Corey Tutt, This Book Thinks Ya Deadly! A celebration of Blak Excellence, Hardie Grant Explore, June 2023, 192 pp., RRP $34.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781741178159
This inspirational compendium of profiles of First Nations visionaries has been shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia for an Eve Pownall award which recognises fact-based books. Similar in style to the Rebel Girls books, the collection is distinguished by the author’s connection with each person profiled.
Written in an engaging and humble style, Tutt speaks directly to young readers, particularly fellow mob. While the usual sporting heroes such as Adam Goodes and Cathy Freeman are included, the collection goes beyond the expected, drawing in people from multiple fields including science, journalism and education. It’s notable that while not everyone is a typical high achiever, they are all striving to make a positive difference in their communities. One such person is Kenneth Dawson, a community science teacher in the Kimberley. Indicative of Tutt’s style throughout, here’s a taster of his profile:
From the first time we yarned, (Ken) felt like someone I had known my entire life … This incredible human was just as determined to give the next generation the best education possible and was working so many extra hours just to give his Community opportunities to learn two-way science. (p. 139)
From its striking black cover with embossed orange lettering to its cartoon style portraits and its colour-coded sections, the book is also a visual feast for young readers. This invaluable reference on our First Nations peoples would make a terrific addition to any school library.
Reviewed by Heather Gallagher
