Us Mob Walawurru

by David Spillman, Lisa Wilyuka

A unique collaboration between non-Indigenous Queensland author David Spillman and Northern Territory Aboriginal woman Lisa Wilyuka. Us Mob Walawurru explores cultural difference and untold history through the eyes of Ruby, a young Aboriginal girl. Set in Central Australia in the 1960's, Ruby's journey is a a heart-warming tale that focuses on the importance of family, culture, education, friendship, and self-respect.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Indigenous, Australia, Ebooks

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: racism, colonialism, death.

3.5 stars.

This is a tiny little book and I read it in the space of about an hour. The bulk of the story takes place when Ruby is 12 years old in the 1960s but it follows the land rights battle through to the 1980s when she's a mother herself. It was a very quiet book but I thoroughly enjoyed it and really liked the way that things came full circle in the end.

[Tanu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. What a sweet, heartfelt story about friendship and spirituality, with so many descriptions of the Luritja connecting with their country.

[Aleesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

At only 166 pages, it's a short and sweet story narrated by an Aboriginal girl - her perspective reveals how ridiculous the concerns and laws of 'whitefellas' are in the eyes of Indigenous people.

I raced through this in less than 24 hours, it was lovely!

[Jaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading, especially about the importance of recording and speaking the languages of the First Nations of Australia.

[Priscilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby's community don't quite see eye-to-eye with her teacher, Mr Duncan. While he is the one tasked to educate the children of the area, it is actually the community who are educating him, on Aboriginal culture, traditions and the importance of country to their lives.

The story takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of an Aboriginal girl, Ruby. We follow Ruby as she learns about her would through conversations with her elders, stories shared with her about family, visits to different locations and the everyday activities Aboriginal people are involved in.

The book's strength is its exploration and passing on of Aboriginal culture through the narrative. The downfall was the pace of the storyline, so much time was spent on Ruby's early childhood (the time of her schooling) that the other meaningful parts were rushed through, meaning significant events lost their importance.

[Krysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored "Us Mob Walawurru." I live on Arrernte Country, and reading about the intricacies of Culture in the Central Deserts was really powerful and moving. I cried a few times reading, and had to just sit back and process, because this story is the history of this Land, and the atrocities that have been committed, but in spite of that, the tens of thousands of years of connection to Country and Ancestors. I loved Ruby's journey in walking two worlds, and how both were/are important, so that she could/can advocate for her Mob. I could talk for hours about all the details I adored in this book, but I will just say this: read, listen and take some important lessons away from this story, because you will 🙏🏽

[Raven Mauriks · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book so much, i got such a good understanding of connection to country and what country means to Indigenous Australian's. I knew before what it meant, but now I really understand. It is a very educational book and I highly recommend if you're wanting to expand your knowledge on Aboriginal culture. Of course this book can only tell you so much, but still it is very informative and very interesting. Their connection to family as well, people who you've never met before are your family and you'd sacrifice anything for them. I appreciate the respect they have for animals, Ruby referring to Walawurru (wedge - tailed eagle) as her brother. It is a beautiful book and I loved learning and I can't wait to expand my knowledge further.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The short novel, aimed at middle school readers, is rich with details about the 1970s government negotiations with First Nations people regarding land ownership. It weaves strong themes of connection to country, language, and culture. While I believe students could learn much from the story, I wonder whether it needs a more compelling plot to truly engage them. Some of the sub plots would make excellent and engaging narratives.

[Keit Mõisavald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating journey through the life of one mob, the sorrow and the joy. I especially appreciated how the first chapters describing life through the eyes of a young Aboriginal child highlight the innate differences of our worldviews. What is considered normal is just a matter of perception. Also, the humour in this book is just something else. Loved it!

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this book a 2.75 stars but am rounding it up for goodreads.

I didn't really enjoy this book because if I am being honest, it's not my genre. I do not enjoy reading history but I had to read this book for school. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't horrible, it just wasn't amazing either. Especially after the books I have been reading recently.

[Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pretty decent book, I had to read it for English, but it was okay. I liked seeing the two parts of the book as they changed the entire book, and it was nice to see that. I recommend for kids maybe in year 5 to year 8. Or school teachers from those grades to get their class to read it.

[Lyn Quilty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply told story that gives wonderful insight into the daily life , customs and spirituality of indigenous people in outback Australia. Essential reading to understand their values and ways of thinking. Loved it.

[Kathy Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book rich in Aboriginal tradition, story and history, a snapshot of the connection between people’s and country. That being said cultural sensitivity is required when reading with children, providing insight to develop deeper understanding to support potential emotional responses.

[zara · Rating 4 out of 5]

another book i read because my students studied it - a beautiful story about a young luritja girl growing up learning about her mob, country, and culture. great story to help children learn about aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing and how it differs from whitefella way.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for school (year 7 text). Great to teach.

[LENNY · Rating 1 out of 5]

broing

[Chloe O'Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

[Andrew]

A well structured story telling of life on an outback station for an Aboriginal girl in the 1960s. Through the first person narrative we are given an insight into Aboriginal perspectives on many issues in a subtle, yet a times confronting manner. An enjoyable and informative work of historical fiction.

[Celeste]

Vivid descriptions I loved it.

[Tarleigh Tuckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

School project...