1854: Eureka Boys

by Penny Matthews

Do you dare join a rebellion? Stand up to a bully? Risk your life for a friend?

Henry lives with his father and sister on the Victorian Goldfields. Still mourning the loss of his mother and baby brother, Henry helps his father to mine their claim and hopes that one day they will strike it rich. But they can't afford a mining license and without a license they are at the mercy of the corrupt police. When Henry meets a new friend, Frank, he enters a world of politics, riots, and rebellion that will lead him to Eureka Stockade, one of the defining moments in Australian history.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Evelyn Lee]

Can you survive? Henry lives with his sister and father in the Victoria gold fields. They are mining for real gold but of course it’s hard.. They mine but they need a license but does not have it. Are they in trouble?Henry meets a friend called Frank. Can they get along.

[Shane]

A solid historical fiction novel that gives good insight into what it would have been like living on the goldfields and during the Eureka Stockade. I liked the portrayal of Henry, his friendship with Frank and his constant efforts to obtain his father's approval. The portrayal of Henry's father's discipline might come as a shock to children these days, as might the depictions of the violence of the battle at the Stockade itself.

There was lots of discussion of the unfair circumstances the miners faced, and the corruption of some of the officers at the time and the need for change. The air of rebellion and how people could be caught up in it was clear. I would have liked a little more time to be spent on how this actually achieved change for the people who followed.

[Michelle Hickey]

Great book for kids to learn about the Eureka Stockade. I think it's one of those stories that would stay with kids for life.

[Heidi]

Enjoyed a 2nd reading of this book with my two older boys as part of my middle son's Australian Gold Rush unit study.

[Hunter Seabrook]

This book is more suited to boys in Grade 3-4. It is a story around the historical event of Australia's Eureka – a fight for liberties and miners' rights.

[Ali]

Engaging, enjoyable book which captured life on the Ballarat goldfields. Could be used as a read a loud for the class. Lots of historical information included.