About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is asking big questions about how cities survive emergencies or how societies change during times of crisis. Through the diary of young Kitty Barnes, this historical novel explores the intersection of a terrifying health quarantine and a major political milestone: the federation of Australia. It is an excellent resource for children who are processing their own experiences with health-related anxieties or community shifts. Set in 1900 Sydney, the story captures the grit and resilience of the working class as they face the bubonic plague. It balances the tension of a looming epidemic with the hopeful, messy birth of a nation. While it deals with serious themes like illness and the Boer War, the narrative remains grounded in Kitty's relatable everyday life, including family dynamics and her first brush with romance. It is ideal for ages 9 to 13 as a tool to normalize feelings of uncertainty while highlighting the strength found in community action.
