The #AussieYAChallenge is a challenge created by Amy at Lost in a Good Book as an attempt to read more Australian young adult novels.
Doing a switcheroo for this month’s Long Lost Reviews because it seems my announcement for the 2026 #AussieYAChallenge has gotten out ahead of me so I’ll post my #LLR next week.
Entering its third year my #AussieYAChallenge is something I have grown to love more and more. I love finding new Australian young adult books and finally making the effort to read books I have had lovingly on my shelf for honestly, like 10+ years at this point and should probably have read long ago.
This challenge is open for anyone who wants to participate and you complete at your own pace throughout the year, or whenever you chose to start. There is no limit, no review requirements, just a chance to expand on your reading.
The #LoveOzYA is a strong brand and getting to focus some attention on it with my reading has brought me a lot of amazing stories. I hope if you follow this challenge, whether you participate or not, you will see the great variety and talent we have with our YA authors.
For the 2026 Challenge I am tapping that Nix level again, 12 books, 12 months. I hope to go beyond this year but I know if I set myself a higher number it’s only going to end badly. The excitement at exceeding (if it happens) is enough for now.
Keep an eye on my posts through the year as reviews for last year’s reads come through. I will also try and get some of this year’s reads up a bit sooner.
If you are interested in participating head to the #AussieYAChallenge page and see what’s involved.
Happy Reading!
I have always enjoyed McManus’ books and her ability to create a story that is about people and the choices they make. This one is such a great story that draws you in, and gives you the expected twists except the twists you get are not expected at all. It was an incredible way to play with the reader and the story. It plays into the old style of the classic mysteries but also has a great modern approach as well.
This is a relatively short book but one that managed to really get to the heart of people and their lives, and how the smallest thing can derail their expectations. The exploration of the Deaf community from someone coming into it through trauma was amazing and I loved how Williams doesn’t shy away from the stubbornness and the anger something like this brings.
It took me ages to read this because I thought it sounded a bit boring, but once you realise you should trust Fforde knows what he’s doing, you see he’s made an intriguing alternate reality where anthropomorphised rabbits are integrated into modern society. It’s a wonderful non subtle metaphor of xenophobia and tolerance with the intricate alternate world building Fforde is a master at.
This book is perfect if you want to see the full, messy, teenage life on display. Madden brings a chaotic character and a pinnacle life choice to a head and then puts it all on a boat with red flags, family drama, and the high seas and intense friendships.
Because of You by Pip Harry
I am undertaking a small but big endeavour this year and while I am older and wiser in terms of time and commitment, I am also coming into this year with oh so many years of blogging behind me that I am not ignoring the lessons of the past. I have dug, sculpted, and set fire to my little corner of the internet and I am content where I have ended up. Because of that, I am going to keep as much harmony as I can in what I plan to do.
What I’ve enjoyed with my Book Bingo cards of late is reading whatever books through the year and come December seeing what I can put into my card, then trying to find something to read to fill in the final few boxes if there are any left. I think this time a few choices could be a bit stronger, and of course, one year this will backfire miserably, but for now we’re safe.
