{"title":"CBCA Shortlist 2026 Older Readers","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"unhallowed-halls","title":"Unhallowed Halls","description":"\u003cp\u003eBy: Lili Wilkinson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDARK ACADEMIA...WITH DEMONS. After a deadly incident at her old school, Page enrols in Agathion College, an exclusive boarding school, only to find that it's built over centuries of secrets - including an ancient society potentially linked to demonic magic. Perfect for fans of Lynette Noni and Leigh Bardugo, from the acclaimed author of A Hunger of Thorns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePage Whittaker has always been an outcast. She's too smart, too quiet, too weird. And after the deadly incident that destroyed her only friendship at her old school, she needs a fresh start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgathion College is everything Page has ever wanted: a safe haven of wood-panelled halls and dusty books, on a remote Scottish moor. And for the first time in her life, she has a close group of friends. Cyrus, Ren, Gideon, Lacey and Oak help her feel at home at Agathion; the only problem is, they're all keeping secrets from her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePage doesn't know it yet, but her perfect new school has a crooked foundation, rooted in an ancient clandestine society with rumoured ties to demonic magic. Soon, Page will learn that not everyone at Agathion is who they say they are. Least of all, her friends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgathion claims to teach its students history...but some histories are better left buried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 18th February 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanguage: English\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumber of Pages: 464\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Ages: 13 - 18 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublisher: A\u0026amp;U Children's\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions (cm): 23.4 x 15.3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight (kg): 0.49\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Larrikin House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45946346799345,"sku":"9781760631673","price":20.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/5368\/3441\/files\/UnhallowedHalls.jpg?v=1739930311"},{"product_id":"this-stays-between-us","title":"This Stays Between Us","description":"\u003cp\u003eBy: Margot McGovern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMargot McGovern's homage to 90s horror films and final girls will keep you on the edge of your seat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour girls share a cabin on their school retreat - in an abandoned town where the ghost of Smiling Jack is known to haunt the isolated campers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShelley is the new girl with her own haunted past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMack made things awkward by kissing her best friend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePriya thinks she's ready to take the next step with her boyfriend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaffi has a flair for drama, and convinces them all to hold a seance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut when you call on the darkness, sometimes the darkness replies . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 4th March 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanguage: English\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudience: Children\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Ages: 14+ years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEdition Number: 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions (cm): 19.8 x 13.0 x 2.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight (kg): 0.24\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Larrikin House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45972607860977,"sku":"9781761346286","price":16.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/5368\/3441\/files\/ThisStaysBetweenUs.jpg?v=1741051045"},{"product_id":"darkest-night-brightest-star","title":"Darkest Night, Brightest Star","description":"\u003cp\u003eBy: Barry Jonsberg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes a good man? Morgan Pickford isn't sure yet, but he's doing his best to find out, even though it's complicated. A life-affirming YA novel about fractured families, tough talk, masculinity, finding friendship and overturning expectations from an internationally acclaimed, bestselling Australian author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo things that are true and one that is a lie:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think my mother is dead and alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think if I work hard I will be very good at something.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI've tried to please my dad but I don't think I ever will.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThirteen-year-old Morgan lives with his dad and his older brother, Mitch. He hasn't heard from his mum since she left when he was two. He works hard on his football skills, striving to meet his father's high expectations and 'be a man'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut what that means isn't always clear-cut. When Morgan makes a friend at school, gets injured in a game, and his long-lost mum turns up, everything changes. Then, when he meets an old woman in need of help, Morgan must decide what kind of man he wants to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShining a timely and much-needed light on different kinds of masculinity, Darkest Night, Brightest Star is a unique and compelling novel from a masterful storyteller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 4th March 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanguage: English\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumber of Pages: 288\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Ages: 12 - 18 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublisher: A\u0026amp;U Children's\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountry of Publication: GB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions (cm): 19.8 x 12.8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight (kg): 0.22\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Larrikin House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45972686602481,"sku":"9781761180385","price":16.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/5368\/3441\/files\/DarkestNight_BrightestStar.jpg?v=1741056974"},{"product_id":"golden","title":"Golden","description":"\u003cp\u003eBy: Jade Timms\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI play around with the colours for a few minutes, mixing them with the white. The colours I end up with aren’t perfect, but they’ll do. I don’t know why I like pastel colours so much. My life would be easier if I could get into dark colours, but what can I say? My heart is made of pastel confetti.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden is a warm-hearted optimistic story about friends and friendship and art and beauty—and the power of letting yourself be loved…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you work in the juice bar of your small coastal town. When your twin brother is the fun one with all the friends. When something happened a year ago that you can’t talk about, but everything makes you remember it. When it might have been all your fault. When going to the beach, to that beach, takes all the air out of your lungs. When you’re training for the town’s annual Mud Run that you’re not even sure you want to enter. When you’re drawn to colours and pencils and paint, but you’re not an artist. When the new guy in town, the one who makes you feel you’re charged with electricity, seems to want to hang out with you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes time to let your friends back in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 3rd June 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanguage: English\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudience: Children\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublisher: The Text Publishing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions (cm): 19.7 x 12.8 x 2.3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight (kg): 0.29\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Larrikin House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46192646291697,"sku":"9781923058354","price":19.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/5368\/3441\/files\/Golden.jpg?v=1748925788"},{"product_id":"of-flame-and-fury","title":"Of Flame and Fury","description":"\u003cp\u003eBy: Mikayla Bridge\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA fiery alliance. An explosive secret. The race is on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhoenix racing: it's profitable, it's deadly. No one knows this better than Kel Varra and her crew, the Crimson Howlers. They live on the edge of survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen a mysterious tech billionaire offers them a place at his training facility, it gives them hope but also forces Kel to team up with Coup, her arrogant, infuriating rival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmbroiled in political scheming, volatile phoenix magic and a smouldering romance, Kel and Coup discover a conspiracy that threatens them all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor in this world of extreme stakes, there are two options only: win or burn\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 15th July 2025\u003cbr\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: English\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Pages: 400\u003cbr\u003eFor Ages: 14+ years old\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Pan Macmillan Australia\u003cbr\u003eCountry of Publication: AU\u003cbr\u003eDimensions (cm): 13.7 x 21.1 x 2.7\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Larrikin House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47826053038321,"sku":"9781761563805","price":22.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/5368\/3441\/files\/Screenshot2026-02-25at7.54.17am.png?v=1771966478"},{"product_id":"9781761566790","title":"We Saw What You Started","description":"\u003cp\u003eBy: Carla Salmon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'An action-packed, thrilling whodunnit with a side of first crushes - what's not to love?' AMY DOAK, author of Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree deadly fires. One suspect. A thriller of surf and sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtto was a star surfer back in California, but now he just wants a fresh start. When fires break out in Red Sands, the locals are suspicious. It's no coincidence that Otto's at the scene every time. Is it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilly isn't so sure. Small town talk isn't always right - especially when it comes to her 'perfect' brother, who doesn't deserve to become captain of the surf lifesaving club. What if the new boy is innocent?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan Otto and Milly trust each other to find the truth behind the fires? And what happens when you do the wrong things for the right reasons?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'A suspenseful exploration of the boundaries of friendship, family and loyalty.' MARK SMITH, author of Three Boys Gone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvance reader reviews for We Saw What You Started:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'An action-packed whodunnit from start to finish. I couldn't put it down.' - Oscar, 15 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This is one the greatest books I have ever read, with characters I can relate to and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat.' - Isaac, 13 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This book is phenomenal! A fascinating book about Australian teens who aren't afraid to break the rules, solving a mystery that may change all of their lives.' - Sophia, 12 years old 'So much suspense! This book had a bit of everything - mystery, adventure and love. It had me hooked from the start and I couldn't put it down! The characters felt so real, and the story was super intense.' - Lucy, 11 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This book was mysterious and suspenseful with lots of action. I really liked the Australian coastal town setting. I had a few suspects but didn't guess how it ended. A great crime and mystery book.' - Liam, 13 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This book is epic! It's packed with mystery, adventure, suspense, friendships, and tonnes of action - I felt like I was right there, solving the mystery alongside the characters. Every chapter made me want to keep reading. If you love a thrilling whodunit, you must read this!' - Dray, 11 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I didn't want this book to end - the dual perspectives were so captivating. This is an adventure-packed novel that kept me hooked from start to finish.' - Calico, 15 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This is the best book that I have read in my life. Filled with suspense and mystery and a plot that changes with every page turn. From the moment I opened this book I was on the edge of my seat, hooked with every word.' - Alexander, 11 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 1st July 2025\u003cbr\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: English\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Pages: 336\u003cbr\u003eFor Ages: 11+ years old\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Pan Macmillan Australia\u003cbr\u003eCountry of Publication: AU\u003cbr\u003eDimensions (cm): 20.1 x 13.0 x 2.4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Larrikin House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47826076008689,"sku":"9781761566790","price":16.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0604\/5368\/3441\/files\/Screenshot2026-02-25at8.00.25am.png?v=1771966890"}],"url":"https:\/\/larrikinhouse.com.au\/collections\/cbca-shortlist-2026-older-readers.oembed","provider":"Larrikin House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}