Strength, determination, and resilience: February highlights at Better Reading Kids

This month was all about getting back to business: kids starting school or going back to school, battling through unpredictable times and preparing for the unknown, and the well-deserved break parents needed after a long six weeks (full of lockdowns and restrictions).

In February, we saw titles that tackled big themes of mental health, speaking up, standing up for what you believe in, and learning to adapt to rapid lifestyle changes – something kids (and parents) can relate to all too well. These themes were used to promote traits of resilience, strength and hope (sometimes with a sprinkle of magic). These traits combined with these themes give kids the strength they need to combat the day-to-day and take on the world by storm.

Here are the top titles on our reading list in February.

Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings

Ever felt anxious or alone? Like you’re almost…invisible? Find your kindred spirits at The Sad Ghost Club. This is the story of one of those days – a day so bad you can barely get out of bed. But even the worst of days can surprise you. Stunningly illustrated, this is volume 1 in a new graphic novel series, for anyone who’s ever felt invisible. Despite its title, this book is the opposite of sad. It’s hopeful, poignant and tackles mental health in a fresh and significant way, leaving readers with a newfound sense of optimism.

Readers aged 12+

The Secret Explorers series by SJ King

This group of brilliant kids comes together from all four corners of the globe to fix problems, solve mysteries, and gather knowledge all over the planet – and beyond. Whenever their help is needed, a special sign will appear on a door. They step through to the Exploration Station and receive their mission. There are four books available in the series where kids can learn about ocean life, outer space, ancient Egypt, and the Dinosaur Age.

Readers aged 7+

What Zola Did on Thursday by Melina Marchetta and Deb Hudson

From the author of Looking for Alibrandi comes this gorgeous series to engage and entertain newly independent young readers. Zola loves living on Boomerang Street with her mum and her nonna. Every day of the week is an adventure. But Zola has a problem. No matter how much she tries, she can’t keep out of trouble. Like on Thursday, when she and the gang form a band and upset their cranky neighbour, Mr Walton. There are some heart-warming scenes in the book and undertones of racial inclusion, respect for one’s elders, and being environmentally friendly that will spread a lovely message to a young audience.

Readers aged 6+

Pizazz vs the New Kid by Sophy Henn

Pizazz is a superhero, and while it sounds pretty awesome and while it can be, Pizazz finds it REALLY annoying! She doesn’t like her name and thinks her superpower isn’t cool at all. Now a new kid has showed up, and started wowing everyone with their superpowers. Now, Serena and her gang of Populars, Pizazz has to compete against Jett in an almighty and ultimate super-off. Will Pizazz lose? Is there space for two supers in this school? This book sends the important message that people should come together and celebrate their similarities (rather than rival over them) and their differences. Kindness, strength and giving back are traits that encapsulate a true superhero – and Pizazz is all of that, and more.

The Violet Veil Mysteries: A Case of Grave Danger by Sophie Cleverly

Violet Veil wants nothing more than to prove her worth and become her father’s apprentice at Veil & Sons Undertakers. And one rain-soaked night she gets her chance when she meets a boy, Oliver, who is wandering around the graveyard. Only, the last time Violet saw Oliver, he was indoors and very much dead, waiting to be buried. Violet has just found her first case, and it doesn’t get bigger than this: can she, with the help of her dog, Bones, help Oliver solve his own ‘murder’? Though it’s spookily gothic there’s also plenty of fun and mischief. Violet is a courageous and sharp-witted girl, who demonstrates great determination and zest for life.

Readers aged 9+

Love from Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees

Join Gerald the Giraffe and friends for a sparkling celebration of LOVE! From the creators of the bestselling Giraffes Can’t Dance comes a brand-new rhyming story filled with joy and love… and all your favourite characters from the bestselling classic! The mix of animals interacting and bonding with one another against the backdrop of the night sky demonstrates the importance of harmony and peace in a time when unity is as vital as ever. This magical moonlit rhyme is ideal for sharing and reading aloud with loved ones, and as a sturdy board book, it’s perfect for even the littlest hands.

Readers aged 3+

Balloon Girls by Darrell Pitt

Times are tough in the small town of Yallaroo where Ally Simpson has lived her whole life. The whole area is in drought and people are going broke or moving away. So when Ally hears about a competition to win the trip of a lifetime to visit the Smithsonian Museum in the USA, she knows she’s got to do everything she can to try and win. Characters Ally, Harmony, and Ping represent the kids who are often left in the shadows, and this book gives them a platform to shine. Their desire for success and drive to do well in school gives them the platform to make a difference, making this an important book for readers kickstarting their high school experience.

Readers aged 12+

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S by David Levithan

Aidan disappeared for six days. Six agonising days of searches and police and questions and constant vigils. Then, just as suddenly as he vanished, Aidan reappears. Where has he been? The story he tells is simply…impossible. His brother, Lucas, wants to believe him. But Lucas is aware of how other people, including their parents, doubt Aidan. Being on Aidan’s side would mean believing in the impossible. But how can you believe in the impossible when everything and everybody is telling you not to? The book’s poignance stems from the magical-realism laced throughout this moving and gripping tale about honesty and the special bond between brothers.

Readers aged 12+

When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler

Vienna. 1936. Three young friends spend a perfect day together, unaware that around them Europe is descending into a growing darkness and that events will soon mean that they are ripped apart from each other as their lives take very different directions… Inspired by a true story, When The World Was Ours is an extraordinary novel that is as powerful as it is heartbreaking and shows the bonds of love, family and friendship allow glimmers of hope to flourish, even in the most hopeless of times.

Readers aged 14+

Raising Girls Who Like Themselves by Kasey Edwards and Dr Christopher Scanlon

Free of parental guilt and grounded in research, Raising Girls Who Like Themselves is imbued with the warmth and wit of a mum and dad who are in the same parenting trenches as you, fighting for their daughters’ futures. Packed with practical, evidence-based advice, it is the indispensable guide to raising a girl who is happy and confident in herself.

Readers of all ages, primarily parents

The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant

The first adventure in a spellbinding new magical world. Cordelia comes from a long line of magical milliners, who weave alchemy and enchantment into every hat. In Cordelia’s world, Making – crafting items such as hats, cloaks, watches, boots and gloves from magical ingredients – is a rare and ancient skill, and only a few special Maker families remain. When Cordelia’s father Prospero and his ship are lost at sea during a mission to collect hat ingredients, Cordelia is determined to find him. Worse, someone seems to be using Maker magic to start a war. It’s up to Cordelia to find out who, and why…

Readers aged 8+

With a Little Kelp from Our Friends by Mathew Bate and Liz Rowland

Beyond the tideline, there are around 10,000 types of seaweed. An essential ingredient for life on Earth, seaweed has sustained animals and people for many thousands of years. From ancient history and mythology to modern uses in food, health and medicine, discover how seriously cool seaweed is, and how it can even help tackle climate change. Complete with a guide to common seaweeds and foraging guidelines, this charmingly illustrated picture book will educate and inspire, and encourage respect for the natural world.

Readers aged 7+

Penguin Bloom (Young Readers’ Edition) by Chris Cunz

Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom, a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. Sam’s husband, her three young boys and her mother are struggling to adjust to their new situation when an unlikely ally enters their world in the form of an injured baby magpie they name Penguin. Told from the perspective of Noah, one of the three Bloom boys, this edition introduces heavy concepts of loss, depression, and life-changing circumstances in a tender and innocent way. It teaches young readers that strength, resilience, and positive thinking are the traits you need to get through the tough times.

Readers aged 8+