, and being rescued from a cellar by 12-year-old spy Marie, Ming is awestruck by the empowering work undertaken by Marie’s alliance – an underground female resistance group risking their lives to outsmart the German troops. Ming always knew girls had the power to change the world, and now she must decide whether she is game enough to risk everything and join the effort. A thrilling second instalment in the Girls Who Changed the World series.
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Intrigued by the art of storytelling from a young age, Emily Waller is a passionate creative writer, currently working on her debut novel. To read more of Emily’s bookish musings, check her out on Instagram @littlewaller
