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YA Book StackAuthor: Victorian Association for the Teaching of English
YA Book Stack is an in-conversation podcast with Australian authors who discuss the application of their text in the middle years English classroom and the ways their text is reflective of the experiences of young adult readers and the world they engage with. Through a focus on the text in the classroom, YA Book Stack aims to encourage educators to embrace the flexibility of the middle years and explore a broader range of texts in their curriculum. Language: en-au Genres: Arts, Books, Education Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Summer Reading with Mark Smith
Episode 12
Sunday, 7 December, 2025
his episode includes a discussion of summer reading recommendations that includes:Tenderfoot by Toni Jordan Gary LonesboroughGraham AkhurstJared ThomasSalt River Road by Molly SchmidtOver This Backbone by Ya ReevesArborescence by Rhett DavisDusk by Robbie ArnottAndrea Nekic Is NOT Fine by Violeta BagiaWe Saw What You Started by Carla SalmonGus and the Burning Stones by Troy HunterCatch by Sarah BrillThis Stays Between Us by Margot McGovernThree Boys Gone by Mark SmithDiary of a Young Doctor by Ezzideen ShehabThe Hiding Place by Kate MildenhallI Am Nannertgarrook by Tasma WaltonPictures of You by Tony BirchSouthsightedness by Gregory DaySeed by Bri LeeThe episode also contains discussions around:Teachers benefit from reading YA themselves, not just for curriculum use but to stay connected to student interests, identify engaging texts, and model genuine enthusiasm for reading.Reading for work vs reading for pleasure, and how hard it is to balance the joy of reading with the obligations of reading for reviews, panels, writing, or teaching.YA in Australia is growing in diversity but still needs more representation, especially stories that reflect the rapidly changing demographics of Australian schools.Teachers should prioritise student engagement when selecting texts. Page-turners matter, reluctant readers need accessible books, and educators sometimes overthink “how to teach” a book before considering whether students will actually read it.Reasons why Three Boys Gone, Mark Smith's debut adult novel, will resonate with anyone working in schools today, and having to navigate the near-impossibility of perfect duty of care.
