Outback: The Diary of Jimmy Porter

My Australian Story #18

by Christine Harris

Genres: Diary, Historical Fiction

188 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Christine Harris is an Australian writer of children's and young-adult with works both in speculative fiction and historical fiction.

Reviews

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The discovery of a whole new branch of My Storys from Australia is life changing. I read this in an hour instead of writing my thesis

[Molly]

This entire series is a wonderful way to learn history or teach it to adolescents. I find today's generations seem to recall more when they learn through other people (pop songs, celebrity gossip, etc.), so what better way to teach history than through someone else's perspective? Yes, "authentic" diaries would be "better", but would the language really hold the modern student's attention? Did the diary writer know what WOULD be important in the context of history? Probably not.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly good. An adventure story set during the early European settlement of Australia. The new cover (not available in goodreads) is much better than this original one. Suitable for Year 4 and above. PF.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was great. It was our 'read aloud book' and the children loved it. I loved reading it.

[Michael Konidaris]

Brilliant book for teaching!!!

[Kathy Forsyth-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't put it down

[Ian Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this. I live in Adelaide which is where Jimmy leaves to begin his adventure, so the story
is set in my own state. The way Christine Harris painted life in the north of South Australia in the 1920s was excellent, particularly through the eyes of kids.

[Trisha Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little story of the struggles in outback Australia in the 1920’s and Australia’s history in regards to the start of the RFDS.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A quick read, and great insight into outback life in early 1920's. I learned a lot. Would live to read more of the series. From the series ' My Australian Story'

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fictional diary of kid in the outback and well the events in his life.
It was an ok read but nothing to go berserk over.