Deborah Abela makes CBCA notables 2025

Congratulations to author Deborah Abela on making the

2025 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Younger Readers Notables

for The Kindness Project

a paperback middle grade fiction for ages 8-12, published by Penguin Random House Australia

May 2024

Four kids are given a class project to make the world a better place... the trouble is, they don’t like each other… until they realise they have lots in common and band together when one of them needs help.

This is Deb's first verse novel and not only did she get to play with the narrative but also with font, form and layout to tell the story. Perfect for reluctant readers and readers moving from junior fiction to middle grade.

Congratulations Deb, what an outstanding achievement - kindness deserves this commendation!

Deborah Abela's The Book of Wondrous Possibillities shortlisted for Yabba/Koala Awards

Congratulations to author Deborah Abela on being shortlisted for the Yabba/Koala Awards for

The Book of Wondrous Possibillities

Cover illustrated by Kristina Kister

a paperback middle grade fiction for ages 8-12 published by Penguin Random House

Arlo lives with his mouse and uncle above their bookshop. When a girl called Lisette begs him to hide her from a murderer, he’s swept into a world of kidnappings, dragons and an enemy determined to destroy everything he loves.

This is the 5th award for the book and the 2nd Yabba/Koala shortlisting.


New MG for Deborah Abela

Congratulations to author Deborah Abela on the upcoming publication of

The Kindness Project

a middle grade paperback for ages 8-12 published by Penguin Random House

May 2024

Four kids are given a project to make a kinder world, but they can't stand each other. Until they discover they have lots in common and rally together when one of them needs help, to create a magnificent kindness project.

Told in verse, The Kindness Project is a heartfelt look at four kids who navigate the sometimes tricky world of being a kid, and the power of friendship and family to help us and remind us we're not alone.

Book launches

15 May, 5pm: The Book Cow 47 Jardine St, Kingston ACT with Deb and Tristan Bancks
22 May 6:30pm: Where The Wild Things Are 191 Boundary Street, West End with Zanni Louise
23 May 4pm: Quick Brown Fox Bookshop 5/33 Carberry St Grange, Brisbane

Fingers crossed you can make it along to one of these book launches, this is a special story!