Just So Stories

Walker Books Autralia

June 2026

ISBN13:9781761601491

Australia RRP:$18.99

New Zealand RRP:$21.99

There’s absolutely no doubt that despite its long existence in the curriculum of every state [I mean to say, it was in the primary school syllabus when I went to school!] it is also always a popular topic with students. And one can never have too many books about the subject but every now and then, one comes along that just ticks all the boxes on all the levels. This is one such book as it takes the raw material and historical detail and recreates a living history scenario for readers.

Sue Whiting’s deft hand with writing engaging narrative with authenticity and verve is well-known and she has brought this story to life with acute skill. The reader is immediately drawn into Alfie’s life, family, dramas and successes as well a the general rough-and-tumble of the goldfields.

Alfie’s family is not poor but life on their farm is, as it always is for farmers, a constant struggle against elements, markets and staying one step ahead of the bills. His father once had that gold lust but it’s subsided until the Hill End rush hits the news. With very little notice Pa has sold the farm and everything they own to buy a share in a mine and has carted the family off to Hill End where they will soon be known as the Wealthy Wilsons – Alfie hopes.

As one might imagine, not everyone is overjoyed at this move. Ma especially but also oldest child, Louisa, who has been doing so well at school that she has her sights set on becoming a pupil teacher in Bathurst. Alfie and younger brother, Tommy, however are just as starry-eyed as their father though and to them, it’s all an adventure with a big pot of gold waiting at the end.

But not so, as the mine in which Pa has invested is a dud and after much prevarication and deceit, he is forced to admit it and take a job working for one of the big outfits as a hired miner. A steady wage but also with many risks. Life is harder than ever and there appears to be no end in sight.

Alfie tries to maintain some optimism and enthusiasm but gradually the disillusionment and reality pervades and he realises that there are some things far more important than wealth -safety, family and friends are the truly precious things in life.

It’s a rousing adventure filled with excellent drama and tension that will have readers turning the pages with gusto. It will make a perfect accompaniment read-aloud to your kiddos in the midst of their goldrush unit on inquiry or as one of the ‘read around your topic’ titles on your shelves.

This is a top series for readers interested in historical fiction, particularly Australian history and is a valuable adjunct to your curriculum studies for middle/upper primary.

I particularly loved reading this book as my family have an association with the goldrush of Hill End [we believe that an ancestor first arrived in Australia to join in the madness – and certainly there is one of that name who carved his name into the wooden wall of the Hartley Courthouse lock-up haha!]. Aside from that this an area we would often visit for daytrips when I was a child. I haven’t been through Hill End since I was working in Canberra 15 years ago but now I feel like I want to take The Kid there to do some exploring of the region.

Alfie’s story is fictional but there is no doubt that it would reflect the history of many families where a man, full of gold fever, would risk all to hit that big vein of gold, while often putting his family well in second place. Readers will discover the realities of the period, aside from the glamour of those monster nuggets being revealed, where sickness, accidents and poverty still existed alongside the few rich gentry who controlled the big corporations (has much changed then?).

It’s a top read for primary kiddos or even up to early secondary whether they are currently deep in their gold unit or not. Pair it with other titles such as Yong, Goldfields Girl, Gold or a long-time favourite Rachel Tonkin’s – To the Goldfields!.

Bringing history to life is one of the best gifts we can give learners and there is no doubt that Sue has done this so admirably with this new book. It’s a golden 5 💰💰💰💰💰rating for pure historical enjoyment and thrills.