We use the bush as our school and as our playground, says one of the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose voices combine in this anthology of true stories about childhood, compiled from a wide range of memoirs and oral histories.
Alongside reminiscences of getting bush tucker, going fishing and taking part in ceremony, there are descriptions of playing games, building cubbies and having fun. The warmth of home, the love of family and the strength of community shine through every story. Freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility, while respect and sharing are constant themes.
The eighty Elders - both past and present - who have contributed their words or artwork to this book include many prominent community leaders, educators and artists. Their life-stories span the twentieth century.
Just as important are the contemporary stories told by twenty secondary school students. Although some of these young people now make their home in the city, their connection to traditional country remains the source of learning.
As we listen to these stories that come from country and from inside the heart, we find wisdom that could help us care for each other and for the land where we all now live.
By:
Nadia Wheatley Illustrated by:
Ken Searle Imprint: Allen & Unwin Country of Publication: Australia Dimensions:
Height: 243mm,
Width: 280mm,
Spine: 13mm
Weight: 683g ISBN:9781742370972 ISBN 10: 1742370977 Pages: 96 Publication Date:01 June 2011 Recommended Age: From 10 to 16 years Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
English as a second language
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active
Nadia Wheatley is one of Australia's most highly respected writers for children and teenagers.
Commended for Manning Clark House National Cultural Awards, Individual Category 2011.
Commended for Young People's History Prize 2011 (Australia)
Short-listed for NSW Premier's History Awards 2012 (Australia)
Short-listed for Primary Education category 2012 (Australia)
Shortlisted for Children's Book Council of Australia Awards: Eve Pownall Award for Information Books 2012.
Shortlisted for NSW Premier's History Award: Young People's History Prize 2012.
Winner of Australian Award for Excellence in Educational Publishing: Primary Single Title Category 2012.