Do you dare? series
Puffin, 2014
1836: Fighting Bones by Sophie Laguna. ISBN 9780143307556.
1844: The Last Horse Race by James Moloney. ISBN
9780143307822.
(Age: Yr 3+) To quote Penguin's publicity because it encapsulates
the concept so well . . . 'Do You Dare fills a much-needed
gap for engaging Australian historical fiction for boy readers aged
8 to 12. These fast-paced, adventure-driven stories effortlessly
bring to life so many facets of our past. But most importantly,
they're compelling reads, driven by vivid action, great characters
and some thrilling moments of jeopardy!'
Written by some of Australia's leading authors, the series
introduces some of the lesser-known elements of our history through
fast-moving stores set against an historical background of fact. In
Fighting Bones, we learn about the Point Puer Boys' Prison in
Tasmania which was the forerunner to our current juvenile justice
system where boys under 16 were incarcerated and despite the harsh
discipline, they were given a chance to learn a trade, garden and
farm; the importance of hygiene; attend school in the evenings and
even given an opportunity to play. The Last Horse Race has
mid-19th century Moreton Bay as its backdrop. Both require their
heroes to examine their beliefs and take risks that might be
unlawful but which seem the only option at the time. It is this
element of having to go against the flow that sets the series apart
from other stories in this genre. The reader is confronted directly
with the question of 'What would YOU do?'
Historical fiction is a powerful way to introduce past times to
students who are just learning about the importance of knowing what
has gone before as it enables them to get a feel for the life of the
times without being confronted by dry facts and figures. With male
heroes of a similar age to theirs, they can engage, perhaps
empathise, with the characters while learning at the same time. Each
book has factual information at the end which sets the full context
for the events in the story. Others in the series include 1931:
Tough Times focusing on the cricketing era of Bradman leading
to the Bodyline series of 1932 and 1841:The Bushranger's Boys
and no doubt, more are in production. They are also available as
ebooks which may also engage those reluctant boy readers, although
girls will enjoy them too. Some of the titles have teaching notes to
accompany them - just search the Penguin website.
An absorbing read, even for one who has read a lot of historical
fiction, particularly Australian-based.
Barbara Braxton