Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady (Dianne Wolfer, Fremantle)

Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady is based on the true story of Robin Miller, who single-handedly flew life-saving vaccines to remote Western Australia in the late 1960s. This new middle-grade novel by Dianne Wolfer, known for historical fiction titles including Lighthouse Girl, Light Horse Boy and Photographs in the Mud, brings Miller’s remarkable story to life. Robin developed a love of flying from a young age, inspired by her father, a World War I fighter pilot and co-founder of an airline. She is particularly drawn to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which sparks the beginning of her extraordinary adventures in the skies. As her story unfolds, Robin becomes known as the ‘sugarbird lady’ to the outback children who believe she is truly magical, swooping down in her own plane to deliver polio vaccines on sugar cubes. Wolfer’s impressive research is evident in the book, with rich insights and historical details that paint a vivid picture of the time. The book highlights the aircraft of the era, describes the remote communities, and portrays the sexism faced by Miller in what was, at the time, an unusual line of work. In addition to the engaging story, there are maps, lists, and quotes from Miller sprinkled throughout, offering curious readers aged 8+ a chance to discover fascinating facts and anecdotes. Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady is for fans of Felice Arena, Jackie French or Beverley McWilliams, and is a great classroom or library resource for educators seeking material about untold or engaging Australian histories.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian and author and the current vice president of CBCA Vic Branch. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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