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Freedom Ride

Sue Lawson (Author)

$19.99

Paperback

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English
Walker Books
01 July 2015
There's no hiding from prejudice.

Robbie knows bad things happen in Walgaree. But it's nothing to do with him. That's just the way the Aborigines have always been treated. In the summer of 1965 racial tensions in the town are at boiling point, and something headed Walgaree's way will blow things apart. It's time for Robbie to take a stand. Nothing will ever be the same.

By:  
Imprint:   Walker Books
Country of Publication:   Australia
Dimensions:   Height: 198mm,  Width: 128mm,  Spine: 27mm
Weight:   322g
ISBN:   9781925126365
ISBN 10:   1925126366
Publication Date:  
Recommended Age:   From 13 to 18 years
Audience:   Young adult ,  Preschool (0-5)
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Reviews for Freedom Ride

It’s great to see a book for younger readers addressing Indigenous issues, and Australian writer Sue Lawson handles the subject with pathos, honesty and humour. -- Carody Culver * Books+Publishing * An honest and well-balanced look at racial tensions in 1965 Australia that shows both the horrifying living conditions and prejudice against Aborigines, and the few brave white men and women demanding change. 4/5 Stars -- Brett Michael Orr * Brett Michael Orr * At times some of the action is brutal, but I found it a brilliant, evocative and gripping novel. -- Janet Croft * 103.1FM Grafton * Lawson has managed to capture a pivotal moment in history that is evocative in every sense, and completely remarkable in every way. -- Katherine Larsen * The Book Kat * Sue Lawson's Freedom Ride is powerful historical fiction that features an important milestone in the development of Aboriginal rights...Lawson pulls no punches when it comes to the violence, prejudice and segregation suffered by Indigenous people. It's a tale of bravery and resilience in the face of an evil that blighted our history and should never be forgotten. -- Cameron Woodhead * The Age * This is an inspiring and historically significant work that forces us to confront the racism of our past. -- Readings * Readings * Freedom Ride is an important reminder that we still need people brave enough to make a stand against injustice if we wish to have a respectful, tolerant and inclusive society. -- Kids' Book Review * Kids' Book Review * Freedom Ride is an excellent fictional portrayal of how Perkins' initiative was the first significant effort to raise awareness of the conditions in which Aboriginal people were forced to live. -- Otago Daily Times * Otago Daily Times * This novel it is very well written -- Creative Kids Tales * Creative Kids Tales * A perfect book to cover many areas of the Australian Curriculum, this book would make for great classroom discussions. -- Lamont * Lamont * This compelling, charming novel is unflinching in its interrogation of the role of the individual in history, and it captures a moment of immense political change. -- Australian Book Review * Australian Book Review * Lawson has captured the racism endemic in many of these small towns. -- Reading Time * Reading Time * This wonderfully written story brought me to tears as it went through the year that changed Robbie’s life for good. -- Emily, age 13 * YARRA * Australia Day List -- Kids' Book Review * Kids' Book Review * Riveting and unforgettable, Sue Lawson has again created another exceptional piece of historical fiction. Fast-paced with crisp and precise writing, this book comes highly recommended. -- Buzz Words * Buzz Words * The true power of this novel lies in Lawson’s skill in character and voice. Her ability to evoke the clumsy, self-conscious and earnest actions of Robbie make him an endearing and true character. -- mETAphor * mETAphor * A recommended read. * Magpies Magazine *


  • Short-listed for CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Older Readers 2016 (Australia)
  • Short-listed for NSW Premier's History Awards, Young People's History Prize (Australia).
  • Short-listed for NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature 2016 (Australia)
  • Short-listed for NSW Premier’s History Awards, Young People’s History Prize (Australia).
  • Short-listed for NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature 2016 (Australia)
  • Short-listed for Western Australian Premier's Book Awards, Writing for Children (Australia).

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