|
.
The Horse Who
Bit A Bushranger by Jackie French
 Young Billy Marks is a pickpocket who has fallen foul of the law and
is transported to the penal colony in New South Wales. He thinks
that he will become a bushranger, but that is before he has seen the
bush up close. Then when he buys a big white brumby stallion covered
with scars and that refuses to bend to any man’s will, he knows he
has made the right choice.
Billy’s daughter, Mattie Jane thinks her father can ride any horse
and so can she. But when tragedy strikes, the Marks clan, including
her own beloved horse, Rebel Yell will need all the courage they can
muster to keep the family together.
This is the tale of proud horses, trailblazing farmers, and their
resilient wives. It is also the tale of desperate men forced to
break the law in order to survive.
RRP $18.99
Published and distributed by HarperCollins Publishers under the Angus
and Robertson title
.
A Waltz For
Matilda by Jackie French
 This book, as the name might suggest, tells the story behind Banjo
Paterson’s iconic Australian anthem. Jackie French not only draws on
the poem, but also on events rooted in history to tell a story
behind Australia’s early years as an emerging nation.
In 1894, twelve-year-old Matilda flees the city slums to find her
unknown father and his farm. But as the drought turns his farm into
ruin, he becomes a swaggie and member of the Shearer’s Union.
He is also wanted by the troopers for burning down a shearing shed.
When his daughter catches up with him, she watches as the terrifying
events by the billabong unfold.
The hardships of the land are depicted with great accuracy. Matilda
meets some very interesting and engaging characters on her journey
including the eccentric Mr Gotobed and Mr Doo. It is the story about
the stirrings of a union, hardships and minorities including women,
Chinese and the indigenous people, all who had little to say in the
new federation but who helped to shape the country. The highlight
of this book has to be the strong, fierce and compelling heroine of
the story though.
A Waltz for Matilda is a book that young adults will enjoy for its
characters, history and involvement of those rarely talked about in
this period of Australian history. It is filled with battlers and
old biscuits, but topping these is the very determined young lady,
Matilda.
RRP $24.99
Published and distributed by HarperCollins Publishers under the
Angus and Robertson title
>>
Back to Book Search <<
|
