Jack’s Island

Set on an island off the coast of Australia during World War II, this is an exciting adventure story about friendship, revenge and growing up. When war comes to Australia, Jack’s family moves to Rottnest Island while his father helps the military build an airfield. Jack is left to explore his new home with his best friend Banjo … and the pair have a knack for getting into trouble.

Trouble that’s only exacerbated when their new classmate Dafty seeks revenge against the local schoolmaster for a punishment inflicted on Banjo. Will Dafty’s loyalty lead to things suddenly becoming more serious?

Written in short, engaging chapters, this poignant and accessible story for younger readers offers valuable insights into wartime Australia.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘This accomplished writer tells a good tale. The cheeky but lovable characters are woven well into a riveting story-line with an Australian setting. All blend beautifully together within simple prose to form an exciting and entertaining story. [Four stars out of five]’ Good Reading Magazine

‘Sometimes funny sometimes sad but always enthralling.’ School Matters

‘I took heart in the real and secure place that family occupies in this novel.’ Australian Book Review

‘an insightful perspective of life on the Australian home front as seen through the eyes of its unruly narrator.’ Canberra Times

‘A modern Australian classic, with shades of To Kill a Mockingbird, Jack’s Island stands the test of time and is still very relevant today. Highly recommended.’ Jan Nicholls

‘It is an absolute delight, written with a youthful naivete, and the fact that it has been republished is a tribute to the power of the story for a new generation of readers.’ Carolyn Hull, ReadPlus

‘This book is hard to put down.’ Alphabet Soup

‘With teaching notes available, Jack’s Island is a fun but also emotionally rewarding read for 8–12-year-olds that will keep the reader engaged and inadvertently learning along the way.’ StoryLinks

‘The book is hard to put down due to its ability to capture the reader’s attention and hold onto it for the duration of the book. The characters from the Japanese soldier to trouble-maker Jack add an engaging storyline for the readers. Because of this, I confidently rate this book 4 stars out of 5.’ Gabriel, age 13, Alphabet Soup

‘When this was first released, it won the WA Young Readers’ Book Award 2009 and was a CBCA Notable for that year, awards that were thoroughly deserved.  Now, re-released in a new livery, it remains an excellent read, one that will entertain and engage a new generation, including all those young lads who will see themselves in Jack and Banjo.’ The Bottom Shelf