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Tom Appleby, Convict Boy
At the tender age of eight, chimney sweep Tom Appleby is convicted of stealing and sentenced to deportation to Botany Bay. As one of the members of the First Fleet, he arrives in a country that seemingly has little to offer - or little that the English are used to, anyway.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
191 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French
318 books864 followersJackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 10, 2016
This is a junior historical fiction book and you must go and have a look at the reviews. I feel sorry for Jackie French because children are very tough reviewers!
I thought it was a very good story with lots of accurate historical information which would be a valuable tool in teaching our history to children. The central character is a young boy who is deported from England for stealing. He manages to make his way in Australia and we are aware throughout the book that he not only survives being a convict but that he also makes a real success of his life.
I felt that the author made a really good job of presenting how things were in those days without delving too deeply into the horror of the prison ships and the initial years of the founding of Sydney. It was written at a level children could cope with without omitting basic historical facts. I liked it and would recommend it for later primary students who have a good reading ability.
I thought it was a very good story with lots of accurate historical information which would be a valuable tool in teaching our history to children. The central character is a young boy who is deported from England for stealing. He manages to make his way in Australia and we are aware throughout the book that he not only survives being a convict but that he also makes a real success of his life.
I felt that the author made a really good job of presenting how things were in those days without delving too deeply into the horror of the prison ships and the initial years of the founding of Sydney. It was written at a level children could cope with without omitting basic historical facts. I liked it and would recommend it for later primary students who have a good reading ability.
August 15, 2024
Read this with my grade 5/6 students and they loved it. An insightful story into our potential Aussie ancestors. Heartbreaking and tragic but hopeful.
April 13, 2010
Book Description
A story of transportation and life in a new world.
At the tender age of eight, chimney sweep Tom Appleby is convicted of stealing and sentenced to deportation to Botany Bay. As one of the members of the First Fleet, he arrives in a country that seemingly has little to offer - or little that the English are used to, anyway.
Luckily, not long after Tom′s arrival in the colony, the fair and kind Sergeant Stanley decides to take on Tom as a servant. Together Tom, Sergeant Stanley and his son, Rob, build a house, set up an orchard and a vegetable garden for themselves - and thrive, unlike many others in the new colony.
Jackie French weaves Tom′s story in with the story of the development of Australia. She tells of a colony that, despite its natural abundance, cannot offer what the colonists want - familiarity. While the people′s health is better than it ever was in England, their morale is low as they wait for news from home.
Write your own review on what you have read so far.
A story of transportation and life in a new world.
At the tender age of eight, chimney sweep Tom Appleby is convicted of stealing and sentenced to deportation to Botany Bay. As one of the members of the First Fleet, he arrives in a country that seemingly has little to offer - or little that the English are used to, anyway.
Luckily, not long after Tom′s arrival in the colony, the fair and kind Sergeant Stanley decides to take on Tom as a servant. Together Tom, Sergeant Stanley and his son, Rob, build a house, set up an orchard and a vegetable garden for themselves - and thrive, unlike many others in the new colony.
Jackie French weaves Tom′s story in with the story of the development of Australia. She tells of a colony that, despite its natural abundance, cannot offer what the colonists want - familiarity. While the people′s health is better than it ever was in England, their morale is low as they wait for news from home.
Write your own review on what you have read so far.
February 17, 2017
3 1/2 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the second half of this book, once we finally arrived in Australia and started exploring life in the early years of the settlement. As a teacher, that is my purpose for reading (and having my students read) this book, to gain greater insights as to what life was like for the early convicts and settlers, and how they related to the indigenous people of the time.
In the afterward, Ms French discusses how she set out to dispel some of the myths associated with the First Fleet and early settlement. She definitely achieves this goal, and I was surprised at some of the details she reveals.
The one disappointment for me was how long we spent in England, giving background to Tom's story. Some was interesting, but I felt it went on too long. I am also not sure the device of having Tom reflecting on his life was particularly useful or helpful. I found those chapters more an imposition, delaying development of the story, than enjoyable.
Well worth reading, in spite of these issues and I look forward to seeing what my class thinks of the story.
In the afterward, Ms French discusses how she set out to dispel some of the myths associated with the First Fleet and early settlement. She definitely achieves this goal, and I was surprised at some of the details she reveals.
The one disappointment for me was how long we spent in England, giving background to Tom's story. Some was interesting, but I felt it went on too long. I am also not sure the device of having Tom reflecting on his life was particularly useful or helpful. I found those chapters more an imposition, delaying development of the story, than enjoyable.
Well worth reading, in spite of these issues and I look forward to seeing what my class thinks of the story.
July 22, 2011
This was one of my favourite books when I was of age with Tom, i.e 8 or 9. I probablly wouldn't enjoy it nearly as much now but at that age, when I was in the intended age group it was a brilliant book! It probably helped that we were studying this period of Australian history at school. I haven't read it in years but I'll always remember it as an early favourite, that I obsessively read again and again and sparked a life long fascination with historical fiction. A great kid's book!
March 12, 2017
I read this book to see if it supported the primary school History curriculum and it didn't disappoint. Detailed descriptions of life in 18th century London and the first settlement in Australia must surely help bring this topic to life for children listening to this novel as a read-aloud or reading it for their own pleasure.
December 20, 2020
+ Realistic portrayal / historical accuracy of 18th century England, first fleet journey to Australia & forming of colony in Sydney
+ Focus on courage, perseverance, hope & friendship
+ Likeable & relatable protagonist
- Slow in parts
- Made me miss Sydney so much
7.5/10
+ Focus on courage, perseverance, hope & friendship
+ Likeable & relatable protagonist
- Slow in parts
- Made me miss Sydney so much
7.5/10
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October 11, 2025don’t mind me. just remembered this book we read in year 3
July 13, 2023
You can't beat Jackie French when it comes to children's Australian historical fiction.
December 11, 2018
Was an excellent book that gave great insight to the conditions faced by the convicts on their journey to Australia and life in the first colony at Sydney Cove.
I was pre reading it for my 12 and 14 year old sons, who will be reading it as part of their Australian History course this year. There were a few areas, that I felt I may be uncomfortable with my boys reading, but have decided to do it as a read aloud, so that we can discuss these themes together
Over all I really enjoyed it, and am considering Jackies's book on the Eureka stockade too.
I was pre reading it for my 12 and 14 year old sons, who will be reading it as part of their Australian History course this year. There were a few areas, that I felt I may be uncomfortable with my boys reading, but have decided to do it as a read aloud, so that we can discuss these themes together
Over all I really enjoyed it, and am considering Jackies's book on the Eureka stockade too.
September 8, 2018
I read this book to preview it before reading it to my grade 5 class. It’s a great read for middle school children to get a better idea of life leading up to and the beginning of the early colonisation of Australia. I am fascinated by this period of our history and French does an excellent job of painting a picture of these times. A few weaknesses for me were the uneventful conclusion and the addition of sections of Tom as an older man. French tackles some adult themes well for the intended audience. I really enjoyed reading about this section of our history.
August 5, 2016
My 10 year old son and I loved this book. It was incredibly informative regarding life in London in the 1700's and the first convict fleet to NSW. The life of an orphan in England was hard and tragic, which this novel portrayed in excellent detail and with empathy.
A good story too, with lots of talking points and interesting facts of the life of our ancestors. It also crossed paths with "Nanberry" also by Jackie French, taken from a different perspective.
A good story too, with lots of talking points and interesting facts of the life of our ancestors. It also crossed paths with "Nanberry" also by Jackie French, taken from a different perspective.
July 28, 2015
Although this book is creative, original and certainly interesting and intriguing, I enjoy faster paced books. I'm disappointed to say that I found this book slightly boring and very slow at times, so am rating this as only a 2.
July 15, 2022
stinky book never read this dumb poop head
May 16, 2014
Incredible story line.
November 18, 2024
Tom Appleby loved his father. He couldn't stand to see him in the stocks, so he wiped his face and gave him water. Stones and rotten fruit were thrown at him, along with taunts and jibes. Tom's father was a printer, a pamphlet for a customer was deemed blasphemous. The King decreed the punishment. His father died. Now an orphan, Tom was taken to the workhouse.
Frightened, Tom didn't know what to expect. He put on the red cape of courage, his father had told him would give him strength, to face any challenge. He didn't get to sleep in the workhouse, a man came and took him to become a chimney sweep. The dark cellar he was thrown into was the first horror Master Jack dealt out. The job was cruel and the boys barely fed, staying in the dark to be accustomed to the chimneys, Tom became accustomed to the routine. Jem had been whipped, with scars on his back. The two friends made a plan to escape before a chimney collapse could kill them.
Jem showed Tom how to steal from the homes they went to. They had a stash of items ready to sell when they made their dash for freedom. Before they could, Jem died when a chimney collapsed. Tom was found with coins in a handkerchief. He was charged and sent to Sydney Cove. The whole journey was in and out of the dark.
What would the new colony bring? Tom looked out at the strange land. He listened to the laughing birds and kangaroos. The natives and the smells were all so different from England. Many of the marines, and convicts found the going tough. With his courage cloak, Tom learned from the land, the sergeant he was assigned to, and the sergeant's son Rob, who became a friend.
Would he survive his seven-year sentence and be given freedom?
Again, Jackie French has presented history, within the lives of the First Fleet. Her account of horrible conditions, Tom's survival, and success in becoming a free man to raise a family, and put his convict past behind him, is wonderfully written.
Frightened, Tom didn't know what to expect. He put on the red cape of courage, his father had told him would give him strength, to face any challenge. He didn't get to sleep in the workhouse, a man came and took him to become a chimney sweep. The dark cellar he was thrown into was the first horror Master Jack dealt out. The job was cruel and the boys barely fed, staying in the dark to be accustomed to the chimneys, Tom became accustomed to the routine. Jem had been whipped, with scars on his back. The two friends made a plan to escape before a chimney collapse could kill them.
Jem showed Tom how to steal from the homes they went to. They had a stash of items ready to sell when they made their dash for freedom. Before they could, Jem died when a chimney collapsed. Tom was found with coins in a handkerchief. He was charged and sent to Sydney Cove. The whole journey was in and out of the dark.
What would the new colony bring? Tom looked out at the strange land. He listened to the laughing birds and kangaroos. The natives and the smells were all so different from England. Many of the marines, and convicts found the going tough. With his courage cloak, Tom learned from the land, the sergeant he was assigned to, and the sergeant's son Rob, who became a friend.
Would he survive his seven-year sentence and be given freedom?
Again, Jackie French has presented history, within the lives of the First Fleet. Her account of horrible conditions, Tom's survival, and success in becoming a free man to raise a family, and put his convict past behind him, is wonderfully written.
March 6, 2025
Historical fiction aimed at upper primary age.
I listened to the audio book of this with my preteen, who said she found parts of this story very sad but overall loved hearing about Tom's journey on the First Fleet to Australia.
I loved how Jackie weaved the fictional story of Tom Appleby amongst the backdrop of what it would have been like for a 10 year orphan trying to survive in England.
Out of necessity to survive Tom makes decisions that result in him being sent on the First Fleet as a convict, bound for England's newest Colony.
This is a great book for introducing upper primary school children to the history of the first fleet of Australia. Jackie helps young readers glimpse into the mentality, thinking and the possible opinions of this time (towards the convicts, Indigenous people and Australia's environment), while protecting young readers from the full horrors.
My preteen ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Me ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I listened to the audio book of this with my preteen, who said she found parts of this story very sad but overall loved hearing about Tom's journey on the First Fleet to Australia.
I loved how Jackie weaved the fictional story of Tom Appleby amongst the backdrop of what it would have been like for a 10 year orphan trying to survive in England.
Out of necessity to survive Tom makes decisions that result in him being sent on the First Fleet as a convict, bound for England's newest Colony.
This is a great book for introducing upper primary school children to the history of the first fleet of Australia. Jackie helps young readers glimpse into the mentality, thinking and the possible opinions of this time (towards the convicts, Indigenous people and Australia's environment), while protecting young readers from the full horrors.
My preteen ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Me ⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 3, 2024
Tom is orphaned and sent to the workhouse in 1868. Sold to a chimney sweep master, he learns the terrors of dark, confined spaces, hunger, and neglect. To change his life, he steals money from the house where he was cleaning the chimney. Caught, he is sent in the first fleet to Australia.
Life on board a ship is terrifying, and but for his bunkmate, Tom probably wouldn’t have survived. On landing in Australia, life remains hard, and Tom must use his wits to survive. He is bonded to a marine who has built a hut near the settlement. Rob, the Marine’s son, is Tom’s age, and the boys slowly build a friendship, working hard to establish a vegetable garden and hunt for meat and fish. The Marines are to be sent back the England. How do the boys find a way forward?
I enjoyed the factual basis of the story and the detail.
Recommended for readers eight years and older.
Life on board a ship is terrifying, and but for his bunkmate, Tom probably wouldn’t have survived. On landing in Australia, life remains hard, and Tom must use his wits to survive. He is bonded to a marine who has built a hut near the settlement. Rob, the Marine’s son, is Tom’s age, and the boys slowly build a friendship, working hard to establish a vegetable garden and hunt for meat and fish. The Marines are to be sent back the England. How do the boys find a way forward?
I enjoyed the factual basis of the story and the detail.
Recommended for readers eight years and older.
September 28, 2024
"This was her land, her knowledge, and for one day she shared it with them”.
I’ve realised this year that I really enjoy Historical Fiction! And it’s book’s like this that make me realise I’ve been missing out!
How can I possibly put my thoughts together to review this book? I have so much to say and no idea how to articulate it. So I’ll keep it simple, I loved this book. I thought it was absolutely beautiful and heart-breaking. It was so well written that it was easy to read and not once was I bored.
My favourite part of the book was when the Aboriginal woman showed Thomas and Rob how to survive off the land; it was absolutely devastating, yet deeply moving. I also loved the Author’s Notes at the end of the book and the way she described the landscape of Australia.
I’ve realised this year that I really enjoy Historical Fiction! And it’s book’s like this that make me realise I’ve been missing out!
How can I possibly put my thoughts together to review this book? I have so much to say and no idea how to articulate it. So I’ll keep it simple, I loved this book. I thought it was absolutely beautiful and heart-breaking. It was so well written that it was easy to read and not once was I bored.
My favourite part of the book was when the Aboriginal woman showed Thomas and Rob how to survive off the land; it was absolutely devastating, yet deeply moving. I also loved the Author’s Notes at the end of the book and the way she described the landscape of Australia.
December 24, 2023
REVIEW FOR FUTURE ME WHEN I FORGET THAT I EVEN READ THIS BOOK:
This was a novel study for a year 6 class as part of an Inquiry into the colonisation of Australia. The kids loved it! They seem to love things rooted in real life, despite what they claim. There were many raw scenes depicting death, punishment and the abuses suffered during this time which made for interesting (?!) discussion. There was also a lot of historical and context specific vocabulary which needed defining. Highly recommend listening to the audiobook so you don’t have to navigate the ye’ olde style of speaking!
This was a novel study for a year 6 class as part of an Inquiry into the colonisation of Australia. The kids loved it! They seem to love things rooted in real life, despite what they claim. There were many raw scenes depicting death, punishment and the abuses suffered during this time which made for interesting (?!) discussion. There was also a lot of historical and context specific vocabulary which needed defining. Highly recommend listening to the audiobook so you don’t have to navigate the ye’ olde style of speaking!
May 5, 2025
Immersed in the drama, the true story, Tom Appleby Convict Boy written by Jackie French, emotionally touches readers hearts reliving the events experienced by a young boy, Tom Appleby, during the 18th Century.
The book bases around how social position disadvantaged Tom greatly and ultimately moulded him a new life, his life. It educates readers on historical events and the conventional moral behaviour expected during the 18th century.
Another amazing piece of writing from Jackie French.
The book bases around how social position disadvantaged Tom greatly and ultimately moulded him a new life, his life. It educates readers on historical events and the conventional moral behaviour expected during the 18th century.
Another amazing piece of writing from Jackie French.
February 22, 2020
This book offers a look into what life was like around the time the First Fleet arrived in Australia. The beginning of the book is a bit slow as it describes life in England for young Tom Appleby. It picks up once the voyage to Australia begins. Some of the language and situations would not be suitable for young children. Otherwise, it was an engaging and educational story which my children and I all really enjoyed.
November 12, 2019
I personally think that this is a great book to read just because, even though the book is fictional, it still gives you the information about the history back then. The book teaches you about courage (not specifically in the book but gives you hints). The book has a lot of themes going on, friendship, adventure, independence and etc...
November 14, 2018
A beau yt? If uilly written history
I loved this story, the characters amd early Australian history. Its beautifully written, rich in Australian history and culture and an emotive tale.
I loved this story, the characters amd early Australian history. Its beautifully written, rich in Australian history and culture and an emotive tale.
March 9, 2019
Great basis! I loved the storyline and enjoyed the way Jackie French wrote the story. It got quite repetitive and long towards the end but you felt genuinely happy when it was done as it had a nice round ending.
August 12, 2023
I loved this book. The depth to the story and so descriptive I could see the places and feel for the struggle of poor young Tom. My ancestor was a 16 year old convict and this book makes me appreciate him even more.
October 19, 2017
I read this as a little kid...
absolutely LOVED it!
absolutely LOVED it!
February 21, 2018
Read for school.
January 30, 2019
Some part were very sad but it was interesting learning about chimney sweepers and about Tom's life in Australia.
February 21, 2020
Such a great read during childhood years. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews