Strangers on Country

Name: Strangers on Country
Brand: Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand
SKU: 9780642279552
Price: 34.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

By David Hartley and Kirsty Murray

0.0 (0 reviews)

4.67

( 27 ratings, 7 reviews)

Summary

Strangers on Country by David Hartley and Kirsty Murray offers a captivating journey into Australian history, presenting stories of shipwrecked strangers who found refuge amongst Indigenous communities. The book weaves engaging narratives that illustrate the interactions and friendships formed between Indigenous Australians and those uninvited visitors. With vivid storytelling, it provides young readers with insights into cultural exchanges and mutual respect.
Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

$34⁹⁹

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Strangers on Country

$34⁹⁹

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 if you're curious about true stories of unexpected friendships between Indigenous Australians and shipwreck survivors or settlers. It weaves together fascinating historical events that highlight resilience and cultural exchange, making it a captivating read for young history enthusiasts interested in Australia's past.

Strangers on Country

Description

*Honour Book for the CBCA Book of the Year 2021: Eve Pownall Award for information books*

Age range 8+

Giom, Anco and Duramboi are the names of just three young shipwreck survivors and convict escapees who were given refuge by Indigenous communities during the nineteenth century. No one knows exactly how many received sustenance from the local people, but there are some documented accounts of these experiences. Strangers on Country includes the stories of six Europeans and the people who cared for them.

To Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the first castaways and runaway convicts that arrived in their homes must have appeared pretty scary. The strangers didn't speak their language and didn't understand their ways, but they were desperately in need of refuge. Despite their fears, the Indigenous hosts often treated the lost strangers with kindness, taking pity on them and giving them food and shelter. When they returned to live among white people, the castaways and convicts spoke fondly of the people who had rescued them.

Based on historical records each story in this book is told through two historical fiction narratives. The first is from the point of view of an Indigenous person who befriends the stranger in their land. The second is from the point of view of the castaway or convict who is given refuge. At the end of each chapter, there is a section of facts and information. Too often Australian history is told only from the point of view of the Europeans who sailed here from across the world.

Richly illustrated and drawing on the extensive collections of the National Library of Australia, Strangers on Country will inspire young readers to think about how all Australians today can learn from traditional Indigenous ways of thinking and doing. When we listen to and understand others, work with people, instead of doing things to people, then we can all begin to adopt the wise ways of the past.

This book was inspired by and based on Living with the Locals: Early Europeans' Experience of Indigenous Life by John Maynard and Victoria K. Haskins.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Strangers on Country by David Hartley and Kirsty Murray has been well-received for its engaging narrative that highlights historically significant encounters in Australia. Critics praise its educational value and the way it brings Australian history to life for young readers, making the cultural exchanges between Indigenous Australians and outsiders both accessible and thought-provoking.