Freedom Ride

There's no hiding from prejudice.

Robbie knows bad things happen in Walgaree. But it's nothing to do with him. That's just the way the Aborigines have always been treated. In the summer of 1965 racial tensions in the town are at boiling point, and something headed Walgaree's way will blow things apart. It's time for Robbie to take a stand. Nothing will ever be the same.

“Australia Day List”

It’s great to see a book for younger readers addressing Indigenous issues, and Australian writer Sue Lawson handles the subject with pathos, honesty and humour. -- Carody Culver Books+Publishing
An honest and well-balanced look at racial tensions in 1965 Australia that shows both the horrifying living conditions and prejudice against Aborigines, and the few brave white men and women demanding change. 4/5 Stars -- Brett Michael Orr Brett Michael Orr
At times some of the action is brutal, but I found it a brilliant, evocative and gripping novel. -- Janet Croft 103.1FM Grafton
Lawson has managed to capture a pivotal moment in history that is evocative in every sense, and completely remarkable in every way. -- Katherine Larsen The Book Kat
Sue Lawson's Freedom Ride is powerful historical fiction that features an important milestone in the development of Aboriginal rights...Lawson pulls no punches when it comes to the violence, prejudice and segregation suffered by Indigenous people. It's a tale of bravery and resilience in the face of an evil that blighted our history and should never be forgotten. -- Cameron Woodhead The Age
This is an inspiring and historically significant work that forces us to confront the racism of our past. -- Readings Readings
Freedom Ride is an important reminder that we still need people brave enough to make a stand against injustice if we wish to have a respectful, tolerant and inclusive society. -- Kids' Book Review Kids' Book Review
Freedom Ride is an excellent fictional portrayal of how Perkins' initiative was the first significant effort to raise awareness of the conditions in which Aboriginal people were forced to live. -- Otago Daily Times Otago Daily Times
This novel it is very well written -- Creative Kids Tales Creative Kids Tales
A perfect book to cover many areas of the Australian Curriculum, this book would make for great classroom discussions. -- Lamont Lamont
This compelling, charming novel is unflinching in its interrogation of the role of the individual in history, and it captures a moment of immense political change. -- Australian Book Review Australian Book Review
Lawson has captured the racism endemic in many of these small towns. -- Reading Time Reading Time
This wonderfully written story brought me to tears as it went through the year that changed Robbie’s life for good. -- Emily, age 13 YARRA
-- Kids' Book Review Kids' Book Review
Riveting and unforgettable, Sue Lawson has again created another exceptional piece of historical fiction. Fast-paced with crisp and precise writing, this book comes highly recommended. -- Buzz Words Buzz Words
The true power of this novel lies in Lawson’s skill in character and voice. Her ability to evoke the clumsy, self-conscious and earnest actions of Robbie make him an endearing and true character. -- mETAphor mETAphor
A recommended read. Magpies Magazine

Sue Lawson writes books for children and young adults. Her love for books began when she was a child on a farm in country Victoria where she spent her time reading, writing, listening to her father and grandfather’s stories and avoiding working with the cattle. These days, she's added stationery shops to her football obsession and when not writing, teaches and runs workshops for young people and adults. In 2012, Pan’s Whisper was short-listed for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, was a Notable Book at the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards and won the Australian Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature. You Don’t Even Know was short-listed for the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards in 2014. Sue’s website is

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