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Freedom Ride
Robbie knows bad things happen in Walgaree. But it’s nothing to do with him. That’s just the way the Aborigines have always been treated. In the summer of 1965 racial tensions in the town are at boiling point, and something headed Walgaree’s way will blow things apart. It’s time for Robbie to take a stand. Nothing will ever be the same.
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First published July 1, 2015
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About the author
Sue Lawson
40 books69 followersSue Lawson is an award winning young adult and junior fiction author, with a passion for
young people, writing and reading. Her books are recognized for the sensitive way they
explore the exciting and heartbreaking complexities of adolescence.
A former teacher, Sue has also worked for both ABC and commercial stations and currently
works part time for Geelong's BAY FM.
Her book Pan’s Whisper was shortlisted for the 2012 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards,
Young Adult Fiction, won the 2012 Australian Family Therapist Award, Children’s Literature
and was shortlisted for other awards.
Her latest young adult novel, based on real events, is Freedom Ride.
young people, writing and reading. Her books are recognized for the sensitive way they
explore the exciting and heartbreaking complexities of adolescence.
A former teacher, Sue has also worked for both ABC and commercial stations and currently
works part time for Geelong's BAY FM.
Her book Pan’s Whisper was shortlisted for the 2012 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards,
Young Adult Fiction, won the 2012 Australian Family Therapist Award, Children’s Literature
and was shortlisted for other awards.
Her latest young adult novel, based on real events, is Freedom Ride.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 3, 2016
3.5 stars.
This was...yeah. It's an important book. But I think ultimately it focuses too much on the wrong thing. Because on the one hand, this is a young adult book about racism towards Indigenous Australians in the 1960s, which is EXCELLENT because it's a problem that's often overlooked and still a huge issue today. I mean, I knew NOTHING about the Freedom Ride, and I've spent the vast majority of my life in Australia.
BUT. While the book did an excellent job of showing just how racist and small minded rural Australia can be (and, to be honest, urban Australia isn't a whole lot better), an awful lot of the story ultimately focused on Robbie discovering that his family are a big bag of dicks who spent most of his life lying to him. And while it gave me a lot of feelings for Robbie, it also wasn't really what I wanted from the story??
I also wasn't 100% sure how old Robbie was supposed to be. Because at times, it felt like he was 16. And other times, it felt more like 12. I think he was supposed to be 14, maybe?? But I'm still not sure.
In summary, this book tells an important story, but it didn't really tell the story in the way I'd hoped when I read the blurb. So. Yeah.
This was...yeah. It's an important book. But I think ultimately it focuses too much on the wrong thing. Because on the one hand, this is a young adult book about racism towards Indigenous Australians in the 1960s, which is EXCELLENT because it's a problem that's often overlooked and still a huge issue today. I mean, I knew NOTHING about the Freedom Ride, and I've spent the vast majority of my life in Australia.
BUT. While the book did an excellent job of showing just how racist and small minded rural Australia can be (and, to be honest, urban Australia isn't a whole lot better), an awful lot of the story ultimately focused on Robbie discovering that his family are a big bag of dicks who spent most of his life lying to him. And while it gave me a lot of feelings for Robbie, it also wasn't really what I wanted from the story??
I also wasn't 100% sure how old Robbie was supposed to be. Because at times, it felt like he was 16. And other times, it felt more like 12. I think he was supposed to be 14, maybe?? But I'm still not sure.
In summary, this book tells an important story, but it didn't really tell the story in the way I'd hoped when I read the blurb. So. Yeah.
June 3, 2016
I do love Robbie's earnest innocence and yet, that he still struggles to stand up against his upbringing shows how human he is.
I also appreciated that the author doesn't have all the young people support the students, and not all the older generation are narrow-minded (although most of them are).
It's so hard to imagine that people acted in such ways, although observing some of the attitudes depicted today towards new immigrants means it's still a relevant topic.
Absorbing and engaging.
I also appreciated that the author doesn't have all the young people support the students, and not all the older generation are narrow-minded (although most of them are).
It's so hard to imagine that people acted in such ways, although observing some of the attitudes depicted today towards new immigrants means it's still a relevant topic.
Absorbing and engaging.
June 6, 2015
Gee Sue Lawson knows how to write a story that keeps you engaged. What I loved the most in this story was the main character Robbie's journey from ignorance and acceptance to awareness, disappointment, anger and action. Robbie is a gorgeous character - his descriptions of his Nan and her friends - the similes and metaphors are just delightful.
This is a really ugly period in Australian history - a story that is probably quite painful for some people to read. I know the majority of teens will challenge the idea that this actually happened - they will find it difficult to believe that it was only 50 years ago that there was this form of unwritten apartheid but it certainly did happen. Just recently there was a reenactment of the Freedom Ride to acknowledge the 50th anniversary. I went to school in the late 70s and 80s and it is barely part of my experience in a country town - I remember the language, name calling and the anti-Aboriginal sentiment but there was no physical segregation in my schooling. There is no denying though that as a country we have a long way to go with equality, especially in areas of health, literacy, education, employment and life expectancy.
There is almost a tendency to slip into caricature - particularly with the character of Nan and Mr Bower, but Lawson manages to pull back just in time. The hypocrisy of the townsfolk will make you bristle. I think adults who have enjoyed reading books like The Help will enjoy reading this as well. On a positive note, I like to think that as a society we have come a long way.
I can see many schools wanting to use this a set text - especially with Year 9s or 10s.
This is a really ugly period in Australian history - a story that is probably quite painful for some people to read. I know the majority of teens will challenge the idea that this actually happened - they will find it difficult to believe that it was only 50 years ago that there was this form of unwritten apartheid but it certainly did happen. Just recently there was a reenactment of the Freedom Ride to acknowledge the 50th anniversary. I went to school in the late 70s and 80s and it is barely part of my experience in a country town - I remember the language, name calling and the anti-Aboriginal sentiment but there was no physical segregation in my schooling. There is no denying though that as a country we have a long way to go with equality, especially in areas of health, literacy, education, employment and life expectancy.
There is almost a tendency to slip into caricature - particularly with the character of Nan and Mr Bower, but Lawson manages to pull back just in time. The hypocrisy of the townsfolk will make you bristle. I think adults who have enjoyed reading books like The Help will enjoy reading this as well. On a positive note, I like to think that as a society we have come a long way.
I can see many schools wanting to use this a set text - especially with Year 9s or 10s.
July 18, 2015
I have always loved Sue Lawson's novels, and this is no exception. All her stories feel authentic, and the narrative flows so easily, I read this within a day. While I knew a little about discrimination in the 60s, I had no idea it was as foul as even a sliver of what's in this book -- and the characters of Nan and Frank were truly repellent. I think they were so awful because they were also very realistic; I have known people like that, and will probably come to know more, even though we're now in the 21st century.
But the shining light of this book was one of my favourite themes -- families of choice, rather than blood. No apologies were made for Robbie's blood relatives, who were terrible people. Instead, he found people who were willing to be kind to him, and love him. I always love a good family-of-choice story. Also, the many little Aussie references were superb (the CWA and RSL, the one small town pool, the stinking hot summer). Highly enjoyable.
But the shining light of this book was one of my favourite themes -- families of choice, rather than blood. No apologies were made for Robbie's blood relatives, who were terrible people. Instead, he found people who were willing to be kind to him, and love him. I always love a good family-of-choice story. Also, the many little Aussie references were superb (the CWA and RSL, the one small town pool, the stinking hot summer). Highly enjoyable.
October 27, 2015
If “To kill a mockingbird” is a novel that should be read by every student in the USA in order to understand the racial history of their nation then “Freedom Ride” is the Australian equivalent. That may sound like a big call but I’m making it.
“Freedom Ride” is based on real life events in Australia in 1965. It is the story of 15 year old Robbie Bower, who lives in of the town Walgaree with his Dad and his Nan. His Mum died when he was three. Robbie is a quiet boy with few friends and is often the target of bullies. Yet the hard time Robbie cops is nothing compared to what the local Aborigines have to endure. They live in one of the two reserves or missions or in a shanty town they have created themselves known as The Tip, due to where it’s located. They are harassed in town, abused, spat on, excluded from school and the local pool and generally treated like crap. Then in the summer of 1964-65, something huge happens. Read the book to find out what!
“Freedom Ride” is based on real life events in Australia in 1965. It is the story of 15 year old Robbie Bower, who lives in of the town Walgaree with his Dad and his Nan. His Mum died when he was three. Robbie is a quiet boy with few friends and is often the target of bullies. Yet the hard time Robbie cops is nothing compared to what the local Aborigines have to endure. They live in one of the two reserves or missions or in a shanty town they have created themselves known as The Tip, due to where it’s located. They are harassed in town, abused, spat on, excluded from school and the local pool and generally treated like crap. Then in the summer of 1964-65, something huge happens. Read the book to find out what!
April 5, 2020
This book is a ripper. Successfully navigating a tricky cultural path, Sue manages to convey all the confusion, anger and indignation of a young man confronting his ignorances and those of his family and town, with feeling and authenticity. In some ways, Australia has moved forward but there is still so much that is wrong. May we all have the courage and conviction of the freedom riders.
April 25, 2015
This was a difficult book to read because of how it is a window into our unfathomable past. Did I say past? This year is the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Ride and this year our government announces plans to close rural Aboriginal communities. How far have we come?
Definitely worth reading.
Definitely worth reading.
April 26, 2015
A very powerful book about a very ugly part of Australia's not too distant past. It should be placed in the hands of every student in the country. There isn't any swearing or drug use and only a couple of mentions of sex towards the end. Beautifully written and can be quite confronting.
June 17, 2015
Read more reviews like this on my blog!
This ARC was provided by Walker Books Australia. FREEDOM RIDE will be available in stores July 2015.
When it comes to showing and discussing racial tensions in media - books, films, and television shows - there are two key points that must be kept in mind. Firstly, the prejudice, hate, segregation, bigotry, hypocrisy and atrocious living conditions of the racial minorities should never be understated. As appalling as it may seem to the modern generation that these things happened a mere fifty to sixty years ago, it should never be 'softened' or underplayed to better appeal to the conscience of the current generation who would like to pretend these things never happened.
Secondly - and counter to the first point - it is greatly important that not all white people are immediately demonized and associated with these awful majorities who sought to treat the racial minorities in these disgusting ways. As with most events and eras of great oppression, not everyone agreed with or gladly partook in the actions of the majority, and those dissenting voices should be respected for their beliefs and courage.
FREEDOM RIDE by Sue Lawson has successfully tackled both of these points in her historical fiction novel that takes a look at racial tensions between white and Aboriginal populations in the New South Wales' country during 1965. It takes its name from, and involves, the actual Freedom Ride by the Student Action for Aborigines in the same year.
For the most part, however, Freedom Ride follows Robbie, a white teenager with his own family issues stemming from his late mother, his highly racist and generally uncaring father, and his cruel and nasty grandmother. Robbie's story is largely a slice-of-life look at country-town living in Australia during that era, following his troubles at home and involvement with an outsider called Barry, who has recently moved back to the town to take over his late father's caravan park.
The racial tension is clear and obvious, but never overwhelming - powerful and shocking, but not to the point where the reader would be too abhorred to continue reading. The issue isn't necessarily out-and-out abuse or violence against Aborigines, but more a very high level of prejudice and segregation. Anything bad or unsavory that happens around the town is immediately blamed on an Aboriginal, even when there are witnesses.
It goes further, with the corruption seeping into the racist and bigoted Mayor, Police Sergeant, and the RSL management. Even Aborigines who have served for their country and been gravely injured are not considered suitable to join the RSL; and meanwhile, the white high-schoolers are taking their own private war to the Aborigines, attacking them and harassing them, with their parents and friends retelling the incidents to implicate the innocent Aborigines.
As the Freedom Ride nears its start from Sydney, the tension starts boiling over with more physical attacks. Barry, who has been attempting to change the town's perception of Aborigines, loses most of his business and is bashed for defending Aborigines. Robbie loses his friends but gains a new, better family in the form of Barry and his mother, while his original, toxic, family becomes embroiled in a dark cover-up involving a murdered Aboriginal.
In the last few chapters, everything comes to a head -- plot twists that I didn't see coming, family fights, and betrayals that reveal people's true personalities in the most shocking of ways.
The Good:
The Bad:
The Verdict:
This ARC was provided by Walker Books Australia. FREEDOM RIDE will be available in stores July 2015.
When it comes to showing and discussing racial tensions in media - books, films, and television shows - there are two key points that must be kept in mind. Firstly, the prejudice, hate, segregation, bigotry, hypocrisy and atrocious living conditions of the racial minorities should never be understated. As appalling as it may seem to the modern generation that these things happened a mere fifty to sixty years ago, it should never be 'softened' or underplayed to better appeal to the conscience of the current generation who would like to pretend these things never happened.
Secondly - and counter to the first point - it is greatly important that not all white people are immediately demonized and associated with these awful majorities who sought to treat the racial minorities in these disgusting ways. As with most events and eras of great oppression, not everyone agreed with or gladly partook in the actions of the majority, and those dissenting voices should be respected for their beliefs and courage.
FREEDOM RIDE by Sue Lawson has successfully tackled both of these points in her historical fiction novel that takes a look at racial tensions between white and Aboriginal populations in the New South Wales' country during 1965. It takes its name from, and involves, the actual Freedom Ride by the Student Action for Aborigines in the same year.
For the most part, however, Freedom Ride follows Robbie, a white teenager with his own family issues stemming from his late mother, his highly racist and generally uncaring father, and his cruel and nasty grandmother. Robbie's story is largely a slice-of-life look at country-town living in Australia during that era, following his troubles at home and involvement with an outsider called Barry, who has recently moved back to the town to take over his late father's caravan park.
The racial tension is clear and obvious, but never overwhelming - powerful and shocking, but not to the point where the reader would be too abhorred to continue reading. The issue isn't necessarily out-and-out abuse or violence against Aborigines, but more a very high level of prejudice and segregation. Anything bad or unsavory that happens around the town is immediately blamed on an Aboriginal, even when there are witnesses.
It goes further, with the corruption seeping into the racist and bigoted Mayor, Police Sergeant, and the RSL management. Even Aborigines who have served for their country and been gravely injured are not considered suitable to join the RSL; and meanwhile, the white high-schoolers are taking their own private war to the Aborigines, attacking them and harassing them, with their parents and friends retelling the incidents to implicate the innocent Aborigines.
As the Freedom Ride nears its start from Sydney, the tension starts boiling over with more physical attacks. Barry, who has been attempting to change the town's perception of Aborigines, loses most of his business and is bashed for defending Aborigines. Robbie loses his friends but gains a new, better family in the form of Barry and his mother, while his original, toxic, family becomes embroiled in a dark cover-up involving a murdered Aboriginal.
In the last few chapters, everything comes to a head -- plot twists that I didn't see coming, family fights, and betrayals that reveal people's true personalities in the most shocking of ways.
The Good:
Doesn't pull any punches or desensitize the content, but also shows the growing number of dissenting, open-minded white people willing to risk their lives and reputations for equality.
The Bad:
It can feel like the plot isn't going anywhere for a while - acting as more of a slice-of-life contemporary than I had expected.
The Verdict:
An honest and well-balanced look at racial tensions in 1965 Australia that shows both the horrifying living conditions and prejudice against Aborigines, and the few brave white men and women demanding change. 4/5 Stars
July 23, 2015
Robbie has some awareness of what happens in Walgeree. But living with his father and overbearing Nan doesn’t really give him a greater understanding of the world. It’s not until he gets a summer job at the local caravan park with Barry – a man who’s spent time overseas and isn’t impressed with the overwhelming racism of the town – that he starts to understand how bad thing are for the local Aboriginal people. In the summer of 1965 the Freedom Riders are on their way to town and things are at boiling point.
My first thought on this book is ‘why wasn’t this around 5 years ago!’ My class was investigating Australian History and one of the students was researching the Freedom Rides – this would have been perfect for her in so many ways. Hopefully there are other students like her who will benefit from this book and the often overlooked history of the time.
Sue Lawson has done a wonderful job of creating a really awful country town atmosphere. The exclusion of people who aren’t ‘locals’ was spot on, but it was the outwardly racist social structures of the town which was incredibly uncomfortable. Two aspects of it really struck me as a modern reader: this didn’t happen that long ago – my parents would have been just younger than Robbie at the time; and there are still aspects of the social structures, particularly in the language used, that we see today. I could imagine parts of this book provoking some very interesting discussions in a classroom.
Coming from the perspective of a white boy who is employed by a white man, it would have been easy to slip into making those characters ‘white saviours’. Mostly the author manages to avoid that, though there were some aspects of the ending which felt a little like that. Mickey, Robbie’s coworker, is a strongly written character who doesn’t ‘go easy’ on Robbie for his ignorance, but points it out, insisting that Robbie can do better.
On top of learning about how bad the conditions are for the local Aboriginal people, Robbie is dealing with issues at home. His grandmother is determined to control him and his father, insisting that Robbie lives his life the way she wants, but never showing him any form of affection or love. Towards the end of the book a massive family secret is revealed, adding to the feelings of revulsion Robbie has had over his father and grandmother’s racist and close minded attitudes. This additional storyline made Robbie’s break from his past believable – in Barry and Barry’s mother he found affection and openness along with more progressive ideas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m really glad that there’s Australian Historical YA dealing with this part of our history. I really hope more authors tackle this political and social history into the future.
Originally reviewed at Subversive Reader
My first thought on this book is ‘why wasn’t this around 5 years ago!’ My class was investigating Australian History and one of the students was researching the Freedom Rides – this would have been perfect for her in so many ways. Hopefully there are other students like her who will benefit from this book and the often overlooked history of the time.
Sue Lawson has done a wonderful job of creating a really awful country town atmosphere. The exclusion of people who aren’t ‘locals’ was spot on, but it was the outwardly racist social structures of the town which was incredibly uncomfortable. Two aspects of it really struck me as a modern reader: this didn’t happen that long ago – my parents would have been just younger than Robbie at the time; and there are still aspects of the social structures, particularly in the language used, that we see today. I could imagine parts of this book provoking some very interesting discussions in a classroom.
Coming from the perspective of a white boy who is employed by a white man, it would have been easy to slip into making those characters ‘white saviours’. Mostly the author manages to avoid that, though there were some aspects of the ending which felt a little like that. Mickey, Robbie’s coworker, is a strongly written character who doesn’t ‘go easy’ on Robbie for his ignorance, but points it out, insisting that Robbie can do better.
On top of learning about how bad the conditions are for the local Aboriginal people, Robbie is dealing with issues at home. His grandmother is determined to control him and his father, insisting that Robbie lives his life the way she wants, but never showing him any form of affection or love. Towards the end of the book a massive family secret is revealed, adding to the feelings of revulsion Robbie has had over his father and grandmother’s racist and close minded attitudes. This additional storyline made Robbie’s break from his past believable – in Barry and Barry’s mother he found affection and openness along with more progressive ideas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m really glad that there’s Australian Historical YA dealing with this part of our history. I really hope more authors tackle this political and social history into the future.
Originally reviewed at Subversive Reader
June 8, 2016
Here is a book that I hope becomes part of the reading syllabus in Australia. I knew the freedom ride had happened, but beyond that I knew very little about it. Given I am very interested in politics, if this was my level of knowledge, I can imagine the average person has no idea it happened at all.
Unlike the American freedom rides which were a protest movement, the Australian ride was about information gathering and exposing the often appalling treatment and conditions of indigenous Australians. What it also did was force city dwelling white folk to take notice.
Robbie's growth in this book from teen who just accepts things are the way they are to teen with his own mind, own thoughts, own ideas is a strength of this book. I love it doesn't happen over night but is the result of widening his horizons and talking to people who have a different point of view to his father and grandmother. His simmering hatred of his grandmother is beautifully portrayed - knowing he hates her but really having little way to fight back. And the twist at the end involving his family is one I didn't see coming.
Freedom Ride may be an uncomfortable read for many Australians. As a whole we are not good at acknowledging the woeful and disgusting treatment of our Indigenous community. However it is a period of our history we must own and make amends for. Until we do we cannot heal the rift between indigenous and non indigenous in this country. Freedom Ride would be a great way to open that doorway to discussion.
Unlike the American freedom rides which were a protest movement, the Australian ride was about information gathering and exposing the often appalling treatment and conditions of indigenous Australians. What it also did was force city dwelling white folk to take notice.
Robbie's growth in this book from teen who just accepts things are the way they are to teen with his own mind, own thoughts, own ideas is a strength of this book. I love it doesn't happen over night but is the result of widening his horizons and talking to people who have a different point of view to his father and grandmother. His simmering hatred of his grandmother is beautifully portrayed - knowing he hates her but really having little way to fight back. And the twist at the end involving his family is one I didn't see coming.
Freedom Ride may be an uncomfortable read for many Australians. As a whole we are not good at acknowledging the woeful and disgusting treatment of our Indigenous community. However it is a period of our history we must own and make amends for. Until we do we cannot heal the rift between indigenous and non indigenous in this country. Freedom Ride would be a great way to open that doorway to discussion.
August 2, 2015
A great read! I remember a very sad chapter in Australia's history. Also the beginning of change. This text deserves to be studied in High school - years 8 to 10. Sue Lawson has touched my heart again!
Read
July 22, 2015Unfortunately, just can't get into it, but will try again soon.
It's not you book, it's me.
It's not you book, it's me.
January 18, 2024
random from me but I was asked to attend this book discussion event on several books in middle school as like a panel (because I was really cool and not nerdy) and all I remember is that I called the main character of this “bland” in front of the author who wrote it… like why was I like that
April 27, 2024
really don’t wanna review this. school book. meh. but hey it wasn’t terrible
July 31, 2022
I thought I should read this book because the author, Sue Lawson, was coming to our school to speak. I'm so glad I did! Not only was it a valuable lesson on Australian history (the treatment of Aboriginal Australians in the 1960's) it was a great read. Sue Lawson makes all her characters come to life in a way that makes the story so readable, believable and enjoyable. The main character Robbie, lives with his father (who is there physically but otherwise absent) and his Nan, (who is over bearing and cruel). Robbie has to deal with this, the absence of his mother, bullies, racism and the truth about his family. He has to choose between doing what he feels is right and what the rest of the town wants and expects.
Sue Lawson researched the Freedom Ride and although the town and the characters are fictional, it is based on the events of that time. It was when Charles Perkins (aboriginal activist) first started to highlight the racism and resulting apartheid that was a part of white Australian culture.
I highly recommend this book to all Australians from year 7 and up. It is a MUST READ!
Sue Lawson researched the Freedom Ride and although the town and the characters are fictional, it is based on the events of that time. It was when Charles Perkins (aboriginal activist) first started to highlight the racism and resulting apartheid that was a part of white Australian culture.
I highly recommend this book to all Australians from year 7 and up. It is a MUST READ!
July 23, 2015
A thought-provoking young adult novel. Set in a small country town in New South Wales and based on factual events. The time is when 1964 is drawing to an end. The predominantly white community exercise extreme racism and exclusion towards the people living in the aboriginal missions. Robbie is the main character and his life changes when he starts working for Barry Gregory who believes in a fair go for all. The simmering hostilities in the town boil over when the Freedom Ride bus comes to town to observe and protest against the racism. The Freedom Ride was an initiative of students from Sydney University including Charles Perkins. The town and the lives of the people in it, will never be the same.
November 8, 2016
There seems to be a recurring theme in some Sue Lawson novels of the terrible grandmother, and this book is no exception, as the protagonist's grandmother is as nasty as can be. On the other hand, this is a good novel to introduce teens and others to the "Freedom Ride" movement here in Australia in the mid-1960's that was largely inspired by events during the Civil Rights movement in the USA around the same time. I did not know anything about the Freedom Rides until I was at uni doing my teaching degree, and one of my subjects mentioned this in one of the readings. It is a shame really, as these are very important events that led to the 1967 Australian Referendum to have Aboriginal People included in the Census and was the catalyst for many more events that came afterwards.
July 4, 2017
Nice pace, likeable protagonist, really interesting historical context. The backdrop of racial segregation in Australia before the 1967 referendum is something we should all know about. Would be great for kids in year 8, very accessible (although over 300 pages, it's an easy read). Must qualify 4 star rating as YA rating only. As in, it's not a 4 star for me as an actual book I'd choose. My main criticism is that it's told from the perspective of a white character. I know the double narration has been done to death but in this case, I would have liked to hear from Mickey, the Aboriginal character.
July 11, 2015
A fantastic book that shares an important event in Australian history with readers aged 12+. The story was confronting at times, with the blatant racism of many of the residents of the town expressed verbally and through violence. It is nevertheless important for us to remember that Australia experienced racism in this way - segregation, violence, verbal and physical abuse - in our not too distant past.
A wonderful book to start conversations with teens about modern Australian history.
A wonderful book to start conversations with teens about modern Australian history.
August 6, 2015
This is a great book that tackles a particularly racism that was occurring in the 60s with the treatment of the aboriginal people. The story follows Robbie and his growing understanding of the issues in the country town in which he lives. Although fictional it is based on true events of the trip university students made through country NSW to highlight the issues facing aboriginal people. It is an engaging read.
August 23, 2015
A great read for any High School Library and it should be on all Australian schools reading lists. Sue Lawson uses historical events to place her story in an Australian country town in the 1960's. She tells the story of our history that many people would rather forget and many people still cannot accept. However the writing and story development is well constructed and has a satisfactory simple fictional ending.
November 18, 2017
A beautiful young adult novel which is reminiscent of To Kill A Mockingbird. The story is engaging and the teenage protagonist is easy to relate to. Whilst set in the context of ‘issues’ of discrimination and bigotry, the story is about family, trauma and loss. A poignant picture of the pain and freedom experienced in the process of becoming an adult. A must read for young people.
September 8, 2015
A great read about a boy who doesn't feel right about the racism in his small town. He doesn't even feel comfortable about his dad and gran's attitudes. A story about friendship, loyalty and being an outsider to the norm.
August 6, 2016
This book was such a fantastic read! I'm backing it to win the CBCA young adult prize. It was so we'll written I just couldn't put it down. The book provide such a great insight into the cultural climate of the time. It made me long for hot summer days and caravan park camping on the river.
July 12, 2017
Story of a teen facing moral dilemmas around race, loyalty etc. Great dialogue- a good amount of challenging vocab. Also a balance of being gritty but also really positive in terms of the pursuit of justice and integrity along the way. Would be great to teach!
Want to read
September 15, 2015New Sue Lawson!
August 24, 2015
Excellent read about some of Australia's history. I didn't realise how recent colour segregation existed within our country. Seeing it through Robbie's eyes brings it all into perspective.
February 17, 2016
3.4
I had to read for school
I had to read for school
June 5, 2020
This historical fiction tells the story of racism in Australia in the 1960’s and the courageous few who took a stand against it and changed Australia forever.
The story has two plot lines, the first the Freedom Ride bus and the people on it and the encounters they had in small town Australia. The bus was used by university students lead by Charles Perkins to bring to public attention the endemic racism found across Australia in the 1960’s.
The second plot line involves the local caravan park manager who employs a local Aboriginal boy in his stand to change racism in his town.
Both plot lines carry messages for contemporary Australia.
Published by black dog books 2015
Highly recommended 13+ A great read together to discuss the themes addressed.
The story has two plot lines, the first the Freedom Ride bus and the people on it and the encounters they had in small town Australia. The bus was used by university students lead by Charles Perkins to bring to public attention the endemic racism found across Australia in the 1960’s.
The second plot line involves the local caravan park manager who employs a local Aboriginal boy in his stand to change racism in his town.
Both plot lines carry messages for contemporary Australia.
Published by black dog books 2015
Highly recommended 13+ A great read together to discuss the themes addressed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews