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.

Australian Kids through the Years

Australian Kids through the Years by Tania McCartney, illustrated by Andrew Joyner (National Library of Australia)

HC RRP $24.99

ISBN 9780642278593

Reviewed By Anastasia Gonis

This impeccably constructed book by Tania McCartney and Andrew Joyner celebrates the cultural diversity of Australia. It focuses on Australian children through the years as it educates and informs readers about the shifting and evolving periods of Australian history. It starts from the 1800s and ends at 2000 and beyond.

The layout of the book follows a pattern. Two children are introduced in each era. They then appear in a double spread that reveals them in their daily environment. We progressively learn about the children’s life and living conditions, the food they eat, the way they dress, what they play, their educational opportunities and later what they are reading.

Indigenous Australians are first in the book.  Their relationship to the land, and the reverence they hold for it is of paramount importance to their life.

Mid 1800s and brings the convict era. Children work hard and schooling is rare. It is followed by the Gold Rush which brings the Chinese to the Goldfields. Tents house the gold diggers and their families. The dress code has changed slightly and Hotels begin to appear. Thousands of Irish immigrants make Australia their home.  Most children are now getting an education and living conditions have improved significantly.

Pre and post War life is addressed. An increase in migration and decimal currency are stamped on Australia’s history. Big hair and bright clothes, Ninja turtles and Atari herald great changes and shifts in the life of children. This prepares them for the electronic age. And the rest is history.

This book for the 5-8 years age range is a valuable asset for schools, libraries, and tourist facilities as are most of Tania McCartney’s recent books. Andrew Joyner’s fantastic illustrations complement the text perfectly, bringing to life the past and how children’s lives changed significantly for the better with the passing of time. The excellent end papers reflect the contents as do the magnificent covers in vibrant colour.

As usual, the NLA has played a large part in this beautiful production. Black and white photos from the archives enhance the List of Illustrations from the National Library that appear with details of their origins and other significant information. 

The old is blended with the new as modern coloured illustrations sit beside the old photos.

Flying High

Flying High by Sally Morgan & Ezekiel Kwaymullina, illustrated by Craig Smith (Omnibus Books for Scholastic)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-070-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Larni has trouble at school with her reading and writing. It makes her feel dumb and she thinks that she cannot do anything well. But these holidays she is flying north to stay with her grandparents and Larni is very excited about this visit and being away from school. While she is there, Gran teaches Larni to do something she is very good at.

Flying High is the latest title in a series based on indigenous characters, families and cultures. Each title explores familiar themes and situations which all children, not only those with an indigenous background, will relate to. These two authors cleverly create stories which are firmly based in indigenous culture, yet are still universal in theme and content.

Close and loving family bonds are central to the story as Larni slowly learns that she does have her own unique skills. Her confidence grows throughout the book. The characters are strong and appealing and the soft illustrations help to tell the story and enhance the subtle humour which makes theis story all the more unique.

Flying High is a warm and entertaining chapter book which is very readable for early primary children and contains plenty to hold the attention of the slightly older middle grade readers.