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20/09/2025

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19/09/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release younger readers

Robo-teacher (Charlotte Barkla, illus Gabriella Petruso, Larrikin)

When Miss Horrid cancels the Fun Park excursion, it’s the last straw for Class 5H in Robo-teacher by Charlotte Barkla (All Bodies Are Good Bodies). Led by the industrious 10-year-old Hazel and her breakdancing pal Aki, the students plan to rid themselves of the school’s meanest teacher. Assisted by Hazel’s neighbour Stella, nicknamed ‘Sparks’, the Robotics Champion, the kids build Robo-teacher using bits of junk from around the house and throw a dress on it for good measure. Plonkton Primary initially embraces their new Robo-teacher, but the situation quickly spirals out of control as the robot leans into its dictator tendencies. Farcical antics ensue, including a sentient mobile phone cloud (literally a hovering cloud of smartphones) and plummeting satellites. The message is clear: we should be wary of assuming machines will always make life more convenient. With humour and visual gags aplenty, Robo-teacher is less a commentary on AI replacing humans and more a vehicle for hammy robot jokes played up for obvious but effective laughs. Gabriella Petruso’s charming pencil sketch illustrations throughout give a classic, nostalgic feel to a modern predicament. While a twist near the end may feel incongruous with the rest of the book’s tone and puzzle some readers, Robo-teacher is an entertaining classic read-aloud for younger primary students and may inspire discussions about practical uses for technology. It’s perfect for fans of Guy Edmonds’ and Matt Zeremes’ Zombie Diaries series.

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19/09/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release younger readers

Renegade Timeline Officer (Harper Wells #1) (Bethany Loveridge, Wombat)

Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer, the first book in the Wollemi trilogy by Bethany Loveridge, introduces a reluctant young time traveller thrust into a world of missing persons, mysterious portals and tangled timelines. Harper Constance Wells – known as Harrie – lives with her father and brother in a home frozen in time since her mother vanished six years ago. Her father, obsessed with preserving everything as it was on the day his wife disappeared, finally allows Harrie to move into her own room, complete with a vintage bed that turns out to be a time-travel portal. Her first mission in the past is to ensure that Edie Cowan, the 1900s suffragette on the Australian $50 note, stays firmly on her historical path. Loveridge’s debut is an engaging mix of adventure and heart. Harrie is a relatable and determined heroine – sharp-witted, resourceful and unafraid to question the rules. Loveridge explores grief and family tension with nuance, while also raising thoughtful questions about how history is recorded and who gets to shape it. The inclusion of real historical figures and Australian landmarks adds richness to the story and the blend of mystery, humour and emotional insight makes this a standout series opener for middle-grade readers. While some narrative threads remain unresolved, they build momentum for the next book. A clever, character-driven time-travel adventure for readers aged 8+ and a promising start to an intriguing new series.

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19/09/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release younger readers

Promises and Other Lies (Sue Whiting, Walker Books)

Set one year after a devastating bushfire, Sue Whiting’s Promises and Other Lies is a compelling middle-grade novel that explores the lingering impact of disaster on a close-knit coastal community. The story alternates between the immediate aftermath of the fire and the present day, gradually revealing how past events and long-held secrets collide. Thirteen-year-old Fletch is still reeling from the fire that destroyed his home and claimed the life of his best friend Immie’s father. At home, tensions are high, especially between Fletch and his older brother, Cooper, who Fletch saw somewhere suspicious on the night the fire started. When an anonymous tip-off to police implicates Cooper, Fletch and Immie launch their own investigation to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, their neighbour Marie’s podcast becomes an unexpected catalyst in Fletch and Immie’s search for answers as the anniversary of the fire approaches. Whiting (Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast, Missing) draws on themes of climate change, grief and community recovery, weaving in a respectful nod to First Nations cultural burning practices. While the mystery maintains intrigue and the emotional stakes are well developed, aspects of the final twist may feel less convincing to some readers. Nonetheless, Promises and Other Lies is an engaging read for children aged 10+ who are navigating a world shaped by crisis and resilience.

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19/09/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release younger readers

Mega Rich Guinea Pigs (Kate & Jol Temple, HarperCollins)

In Mega Rich Guinea Pigs, the first laugh-out-loud book in a new illustrated series by Kate and Jol Temple (Frog Squad), four pampered pets unexpectedly become billionaires. When tech tycoon Magnus McAloon dies in a space accident, he leaves his entire fortune to his pet guinea pigs: Hot Head, Lunk, G-Chip and Big Pig, a capybara who believes he’s just an oversized guinea pig. Thanks to their wealth, their ability to talk due to speech therapy, and microchips in their butts that let them pay for anything (a detail sure to delight young readers), the foursome continue to live large. But after a whirlwind shopping spree, they begin to wonder whether they could use their money for more than just fun. Their plans are interrupted by Magnus’s greedy relatives who scheme to steal the fortune from them. When the guinea pigs get into trouble, it’s a kind-hearted boy named Sylvester who comes to their rescue. Packed with madcap humour, lively characters and energetic illustrations, this fast-paced adventure continually breaks the fourth wall to hilarious effect, making it an ideal read-aloud story. While the book introduces a message about generosity, it’s handled with a light touch, and it will be interesting to see whether the themes of kindness and good deeds continue to evolve as the series unfolds. Perfect for readers aged 8+, especially fans of the Real Pigeons series.

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19/09/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release younger readers

The Making of Martha Mayfield (Jo Dabrowski, Affirm)

In The Making of Martha Mayfield, Jo Dabrowski (Get Your Act Together Doris Kozlowski) tells the story of 11-year-old Martha and her quest to overcome her shyness ahead of the school captain campaigns. With support from her quiet mother, impulsive sister Iris and the shopkeepers and schoolmates in her close-knit community, Martha slowly begins to find her voice. At her grandmother’s house – a place without rules or expectations – she’s free to simply be herself. Her grandmother’s own embrace of individuality offers Martha a quiet kind of encouragement to do the same. Narrated through Martha’s keenly observant lens, the story offers an authentic glimpse into a world of hypervigilance, niche interests and carefully rehearsed conversations. While the book doesn’t label Martha as neurodiverse, her intense focus, sensitivity and tendency to overthink reflect the many different ways children experience the world. Dabrowski’s prose alternates between vivid description and bursts of rapid-fire internal monologue. At times this creates a fragmented rhythm, but it mirrors Martha’s emotional state and allows readers to feel her overwhelm firsthand. Charming and engaging, this is a great read for ages 9–12 or for sharing aloud in classrooms. Exploring themes of identity, personal growth, leadership and inclusion, Dabrowski weaves humour and insight into the different relationships children may navigate. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy books by Nova Weetman, Zanni Louise and Emily Gale.

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19/09/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release YA

Maisy Hayes Is Not for Sale (Allayne L Webster, Text)

Maisy Hayes Is Not for Sale is a big-hearted read that balances emotional depth with laugh-out-loud moments. Told from the perspective of 14-year-old Maisy, the middle child in a single-parent family doing it tough financially, the story captures the emotional chaos of adolescence with honesty and humour. Maisy is desperate to fit in, especially when the cool new girl takes notice. However, her shame around her family’s financial struggles clouds her judgment and makes it difficult to connect with others. It also fuels conflict at home, especially between Maisy and her chronically ill sister and well-meaning mum. As Maisy begins to understand that everyone carries secrets, she slowly opens up to those around her, starting a powerful journey of self-acceptance, love and growth. Allayne L Webster (Selfie) explores the stigma of poverty with sensitivity and warmth, never underestimating her audience or shying away from hard truths. Webster’s writing is vivid and emotionally charged, peppering the story with playful references to Aussie teen life while grounding it with a realistic cast of characters and setting. This book is for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, wished to be someone else or just wanted to be liked. Perfect for fans of Katrina Nannestad (All the Beautiful Things) and Louise Rennison, Maisy Hayes Is Not for Sale will strike a chord with readers aged 12+ navigating identity, belonging and the pressure to fit in.

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19/09/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release YA

A Guide to Falling Off the Map (Zanni L Arnot, Lothian)

A Guide to Falling Off the Map is the absorbing YA debut from Zanni L Arnot, who has previously published books for younger children under the name Zanni Louise (Hazel’s Treehouse). The novel follows Vinnie and Roo on the cusp of adulthood and alternates between the lifelong friends’ perspectives as they find themselves in messy situations while searching for who they’re meant to be. The story takes an unexpected turn when the pair, with their parents’ approval, set off on a road trip in an old van through iconic New South Wales landmarks, including the Promised Land, Bald Rock and Crystal Shower Falls. Along the way, they face unresolved emotions, explore the shifting boundaries of their friendship and begin to see their futures with new clarity. Arnot adds a layer of tension and authenticity to the familiar friends-to-lovers storyline by incorporating weighty themes: navigating grief, belonging, identity, mental health, su***de and the complexities of living with multiple sclerosis. This coming-of-age novel is for readers aged 12+ and anyone who has ever felt torn between hiding and running. Refreshingly unpretentious, fast-paced and filled with whip-smart dialogue, A Guide to Falling Off the Map reminds us we can be broken and special, talented and lost, and still be learning as we go. Perfect for fans of Sophie Gonzales’ Only Mostly Devastated and Nina Kenwood’s It Sounded Better in My Head.

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19/09/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release YA

Black River (Ruby Jean Cottle, Atria Australia)

Ruby Jean Cottle’s debut, Black River, is a strong addition to the young adult paranormal romance genre. Dusty is a 17-year-old introvert who finds comfort in books and nature. After a strange and frightening incident in the forest, she starts to lose track of time and begins sleepwalking. When she experiences changes in her body and unusual bloodthirsty urges, it’s clear something isn’t right. A growing connection with a mysterious boy named Will coincides with her transformation, pulling her into a larger mystery that threatens not only her future but the safety of her entire town. Dusty is a kind and empathetic protagonist who readers will root for as she struggles to protect those she loves. Her deep connection to the natural world is a recurring thread that enhances the novel’s vivid sense of place. The romance at the heart of the story feels organic and emotionally resonant without being overly explicit, making it suitable for readers aged 15+ while still appealing to a broad young adult audience. Perfect for fans of The Vampire Diaries, the novel blends grounded characters with a tender love story and a compelling thread of suspense. Cottle explores themes of family, friendship, unconditional love and trust, while also leaning into the darker side of vampirism and its horror elements. Mystery lingers throughout, with a breadcrumb trail of clues and gripping twists that will keep readers hooked.

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19/09/2025

19/09/2025

Iluka (Cassie Stroud, HarperCollins)

After their grandfather’s death, siblings Helen, Sylvie and Brendan, and Helen’s daughter, film student Tig, are gathered together at Iluka, a typical fibro beach house in a small town on the south coast. Iluka is the house they grew up in when their troubled mother ran away to the bright lights of the city, leaving their grandparents to raise them.

As they slowly clear the house for sale and relive various memories, they find a bundle of letters addressed to each of them from their missing mother, Marguerite, that were sent long after they’d been told she died.
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18/09/2025

Bethany Loveridge joins Books+Publishing to show the world that

Renegade Timeline Officer (Harper Wells #1) (Bethany Loveridge, Wombat)