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Fair Dinkum Histories #2

Grim Crims and Convicts: 1788-1820

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Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

7 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Jackie French

320 books865 followers
Jackie 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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5 stars
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32 (35%)
3 stars
23 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Jill Smith.
Author 6 books61 followers
November 20, 2025
This was a fun romp through Australia's settlement. The many 'Govener's' who tried to control the criminals. The convicts, not wanting to work. Not enough women in the colony. The Rum Corp, who took, took, and took some more. The difficulties with living so far away from England.

The illustrations and Aussie jibes made the book a fun jaunt throughout. Anyone reading this, and I'm sure it's aimed at kids of all ages, would find the facts interesting. The stories are delivered in bite-sized bits.

As usual, Jackie French has presented an entertaining and informative book to showcase where we started as a nation.
1 review
December 28, 2018
very good book to converse many complex subjects to young readers. Like conflict between Catholic Irish immigrants and protestants, rum corp and governors. My kid can relates buildings and suburb names from the book.
Profile Image for Bob.
176 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2020
Another away to Look at it

Enjoyed this read ... it presented another way to look at Australia’s early hi#tory. I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in our history.
Enjoy.
Profile Image for Tracey 'BookBooksBookish'.
39 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The information was paired well with the illustrations. Perfect book for young and old wanting to know more on convict history.
Profile Image for Clare.
241 reviews
March 28, 2022
Rum is the root of all evil (and most of early Australian history apparently).
255 reviews
March 17, 2024
A good children's edition of early Australia.
8 reviews
February 8, 2025
Some interesting stories, but a bit dry and repetitive.
Profile Image for Moira Harland.
73 reviews
Read
June 3, 2025
Just what I needed to refresh, replenish & add to my history knowledge of our country.
The illustrations were fun and the simple wording made the book easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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