The Black Dog Gang by Robert Newton
It is a popular idea to write books for young people in Australia that are set at about the time of federation. Not that politics enters into this story at all, but Australians lived very differently than they do now. This book carries the reader directly into the impoverished working class suburb of Sydney.
Frankie is from a close, loving family that includes Mum, Dad and his little sister Maggie. Frankie’s nickname is Bookie because he loves to read, even though books are very scarce. Then one day Mickey and his family move in next door. Mickey’s father is violent and abusive. Frankie feels for this new boy and they become unlikely friends.
Then the plague arrives in Sydney. The government offers a bounty of sixpence for every dead rat that is delivered. Mickey and Frankie and a few other boys from school decide that it would be easier to breed rats than catch them. So each child begins a rat ‘farm’ under their house, with tragic consequences.
This was a short book with a simple storyline, but it certainly provides great opportunity for discussion and further thinking. All the characters are strong and consistent in their actions, and that always makes for a good story. This book will not set the world on fire, but it is certainly an entertaining read.
