Ernie Dingo: king of the kids

by Sally Dingo

Ernie Dingo has become a popular household name across Australia because of his ongoing television work. This book, written by his wife, tells the story of the lives of Ernie and his family.Written in an accessible and charming way, Ernie's biography is warm and affectionate and captivating for young readers - but it will also enchant adults because of the way it reveals the racial prejudice that is clearly endemic across Australia.The book presents the prejudice faced by Ernie's family members in a no-nonsense and non-threatening way. Children will be eager to discuss the "fairness" of various situations and to offer their own alternative behaviours.Aside from one reference to breast feeding, the book contains no "adult" concepts or language. Its main strength comes from the non-threatening way that it presents discrimination and shows Ernie as a good-natured and optimistic role model for anyone who has been a victim of prejudice or who has aimed for a goal. His and Sally's inter-racial marriage also demonstrates the sensitivities that highlight their cultural divide."Ernie Dingo" is a good book for opening classroom discussion about discrimination, "difference" and respect for others. Suitable for children around 12-15 years old.

Paperback

Published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being a kid's book, it was a very quick read and very clearly abridged.
I never realised that Ernie Dingo had had such a difficult childhood and young adulthood...