Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe


  • Summer of Shipwrecks – Shivaun Plozza

    UQP September 2024 ISBN 9780702268373 RRP: $16.99 2024 was, as I’ve said many times, a year for splendid Australian middle-grade novels and this, the latest from Shivaun Plozza is a prime example. That transition between end of primary/start of secondary is a difficult time for many tweens. It’s often a time when long-held friendships unravel…

  • The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart – Samera Kamaleddine

    Harper Collins Australia May 2023 For many tweens the transition from child to teen is a tumultuous time, and Evie Hart is one such who is struggling to feel secure and grounded as so much impacts on her life. Her much-loved stepfather, Lee, is moving out and it’s not just the awful jolt of her…

  • Two for Tweens/Teens

    Well here we are a week out from Christmas 2020 and while you likely have most of your shopping sorted you may just still be tearing your hair out for the age group that always seems to be the hardest to please. These two titles have been thoroughly vetted by The Kid who approves of…

  • The Girls’ Guide to Growing Up Great: Changing Bodies, Periods, Relationships, Life Online

    –  Sophie Elkan with Laura Chaisty & Dr Maddy Podichetty. Illustrated by Flo Perry Bloomsbury Australia June 2018 Imprint: Green Tree ISBN 978147294374 RRP $22.99 Navigating through puberty is no easy ask and often it seems tweens heading into teens can be quite overwhelmed despite all intentions to help them be informed and comfortable. For…

  • Planet Middle School – Nikki Grimes

    Bloomsbury ISBN: 9781619630123 ISBN-10: 1619630125 Format: Paperback Imprint: Bloomsbury Childrens Books Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Publish Date: 2-Jan-2018 Country of Publication: United States RRP AU $14.99 Joylin Johnson has an uncomplicated life at 12 years old as she has had all her life. Baggy jeans and t-shirts, plain ponytail and a passion for basketball which she regularly plays with the neighbourhood boys…