Anita Heiss, Matty’s Comeback, Scholastic Australia, Feb 2016, 96pp., $9.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9781760152031
Anita Heiss is an acclaimed author of adult novels, a respected academic and a prominent Aboriginal leader. This novel is part of a move by the publisher, Scholastic Australia, to celebrate diversity and promote Aboriginal fiction and Aboriginal writers.
The novel begins with Nita reluctantly going to a Rabbitohs’ rugby game (the tem Russell Crowe owns) with her family. She doesn’t understand why her family boos so much, what is actually wrong with the opposition’s colour scheme, why the cheer squad is so scantily dressed, and why winter sports aren’t played indoors. Her ten year old brother Matty in particular annoys her. He is dressed like a gangster rapper, and his hero is the Rabbitohs’ Aboriginal captain. Matty is a deadly player for his local junior team, the Seagulls, who are heading into a grand final. But when Matty meets some complications in his life, he discovers in a new way the importance of his sister, his mates, and his parents. This is indeed an up-lifting story, and will be consumed by any child who is a NRL follower. Ages 8 to 10 years.
Reviewed by Kevin Brophy
- Read Rebecca Kemble’s review of Matty’s Comeback
