Just So Stories

Hardie Grant

June 2023

Imprint: Hardie Grant Explore

ISBN: 9781741178159

RRP: $34.99

Corey Tutt OAM, is the young innovator and creator behind the Deadly Science initiative and the acclaimed The First Scientists, and this new book will impress you even more I think. It is a visual feast as well as a fantastic resource for young (and older) people to learn more about some of our leading First Nations people – some well known, others perhaps not so much. One look at the table of contents shows the breadth of this biographic treasure and I feel fortunate to have met a couple of those deadly folks featured.

Each section leads in with an overview of the people included so readers could, if they choose, jump straight to their favourite. Then each vibrant double spread has a comprehensive page of text about each identity, their nation, a brief look at their personal history and their achievements.

Readers will certainly recognise many names such as Ash Barty, Adam Goodes, Stan Grant, Archie Roach and Baker Boy but they will enjoy discovering new inspirational models in the fields of education, science, art and health.

Molly Hunt’s stunning pop art style illustrations will knock your socks off. I would love to use this as inspo for kiddos to create their own deadly portraits and bios, and the page at the back of the book ‘What Makes Me Deadly’ is a perfect springboard for this.

Not only is this a fantastic new addition to a NAIDOC line-up but an absolute must for your collection. Further to that, when undertaking those units on significant people, I would strongly urge you to showcase this collection of short bios and encourage students to think beyond the standard choices.

The last word of unreserved praise has to be for the glorious cover with it’s raised glossy title – stylish bindings is something that Hardie Grant do particularly well I always find. Get into it now!

If you haven’t already ordered your copy, do so without delay. Highly recommended for readers from middle primary onwards to adults.