Wrapping up 2021 at Better Reading Kids: A Year of Fantastic Kids and YA Books

2021 has been a rollercoaster ride of a year. It’s been a year where people around the globe have demonstrated true resilience, endurance and shown the importance of community spirit. This has also been reflected in the pages of the many children’s and YA books released in 2021. From fantasy to non-fiction self-help books, and everything in between, there’s been an array of hopeful, important and poignant reads for every kind of reader.

With the weather getting warmer and the holiday season in full swing, there’s no better time for reading as many books as you can this summer. To wrap up a fantastic year of books, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite standout picture books, chapter books and YA books released this year:

Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee

From the bestselling and multi-award-winning author of Lenny’s Book of Everything comes a magical tale about a girl who saves a dragon and rescues her family. It’s a hopeful story about surviving and saving those you love.

Ages 10+

Buy a copy of Dragon Skin here.

The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings

Ever felt anxious or alone? Like you don’t belong anywhere? Like you’re almost… invisible? Find your kindred spirits at The Sad Ghost Club. (You are not alone. Shhh. Pass it on). Stunningly illustrated, this is volume 1 in a new graphic novel series, for fans of Heartstopper and Jennifer Niven, and for anyone who’s ever felt invisible.

Ages 12+

Buy a copy of The Sad Ghost Club here.

The World Between Blinks by Amie Kaufman and Ryan Graudin

Discover a magical world where lost things are found. Whenever cousins Jake and Marisol get together, adventure follows. They have their late Nana to thank for that. Her epic trips and treasure hunts were the stuff of family legend. This summer, with the whole family reuniting for one last vacation at Nana’s home, the cousins are in for a legendary trip of their own.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of The World Between Blinks here.

The Kicking Goals series by Sam Kerr and Fiona Harris, illustrated by Aki Fukuoka

Kicking Goals is the debut middle-grade series co-written by Sam Kerr and Fiona Harris, with illustrations by Aki Fukuoka. Kerr is currently the captain of the Australia women’s soccer team, the Matildas, and a leading goal scorer for Chelsea in the English FA Women’s Super League. Book #1: The Flip Out and book #2: A New Knight are both out now.

Ages 7+

Buy a copy of The Flip Out here and buy A New Knight here.

The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant, illustrated by Paola Escobar

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.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of The Hatmakers here.

The Follow Your Feelings series by Kitty Black, illustrated by Jess Rose

Follow Your Feelings is a touching, funny and charming new series about getting to know and love our emotions, from emotional acceptance champion Kitty Black and illustrator Jess Rose. There first two books, Max and Worry and Lucy and Sad are out now.

Ages 3+

Buy a copy of Max and Worry and Lucy and Sad here.

Something I Said by Ben Bailey Smith

From comedian, actor, rapper and screenwriter Ben Bailey Smith comes a blazingly funny, big-hearted story about family, friendship and how far one boy will go to get a laugh. Perfect for fans of David Baddiel and Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Ages 10+

Buy a copy of Something I Said here.

Paws by Kate Foster

At home, Alex’s best friend is Kevin the cockapoo, although what he wants most of all is a friend at school. But that is harder than he ever expected. Paws is a touching story about learning that friendship isn’t one size fits all and is often found where you least expect it.

Ages 9+

Buy a copy of Paws here.

No Way! by Dan Marshall

Get ready to go on a journey of discovery that will make you say No Way! This beautifully designed children’s book is full to the brim with facts, challenges and questions that will teach you all the wildest and weirdest things about the world around you!

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of No Way! here.

The First Scientists by Corey Tutt

The First Scientists is the highly anticipated, illustrated science book from Corey Tutt of DeadlyScience. With kids aged 7 to 12 years in mind, this book will nourish readers’ love of science and develop their respect for Indigenous knowledge at the same time. Vibrant illustrations by Blak Douglas bring the subjects to life, so you’ll never think about science as just people in lab coats ever again!

Ages 7+

Buy a copy of The First Scientists here.

Bailey Finch Takes a Stand by Ingrid Laguna

Bailey Finch Takes a Stand is a moving story about love and loss, about caring for the environment and standing up to make change happen. It prompts young readers to realise that they are capable of making a real difference in their own lives, their surroundings, and their future.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of Bailey Finch Takes a Stand here.

Medusa by Jessie Burton, illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill

A dazzling, feminist retelling of Greek myth from the internationally bestselling author of The Miniaturist, stunningly illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill. Filled with glorious full-colour illustrations, this astonishing retelling illuminates the girl behind the legend and brings alive Medusa for a new generation.

YA readers aged 12+

Buy a copy of Medusa here.

Beneath the Trees by Cristy Burne

Beneath the Trees is an adventure story about courage, leadership and leeches. It is for everyone who’s ever wanted to see a platypus. It’s a page-turning combination of true-to-life survival techniques, environmental themes and action, which makes for a fun and informative read.

Ages 6+

Buy a copy of Beneath the Trees here.

The Story of Australia by Don Watson

The Story of Australia weaves together the many strands of our nation’s past – ancient and indigenous, colonial and contemporary – to create a fascinating history for all readers, young and old. It will be treasured by children and families for years to come.

All ages

Buy a copy of The Story of Australia here.

The My Emotions series by Trace Moroney

From internationally bestselling author and illustrator, Trace Moroney’s My Emotions books are about big feelings for little people. This new series equips children (and their grown-ups) with valuable skills to navigate their way through life’s ups and downs – from grieving and anxiety to self-esteem and empathy. The Grief Wave and Little Big Bully are the first two titles in this ground-breaking new series.

Ages 4+

Buy a copy of The Grief Wave and Little Big Bully here.

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

Complete with a guide to common seaweeds and foraging guidelines, With a Little Kelp from Our Friends educates, inspires and encourages respect for the natural world – an important message for everyone (budding environmentalist or not). The book features charming illustrations by Liz Rowland combined with Mathew Bate’s bite-sized bursts of information and fun facts that are easy to absorb.

Buy a copy of With a Little Kelp from Our Friends here.

You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

From the New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces and How to Make Friends with the Dark comes a breathtaking contemporary YA about addiction, family and finding your voice.

YA readers aged 14+

Buy a copy of You’d Be Home Now here

From all of us here at Better Reading, we wish you a happy new year and we hope you have a fantastic holiday break. We’ll see you in 2022 with a new lot of fabulous children and YA reads!