Aussie Stem Stars : Eddie Woo by Rebecca Lim

I only have one rule in my classroom
And I call it the human rule. It’s very simple.
I will treat you like a human
and I expect you to treat me like a human, too.

Aussie Stem Stars: Eddie Woo begins with harrowing details of the relentless bullying Eddie received in primary school. For some students the school yard is not a safe place and being small, suffering from allergies and one of only three Asian students in the school meant that Eddie was easy fodder for bullies. During these long and difficult school years Eddie learnt empathy. This trait would be important in years to come. For Eddie, winning a coveted place at James Ruse Agricultural High School, would be the longed for salvation to years of trauma suffered at primary school. At high school Eddie blossomed. He made friends with like interests, joined clubs and experienced learning under his terms. It was also at high school that Eddie encountered teachers who actually cared about him. It was during these very happy years that Eddie’s beloved mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Eddie struggled to maintain his grades during Year 12 as his mother’s condition was worsening and it was during this time that Eddie made the decision to become a teacher as he wanted to pass the joy of learning onto others. He wanted his students to always feel safe, respected and cared for at school. His parents were horrified as they had planned that Eddie would be able to take on a highly paid prestigious career however they understood his decision. Eddie’s mother passed away once his exams were over and her loss had a profound effect on him and further enhanced his incredible understanding of empathy for others. Once at University Eddie was hoping to become a teacher of History and English but a chance encounter led him to pursue Mathematics. From then on his life pathway changed.

Students today will appreciate the struggles Eddie had and the story of his journey to where he is now. His name is recognisable all over the world and students from all walks of life know the brilliant Mathematics teacher Eddie Woo. This book would be a wonderful class novel to share with students. The bully and racism suffered by Eddie, his siblings and family is quite distressing but needs to be told and discussed. A perfect addition to any school or public library.

Themes: STEM, Mathematics, Educator, Schools, Bullying, Racism.

Kathryn Beilby