Jack's Island

Jack’s family is temporarily based on Rottnest Island during WWII, while his father helps build an air field. Jack and his best friend Banjo have the run of the island and a remarkable knack for getting into trouble – but as Jack says, “I’m not that bad, I just get caught a lot!”

Dafty, a simple but loveable young boy dotes on Banjo and Jack. When Dafty seeks revenge against the local schoolmaster for a punishment inflicted on Banjo, life becomes suddenly more serious.

Norman Jorgenson deftly recreates this period in Australian history from the perspective of a young boy. The poignant, mult-layered text offers young readers a valuable insight into life in Australia during the war, as well as an engaging and entertaining read.