The Barrumbi Kids

Barrumbi #1

by Leonie Norrington

They can't take the smiles off their faces. They got away with it. No one saw them slip under the school fence in the long grass. Now they're free to wag all day.

Dale and Tomias are best mates. Tomias's ancestors have lived at Long Hole since the Dreaming. Dale's grandfather was the first white man to settle here.

This is their country.

An exciting, funny first novel from Australia about children moving between Aboriginal and white cultures.

Genres: Australia, School, Fiction, Childrens

197 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2003

Reviews

[Thoraiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those accidental library reads where I started reading a random kids book while waiting for the Small One to finish with the puzzles, and then ended up making her wait for me because I couldn't stop reading this addictive adventure story.

What experiences and shared loves bind a pair of twelve-year-old boys together? What binds a community together?

What kind of wood is best for making fire? What should you call a crocodile to his face?

If I hadn't just gone out and showered all the kids I know with Lian Tanner books, I'd be showering them with this one.

And I'd make a bet with each and every one of them: That they can't keep a straight face when they get to page 161.

Definitely one for the Christmas stocking.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly enjoyable, and fun, Aussie tale! Detailed descriptions, whether it be of characters or bush scenes, made the book come to life. As an adult, I always enjoy reading well-written children's novels, and The Burrumbi Kids definitely falls into this category.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this back in primary school and the images and experiences of the children featured in the book stuck with me.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authentically set in northern Australia, featuring the Mayali language and the local English dialect, with an interesting story and characters.

The conflict between white and Aboriginal fire control techniques was portrayed well - fortunately traditional burning methods are more respected these days.

Although Leonie Norrington is not indigenous, she works extensively in the communities of Northern Australia, and says her books have given courage to many of the indigenous teachers and parents she meets to write themselves.

[Robyn Del]

Gifted this book to my daughter's 10yo friend after reading good reviews about it and was disappointed to find out that there was a lot of bad language in it. Mentioning it here to let others know so they are aware before they purchase or recommend it to others.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very basic. So if you want an easy to read book than this is good but for me it was kind of boring.

[Lien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because it’s coopoool

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. I have read it several times in a classroom setting as a read aloud and a mentor text. Each time I read it I find more ways that the author has been authentic to indigenous culture and even more ways that ignorant bias against indigenous people can create trouble. A great book to introduce young readers to authenticity and truth of indigenous culture. All 5 stars for me!

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This came out when I was already an adult but I’ve read it twice. Once because I had to teach it and the other one, recently, with my youngest two kids. We enjoyed it. A great Aussie read, with humour, insight and pathos.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as a gift from an Australian pen-pal and I was so excited to get some input on Australian literature and even more so because it was about aboriginal Australia. Although it is a book for young readers it deals with important issues, like racism, bullying, culture shock and death.
One thing I wasn’t so convinced about was the way the events of the story were distributed. I think that by the fourth chapter or so the main characters faced one of the most crucial scenes of the book, so the reading the next chapters felt a bit flat, like the big thing had already been dealt with. I found myself thinking at several moments of my reading that this book would work best as a compilation of different short stories (since some parts are focused on characters that are not the main ones) insted of a novel.
I got to learn some Australian slang, which was fun, but I struggled with some of the words from aboriginal languages. The writing was good yet not masterful, but I guess it was just right for the audience it was targeting.

[Michelle Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read. Norrington uses many adjectives to transport the reader into this unique environment. Used in my year 4 class as an example of good quality writing. Kids loved comparing school in Australia's Northern Territory to our school in the suburbs.

[Lara Gifford]

Not just for young kids, such an entertaining book written beautifully. I couldn't put these books down, growing up in the Northern Territory it brings much nostalgia. Norrington captures the Territory bush perfectly with all its magic. Amazing author who has such a way with words.

[Zahra · Rating 1 out of 5]

It wasn't the best book that I've read but it was ok. I would recommend it for people who like learning about the bush, and that don't really like school that much. This is just my opinion.

[Oscar]

GOOD

[Thalayn Ryschka]

INEED TO READ IT