Avid reader. Skilful listener. A quiet confidence. 

Mia Henderson, Year 6 student at St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton, was a natural fit to host a new Young Readers podcast for the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA). 

Chosen by Teacher Librarian Lynette Barker, she knew Mia would revel in the opportunity to be involved. 

Mrs Barker, who has worked at the school since 2005, is deeply passionate about fostering a love of reading, alongside the use of technology in the library environment. Through Mrs Barker’s passion for books, St Therese’s has been actively involved in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards for the past few years.  

Each year, the CBCA coordinates the coveted awards program, with 2026 marking its 80th year. The awards recognise outstanding Australian children’s literature across several categories, including Younger Readers (primary-aged children), Older Readers (secondary students), and Picture Book of the Year. In each category, six shortlisted titles undergo a rigorous judging process before a winner is announced. 

In recent years, the CBCA has expanded this process to include Shadow Judging, where young people from across Australia are invited to engage critically with the shortlisted books and cast votes to select their own winners. At St Therese’s, Mrs Barker has embraced this opportunity, encouraging her students to think more deeply about the books they read. 

“It’s about reading not just for enjoyment, but with critical thought by using the judging criteria for guidance,” she explains. 

Through her connections with the CBCA Hunter Branch, Mrs Barker became aware of a new grant-funded initiative, between CBCA and the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund, to produce a podcast featuring young readers. The concept involved a student host, joined by peers from across Australia, interviewing each of the authors shortlisted in the Younger Readers category. 

Mrs Barker immediately thought of Mia.

“With podcasting you need to be a listener and be invested in the person you’re speaking to,” she says. “Mia has that ability. She listens carefully and responds thoughtfully. It’s a real skill, yet it comes to her so naturally.”  

Mia’s love of reading began early and, by the age of eight, she was already exploring more advanced books. That love continues today and now she reads at least three books every week, with her favourite genres being fantasy and novels.  

“I’ve loved getting the chance to meet all these amazing authors,” Mia says. “When I read a book, I always wonder what it would be like to meet the author. So, when this opportunity came up, I couldn’t turn it down.” 

The fortnightly podcast episodes are recorded in the school library, which is equipped with professional sound recording equipment. Sessions take place during recess, with CBCA coordinating the schedule and pairing Mia with one of the shortlisted authors, as well as a young reader from across Australia. So far, she has worked with students from the Northern Territory, ACT and Victoria, only meeting them for the first time as recording begins. 

Despite the daunting task of interviewing established authors at just 12 years of age, Mia has embraced the role with confidence and composure. 

With three of the six episodes already recorded, she has quickly developed her interviewing skills. 

“Each week I see Mia become more confident, and more professional in her interviewing technique. She is also exploring the production of podcasts at a school level with friends which is exciting for St Therese’s,” says Mrs Barker. 

Beyond the podcast, Mia is an active member of the school community. As a Student Council representative and leader of the school’s environment team, she is passionate about contributing to positive change and seeking opportunities for growth. She also enjoys public speaking, debating, and both creative and persuasive writing. 

Mia is especially passionate about amplifying young voices. 

“When kids my age get to do these kinds of things, it shows that our generation is making a difference,” she says. 

When asked to choose a favourite from the shortlisted Younger Readers titles, Mia admits it’s a difficult decision. 

“It’s between Run by Sarah Armstrong and Spirit of the Crocodile (by Michelle Scott Tucker and Aaron Fa’Aoso),” she says. 

With the official CBCA winners to be announced in August, along with the Shadow Judging results, Mia and many other young readers across the country will be eagerly waiting to see which book claims the coveted gold sticker. 

A new episode is released every fortnight. To listen to the podcast, head to https://shadowjudging.cbca.org.au/