Ghost Bird

Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller, (UQP), 2019, pb, RRP $19.95 ISBN 978072260230 (pbk)

ISBN 978072261633 (pdf)

ISBN 9780702261640 (epub)

ISBN 9780702261657 (kindle) 

Reviewed by Pauline Hosking

Stacey and Laney are mirror twins – the mirror images of each other physically. In every other way they are different. Laney takes risks. Stacey works hard at school and covers for her twin when Laney skips school and sneaks out at night to meet her boyfriend. Then Laney disappears.

It’s 1999. The difficulties of an indigenous family in a small country town in Queensland are presented honestly and undramatically. Laney was last seen near the property of the Potter family who’ve been known to shoot at anyone with ‘skin darker than tan.’ On the western side of the Potter property sits a mountain that Stacey, and all the younger children, have been warned to stay away from. When Stacey asks why, her mother goes quiet. Here’s her partial explanation: ‘Remember daughter, this world is a lot bigger than anyone knows. There are things that science may never explain… Maybe I was so focused on (you girls receiving) whitefulla education I forgot to educate you proper way.’  

When the white police show little interest in searching for Laney, her uncles, aunties and cousins rally around. At first Stacey believes the Potters know what has happened. But gradually, after Stacey has a series of strange dreams, she realises it’s not the Potters she needs to fear but whatever it is that lives in the mountain.

Something was taken from the mountain and ‘the creatures’ there want it back. After much tense, dramatic action, Stacey returns the stolen object and releases her twin. By doing this, she goes some way to healing a generations-long grudge between her family and the nearby Millers.

This powerful story is Lisa Fuller’s debut novel. It deserves a wide YA (and adult) readership. In 2017 Fuller won the David Unaipon award for an unpublished indigenous writer, and has previously published poetry and short fiction. Stacey is a great creation, gutsy, tough and loyal. Her burgeoning love affair with Sam Miller (echoes of Romeo and Juliet) is sensitively handled.

Fuller’s characters accept the society they live in with muted resentment, some humour and a reliance on close family connections, which reminded me of the characters in the American novel The Hate U Give.

The supernatural element is cleverly presented. Whatever ‘the creatures’ are, they are not named or fully described which makes them all the more frightening.

UQP have done a great job offering the story in so many different formats. It’s

a page turner, clearly and atmospherically written. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Sister Heart

Sister Heart by Sally Morgan (Fremantle Press) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 978-1-92516-313-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Annie is taken away from everything and everyone she knows. Forcibly removed from her mother, stripped of her home, her culture, and even her name, Annie must make a new life for herself in a strange and cruel place without somehow losing hope that she will be reunited with her family one day.

This is a heart wrenching, poignant story about the stolen generation told from the perspective of a young girl removed from her family simply because she is of mixed race. It is told through verse, making the story so much more immediate, yet somehow lightening an emotionally heavy and hard subject. It is easy to connect to the young aboriginal girl as we are privy to only her intimate thoughts, her perspective and life through her eyes.

I want to go home

I want to smell warm rock

Run along a sandy creek

with my cousins

Watch flowers grow

after rain comes

Hug little sister

Understanding history is an important part of understanding our culture and ourselves. It helps us to be empathetic towards other people, accepting of different cultures and other lifestyles. The challenge is to engage children early and children are engaged by good stories. Sister Heart is a really good story, told well, with a fascinating main character and captivating plot.

Some middle grade readers may find it hard to get into because of its verse novel form which may be new to them, but persistence will reward them greatly. And the language is so evocative. One of the beauties of verse novel is that so much is said in so few words.

Everyone scatters

except the sun-bright girl

Sister Heart captures so much of what it is to be in the Australian landscape, the power of friendship, and the differences between the two cultures Annie has to contend with – her own and the one being forced on her.

I really loved this story. It is probably for the more mature middle grade reader, but the verse novel lends itself to less text which may appeal to others as well. I would encourage anyone with a love of history, Australian stories and beautiful poetic language to read this book.

Sister Heart was shortlisted in the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, the Victorian Minister’s Literary Awards, the Inky Awards, and was an Honour book in the CBCA Awards.

Born to Sing

Born to Sing by Sally Morgan, illustrated by Craig Smith (Omnibus Books)

PB RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-151-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

The holidays are here again and during a family meeting Dad announces they will all be taking a special trip. He is taking the boys to Tasmania to see the penguins and Mum will take Maddie and Nan to Shark Bay to see the whales. Maddie is a little concerned when Mum says they are taking the ratty caravan, but nothing can spoil her excitement at the possibility of seeing whales. Maddie loves to sing and her favourite music is whale songs. She is super excited!

Born To Sing tells the story of the adventure Maddie has with her Mum and Nan as they make their ten-hour journey. It also shares the fun they have when they arrive, including an encounter with the huge and magnificent whales in Shark Bay.

A humorous and happy story, it is based around an indigenous family with a lovely bond and is set firmly in the Australian landscape and culture. Where else would you see an emu walking down the main street with no-one batting an eye?

Informative and entertaining, this is a great book for those just starting to extend their reading skills to chapter books. It is well written with easy to read sentences for younger readers. Lovely black and white illustrations break up the short chapters, filling the pages and enhancing the light, fun atmosphere of the story.

One Rule for Jack

One Rule for Jack by Sally Morgan & Ezekiel Kwaymullina, illustrated by Craig Smith (Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-033-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

If there is one thing Jack hates more than showers, it’s the jobs Mum gives him on Saturday mornings. They always need to be finished before he is allowed to go hang out with his mate Thommo. Jack knows how to get out of chores. It’s just that somehow all his efforts seem to be backfiring.

And then Dad gives him the worst job of all. Surely his plan cannot fail here.

Australian indigenous culture is quietly but firmly present in this story.  Yet the book transcends race.  This is a story every young boy, or girl, will easily relate to. Who wants to be sweeping the patio or washing the dog when their mate is waiting on a sunny Saturday morning?

One Rule for Jack is a gentle, funny, tale. There is a lovely family atmosphere - with Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Joe living next door. And the lesson Jack learns comes across naturally without being preachy or moralising.

Jack is an engaging narrator, giving tips to the reader throughout. 'Okay - here's a pro tip. Inside jobs are the hardest. One parent is usually hanging around. If you're not careful they can catch you out.'

The cheeky sense of fun is carried in the illustrations as well. The look on Jack's face as he manoeuvres a plunger into the toilet is priceless. And the way his mother and grandmother gather around to help him solve his problems reinforces the closeness of the family.

Smith's soft black and white pictures illustrate each page of the book and help to create an easy and enjoyable story for beginner readers. The short chapters, large font and straight-forward words and sentences make this an accessible story for young primary aged children, while the humour and storyline speaks to every child.

Lucky Thamu

Lucky Thamu by Cheryl Kickett-Tucker and Jaylon Tucker (Fremantle Press)

PB RRP $9.99
ISBN 9-781-925-161-304
Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

The Waarda Series are wonderful little books. In Waarda, Noongar is the word(s), for talking and sharing stories and information.

Initiated by renowned Aboriginal artist and writer, Sally Morgan, the series is designed to support the literacy needs of Indigenous children in primary school by making books available to them written by Indigenous authors. Of course, at the same time, it introduces non-Indigenous children to the richness of Indigenous storytelling.

It’s a school holiday and ten-year-old Eli is off to stay with his Thamu (grandfather) and his Garbarli (grandmother). They live in Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and even though it’s a long trip from Perth, it’s worth it. Eli loves his Thamu. He loves listening to his stories and learning about country and about his people.

Thamu also shares his love of camping and prospecting for gold with Eli. He tells a great story about how he stumbled upon a huge gold nugget only ten years before. Eli never tires of this story and loves to hear it over and over. He can’t wait to go looking for gold nuggets with Thamu.

Thamu and Eli’s Uncle Marshall, take Eli camping at White Rabbit Patch. It’s a flat area with a dry creek bed and a large waterhole at the top end of the creek. There are low shrubs and a few trees. Thamu knows how to set up the perfect camp and they sleep in the open in their swags under the stars. They settle in and tell stories around the campfire well into the night. This is the same place Thamu found his gold nugget.

The next day they go ‘specking’ (looking for gold). Thamu explains how gold nuggets can sit half buried in the burrna yurral (red dirt) and he shows Eli how to lick it and hold it up to the sun to get a reflection from it. After ‘specking’ for a few hours, Eli becomes frustrated at having had no luck in finding gold, until he crosses path with a lucky white rabbit. Eli chases the rabbit for ages, ducking and weaving and diving. Hot and sweaty and dusty, he sits at the entrance of the rabbit burrow and finds before him…a nugget! His first gold nugget.

Beautifully told, I highly recommend Lucky Thamu. It’s a gentle read, about family and love and patience. It’s insightful, giving the reader a strong impression about what the characters’ lives and culture are all about. I very much enjoyed all the indigenous words spaced throughout the text with the English translation next to it in brackets.

Lucky Thamu is an informative and engaging story and the Waarda Series are ideal first chapter books for new readers.

Neridah McMullin is the author of five books for children. Her latest book is an Indigenous folklore story called Kick it to Me! It’s an ‘Aussie rules’ story endorsed by the Australian Football League. Neridah loves family, footy and doing yoga with her cat Carlos (who also just happens to love footy). www.neridahmcmullin.com

Lilli and Shadow in Trouble

Lilli and Shadow in Trouble by Laura Dudgeon and Sabrina Dudgeon, illustrated by Sally Morgan and Tracey Gibbs (Fremantle Press)
PB RRP $9.99
ISBN 9-781-922-893-359
Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

The Waarda Series are wonderful little books. In Waarda, Nyungar is the word(s), for talking and sharing stories. Edited by Sally Morgan, the stories are designed to support the literacy needs of Indigenous children in primary school by making books available to them written by Indigenous authors. At the same time, it will introduce non-Indigenous children to the richness and depth of Indigenous storytelling. The stories in the series are adventurous stories that are easy and logical to read, fun, interesting and diverse. There’s a lot to learn in these little books. I did!

Lilli and Shadow have met before but are reunited in an exciting new adventure – only this time it’s Shadow that needs Lilli’s help. Someone, or something has taken over Shadow’s home in the big old mango tree and without his home Shadow is fading fast. With Nan to lends them a hand, and together they must find the best solution for everyone. I love Nan’s no-nonsense, firm but practical approach to life. She’s a very re-assuring character, always cheerful and she just knows how to handle things in life.

There are some beautiful themes represented in this story: the themes of family, cooperation, safety as well as the benefits of having a positive attitude. The grey lead sketched artwork throughout is gentle and fun, revealing Shadow and Glog, putting the whole story into perspective. There is also a map of Australia, showing Bardi country in the Kimberly in Western Australia where Laura and Sabrina Dudgeon are from.

The Waarda series is an exciting new Indigenous children’s series, ideal first chapter books for new readers.

A Cyclone is Coming!

A Cyclone is Coming! by Darlene Oxenham (Fremantle Press)
PB RRP $9.99
ISBN 9-781-922-893-342
Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

The Waarda Series are wonderful little books. In Waarda, Nyungar is the word(s), for talking and sharing stories. Initiated by renowned Aboriginal artist and writer, Sally Morgan, the series is designed to support the literacy needs of Indigenous children in primary school by making books available to them written by Indigenous authors. Of course, at the same time, it will introduce non-Indigenous children to the richness of Indigenous storytelling.

Annie lives with her family in a small coastal town in Western Australia, called Useless Loop. Her aunt, uncles and grandparents all live next door and everyone in town knows everybody. Annie’s grandfather is in charge of bringing drinking water for everyone and when he returns with his truck, Annie visits him along with her dog, Patches. As Pop observes the sky and the sea he tells her a cyclone is coming. They’re not unusual at Useless Loop and everyone knows what to do. But Annie has never been through one before and she’s about to find out how to prepare for it.

Annie’s father explains the damage cyclones can cause, but reassures Annie that all will be okay if they prepare for it and think of it as an adventure. They tie their caravan to a scraper so that is doesn’t blow away. They also tape up the windows and gather up any loose items left lying around. Together, Annie and her family carefully prepare for what’s to come. Then there is nothing left to do but wait.

When the cyclone, finally hits Useless Loop, the family gathers in the kitchen, which is the safest place in their caravan home. The sky darkens and the rain gets stronger and louder. Although Annie is scared, her family help her stay calm. They eat, read and watch movies while the wind howls and the caravan sways. Patches and Annie eventually fall asleep – and when she wakes up - it’s all over. The wind and rain have stopped. Together with her family, they explore the damage caused by the cyclone. Back at school the next day, the children all recount the events of the great cyclone adventure.

I found this little book to be quite scary at times, and my young one wanted to know if this was really a true story. Yes! I told him. But was scary as it was, Annie’s people knew just how to get through it and there was some very practical and re-assuring advice in this story.

Beautifully told, I highly recommend ‘A Cyclone is Coming!’ The Waarda series are ideal first chapter books for new readers.

Mates: Bush Holiday

Mates: Bush Holiday by Leonie Norrington, illustrated by Brenton E McKenna (Omnibus Books)
PB RRP $11.99
ISBN 978-1-74299-001-9
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Tillithia looks forward to the school holidays when she can hang out with her friend Lily, or go to the markets or cinema. But not these holidays, her mum informs her. These holidays Aunt Doreen is taking them on a bush holiday.

Aunt Doreen is Tillithia’s mum, ‘aboriginal way’. It is her responsibility to teach Tillithia about indigenous culture. And although Tillithia is reluctant at first, the bush holiday - and Aunt Doreen’s lessons - turn out to be a lot of fun.

Part of the Mates Series, Bush Holiday is an easy read, exploring concepts suitable for lower and upper primary readers. The full colour illustrations throughout add to the story. They bring out the emotions of the characters, enhancing their growth and change. They also break up the text, creating an enticing, attractive book. Watch the flock of birds as they travel through the borders.

Tillithia is a great character and the reader learns along with her about Indigenous culture, traditional ways, language and bush tucker. The story highlights the importance of family and land, and respect for both.
Like other books in the Mates series, this junior novel is a funny and uniquely Australian story.