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Tracks of the Missing

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( 146 ratings, 30 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Tracks of the Missing by Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler is a thrilling children's story set in the Australian Kimberley region. It follows the journey of four Indigenous adolescents as they confront a challenging situation when a friend disappears during a bush trip. The narrative explores themes of friendship, resilience, and traditional knowledge as the characters navigate the wilderness to find their missing companion.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in an adventurous and culturally rich story that explores themes of friendship, resilience, and connection to the land. With a gripping tale set in a remote community, it offers insights into the importance of family and identity, making it a captivating read for young explorers.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Age range 12+

'There must be payback.'

'There must, you are right,' Grandfather agrees.

'What can you offer in exchange?'

Grandfather holds up his arms, open, offering himself as a sacrifice. 'I am old.'

Deklan 'Dek' Archer and his mates arrive at school to a tense atmosphere. 'Old Mate', Mr Henry, who has lived in town for a long time, has been found murdered. He had been selling grog on the black market for years. To add to these worries, the Year 12s, who were on camp, are now missing. The police think there is a link between the missing students and the murder.

Dek and his friends are torn. Dek and Willum, his best mate, have an important football match that evening professional recruiters are in town. Neither wants to let their coach down but they feel they must search for their friends.

Deklan's grandfather, a renowned tracker with certain otherworld gifts turns up, and expects him to go bush. This choice will change Dek's life and family forever. A journey that moves deep in to an ancient landscape uncovers secrets, and the past, which is never far away, continues to call them.

Both are tracking the truth but something is watching and hunting them.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Tracks of the Missing has received praise for its engaging narrative and incorporation of Indigenous culture. Reviewers appreciate the thrilling plot and the authentic portrayal of the Australian outback, highlighting its relevance and educational value for younger readers. The authors are commended for their commitment to cultural representation and vivid storytelling.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781922613264

Publisher: Magabala Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 April 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Magabala Books

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 210g

Pages: 208

About the Author

Carl Merrison is a Jaru/Kija man from the Kimberley with a passion for youth issues and voice. He is a youth mentor, football coach and program co-ordinator. Carl was runner-up for the 2016 WA Local Hero Award.

Hakea Hustler is an experienced English teacher who has taught around Australia including in remote Aboriginal communities. Hakea is committed to Indigenous education with a particular focus on story as learning and empowerment. Together, Carl and Hakea's debut novella Black Cockatoo was published by Magabala Books in 2018 and was shortlisted for the Readings Children's Book of the Year, shortlisted in the CBCA Young Reader category, shortlisted for an ABIA award, selected as a feature text for the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge.

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