Looking for a brilliant book? Michael Gerard Bauer, one of Australia’s best-loved and most talented authors of Children’s and Young Adult fiction (Ishmael series and the all-new Derek ‘Danger’ Dale series), shares 20 of his favourite teen / YA books by Australian authors. They are in no particular order apart from, perhaps, he says, number one.
The Messenger – Markus Zusak (I could have also include Fighting Reuben Wolfe and The Underdog.)
Dust – Christine Bongers
The Dead I Know – Scot Gardner
Beatle Meets Destiny – Gabrielle Williams
The Shiny Guys – Doug MacLeod
Are You Seeing Me – Darren Groth
Saving Francesca – Melina Marchetta
Queen Kat, Carmel and St Jude get a Life – Maureen McCarthy
How to Make a Bird – Martine Murray
A Small Free Kiss in the Dark – Glenda Millard
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Michael Gerard Bauer’s book Ishmael and the Hoops of Steel, which should also be in his top 20, although that would be weird. |
Graffiti Moon – Cath Crowley
The First Third – Will Kostakis
By The River – Steven Herrick
Black Juice – Margo Lanagan
Jasper Jones – Craig Silvey
Feeling Sorry for Celia – Jaclyn Moriarty
One Foot Wrong – Sofie Laguna
One Whole and Perfect Day – Judith Clarke
The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull – Barry Jonsberg
Big River Little Fish – Belinda Jeffrey
Michael says: ‘Should have also include Deadly Unna by Phillip Gwynne.
I’m building a resource of Children’s and Young Adult book suggestions here on my site. Every week, a new author, illustrator, bookseller, publisher or person in the know will share their top reads. Next it’s The Intern author Gabrielle Tozer‘s top ten.