Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger (Jackie French, HarperCollins)

Jackie French once again showcases her meticulous research in an engaging historical fiction novel that will captivate upper middle-grade readers. In 1859, near the Ballarat goldfields, we meet Tigg, a strong-willed 12-year-old orphan living with the tough Ma Murphy at the Pot o’ Gold shanty. Together, they sell provisions to Chinese migrants (‘Celestials’), Europeans, and ex-convicts, all heading towards the gold diggings. Survival and making money are Tigg’s priorities. In her alter ego as the Bandicoot Bushranger, she becomes the youngest bushranger on the Ballarat goldfields, regularly targeting ‘respectable’ travellers in their coaches. When a robbery goes wrong, Tigg is injured, sparking an unforeseeable chain of events. Fleeing in disguise, she faces challenges, forms new friendships and experiences betrayals. A key theme of the novel is identity—Tigg is known by at least six different names, each representing a different version of herself and her relationships with others, prompting moments of self-reflection. The fast-paced adventure also explores themes of family, loyalty, courage, Australian/Chinese migrant history and First Nations (Wadawurrung) people’s knowledge of land and bush tucker. A varied cast of characters brings depth to the narrative, while a curious tale—told by a mysterious Mr Rudolf—cleverly fills many gaps in Tigg’s story. Exceptionally detailed author’s notes provide factual backgrounds to the fictional story, shedding light on lesser known experiences of women in Australian history. With descriptive and sophisticated language, the novel will appeal to confident readers aged 12+.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Alida Galati is a freelance reviewer, secondary school librarian, and writing and reading enthusiast. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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