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Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger
The year is 1859 and the goldfields are filled with diggers -- and danger!
Orphaned twelve-year-old Tigg is the Bandicoot Bushranger, the youngest bushranger on the Ballarat goldfields in 1859.
When a robbery goes wrong, Tigg must flee in disguise as one of the tens of thousands of Chinese men and boys braving heat, thirst, starvation and murderous attacks on the long road from Robe in South Australia to the goldfields in Victoria.
But even further danger threatens. Who has offered a large sum of money for Tigg's capture? And is the mysterious Henry Lau a friend or enemy?
To be safe, Tigg must solve the greatest mystery of all.
Who is Tigg?
Orphaned twelve-year-old Tigg is the Bandicoot Bushranger, the youngest bushranger on the Ballarat goldfields in 1859.
When a robbery goes wrong, Tigg must flee in disguise as one of the tens of thousands of Chinese men and boys braving heat, thirst, starvation and murderous attacks on the long road from Robe in South Australia to the goldfields in Victoria.
But even further danger threatens. Who has offered a large sum of money for Tigg's capture? And is the mysterious Henry Lau a friend or enemy?
To be safe, Tigg must solve the greatest mystery of all.
Who is Tigg?
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2024
6 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French
320 books867 followersJackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 23, 2025
Another well researched historical adventure by Jackie French
January 14, 2026
Jackie French was robbed!
Tigg was a contender in the 2025 CBCA Younger Reader category. I read the winner (which I did not enjoy) and don't understand how that book won. My only conclusion is that Jackie French has won a lot of awards and the judges thought someone else should win for a change. They were wrong.
As always, I read this book knowing that I am not the target audience.
Tigg is an orphaned 12 year old girl who lives on the Ballarat goldfields during the height of the gold rush. To make her life safer she has been disguising herself as a boy. During a robbery disguised as the Bandicoot Bushranger she is injured and a wanted notice is posted. Tigg has to leave Ballarat to avoid capture.
What Jackie French does really well is her ability to weave non-fiction into a fiction narrative without making it sound like you are reading a text book or being overly didactic. She manages to impart so much knowledge about:
* Life on the goldfields
* Baby farming
* Chinese miners
* The long walk from Robe in SA to Ballarat in VIC
* Racism (done very sensitively)
* Sexism
There was a bit of an info dump at the end but I don't think the intended audience would mind as it is presented as a mysterious story. I loved the characters that French created and while other authors might have ended with a 'happy ever after' for Tigg, French gives us a more nuanced ending that feels rooted in reality
Recommended
Tigg was a contender in the 2025 CBCA Younger Reader category. I read the winner (which I did not enjoy) and don't understand how that book won. My only conclusion is that Jackie French has won a lot of awards and the judges thought someone else should win for a change. They were wrong.
As always, I read this book knowing that I am not the target audience.
Tigg is an orphaned 12 year old girl who lives on the Ballarat goldfields during the height of the gold rush. To make her life safer she has been disguising herself as a boy. During a robbery disguised as the Bandicoot Bushranger she is injured and a wanted notice is posted. Tigg has to leave Ballarat to avoid capture.
What Jackie French does really well is her ability to weave non-fiction into a fiction narrative without making it sound like you are reading a text book or being overly didactic. She manages to impart so much knowledge about:
* Life on the goldfields
* Baby farming
* Chinese miners
* The long walk from Robe in SA to Ballarat in VIC
* Racism (done very sensitively)
* Sexism
There was a bit of an info dump at the end but I don't think the intended audience would mind as it is presented as a mysterious story. I loved the characters that French created and while other authors might have ended with a 'happy ever after' for Tigg, French gives us a more nuanced ending that feels rooted in reality
Recommended
January 11, 2025
Thank you Harper Collins Australia for providing me with a copy for my honest review.
Historical Fiction set in 1859 following the youngest bushranger Tigg. The story follows the mystery around Tigg’s identity and the thrill and adventure of being a bushranger during the gold rush era.
Kids 9+ who enjoy reading historical fiction and enjoy reading and are established readers. I would not recommend to kids who are trying to get into reading, would recommend a more fast paced story.
This book has a slow pace and dragged in some parts.
Historical Fiction set in 1859 following the youngest bushranger Tigg. The story follows the mystery around Tigg’s identity and the thrill and adventure of being a bushranger during the gold rush era.
Kids 9+ who enjoy reading historical fiction and enjoy reading and are established readers. I would not recommend to kids who are trying to get into reading, would recommend a more fast paced story.
This book has a slow pace and dragged in some parts.
June 6, 2025
A great adventure story set during the Victorian Gold Rush, perfect for middle schoolers. The tale centres on Tigg who is an orphaned girl living as a boy in a shanty on the goldfields. There's bushranging, there's hardships, betrayals and redemption. French has featured the long walk of Chinese miners from Robe in SA to the Ballarat goldfields with great attention to detail. The racism and violence depicted towards the Chinese may be confronting for some children however it is handled tastefully. The bush looms large in this tale and provides great comfort to Tigg who doesn't really know who she is. As in classic tales, there is a happy ending with Tigg finding a place in the world far from her life on the diggings and an unexpected family reunion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
Read as Part of the CBCA shortlist for Younger Readers 2025. Although often hesitant about Jackie French's books, I ended up actually really loving the character of Tigg/Anna in the story. It was a bit slow at the start but when it all came together at the end, it was a sweet read. Based in the 1850's - goldrush times in Ballarat with bush rangers and the Chinese coming to find their fortune. Focused on race and expectations, women's rights, the power of wealthy families and how the poor were treated. Mentions many aspects of colonial history in Australia. And how Tigg has to pretend to be a boy to have adventure, and how she becomes self sufficient in the bush etc. Definitely a good one to open up discussions with students. Year 4 upwards
May 21, 2025
A grand adventure set around Ballarat during the Gold Rush era. there are meany twists and turns in Tigg's story from bushranger, fleeing police, joining Chinese on their way to the gold fields and then living off the land before things start to go right for her.
Jackie French has interwoven a number of historical insights into this tale to acknowledge the plight of Chinese immigrants at the time, the racism they were subjected too and life in the times.
This is quite long and at times a bit drawn out but for those that enjoy steeping into the shoes of interesting heroines this is an entertaining and engaging read.
CBCA 2025 Younger Reader Shortlist title.
Jackie French has interwoven a number of historical insights into this tale to acknowledge the plight of Chinese immigrants at the time, the racism they were subjected too and life in the times.
This is quite long and at times a bit drawn out but for those that enjoy steeping into the shoes of interesting heroines this is an entertaining and engaging read.
CBCA 2025 Younger Reader Shortlist title.
July 3, 2025
What is my favourite book from this year’s CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers shortlist? ‘Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger’ by the incredible Jackie French.
This historical fiction novel transported me straight to the Gold Rush era, shining a powerful light on the Chinese experience during this time. Jackie masterfully weaves truth and storytelling to uncover the racism and resilience often left out of history books.
An unforgettable read that both educates and inspires.
This historical fiction novel transported me straight to the Gold Rush era, shining a powerful light on the Chinese experience during this time. Jackie masterfully weaves truth and storytelling to uncover the racism and resilience often left out of history books.
An unforgettable read that both educates and inspires.
July 7, 2025
This was a really interesting read, about a part of Australian History that isn't really talked about. It took a while to get into it, but you do really get to care about the characters as it goes on.
August 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this book especially since I had just read and seen the play of Yong: The Journey of an Unworthy Son which also dealt with the long walk from Robe to Ballarat. Excellently researched as usual and the narration really brought Tigg to life
December 23, 2024
With thanks to ‘Books+Publishing’ magazine for the ARC and the opportunity to review.
Jackie French once again showcases her meticulous research in an engaging historical fiction novel that will captivate upper middle grade readers.
In 1859, near the Ballarat goldfields, we meet Tigg, a strong-willed 12-year-old orphan living with the tough Ma Murphy at the Pot o’ Gold shanty. Together, they sell provisions to the Asian (‘Celestials’) and European migrants, as well as ex-convicts, all heading towards the gold diggings. Survival and making money are Tigg’s priorities. In her alter ego as the Bandicoot Bushranger, she becomes the youngest bushranger on the Ballarat goldfields, regularly targeting ‘respectable’ travellers in their coaches. When a robbery goes wrong, Tigg is injured, sparking an unforeseeable chain of events.
Fleeing in disguise, she faces challenges, forms new friendships and experiences betrayals. A key theme of the novel is identity—Tigg is known by at least six different names, each representing a different version of herself and her relationships with others, prompting moments of self-reflection. The fast-paced adventure also explores themes of family, loyalty, courage, Australian/Chinese migrant history and First Nations (Wadawurrung) people’s knowledge of land and bush tucker.
A varied cast of characters brings depth to the narrative while a curious tale, told by a mysterious Mr Rudolf, cleverly fills many gaps in Tigg’s story. Exceptionally detailed author’s notes provide factual backgrounds to the fictional story, shedding light on lesser-known experiences of women in Australian history. With descriptive and sophisticated language, the novel will appeal to confident readers aged 12+.
And, read my interview with the author, Jackie French, here:
https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au...
Jackie French once again showcases her meticulous research in an engaging historical fiction novel that will captivate upper middle grade readers.
In 1859, near the Ballarat goldfields, we meet Tigg, a strong-willed 12-year-old orphan living with the tough Ma Murphy at the Pot o’ Gold shanty. Together, they sell provisions to the Asian (‘Celestials’) and European migrants, as well as ex-convicts, all heading towards the gold diggings. Survival and making money are Tigg’s priorities. In her alter ego as the Bandicoot Bushranger, she becomes the youngest bushranger on the Ballarat goldfields, regularly targeting ‘respectable’ travellers in their coaches. When a robbery goes wrong, Tigg is injured, sparking an unforeseeable chain of events.
Fleeing in disguise, she faces challenges, forms new friendships and experiences betrayals. A key theme of the novel is identity—Tigg is known by at least six different names, each representing a different version of herself and her relationships with others, prompting moments of self-reflection. The fast-paced adventure also explores themes of family, loyalty, courage, Australian/Chinese migrant history and First Nations (Wadawurrung) people’s knowledge of land and bush tucker.
A varied cast of characters brings depth to the narrative while a curious tale, told by a mysterious Mr Rudolf, cleverly fills many gaps in Tigg’s story. Exceptionally detailed author’s notes provide factual backgrounds to the fictional story, shedding light on lesser-known experiences of women in Australian history. With descriptive and sophisticated language, the novel will appeal to confident readers aged 12+.
And, read my interview with the author, Jackie French, here:
https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews