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Description:

Description:




This
graphic book brings to life the struggles of daily life on the goldfields and
the powerful events of the Eureka stockade.



The extraordinary story of Eureka is one
that Australians have revisited since it happened in 1854. Why did British Army
Red Coats fire on a group of miners hidden behind a crude wooden stockade? Why
did soldiers from two famous British regiments attack a group of gold miners
early one Sunday morning? What made the miners and their families protest and
put their lives in danger?


This book brings alive life on the
Victorian goldfields. It tells us about power, settlement and the growth of the
colony. It tells us about rights, and what matters.


The central character in this book is a
boy called Bernie. Bernie lived with his parents on the goldfields and played a
key role in events leading up to the battle at the Eureka Stockade, despite his
age. He sees the murder of the miner that sparked armed protest. His family
were camped close by and were key witnesses. We see the growing unrest and the
fighting through his eyes. 


The reader is challenged to investigate — like a detective, you must sift through different accounts and reach your own
understanding. People on both sides of the conflict believed that their actions
were correct and justifiable. Readers will see actual letters from the
governor, complaints from angry miners, as well as diaries and newspaper
articles. This is not a book you can read while watching television. It's so
gripping you won't want to.

Study guide available