Description
We first met Mia in Black Cockatoo as she navigated her way through culture, Country and familial ties. The second book Dirrarn, follows Mia as she finds herself at boarding school navigating the challenges of living thousands of kilometres away from home and family and maintaining her sense of identity and belonging.
In this final book, Mia is now studying Conservation and Wildlife Science at university whilst working part-time for a wildlife sanctuary when she is suddenly called upon to return home to her family. She is faced with the responsibility to protect the country, which her Jiwalji has given her. It is time for Mia to fight for country, and her education, knowledge and experience in wildlife science will guide her.
Review
This is the third book about Mia following on from the hugely popular Black Cockatoo and Dirrarn.
Mia is living with her best friend, Naya, in the city and trying to get her university course in Conservation and Wildlife Science finished. She is juggling studying, working part-time and volunteering at the wildlife shelter, as well as spending times with her friends.
When she is suddenly called home because her Jiwalji (her grandfather) is sick, she drops everything and goes. Once there she finds out the community is trying to stop the mining companies from fracking for gas near their homes, and her Jiwalji was leading the fight. With her new found knowledge and skills from her studies, and the cultural knowledge passed down from her family, can she combine the best of both her worlds to save her community and their land?
This is a wonderful story of the strong bonds Mia feels to Country, her family and her community. Beautifully written, and highlighting the need for us to listen and learn from each other in order to protect the environment, this is sure to become another firm favourite. Although Mia is older and going to university, it’s written in such a way that it will be enjoyed by all those 14 and up.
Teacher notes prepared by the publisher are available on our website for this title.
