Tigg & the Bandicoot Bushranger

Step into the gritty world of the goldrush era with Tigg & the Bandicoot Bushranger, a compelling historical novel by Jackie French that weaves empathy, adventure, and real events from Australia's colonial past. Set in 1859, the story unfolds between Ballarat and southern New South Wales and shines a light on lesser-known perspectives-particularly the arduous journey of thousands of Chinese men who walked from Robe in South Australia to the Victorian goldfields. At the heart of this tale is 12-year-old Tigg, an orphan hiding their true identity while surviving as the youngest bushranger on the goldfields. Raised in poverty under the loose care of Ma Murphy, Tigg is shaped by a network of diverse influences, including a Wadawurrung woman, a Chinese gardener, and a mysterious teacher. With a moral code of only taking what passengers can afford, Tigg is not the typical outlaw. When a robbery goes awry, a flight across the rugged landscape begins-one that will test loyalties, challenge perceptions, and uncover long-buried secrets. Rich in detail and deeply researched, this novel is ideal for middle school readers with a taste for Australian history, character-driven stories, and powerful journeys of resilience and identity.

Educational Benefits:

• Offers a nuanced exploration of colonial Australia, including Chinese immigration and First Nations perspectives.
• Encourages empathy and critical thinking through complex characters and ethical dilemmas.
• Supports historical inquiry skills by connecting fictional narratives with real events and social issues.
• Promotes rich discussion around racism, gender identity, and societal roles in 19th-century Australia.

Classroom Ideas:

• Use in literature circles to explore different perspectives of the goldrush era and colonial society.
• Pair with historical documents or accounts of the Chinese migration to the goldfields for comparison activities.
• Invite students to write journal entries from the viewpoint of different characters in the story.
• Explore themes of justice, morality, and identity through creative writing or class debates.

Information:

• Ages: 11 to 14 years
• Measurements: 19.8 cm (H) x 13.0 cm (W)