Cirrus@Austlit

'The first in a new series that focuses on a secret part of our history

'From best-selling and award-winning author Jackie French comes a new series for younger readers called the Secret Histories.

this first book in the series tells the story of a young indigenous girl Birrung who befriends orphaned Barney and his friend Elsie. Birrung is living with Mr Johnson, chaplain to the Australian colony in 1790, and his family. Generous in spirit, the Johnson family also take in Barney and Elsie who have only just been surviving on their meagre daily rations. Despite living with the Johnsons, Birrung's connection to her people remains strong, and when Mr and Mrs Johnson see how Barney's feeling for Birrung are growing, they gently explain that his friendship with a 'native' girl and all that she taught him about her language and lore must remain a secret - forever.' (Publication summary)

'What is the sailor's secret about the treasure of Australia's colony?

'The second book in a series that explores little-known history about Australia's fascinating past.

'Barney Bean is keen to make his fortune and he hears a secret; a sailor's secret about the treasure of the colony.

'But how can chasing whales make you rich? Is adventure at sea worth leaving everything he loves?

'Written by award-winning author Jackie French and superbly illustrated by Mark Wilson, this second book in The Secret Histories series explores how the early colony survived with the wealth from whaling, a little-known secret from Australia's past.' (Publication summary)

'The third in a series that explores our secret history

'By the 1790s orphaned Barney Bean finally has his own farm in the early NSW colony. All his dreams are coming true!

But now we are to learn of Barney's biggest secret yet: how he helped Australia's first bushranger escape.

'Was Black Caesar a wronged man, an ex-slave who vowed to be free? Or was he a laughing villain, a trickster who planned to terrorise the colony?

'And in helping him, did Barney do right or wrong?

'You decide.' (Publication summary)

'The new title in the critically acclaimed series that explores Australia's early Colonial secret history

'In 1798 orphaned Barney Bean now has a flourishing farm in the New South Wales colony and everything he ever dreamed of ... except his childhood friend Elsie.

'But when Elsie falls ill and Barney rushes to be by her side, he finally learns the deadly secret she has been hiding.

'Who is this strange and beautiful girl who will not speak? And could France ever attack the isolated colony?

'Written by award-winning author Jackie French and superbly illustrated by Mark Wilson,this fourth book in The Secret Histories series explores extraordinary and untold stories from Australia's past, including the female French botanist who could only work disguised as a man, French and English spies, and wars between two empires that threatened even a far-off colony.' (Publication summary)

'Frog is an orphan, a pickpocket, starving on the streets of Parramatta in 1804.

But when the tall, commanding Irish rebel Mr Cunningham talks of freedom from tyranny and the lash, Frog creeps out to join the rebels, the 10,000 convicts who will take over the colony and proclaim the Republic of New Ireland.

Will farmers like Barney and Elsie Bean join the battle against the corrupt New South Wales Corps? For the fate of the colony - and Australia - will be decided at Castle Hill.

Based on eyewitness accounts, this fifth title in The Secret Histories series uncovers the secrets that the colonial government hid for over 200 years.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.