Reviews

Bindi by Kirli Saunders, Dub Leffler

emma_beth's review

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emotional reflective

4.5

miffyf's review

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5.0

This is a beautiful, moving story, told by 11-year-old, Bindi, living firmly in the 21st century and with an eye to the past and the future.
Although it is nominated and [publisher] designated as upper primary, it is suitable for all ages. The sublime writing cries out to be read aloud - "Afternoons built for/ drinks and dips in the dirty dam,/ for kicks and clicks/ as hooves paw at water/ and contemplate a roll/ on a rider - / the deepest of dangers." (Afternoon Rides, p. 8)
"Mum/Rosie/ is warm butter sliding down toast:/ she melts people/ with her kindness." (Fambam, p. 9).

Dad taught us
these tracks
and we know 'em
like the backs
of our hands

and he
likes to test
our facts
sometimes

by playing his favourite game

it goes like this:
he walks us to a clearing
between the darrambyang

looks at the bunyal
and his watch
and gives a time
that we must be home by

and then he leaves...


Rhythm, soul, the beating heart of a country ravaged by overuse and under-management, and showing a way forward, utilising the skills and understanding of a culture that has cared for the daore for thousands of years.

lucyrae's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

5.0

A very sweet read, mixed emotions of fun, sadness and love. 

maddisondel's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-paced

5.0

I loved this. Best poetry I’ve read this year, I loved the spread of words and use of space across the pages, I love the way the poetry flows. 

catherine_mack's review

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4.0

I loved being able to flip to the back of the book as I read to learn the first nations words included in this story. I also loved the insight into how the teachers, aunties and family teach children on Country.
If only all schools would do this.
I really appreciated the author sharing this semi-autobiographical story of theirs with us all.

typedtruths's review

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emotional sad tense

4.0

cmtait's review

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5.0

This was such a joy to read.

stephhs23's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

hayleehackenberg's review against another edition

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dark funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

claudiaslibrarycard's review against another edition

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4.0

A really moving novel in verse about a young indigenous girl's experience during bush fires in Australia.