Illustrated by Jan Wade
Written for children between the ages of 7 and 9, this book gives a short colourful history of the convict system in Australia up to the last transportation in 1868 to Western Australia.
This book starts with who the convicts were and where they came from. It includes a section on the affects of the Industrial Revolution on the British penal system and the need to expand it. It then turns to the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson, and the convict system in Australia including topics on the convicts' living conditions, the work they had to do, the punishments they received and the various penal colonies around the continent from the horrors of Norfolk Island to the Model Prison at Port Arthur.
Of particular interest to children are the sections on convict escapes, child convicts and the famous as well as the infamous convicts.
This is an excellent introduction to early Australian history for primary school children. It is set out in an easy to read format with clear sub-headings so children can find the information they need with ease. The colourful illustrations provide the children with additional interest.
