SOLVED. YA, historical fiction, convict ship to Australia, main character teenage girl. [s]

[[deleted user]]

I read this book at secondary school (2005-2012) in England. Book was in English. Seemed a fairly recent publication. Set in 1700s or 1800s when convicts were shipped to Australia. I have always thought this book was called "east of the sun west of the moon" but from extensive googling I must be wrong. Potentially this story is referenced within the book?

Focusses on a teenage girl with a wealthy father (living in London?). He then comes into financial difficulties and disappears, leaving the girl on the streets. She is arrested (pickpocketing?) and ends up on a convict ship to Australia with lots of other women. Spoilers below:




One woman on the ship takes her under her wing, I believe this woman later dies or is killed. I remember the main character starting her period while on the ship. One of the guards working on the ship takes a liking to main character and once in Australia I think he proposes to her but she rejects him.

[Stephanie]

Escape From Botany Bay: The True Story of Mary Bryant? Or maybe another book about her.

[Jess]

I think I've read this book! I don't have time at the moment but I'll go through my read list later and see if I can find it.

[Jess]

Is it Scatterheart by Lili Wilkinson?

[[deleted user]]

Yes! I think Scatterheart must be it! Thank you so much!

[[deleted user]]

SOLVED

[Jess]

Happy to help!