Dive into 2026 with a stack of stories—fun, fresh, and perfect for readers of every age!
Gezina en die Bruin Wind, by Maretha Maartens
This historical youth novel is set during the Anglo-Boereoorlog and specifically explores the experiences of Boer women and children in the Bloemfontein concentration camp. Maartens employs a dual-narrative device featuring the grandmother Gezina and her granddaughter Gina, who hears stories of suffering, resilience, and hope from her grandmother’s past. Through this framing, the novel bridges past and present, giving younger readers access to a turbulent history in a format they can emotionally connect with. I’d recommend it particularly for readers aged 12-15 (and older) who want fiction that is historically grounded yet emotionally honest.
Perfek, by Jaco Jacobs
This light-hearted, engaging teen novel centres on Jak, an “ordinary” boy who instantly falls for Natasja – the beautiful new girl in class with “blond hair … clear blue eyes … a perfect white smile”. Jak feels he doesn’t stand a chance, but his best friend, Julia, has a plan to help him win her attention. What stands out is Jacobs’ ability to speak in a way that resonates with younger readers, with approachable vocabulary, familiar situations (school life, crushes, friendships), and a tone that is friendly and often humorous.
Leeus met Letsels, by Fanie Viljoen
The book opens with Buyisiwe (Buyi), a teenager who has grown up in London but never really feels at home there. When his mother sends him to live with his estranged father at a game reserve in South Africa, Buyi is plunged into a world that is both thrilling and alien. On the reserve he must confront not only with wildlife – a man-eating, scarred lion stalking the land – but also the emotional scars of a father and son estranged from each other. What makes the book compelling is how Viljoen balances adventure (the wild animals, the threat of danger) with deeper issues of identity, belonging, and family relationships.
Raising Mentally Strong Kids, by Dr Daniel Amen and Dr Charles Fay
This practical parenting guide addresses the rising mental health challenges facing children and teens. Drawing on neuroscience and the Love and Logic approach, Amen and Fay show why nurturing both the brain and the mind is essential for raising resilient, confident young people.
The book offers clear, research-based strategies for reducing power struggles and meltdowns while strengthening focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation. It’s a strong recommendation for parents and caregivers seeking a concise, science-informed framework for supporting healthier, more capable kids.
How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess, by Dr Caroline Leaf
This accessible guide addresses the growing number of children struggling with anxiety, toxic thinking, and emotional overwhelm. Drawing on clinical research and real case studies, Dr Leaf offers parents and caregivers a compassionate, practical framework for supporting healthier thought patterns.
The book teaches adults how to help children recognise and regulate difficult emotions, manage stressful or intimidating situations, and replace harmful thinking with constructive, brain-building habits. Central to the guide is a clear five-step plan designed to strengthen resilience, emotional stability, and overall well-being.
Ideal for parents, teachers, and counsellors seeking an evidence-informed, easy-to-apply method for helping children develop lifelong mental health skills.
Jaco Jacobs’s latest book, The lightning bird, tells the story of Timo, a boy with a curious talent for talking to animals, sort of. Beautifully illustrated in black and white by Iain Rennie, the book explores Timo’s wild adventures, which once made news headlines alongside his pet rat, Lucky. When a world-famous billionaire suddenly sets his sights on him, Timo’s journey takes flight – and he must uncover the breathtaking secret hidden on the billionaire’s private island. Aimed at high school learners, the book is available in both English and Afrikaans.
Die tweede Tommix-boek, Tommix kry grootkop, deur Robert Ebersohn en Martin Schwella, deel ’n geheime wapen met jong rugbyspelers – nederigheid. In hierdie boek wil Tommix die beertjie jong spelers graag leer hoe om rugby te speel en die reëls te verstaan, maar ook om nederig te bly. ’n Nederige speler respekteer sy spanmaats en teenstanders, en beskerm die ware gees van rugby. Deur nederig te bly, vermy hulle die gevare van selfvoldaanheid, oorgerustheid en arrogansie. Nederigheid gee spelers die vermoë om nederlae met waardigheid te aanvaar en om oorwinnings met balans en respek te vier. Op hierdie manier ontwikkel hulle nie net as spelers nie, maar ook as individue met karakter en integriteit.
Sielie Sebra verloor sy Strepe vertel die storie van klein Sielie wat nie sy strepe bêre soos hy moet as hy gaan slaap nie, en daarom word sy strepies gesteel deur Kroppie Kraai. Christel Basson se boek is ‘n avontuur van verantwoordelikheid, vriendskap en gehoorsaamheid saam met Sielie en sy diere maatjies.
Dié boekie is direk by Christel Basson beskikbaar is gedruk in beide Afrikaans en Engels. Volg haar op haar sosiale media skakels by Christel Basson op Facebook, of stellabasson8 op Instagram.
Compiled by Get It Editorial team
