26 books for school libraries that students will love.
Calling all school librarians – we’ve rounded up some new releases of 2023 that deserve a spot in your school library. Whether you’re wrapping up your budget for the year or simply looking to add a few new titles to the shelf, these books are sure to delight even the pickiest readers. Scroll on to learn more about wonderful reads for every age group.
Koko and the Coconut Turia Pitt, Emilie Tavaearii, Celestine Vaite
From bestselling author, inspirational ironman, humanitarian and mother Turia Pitt comes this fun tale about a determined little crab who faces a big challenge. For readers ages 2-6.
Business Chickens Jess McGeachin
A funny and fabulous picture book as wild and wonderful as Fran herself – for anyone who’s not your average chook and has the courage to follow their dreams! For readers ages 2-6.
The Daring Tale of Gloria the Great Jacqueline Harvey, Kate Scott
A rollicking picture book from bestselling children’s author Jacqueline Harvey. Gloria the chicken is not like the rest of her brood. She gets in your face, she runs her own race, until one day . . . POOF! She disappears without trace! For readers ages 2-6.
A Friend For George Gabriel Evans
A charming and heartwarming story about finding a friend and discovering what friendship and being a truly good friend is all about. For readers ages 3+.
An A to Z of Dreaming Differently Tracey Dembo, Lucia Masciullo
Beautifully illustrated by award-winning Lucia Masciullo, this bold and affirming picture book shouts from the rooftops that you should be you. For readers ages 5+.
The Littlest Penguin Jedda Robaard, The Penguin Foundation
The adorable little penguins come waddling and tumbling out of the water and up the hill, back to their burrows on the island . . . But that’s just the end of an even more amazing story.
Where have they been? What adventures did they have? A charming story for young readers that follows a group of gorgeous little penguins out to sea and back to their beloved Phillip Island. For readers ages 5+.
Dirt by Sea Michael Wagner, Tom Jellett
Explore our wonderful coastline and the joy of a family road-trip with Dad and Daisy! Along the way, they will discover more about Australia and much, much more. For readers ages 5+.
Willa and Woof 3: Grandparents for Hire Jacqueline Harvey
From the Willa and Woof series comes even more fun. Willa has the perfect solution for kids who don’t have someone to bring to Grandparents’ Day at school – hire an oldie from the retirement village next to her house! For readers ages 6-9.
Ratbags 1: Naughty for Good Shiloh Gordon, Tim Harris
The first book in the Ratbags series follows a rule-following rat named Jigsaw. When Jigsaw runs into two of the most ratbaggy Ratbags known to rats, his orderly world is turned upside down and he pulls off one of the best pizza heists EVER! For readers ages 6-9.
We Are Matildas Shelley Ware, Serena Geddes
From Shelley Ware and Serena Geddes comes an energetic picture book celebrating football and the team spirit of the CommBank Matildas, which will have you cheering from the sidelines. For readers ages 6-9.
A Life Song Jane Godwin, Anna Walker
From the award-winning team that created classics such as Don’t Forget, All Through the Year, Tilly and Starting School, comes an exquisite, universal and captivating picture book that carries us through a child's life journey on the magical metaphor of song. For readers ages 6-9.
Kensy and Max 10: Time's Up Jacqueline Harvey
The tenth and final book in the bestselling Kensy and Max spy series! When all of your family members are being kidnapped, how do you push aside your fear and discover what’s happening before time runs out . . . For readers ages 8+.
Super Sidekicks 1: No Adults Allowed Gavin Aung Than
Can the SIDEKICKS start their own SUPER team?! New York Times bestselling Australian cartoonist Gavin Aung Than delivers caped crusaders, dinosaurs and goo in the hilarious Super Sidekicks series, perfect for fans of CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS! This new edition was printed in full-colour for 2023, making this much-loved book even better. For readers ages 8-12.
No Brainer: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (18) Jeff Kinney
In No Brainer, book 18 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, it’s up to Greg to save his crumbling school before it’s shuttered for good. For readers ages 8-12.
Football Fever 2: Half-time Heroes Kristin Darell
The second book in the Football Fever series follows the Under Merridale Fever as they return to the field! They’re having their best season ever, and even better – they have the chance to play as Half-time Heroes at a Socceroos game. For readers ages 9+.
Friday Barnes 11: Last Chance R.A. Spratt
Book 11 in the Friday Barnes series follows the young detective as she heads to Paris. Someone stole the Mona Lisa. Okay, it was over a hundred years ago, but a recently uncovered letter reveals that the thief forged a copy. For readers ages 9+.
This Camp is Doomed: A Dennith Grange Misadventure Anna Zobel
A run-down camp in the woods. No phone reception. Ten students with untested powers . . . Céline is seeing conspiracies everywhere. Fionn has a bad premonition about the colour blue. Mr Berg is horrified at the camp’s questionable safety standards. Something is definitely not right at Camp Buttress. For readers ages 9+.
Escape from Mr Lemoncello's Library: The Graphic Novel Douglas Holgate, Chris Grabenstein
A bestselling book, now as a full-colour graphic novel! When Kyle learns that the world's most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town's new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, he's determined to be there! But the tricky part isn't getting into the library - it's getting out. For readers ages 9-12.
Monster Island George Ivanoff
Jurassic Park meets Stranger Things in a story where the creatures are out of this world! After following his mum to her top-secret new job, Bernie finds himself on a mysterious remote island inside the Bass Strait Triangle. For readers ages 10+.
Being Jimmy Baxter Fiona Lloyd
A gently funny yet powerful coming-of-age middle grade novel about surviving the odds, unlikely friendships and the magical music of Elvis. For readers ages 10+.
Neverlanders Tom Taylor, Jon Sommariva
Neverland has become a war zone and it’s up to a new group of lost teens to set things right in this gritty YA graphic novel series from #1 New York Times bestselling Australian author Tom Taylor and powerhouse Australian comic artist Jon Sommariva! For readers ages 11+
What We All Saw Mike Lucas
Witches only exist in stories. Everyone knows that. But what if the stories are real? FOUR FRIENDS. FOUR TRUTHS. ONE NIGHTMARE. For readers ages 12+.
Hamlet is Not OK R.A. Spratt
Funny, shocking and brilliant: from bestselling author R. A. Spratt, a whip-smart take on Shakespearean moral dilemmas. For readers ages 13+.
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