CBCA Shadow Judging Podcast

The Children's Book Council of Australia
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BOOKS

Our hosts will bring a new episode to you every two weeks. They will be joined by young readers in conversation with the creators of the CBCA Shortlisted books in the 2026 Older and Younger Reader Book of the Year categories. This project was made possible by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Episodes

  1. Darkest Night, Brightest Star

    4 MAY

    Darkest Night, Brightest Star

    Host Poppy Holden and young reader Talin discuss Darkest Night, Brightest Star with author Barry Jonsberg. Darkest Night, Brightest Star is Shortlisted for the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards for Older Readers. – Two things that are true and one that is a lie: I think my mother is dead and alive. I think if I work hard I will be very good at something. I've tried to please my dad but I don't think I ever will. Thirteen-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'. But 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. Shining 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.

    17 min
  2. Run

    4 MAY

    Run

    Host Mia Henderson and young reader Alex discuss Run with author Sarah Armstrong. Run is Shortlisted for the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards for Younger Readers. – Cas ran away to escape his problems. Now, he may have to run for his life. For fans of Tristan Bancks and Katherine Rundell comes this electrifying middle-grade novel about a twelve-year-old called Cas, who runs away to avoid a reunion with his estranged father. Cas soon finds himself lost in the wilderness, completely alone and without help. Or is he?   Cas thought running away from home would solve all his problems. But he didn’t count on getting hopelessly lost in the tangled Australian bush. Alone and afraid, Cas has given up all hope of rescue when he stumbles upon a strange family hiding out in the wilderness. He won’t survive without their help. But when he discovers they’re also on the run – from something so big, they won’t even talk about it – he realises his problems are just beginning …

    15 min

  3. 3 MAY

    Welcome from Mia

    Join Mia to explore the Shortlisted titles from the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Younger Readers category. Mia will be joined by young readers and the books' creators along the way.

    2 min

  4. 3 MAY

    Welcome from Poppy

    Join Poppu to explore the Shortlisted titles from the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Older Readers category. Poppy will be joined by young readers and the books' creators along the way.

    1 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

Our hosts will bring a new episode to you every two weeks. They will be joined by young readers in conversation with the creators of the CBCA Shortlisted books in the 2026 Older and Younger Reader Book of the Year categories. This project was made possible by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Information

  • Creator
    The Children's Book Council of Australia
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Children's Book Council of Australia
  • Show Website
    CBCA Shadow Judging Podcast