2018 Middle Grade Fiction Panel

Together with Readings, Hawthorn on Wednesday, 28th March this year, the Victorian Branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia sponsored this event to celebrate the shortlist announcement of the CBCA 2018 Book of the Year Awards.

Middle grade fiction has seen a recent surge in popularity and Australia has contributed by producing some bestselling stories for this age group.

The panel discussed their experiences writing for the demographic, their advice for catching the attention of middle-grade readers, and the latest book releases.

The panel included authors Leanne Hall (Iris and the Tiger) (left image), Sue Whiting (Missing) (central image) and Nova Weetman (The Secrets We Keep) (right image) and was chaired by school librarian and author Karys McEwen.

A suggested reading list for middle grade readers was complied for this event and can be accessed here.