Middle Years Book Swap

Please register for this free event by putting the code 'BookSwap' into the Purchase Order box at checkout.
Individual members can contact Katerina Duckstein to register.

Join Karys McEwen (author and host of VATE's podcast YA Book Stack) and Lauren Kyte (Salesian College Sunbury) for a dynamic session where these two experienced teacher-librarians share and compare their top text recommendations for Years 7–10. They’ll explore how to choose stories that engage, challenge, and connect with students and will offer fresh alternatives to tired classroom staples. Expect practical recommendations, rich discussion, and plenty of inspiration to diversify your text list. Come along and join the conversation!

About Karys McEwen
Karys McEwen is a school librarian, bookseller, vice president of the Victorian branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, and education advisor for the Melbourne Writers Festival. She is passionate about the role libraries and books can play in the wellbeing of young people, and she writes the substack I Read A Lot. All the Little Tricky Things is her debut middle-grade novel. Her second middle-grade novel, The Paperbark Tree Committee, was published in April 2025.

About Lauren Kyte
Lauren Kyte is Head of Library at Salesian College Sunbury where she guides a dynamic team committed to connecting students and teachers with rich, engaging content across the curriculum. With over a decade of experience as an English teacher and curriculum leader, Lauren now focuses on empowering educators through targeted resource support. A passionate advocate for the 'just right' book, she relishes the challenge of matching every student with their ideal next read - one that sparks curiosity, confidence, and a love of reading.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be emailed to events@vate.org.au. Cancellations received by 12pm five working days prior to the event date will be charged a 15% cancellation fee. Cancellations received after this will receive NO REFUND. Registrations can, however, be transferred to another staff member. Please email events@vate.org.au the details. If you do not attend and have not notified VATE according to the above policy, you will receive no refund.  Please note: If this event is cancelled due to COVID government or venue restrictions, you will receive a full refund.