My Australian Story: Convict Girl

My Australian Story: Convict Girl by Chrissie Michaels (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-015-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Convicted for theft, young Mary Beckworth is transported in 1801, with her mother, to Australia. A spirited girl, Mary is determined to make the best of her new life as a convict, whatever obstacles it may bring. Working first on Quaker's Row sorting fleece, then as a nanny for Judge Atkins, and finally as an assistant to Commander Baudin on the French exploration ship the Géographe, Mary overcomes her problems with bravery, level-headed decisions and a warm heart. She is an interesting and enjoyable character to spend time with.

Whilst not ignoring the harsh realities of convict life at this time, the story does not dwell on them. It focuses rather, on the hope and possibilities of Mary's life, making it a story which is perfectly accessible for readers from middle primary school and up. Mary’s convict years are during a time of great exploration and expeditions, the establishment of the growing colony in New South Wales, and the occasional convict uprising.  This is an exciting part of our Australian history to read about.

The historical notes at the end of the book give an idea of how much of the story is fact. Mary Beckworth was a real person in Australian history, as were many other characters in this story. Most of the events described in her (fictional) diary, such as the Irish uprising, the tension with France, the attempted escapes and the return of Judge Atkins' wife, are all based on fact. Actually, after his wife’s death in 1809, the Judge married Mary's mother, who had been his housekeeper since 1801.

Written in diary form in a chatty, intelligent voice, this intimate account is easy to get caught up in. It covers the years from 1801 to 1803, and incorporates many aspect of Sydney’s early penal colony. Reading this story, and others like it, is a great way for children to explore Australia’s historic past.

Other titles in the My Australian Story series include The Hunt for Ned Kelly by Sophie Masson, The Bombing of Darwin by Alan Tucker, Our Don Bradman by Peter Allen, Voyage to Botany Bay by Chrissie Michaels, The Phar Lap Mystery by Sophie Masson and many more.

In Lonnie's Shadow

In Lonnie's Shadow by Chrissie Michaels (Ford St Publishing)
PB RRP $19.95
ISBN 9781876462918
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

In Lonnie's Shadow is a remarkable work of historical fiction. Set in inner-city Melbourne in and around Little Lonsdale St, it tells of four young adults Lonnie, Pearl, Daisy and Carlo. They are poor and life is difficult, sometimes horrendously so. Each has their own dreams and aspirations and their own crosses to bear. Lonnie continually finds himself in trouble as he cannot accept the unfairness of his friends' and relatives' situation and constantly tries to find solutions, staying within the spirit of the law if not the letter.

Michaels writes in a language that brings 1891 Melbourne to life but the reader is not overwhelmed by the vernacular. The characters within In Lonnie's Shadow cover the gamut from madams and gang members, heartless landlords and kindly aunts, to child rescuers and the toffs on Collins Hill. The multicultural nature of the area is explored as are all harsh realities of life before the welfare state. Prostitution, gambling, drunkenness and theft is rife but so is compassion, honesty and the desire for companionship.

As a self-confessed history nut, what I loved most about the book was how it brought historical artefacts to life. Each chapter is named after an artefact found in an archaeological dig and catalogued by the museum. This item is mentioned within the chapter. The chapters are short and link together to weave a story of complexity and heart but not bogged down by the historical minutiae.

I highly recommend In Lonnie's Shadow to all interested in Australian history and all who love a good read.