Tom Appleby, Convict Boy

Tom Appleby, Convict Boy by Jackie French is a compelling historical novel that follows the journey of a young chimney sweep sentenced to transportation in the First Fleet. At just eight years old, Tom finds himself exiled to the unfamiliar and often harsh environment of Botany Bay. Through vivid storytelling, the novel explores the transformation of the Australian colony and the resilience of the human spirit. Tom's evolving relationship with Sergeant Stanley and his son Rob forms the emotional core of the book, showcasing growth through hard work, adaptation, and newfound family. Jackie French weaves real historical context seamlessly with fiction, allowing students to gain insight into the founding years of modern Australia. This book is an excellent resource for introducing colonial history, human rights, and the development of Australian identity.

Educational Benefits:

• Supports history curriculum with insights into early Australian colonisation.
• Promotes empathy and understanding of social inequality and resilience.
• Encourages independent reading with a gripping narrative and relatable protagonist.
• Introduces key themes such as justice, survival, and change.

Classroom Ideas:

• Use in a history unit to compare the colony then and now through research projects.
• Hold debates or discussions on convict transportation and fairness in law.
• Assign creative diary entries written from Tom's perspective during his journey.
• Integrate with a geography lesson on mapping First Fleet routes and colony locations.

Information:

• Ages: Ideal for Year 5 and up
• Measurements: 198 mm (H) x 129 mm (W)
• Format: Hardback with 304 pages