Sherryl Clark

Our Australian Girl Series

Puffin

ISBN: 9780143305361

RRP: $14.95

Age: 8+

Key Words: History, Australian Themes

Published: 31st January 2011

Reviewer: Kylie Calwell

It is the turn of the century and Rose lives in a big house in Melbourne. Rose is a little different to other girls, she doesn’t want to get all dressed up and wear corsets and do needlepoint, Rose wants to explore, learn, go on adventures and play cricket. Her mother will not agree to any of that though and Rose is feeling very out of her element. She cannot bring herself to be the girl her mother expects her to be. Then Rose’s favourite young aunt comes to stay, bringing as much joy to Rose as she brings pain to Rose’s mother. Rose finds a kindred spirit in her Aunt Alice and she begins to wonder if there will ever be a chance that she can do all the things she dreams of doing.

Rose is a real tomboy, she has great strength of spirit. She knows what her mother wants and she just can’t bring herself to be it, though she does try because she doesn’t like feeling like a total disappointment. This is a wonderful story set in a time of great change, not only technologically but also for women and their place in society. There are themes of not just finding yourself but also the Suffragette movement, a great topic to explore further if you want. This series as always has great stories, with worlds that are full of life, and colour. A wonderful read and I really want to know how Rose’s story continues.

Recommended