Reading more Australian young adult books is something that I strived to do more of this year. And I think that I did pretty good. I wish I was able to read some more, but they will be getting added to next year’s list.

Along with the #LoveOZYA movement, I think that Aussie YA has been read more around the world this year. I’ve seen bloggers reading and loving books from Australia authors and wanting to read more.

This year I also did my #LoveOZYA Author Interview. Where I interviewed Australian young adult authors about their books, writing life and what it’s like to be an author from Australia.

I decided today I will talk about all the OZ YA books that I read that year. From the good to the bad. Most of these books were published in 2016, but there are some that are earlier.

Frankie by Shivaun Plozza: It’s a story of heartbreak, belonging, finding yourself and what it is to be a family. It captures Melbourne as Melbourne from the language to the setting. Frankie brings to light that sometimes when you think that you are alone, you are not.  And all that you need to do is let them in. Full Review

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman: Now I didn’t love this one as much as everyone else. But I did enjoy reading it. I struggle reading science fiction – so I was glad just to get through it.

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley: A poignant, beautiful story. With fleshed out characters, gorgeous writing and a concept that is for every book lover. It’s about love, friendship, family and grief. You are taken on a journey through up’s and down’s and pulled into pieces. Full Review

Disruption by Jessica Shirvington: With enthralling characters, an engrossing world and a plot that just keeps you right there in the action. Disruption is a must read for everyone that loves YA and beyond.

Corruption by Jessica Shirvington: Just as enthralling as the first novel. Corruption keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Industry by Rose Foster: The world was intriguing, protagonist interesting and the story pulled me right in. The Industry shows us that we need to try and be strong in hard times. Even when you think everything is impossible. Full Review

Breathing Under Water by Sophie Hardcastle: An emotional rollercoaster of a story. You are on a ride of grief and how it affects people differently, family and how at times you have to stick together, and friendship and how it can break when everything falls apart. | Full Review

Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil:  Ventures in friendship, first love, family and what it is like to keep everything bottled in. It shows that sometimes love needs to start off as a friendship and that the bonds of friends are not always broken – even if there is some turbulence on the way. Full Review

When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah: The younger generations need to know that sometimes the government and media lie and manipulate the sense of asylum seekers. They need to know that most of these people are not illegal or jumping the queue, they are just simply people looking for freedom, safety and peace. It’s an important story to write and share. Full Review

The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub: The Yearbook Committee is enchanting, you will be torn apart and put together over and over again. You will be taken on a ride with 5 students in their class year of high school – so be prepared. Full Review

The Things I Didn’t Say by Kylie Fornasier: A gorgeous novel that breaks you down. It pulls at your heart and slowly rips it. With beautiful writing and a slow burning romance that starts off quick, but takes it’s time | Full Review
The Protected by Claire Zorn: The Protected is a beautiful, heartbreaking novel that tales a story of a girl who not only has to deal with her sister dying.  But memory lose, her family breaking down and the torment of school.

Lisette’s Paris Notebook by Catherine Bateson: I didn’t love this book. It had potential, but it just wasn’t for me |

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eager: Is not for the faint hearted, be prepared for a sexy, slow-burning love full of passion and secrets. Summer Skin deals not only with young men taking advantage of women but how women can act differently to it. It shows us that people hide behind fronts not only to keep themselves safe but others as well. Summer Skin is full of empowering young women that take a stand.

My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier: Is a terrifying, fantastic read that will mess with your mind. Be prepared for a book that has many twists and turns that you have no idea what hit you, My Sister Rosa reminds us that sometimes a smile and looking pretty doesn’t mean that the person is not a psychopath. Nevertheless, Larbalestier also reminds us that you not always like your family.

What I Saw by Beck Nicholas: Shows us that sometimes the right thing to do is the hardest thing, that sometimes family isn’t everything and the importance of how a king hit can not only hurt the Victim but everyone else around them.

What OZ YA books did you read this year? Did are share any of the same? What was your favourite, less favourite? What are you looking forward to next year? Let’s Chat!