Eight more books by Canberra authors you need to add to your TBR
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Book lovers won’t be disappointed with the recommendations on this list.
From thought-provoking speculative fiction to an educational children’s book, here are eight more books from Canberra authors you should add to your TBR.
Feathers and Flame: Poetry of Australian Landscapes and Personal Transformation by Kathryn Carlisle
Written by Canberra-based Australian Defence Force veteran Kathryn Carlisle, this collection of poetry intertwines the beauty of Australian wildlife, international locations and personal growth.
Inspired by the Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve and the surrounding region, after nearly 39 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, Kate found a path to self-expression through the ADF’s Arts for Recovery and her writing.
Inviting readers to explore the process of healing through nature, be captivated by her reflections on nature, mental health, personal growth, and resilience.
The Code Between Us: Tales from Technology’s Edge by Dwaine McMaugh
A collection of stories examining humanity’s complex relationship with AI, this book is not only timely, it’s thought-provoking.
Challenging you to confront the question “As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes our world, what does it mean to remain authentically human?”, the four short stories in this book blend speculative fiction with technological advancements, prompting you to consider not just what technology can do, but what it means for our humanity.
You Can’t Rush Friendships by Nat Bannerman
Written and illustrated by 17-year-old Nat Bannerman, You Can’t Ruin Friendships is the first book in their Magbean!™ picture book series. Centering around friendship, inclusion, and emotional literacy, the book is perfect for ages four to nine and is written from Nat’s own experience as a neurodivergent person. Following Magbean (a bubbly little bean with big ideas and even bigger feelings), it’s ideal for helping kids navigate social cues, respect boundaries, and build connections in their own unique way.
Rose Red by Sarah Biggerstaff
What if Snow White wasn’t rescued by a prince, but by her brave, brilliant, magic-wielding sister? This is one feminist rewrite you won’t want to put down. Retelling the classic tale of Snow White, expect the unexpected in this coming-of-age fantasy.
Touching on the themes of courage, self-discovery, and fighting for what matters most, make sure to grab yourself a copy.
ELK – The Stencil Art of Luke Cornish by Luke Cornish
A stunning art book showcasing the stencil work of ex-Canberra local Luke Cornish (aka ELK), this book is perfect for coffee tables or collectors’ shelves. Luke is a multi-award-winning artist with an international following, known for making history as the first stencil artist ever to be a finalist in the Archibald Prize.
Tracking Luke’s journey from the alleyways of Civic to the international stage, ELK features essays, interviews and behind-the-scenes process photography, and promises unprecedented access to his creative process.
Emergency! Emergency! Vehicles to the Rescue by Rhiân Williams
This isn’t your typical picture book, but kids will love it just the same. Emergency! Emergency! Vehicles to the Rescue by Canberra author Rhiân Williams is designed to be both entertaining and educational, showcasing emergency vehicles hard at work in different types of emergencies.
Teaching kids the Triple Zero number, the book was inspired by Rhiân’s time as a community engagement officer with her local bushfire brigade, and the hope is if a child ever has to call for help, the book can help them remember what they need to do.
Sydney’s Convicts by Logan Firth
Written by a 19-year-old Canberra local, this book is a gripping historical fiction novel that follows a young convict girl navigating the challenges of early colonial Australia. Blending empathy and education to highlight resilience and strength through a disability-informed lens, the book touches on some dark topics as it tells the story of Emily Wilson, who endures the brutality and horrors of a convict’s world while finding herself.
Feature image: Pew Pew Studio.
