Jack's Island by Norman Jorgensen

Jack Jones and his mate Andrew ‘Banjo’ Paterson are young children during WWII. They live on an island off the coast of Perth where their fathers’ work has taken them. Although the island is not named, it is easily recognised as Rottnest Island, a place of strategic importance in the defence of the WA coastline. The story though is of two curious boys, adventurous, mischievous, and yet compassionate, whose misadventures during a different era are sometimes life-threatening.  They get into trouble regularly, are never bored and live with incredible resourcefulness during a difficult time in history. Their story is a ‘Boys Own’ adventure based on the early life of the author’s own father. It is exciting and dramatic, and set amongst military and civilian concerns it is very much foreign territory for modern children.

This is a wonderful, historical journey back in time! The independent young boys have a life that is difficult and yet they have many freedoms unknown to contemporary children. They do however seem to regularly place themselves into danger. Their school life and its strict expectations will also present some surprises for young readers. The book contains lots of social history glimpses, and there are many funny moments in this fictionalised account of the life of Jack. The community’s response to the young boy ‘Dafty’ also demonstrates change in social expectations towards children with intellectual disabilities. This book delighted me in its ability to shine a spotlight on this time in history through the eyes of a child. I recognised many things from my own parents’ and grandparents’ pasts that would perhaps be difficult to comprehend for a young reader aged 9-12, however I would not want this to stop them from reading this wonderful adventurous story. 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. (And anyone who has travelled to Rottnest Island, WA will recognise some of the features eg ferries, Quokkas and the unique geography that are part of this part of Australia.) Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: WWII – Australia, Children during War, Adventure, Friendship, Racism, Disability.

Carolyn Hull