10 Books That Your Children Will Love (Reviews By Kids, For Kids - Part 1)

Peter Arnaudo • May 11, 2025

As Canberra’s specialist children’s bookshop, we’ve become the go-to for recommendations. Now, we’re passing over the baton… to the students themselves.


Over the past few weeks, The Book Cow has been working with local schools to gain insight into their favourite titles. These reviews are by kids, for kids.

1. Stranded by Nikki Shannon Smith

⭐⭐⭐⭐


A realistic story about a 12-year-old girl fighting for survival. I couldn’t put it down because so much happens in each chapter. I loved it.


By: Jessica 

Age: 9

School: St. Matthew’s Primary

2. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


I really enjoyed Keeper of the Lost Cities because it was immersive from the start ot the finish. The world-building was rich with unique magical elements that kept me hooked. The characters were relatable and complex, and I loved seeing Sophie navigate the challenges of a hidden world. The suspense, mysteries and plot twists made it a page-turner and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next in Sophie’s journey.


By: Dhrriti
Age: 11

 School: St Matthew’s Primary 

3. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Little Women is a life-changing story about the four sisters Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth. Set in Concord, Massachusetts in 1868, they find joy in the little things in life, while life feels like it will never be enough. This book is about friendships, joy and love, and how these little women realise the true meaning of life and how to enjoy the little things in it.

By: Kora
Age: 11
School: St Matthew’s Primary 

4. Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


I love the exciting mysteries, magic, and adventures. Carion is a boy who has no idea about what is going to happen to him.


By: Hana
Age: 11

School: St Matthew’s Primary

5. Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Hannestad

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


This book is a tear-jerking story about a young boy named Sasha who is orphaned by war but finds hope as part of the Russian Army. I couldn’t love this book more.


By: Riley

Age: 11

School: St Matthew’s Primary

6. A Drop of Golden Sun by Kate Saunders

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5


This incredible book takes you from our world to the world of filmmaking. I became immersed in the lives of Belinda, Jon, Harriet and Jenny. The mystery, drama, love and adventure kept me turning the page.


By: Charlotte

Age: 11

School: St Matthew’s Primary

7. The Kindness Project by Deborah Abela

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5


This is an exciting book about Nicolette and her grandma. You will love the part when she sneaks her grandma out of “Alcatraz” the nursing home. It’s a great book if you love reading about friends and family.


By: Lara

Age: 11

School: St Matthew’s Primary

8. The Book of Wondrous Possibilities by Deborah Abela

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


I enjoyed the book because of its unexpected twists throughout, as well as its humorous, engaging, descriptive chapters. After reading this book before bed, I would have crazy dreams. I LOVE mystery and fantasy!!!


By: Olivia

Age: 11

School: St Matthew’s Primary

9. Like A Girl by Rebecca Westcott

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Like A Girl has so many twists and turns! The book launches into the mean girl drama right away, and has cool characters with fun personalities. Like A Girl is unique as it shows a lot of texting all throughout the book.


By: Audrey

Age: 11

School: St Matthew’s Primary

10. Being Jimmy Baxter by Fiona Lloyd

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


This book takes you to a world of happiness, joy and excitement as well as pain and sadness but, most of all, the feeling of realisation and understanding. Being Jimmy Baxter really puts your own life into perspective. Truly a moving and thought-provoking story.


By: Phoebe

Age: 11

School: St Matthew’s Primary

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