Young Imaginations Take Flight at the 29th Sydney Writers’ Festival

Tristan Bancks

Celebrating Young Adult and Children’s Fiction in Sydney

The 29th Sydney Writers’ Festival promises an exciting celebration of storytelling for younger readers, with a vibrant program dedicated to young adult and children’s fiction. From 19 to 24 May 2026, some of Australia’s most creative and inspiring authors will take centre stage in Sydney, sharing stories filled with adventure, humour, suspense and heartfelt emotion.

The festival’s youth-focused program showcases the incredible range of Australian storytelling for younger audiences, highlighting gripping mysteries, powerful coming-of-age tales, imaginative graphic novels and playful children’s stories. For families visiting Sydney and for readers of all ages, the festival offers an engaging opportunity to discover the authors shaping the next generation of literature.

Thrilling Young Adult Fiction With High Stakes and Big Emotions

Young adult fiction continues to push creative boundaries, drawing readers into powerful narratives about identity, courage, ambition and personal discovery.

Tristan Bancks brings gripping suspense to the festival with his novel Raised by Wolves. His storytelling places young protagonists in intense situations where survival, trust and determination become central themes. Readers can expect an edge-of-your-seat exploration of danger and resilience.

Adam Cece

Adam Cece’s The Locked Room combines puzzles, mystery and sharp humour in a tightly woven thriller that keeps readers guessing. His appearance promises insights into how he constructs suspenseful plots that challenge both characters and readers.

Alexandra Moody explores ambition and romance in her novel Wild Darling, a high-energy story of personal growth, relationships and chasing dreams.

Ruby Jean Cottle’s Black River and Zoe Gaetjens’ Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans explore the emotional complexity of adolescence, examining vulnerability, reinvention and the often chaotic journey toward adulthood.

Amy Doak’s crime thriller What Have They Done to Liza McLean? introduces a gripping mystery set within the competitive environment of an elite boarding school, blending intrigue with the psychological pressures of teenage life.

The Art of the Verse Novel

Robbie Coburn

A unique highlight of the young adult program is the appearance of several writers who specialise in verse novels, a literary form that combines poetry and storytelling.

Robbie Coburn’s The Foal in the Wire presents a deeply emotional narrative told through poetic language. Pip Harry’s Drift and Karen Comer’s Once Upon Tomorrow continue this powerful tradition, exploring themes of identity, relationships and transformation through lyrical storytelling.

These authors will discuss how verse novels offer a distinctive and emotionally resonant way to tell stories, blending rhythm, imagery and narrative structure.

Stories of Resilience, Sport and Social Pressures

Allayne L Webster

Young adult fiction at the festival also explores the pressures faced by young people in competitive environments.

Allayne L Webster’s Maisy Hayes Is Not for Sale tells a story of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Jason Gent’s This Season’s Draft examines the intense world of the AFL draft system, capturing the hopes, pressures and dreams of aspiring athletes.

Scott Woodard’s Poster Boys investigates masculinity and reputation in highly competitive settings, providing an honest portrayal of the challenges faced by young men navigating identity and social expectations.

Children’s Fiction Bursting With Fun and Adventure

Matt Stanton

Alongside young adult literature, the Sydney Writers’ Festival features a lively children’s fiction program filled with humour, creativity and imaginative storytelling.

Matt Stanton returns with Duck: Look Who’s Talking!, a laugh-out-loud adventure packed with playful energy and visual humour that delights young readers.

Graphic novels also take centre stage with Mick Elliott’s URANUS FC and Serena Geddes’ School Rivals: Ella Forever #1. Both authors introduce exciting illustrated storytelling that combines visual creativity with engaging narratives.

A Special Celebration of the Ella Book Series

Laura Sieveking

For the first time ever, the creators behind the beloved Ella book series will appear together on the same stage at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

Laura Sieveking, Meredith Costain, Danielle McDonald, Yvette Poshoglian and Rebecca McRitchie will celebrate the success of the popular series while sharing their experiences writing stories that have captivated young readers across Australia.

This rare appearance brings together the creative team responsible for a beloved literary world that continues to inspire children to read.

Stories That Inspire Young Readers

Tanya Hennessy

Several authors appearing in the children’s program explore meaningful themes such as friendship, family bonds and personal courage.

Tanya Hennessy’s Sunny and Storm tells a heartfelt story about friendship, resilience and finding confidence in one’s voice. Cheryl Orsini’s Baby’s First Mother’s Day celebrates the emotional connection between parents and children through warm and gentle storytelling.

Suzanne Leal’s historical novel The Year We Escaped transports readers to wartime Darwin in 1942, offering a coming-of-age story set during a pivotal moment in Australian history.

Sue Whiting’s Promises and Other Lies explores the complexities of friendship, secrets and loyalty in a compelling story for young readers navigating their own social worlds.

A Festival for Families, Readers and Future Writers

The Sydney Writers’ Festival continues to inspire readers of all ages by showcasing the rich diversity of Australian storytelling. The young adult and children’s fiction program plays a vital role in encouraging creativity, imagination and a lifelong love of books.

Families visiting Sydney during the festival can enjoy interactive sessions, author talks, storytelling events and book signings designed to engage young readers and aspiring writers.

With its mix of exciting adventures, heartfelt stories and imaginative worlds, the 29th Sydney Writers’ Festival offers a literary celebration that young audiences will remember long after the final page is turned.

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Festival Dates: 19 May – 24 May 2026
Official Website: https://www.swf.org.au
Visitor Information – Destination Sydney: https://www.sydney.com

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