Mysterious and Uplifting: February Highlights at Better Reading Kids

School is upon us and many kids might be craving the exciting escape of a good book. Luckily, Better Reading Kids has just the thing for them! From adorable YA and middle-grade mysteries to uplifting and poignant picture books, we’ve had some fantastic reads that should definitely be added to your kids’ TBR pile.

Here are the top titles that we read in February:

This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang

Seventeen-year-old Eliza Lin’s entire life changes overnight when her essay about meeting the love of her life unexpectedly goes viral. The only trouble is, she made it up. Desperate to hide the truth, Eliza strikes a deal with the famous actor in her class: she’ll help him write his college applications if he poses as her boyfriend. But what happens when their relationship starts feeling a little too convincing?

Ages 12+

Buy a copy of This Time It’s Real here.

Running with Ivan by Suzanne Leal

Thirteen-year-old Leo Arnold hates his life. He doesn’t want a new school, a new house or a new family. And he definitely doesn’t want to be sharing a room with his new stepbrother, Cooper. What Leo wants is to be somewhere else, far away. So when he uncovers an old music box and turns the key, he is astonished to find himself in Prague, surrounded by whispers and fears of a second world war. A war that ended decades ago.

Ages 10+

Buy a copy of Running with Ivan here.

Timeless by Kelly Canby

Emit tries everything he can think of to get more time, he tries to catch it, wait for it, but it’s not until Emit tries to buy some time that he learns the secret which is, if you want time, you have to make it. This vibrant new picture book by award-winning author and illustrator Kelly Canby is all about time – making it, losing it and subverting the whole darn concept.

Ages 2+

Buy a copy of Timeless here.

Jayben and the Golden Torch by Thomas Leeds

An evil villain is burning down the Elf forests, hellbent on becoming the most powerful being ever to live. Can Jayben save the world before the lights go out forever? Inspired by the author’s personal experience of memory loss comes an incredible, immersive fantasy series about a boy with no memories and a world that only he can save. Perfect for fans of Francesca Gibbons and The Land of Roar.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of Jayben and the Golden Torch here.

Pollination: How Does My Garden Grow? by Christopher Cheng, illustrated by Danny Snell

What begins as a sunny day of tending a garden, suddenly turns into a colourful and educational story all about the importance of pollination. From the humble ant to the elusive sugar glider, author Christopher Cheng explores every part of the pollination process tied together with vibrant and adorable illustrations from Danny Snell.

Ages 5+

Buy a copy of Pollination: How Does My Garden Grow? here.

Life Lessons for Little Ones: You’ve Got This! by Jess Sanders

If your worries have ever held you back from doing things, you are not alone. This book is for any child who needs a reminder that they can be brave, even if they feel worried sometimes. From the award-winning author of Love Your Body and Be Your Own Man comes Life Lessons for Little Ones: a new series that contains life’s most important lessons.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of Life Lessons for Little Ones: You’ve Got This! here.

Koko and the Coconut by Turia Pitt and Celestine Vaite, illustrated by Emilie Tavaearii

Cheer on Koko as he reaches for the sky – well, a very tall tree – and the ultimate prize… a hefty, juicy, scrumptious coconut. But when the going gets tough, will he be able to finish what he starts? From bestselling author, inspirational ironman, humanitarian and mother Turia Pitt comes this fun tale about a determined little crab who faces a big challenge.

Ages 3+

Buy a copy of Koko and the Coconut here.

Friday Barnes 11: Last Chance by R.A. Spratt

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. Friday Barnes needs to find the truth – and the real painting. She’s going undercover as an art student, along with her partner-in-crime-solving, Melanie, and her staggeringly good-looking boyfrenemy, Ian.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of Friday Barnes 11: Last Chance here.

Rockstar Detectives: Murder at the Movies by Adam Hills

Charley and George are in Sydney, where Charley is filming her first movie. But when mysterious accidents begin to happen whenever Charley’s on set, the duo suspect someone isn’t as excited about her big screen debut as they are… The brilliant and laugh-out-loud second mystery from comedian Adam Hills featuring a young detective dream team.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of Rockstar Detectives: Murder at the Movies here.

Dorrie by Tania McCartney

From the award-winning author-illustrator of Mamie comes a beautiful and inspiring picture book that celebrates Dorothy Wall, creator of the beloved Australian icon, Blinky Bill. In the land of long, white clouds and snowy peaks, a little girl is born. Her name is Dorothy, but her family calls her Dorrie.

Ages 3+

Buy a copy of Dorrie here.