AustLit

'Do you know how the Coober Pedy opal fields were discovered? In December 1914, when Australia was suffering from the worst drought in recorded history, Will Hutchison, his dad, two other explorers and six camels headed out into outback South Australia in search of gold. Will was only 15, and he'd never ridden a camel or been in a desert before. Not surprisingly, both gold and water proved difficult for the expeditioners to find. Finally, in a desperate search for drinking water, the men left Will alone at their remote campsite. While they were away, fed up with babysitting camels and fighting off flies, Will made the dangerous decision to head out into the desert by himself in search of water. Against the odds, this plucky teenager not only survived the experience but also made a truly remarkable discovery. This is the true story of Will Hutchison, treasure hunter extraordinaire.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'What would you do if a ship was wrecked just off your favourite beach?

'In December 1876, when the steamship Georgette ran aground near Margaret River in Western Australia, teenager Grace Bussell did not hesitate. Accompanied by stockman Sam Isaacs, Grace rode her horse straight into the boiling surf and saved as many people as she could. Like many of the passengers and crew on board the Georgette, Grace was an ordinary person who showed great bravery in an extraordinary situation.

'Step into the fascinating world of nineteenth-century sea travel and pioneering life, as you experience the exciting tale of the Georgette and the remarkable people involved in her final voyage.' (From the publisher's website.)

'This is the inspiring true story of nine-year-old Lennie Gwyther who, at the height of the Great Depression in 1932, rode his pony from his home town of Leongatha in rural Victoria to Sydney to witness the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Lennie’s 1,000-kilometre solo journey captured the imagination of the nation, and his determination and courage provided hope to many at a difficult time in Australia’s history.

'Lennie the Legend begins with a terrible accident on the family farm, when Lennie, remarkably at such a young age, takes on the responsibility for the ploughing. Lennie is obsessed with the marvel of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and, as a reward for saving the farm from missing the planting season, his parents grant him his wish to ride on his own to Sydney for the opening of the bridge. Lennie has all sorts of adventures along the way—a thief lurking in the bush in the dead of night, a raging bushfire, surprise appearances, celebrations in his honour, being the star of a newsreel, and meeting the Prime Minister.' (Publication summary)

'In 1901, aged just seven, tiny contortionist May Zinga was given away to Wirth Brothers Circus by her desperate mother. Imagine Miss May’s horror when the first thing the Wirths did was cut off all her long hair. Poor May had lost both her family and her crowning glory! But this feisty, talented and determined little girl did not give up. Despite many setbacks, including a horrific accident, she kept fighting to fulfil her dream of becoming the best bareback rider in the world, performing the same dangerous acrobatic feats as male riders––only better!

'This fourth title in Stephanie Owen Reeder’s award-winning Heritage Heroes series retells the remarkable true story of equestrienne May Wirth, while providing historical insights into life in an Australian circus at the beginning of the twentieth century.' (Publication summary)