Longlist 2025 Book Links Award for Children’s Historical Fiction
The aim of this award is to increase the understanding and appreciation of history by children. These seven titles are outstanding works of historical fiction for children, demonstrating literary merit, historical accuracy, and appeal to young readers.
Topics range widely but the influence of war on children and families and the struggle to come to terms with conflict, dislocaton and loss are recurring themes, one still current today. This year’s list has some excellent titles exploriing Australian history. It is interesting to note that many entries feature girl protagonists and all of the shortlisted authors this year are women.
These are all wonderful stories of courage and hope that children will enjoy reading. All are worthy additions to any library.
Congratulations to all these fabulous authors whose inspiring stories bring history to life.
Titles in alphabetical order:
11 Ruby Road 1925 by Charlotte Barkla, Walker Books Australia
All the Beautiful Things by Katrina Nannestad, ABC Books
Hester Hitchins and the Falling Stars by Catherine Norton, HarperCollins AU
Marion and the Forty Thieves by Sarah Luke, National Library of Australia
Ming and Ada Spark the Digital Age (The Girls Who Changed the World #4) by Jackie French, HarperCollins AU
Outlaw Girls by Emily Gale & Nova Weetman, Text Publishing
Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger by Jackie French, HarperCollins AU
