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The Black Dog Gang

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( 180 ratings, 20 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Black Dog Gang by Robert Newton follows a group of young friends navigating the challenges of life in the bustling slums of 1900s Sydney. As they delve into a mysterious crime, they learn about loyalty and bravery while facing societal hardships. This gripping tale combines adventure with elements of historical fiction, offering a vivid portrayal of their spirited journey.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2100
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this children's book for its exciting adventures and historical setting, which transports young readers to the streets of 19th century Australia. The story features a group of streetwise boys whose camaraderie and bravery will captivate and engage you, offering both thrills and valuable lessons about friendship and survival.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

This new novel is set in the Rocks, Sydney in the early 20th century. When Frankie first meets his new neighbour Mickey Collins, he's not sure what to make of the scruffy, tough-talking ratbag. But Mickey soon proves he's quick on his feet and good in a fight. Ages 10-13.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

With our bags full of rats, the five of us began walking towards the line. We'd gone only a few yards when a voice sounded off to our left.

'What 'ave we 'ere, then?' it said. We turned our heads and saw Bluey Lonnegan lifting himself up off a sandstone wall.

'You're lookin' at the Black Dog Gang,' said Mickey. 'No doubt ya heard a us?'

The gang was Mickey's idea. We'd heard the rumours—rats were coming in off the ships and spreading disease. Then the government started offering tuppence a rat, so we decided to get stuck in. But we hadn't counted on someone getting sick. Or on Mickey's dad finding his rats chaining Mickey up.

And what happened next... well, it would change things forever.

The Black Dog Gang is a thrilling tale of adventure and friendship, set against the backdrop of a community grappling with the fear of disease and the desperate measures taken to survive.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143302148

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 September 2007

Country: Australia

Imprint: Puffin

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 184g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Robert Newton works as a full-time firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. His first novel, My Name is Will Thompson, was published in 2001. Since then he has written six other novels for young people, including Runner, The Black Dog Gang and When We Were Two, which won the 2012 Prime Minister's Literary Award for Young Adult Fiction. He lives in Melbourne with his wife and three daughters.

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  • Promise Me Happy
    A beautifully written contemporary YA with a love story at its heart, by one of Australia's best-loved authors for young people. I don't know if it's possible for people to change, not really. The way you're made up, the important stuff, I reckon you're born with that...when it matters, when it really matters, we are who we are. Nate's had...
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  • Runner
    It's 1919, Richmond football club is on top of the ladder, cream buns are threepence each, and four boys are gunning for the best job in town. Charlie is lucky enough to win the prime job—running messages for Squizzy Taylor, the most dangerous gangster in Melbourne. But things start to get a little too hot for Charlie, so he decides...
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  • Mr Romanov's Garden in the Sky
    Living in the commission, Lexie is left to fend for herself. Her mother is mostly absent, out searching for something to help her forget the tragic death of Lexie's dad. But then, after witnessing the aftermath of a shocking incident, Lexie finds solace in the most unlikely of places - in a troubled old man called the Creeper. A chance,...
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