Maybe you’ve never been much of a reader. They might remind you of school assignments, or you might prefer watching the movie to reading the novel. Lots of people feel the same way. Still, many non-readers eventually wonder if they’re missing out on something enjoyable.

​You certainly don’t need to have grown up loving books to start reading and enjoying them now.

​Getting into reading usually starts with picking something that grabs your interest. It might be a funny memoir, a mystery you can’t put down, or a story about people who seem familiar. You don’t need to start with a classic or the latest bestseller.

​Australian authors have lots of great options for readers of any age. There are illustrated adventures for kids, engaging stories for teens, and adult books you can enjoy even if you haven’t been reading for years.

What makes a good book for someone looking to start reading?

Starting to read for fun is different from learning to read. Maybe you spend your workday reading emails, reports, and instructions, but you rarely pick up a book in your free time. You might not have found a story that grabs you, or reading has always felt like just another chore.

​Kids who are learning to read on their own need different things. Familiar words, pictures, and short chapters help them follow the story and feel more confident. For older readers, it’s best to start with something that interests you. If you like crime dramas, try a mystery. If fiction isn’t your thing, you might enjoy reading about someone’s real-life experiences.

​Book length is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. A long novel that keeps you interested can be more fun than a short book you never feel like reading. Still, if you’re just starting out, a shorter novel might be a good choice.

Australian books for young beginner readers: ages 5 – 8

For young children, reading together is just as valuable as reading on their own. Sharing jokes, looking at pictures, and guessing what happens next all help make books fun. Listening to stories read aloud is also great for early development and can help kids fall in love with reading.

​These beginner reader books are good for reading together and for taking first steps into chapter books.

​Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey

Suggested ages: 5–7, often with an adult

​Pig is greedy, selfish and completely unwilling to share. Trevor, the sausage dog who lives with him, would appreciate a little more consideration.

​Aaron Blabey turns Pig’s bad behaviour into something really funny with expressive pictures and lively rhymes. Kids will have fun noticing how unreasonable Pig is, especially when his selfishness finally catches up with him.

​The Pig the Pug books are great for reading aloud together. Kids might start joining in with their favourite lines before they try reading some words on their own.

​Picture books aren’t always easy for kids to read by themselves, and some will need help with the words. Still, they’re a great way to start exploring stories.

​Billie B Brown: The Bad Butterfly by Sally Rippin

Suggested ages: 5–8  

​Billie is looking forward to ballet, but being a graceful butterfly turns out to be harder than she imagined.

​Sally Rippin knows that trying something new can bring up big feelings. Kids who have ever felt uncoordinated, unsure, or disappointed when things didn’t go as planned might see themselves in Billie.

​The short chapters and Aki Fukuoka’s illustrations make this book a friendly way to start reading chapter books. There’s plenty of adventure, but it’s not too long for new readers.

​Billie gives young readers a familiar character to come back to. If they like The Bad Butterfly, there are lots more books in the Billie B Brown series to enjoy.

​Ella and Olivia: Cupcake Catastrophe by Yvette Poshoglian

Suggested ages: 5–8  

​Sisters Ella and Olivia are making cupcakes for their dad’s birthday. Everyone is coming to celebrate, so the pressure is on when their baking plans go wrong.

​With illustrations by Danielle McDonald, this story turns an ordinary family event into an adventure. Kids who like familiar situations instead of fantasy will enjoy the setting. The sisters have a goal, a problem to solve, and a relationship that young future avid readers can relate to. There’s nothing complicated to learn before the story starts.

​Ella and Olivia is a gentle pick for kids starting to read longer books, especially if they like stories about siblings, celebrations, and everyday adventures.

WeirDo by Anh Do

Suggested ages: 7–10

​Being the new kid at school is tough, and having the name Weir Do doesn’t help. His worries are funny, but underneath the jokes, he’s just a kid trying to make friends and find his place.

​Anh Do takes embarrassing school moments and family life and turns them into a funny story, with help from Jules Faber’s illustrations. The pictures and visual jokes make the pages feel less overwhelming.

​If a child thinks books are boring, humour can help change their mind. They don’t need to worry about the writing style or learning a lesson. Just wanting to see what silly thing happens next is enough.

Australian books for developing readers: ages 8-12

Many kids in this age group are ready for longer stories, but they still enjoy pictures and lots of humour. Some want mysteries, magical worlds, or characters who go through things that are different from their own lives.

​Kids can read these books on their own, but they’re also fun to share and read together.

The Bad Guys: Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey

Suggested ages: 7–11

​Mr Wolf has a reputation problem. People see his teeth and think he’s a villain, but he wants to show he can be a good guy. He tries to get Mr Snake, Mr Shark, and Mr Piranha to join his team to help others. His friends aren’t so sure, especially when their first job is to rescue dogs from a high-security pound.

​What happens next is a wild attempt to do the right thing, with lots of arguments and some questionable choices. Under all the silliness, it’s a story about friendship, second chances, and not letting others decide who you are.

​The pictures combined with Aaron Blabey’s lively dialogue make this book a fun choice for kids who like stories with lots to look at.

Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda

Suggested ages: 8–12

​In the village of Rin, people admire strength and bravery. Rowan is quiet and shy, and he doesn’t think he has either. He’s happiest looking after the gentle bukshah, the animals his village needs. When the stream that gives the village water dries up, a group has to climb the forbidden mountain to find out why. A rumour says a dragon lives at the top, and the journey is full of unknown dangers.

​Rowan joins the journey, though he’s unsure, carrying a mysterious map and facing others’ doubts. As the group faces scary challenges, Rowan’s kindness and keen eye prove more important than anyone expected.

​Rowan of Rin is a great way to start reading fantasy, with a likeable hero and a clear adventure to follow.

Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman

Suggested ages: 10–12+

​Jamal and his younger sister, Bibi, both love football. Jamal dreams of playing for Australia in the World Cup, even though life in Afghanistan makes that dream seem far away. When their family has to escape, football becomes something to hold onto during a dangerous journey. Their search for safety brings uncertainty, separation, and a risky sea crossing where they must trust strangers.

In Boy Overboard, ​Jamal faces these challenges with determination, humour, and hope for a better future. Through his eyes, readers see both the scary parts of being forced to leave home and the simple dreams of a kid who just wants to play his favourite game.

​The straightforward way the story is told makes it easy to read, but some tough topics might make it better suited to older readers.

Blueback by Tim Winton

Suggested ages: 10+ and adults

​Abel Jackson grows up in Longboat Bay with his mother, Dora, living close to the ocean. While diving for abalone, Abel meets a huge blue groper he calls Blueback. The fish becomes a regular part of his underwater world, making him love the bay and its sea life even more. Dora teaches Abel to only take what they need, but not everyone respects the coast the same way.

​As Abel gets older and moves away, he still feels a strong connection to Longboat Bay.

​Blueback shows how Abel’s understanding of Longboat Bay, his mother, and what matters most changes over time.

​This short novel is a great pick for anyone who loves animals, the ocean, and family stories.

Australian books for teenagers getting into reading

Teen fiction is about much more than just school stories. These books regularly explore identity, survival, and belonging, with young characters trying to figure things out when there aren’t easy answers. These coming-of-age novels appeal to readers of all ages, feel timeless, and are books people return to again and again.

Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

Suggested ages: 14+

​Seventeen-year-old Josephine Alibrandi lives in Sydney with her mother and attends a wealthy Catholic school on scholarship. With school, her outspoken grandmother, and her Italian-Australian family’s expectations, Josie regularly feels stuck between two identities.

​Her last year of school gets even more complicated when the father she’s never met shows up. New relationships make her question her ideas about class, ambition, and the people around her. As family secrets come out, Josie starts to rethink the stories she’s always believed. Her search for independence is closely linked to comprehending her mother and grandmother as real people with their own complicated lives.

​Looking for Alibrandi is both funny and moving. The novel deals with teenage life, as well as tough topics like suicide and grief.

Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden

Suggested ages: 13–14+

​Ellie and her friends go camping in the Australian bush before school starts again. They visit a hidden valley called Hell, where they spend their days exploring and enjoying their freedom. But when they come home, they find empty houses, neglected animals, and a town taken over by an invading army. Their families have been captured, and Ellie and her friends must find a safe place and figure out what’s happening.

​Their hideout in the bush feels safe, but staying hidden forces tough choices. Should they focus on survival, try to rescue their families, or find ways to fight back?

​One interesting thing about the Tomorrow series is that John Marsden never says who the enemy is. The characters have plenty of flaws, and the series offers a gritty look at guerrilla warfare through a teenager’s eyes.

​The first book in the Tomorrow series mixes tense action with friendship, fear, and the challenge of making grown-up decisions. It’s a good pick for readers who like survival stories with war and violence in the plot.

The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick

Suggested ages: 14+

​Sixteen-year-old Billy runs away from an abusive father and a home that doesn’t feel safe. With almost nothing and nowhere to go, he ends up living in an old railway carriage. There, he meets Old Bill, a homeless man with his own sadness. Billy also gets to know Caitlin, a girl who has plenty of things but still feels like she doesn’t belong.

​Their lives are very different, but they see something familiar in each other. Small acts of kindness slowly build trust and give hope for a future that doesn’t have to be like the past.

​The Simple Gift is told by its three main characters and explores homelessness, friendship, and dignity. The book’s open layout might appeal to readers who don’t like dense text, but it’s best for older readers.

Australian books for adults who want to enjoy reading

If you haven’t enjoyed reading before, starting with a story about something you already like can be a good way in.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Best for: Romantic comedy and character-led fiction

​Don Tillman is a genetics professor who loves routines, efficiency, and clear rules. Dating hasn’t been nearly as predictable, so he comes up with the Wife Project—a questionnaire to find his perfect match.

​Rosie Jarman doesn’t fit his requirements at all. She’s spontaneous, disorganised, and looking for her biological father—a mystery that needs Don’s scientific skills.

​Their search takes Don far outside his usual routines. As they spend time together, he starts to question his checklist and what really makes a relationship work.

​Set mostly in Melbourne, the novel mixes awkward moments, humour, and a surprising romance. It’s a lively choice for readers who like stories about unlikely connections and people learning that plans don’t always work out.

The Dry by Jane Harper

Best for: Crime dramas and small-town secrets

​Federal investigator Aaron Falk goes back to the rural town of Kiewarra for his childhood friend Luke Hadler’s funeral. People think Luke killed his wife and young son before taking his own life.

​The town is struggling with a long drought, and money troubles might be part of the reason. But Luke’s parents aren’t convinced, so Falk agrees to look more closely at what really happened.

​Coming back also brings up old questions about a teenage girl’s death twenty years ago. As Falk works with the local police, old loyalties and mixed memories make it harder to find the truth.

​The Dry is a gripping mystery about a community’s secrets and how assumptions can cause harm. It’s a great pick for crime fans, but be aware it has some disturbing violence.

The Spare Room by Helen Garner

Best for: Short literary fiction about complicated relationships

​Helen welcomes her old friend Nicola to her Melbourne home for what’s meant to be a three-week stay. Nicola has advanced cancer and has come from Sydney for an alternative treatment she hopes will help. Helen wants to support her, but looking after Nicola soon becomes overwhelming. Nicola’s pain, her faith in the treatment, and her reluctance to face how serious her illness is put more and more strain on their friendship.

​Helen feels torn between compassion and frustration as she tries to be a good friend. Should she protect Nicola’s hope, question her choices, or just stay with her?

​The Spare Room is a short novel that gives a close look at friendship under pressure. The writing is simple, and the story is easy to follow, but the focus on terminal illness can be emotionally tough.

Australian non-fiction for readers who prefer real stories

Do you prefer real-life stories over made-up ones? You’re not alone. Non-fiction books are another way to read and learn about culture and life.

Welcome to Country: Youth Edition by Marcia Langton

Suggested audience: Older children, teenagers and interested adults

​Marcia Langton introduces readers to the many customs and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The book looks at connections to Country, language, family, cultural practices, and the ongoing effects of colonisation. It also explores the role of First Nations people in today’s Australia, encouraging readers to look beyond narrow or familiar ideas.

​Instead of presenting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as part of the past, Langton highlights how important and present they remain today.

​This guide is written for younger readers, but it’s also a good starting point for adults who want to learn more. Its topic-based format lets readers explore different subjects and come back to questions that interest them.

​Welcome to Country is a great pick for curious readers who want to learn more about the world.

Best Foot Forward by Adam Hills

Suggested audience: Adults

​Before Adam Hills became well-known on Spicks and Specks and The Last Leg, he worked his way through the Australian stand-up comedy scene, figuring out what made people laugh, and how to handle it when they didn’t.

​In his memoir, he looks back on his childhood, living with a prosthetic foot, and the experiences that influenced his comedy. Stories from radio, live shows, and TV reveal the hard work and uncertainty behind what looks like a confident public career.

​He shares stories about meeting other comedians, making memorable mistakes, and finding unanticipated opportunities. Throughout, Hills talks about difference, ambition, and how being yourself can be a good thing.

​His humour and personal stories make this a great choice for adults who like comedy and want to read about real life.

Try the three-book rule before giving up on reading

If the first book you pick doesn’t grab you, it’s easy to think you’re not a reader. But one book isn’t everything. Try the simple “three book rule”: give yourself a chance to try three different books before deciding if reading is for you.

​Pick something different each time. Start with a mystery, then try a funny autobiography, and then a short novel about family or friendship. Changing the genre, length, or style can help you find what keeps you interested.

​You don’t have to finish all three books. If a book feels like hard work and you’re not interested in what happens next, it’s okay to put it down. There’s no guarantee the three books will hook you, but it is a low-pressure way to explore a few options, and it works for all age groups.

Find a story to spend time with

You might discover once you start reading that you love mysteries, prefer memoirs, or enjoy illustrated or graphic novels more than regular novels. Your tastes can change as you try new things and discover various genres.

​Australian authors offer a lot, from funny childhood adventures to stories about friendship, family, and new experiences. Start with something that makes you curious, and don’t be afraid to switch if it’s not right for you. And remember, your reading journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.