'A poignant tribute to the ‘blackbirding’ of Aboriginal men and women exploited by the pearling industry as ‘free divers’ in the late nineteenth century in Western Australia.
'The fictionalised lyrical narrative is based on the celebrated song ‘Free Diving’ by singer–songwriter Lorrae Coffin. It sensitively reflects the emotional journey of a young man who leaves family and country to work on a lugger with Japanese and Malay divers by his side. Bronwyn Houston’s illustrations are a deep-sea celebration that illuminate both the glory of the ocean and the extreme dangers encountered by the free divers.' (Publication summary)
Unit Suitable For
AC: Year 5 (NSW Stage 3)
Themes
Aboriginal history and culture, Aboriginal slavery, exploitation, the past
General Capabilities
Critical and creative thinking, Ethical understanding, information and communication technology, Intercultural understanding, Literacy
Cross-curriculum Priorities
Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander histories and cultures
'Free Diving must surely be the first Australian picture book about the long past practice of pearl diving. Magabala Books deserves a commendation for illuminating this little known industry in Australia's history.' (Introduction)
'Free Diving must surely be the first Australian picture book about the long past practice of pearl diving. Magabala Books deserves a commendation for illuminating this little known industry in Australia's history.' (Introduction)
