Drawing on her own family history, this is a story from Jackie French about education in Colonial Australia - and how women once had to fight for their right to it.
January 1901

Sharks circle a stranded ship as a young girl and her family stagger from the waves ...

Rescued by a Pacific Islander boy named Jamie, Hannah's family begin a new life in Port Harris, which at first seems a paradise for the schoolmaster's daughter. But local fortunes are built on slavery and the whip.

As the new Federal Parliament passes the law that will force Pacific Islanders from their homes, Hannah and her mother risk everything to run a secret school, while Hannah and Jamie must fight for their rights to education and equality. Can friendship and love win against prejudice and power?

Inspired by real events, this powerful new novel brings to life the bravery and battles of the past, and gives us courage for the challenges of today.

AWARDS

Longlisted - Book Links Children's Historical Fiction Award