Birrung
Subtitle: the secret friend
By: Jackie French
Series: Secret histories -- 1
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2015
Place of publication: Sydney, N.S.W
Language: eng
ISBN-13: 9780732299439
Subjects: Secret friends; Juvenile fiction
Description: Birrung, a young indigenous girl, befriends orphaned Barney and his friend Elsie. Birrung is living with Mr Johnson, chaplain to the Australian colony in 1790, and his family. Generous in spirit, the Johnson family also take in Barney and Elsie who have only just been surviving on their meagre daily rations. Despite living with the Johnsons, Birrung's connection to her people remains strong, and when Mr and Mrs Johnson see how Barney's feeling for Birrung are growing, they gently explain that his friendship with a 'native' girl and all that she taught him about her language and lore must remain a secret - forever.
Notes: For ages 7-10.