It’s hot! Summer is in full force where Jackson lives on a rural aboriginal mission in Australia with his mum and little brother Henry. It’s the
school holidays and his Aunty Pam arrives with his young cousins, all loud, happy and pleased to be spending Christmas and New Year with them.
This time there is an extra boy. Aunty Pam introduces him as Tomas, and he’s a similar age to Jackson at 17. Tomas is in Pam’s care after a short stint in juvie.
Jackson invites Tomas to join him in hanging out with his cousin and best mate, while he’s staying with them. Jackson isn’t sure of this quiet stranger who is suddenly sharing his room. As they slowly get to know each other through storytelling and art and time spent together, Jackson realises there is much more to this boy than just wondering why he went to juvie.
He’s surprised at a spark reigniting deep within him of something he thought was buried and forgotten. Jackson and Tomas become friends, then close, then closer still. It’s exciting for Jackson but ignites worries and confusion. He’s torn between what he feels for Tomas and how his life will change on the Mish if he lets his feelings go any further.
What will Mum think? Will my friends shun me or support me?
A window into a First Nations teen’s life in rural Australia. The Boy from the Mish is a beautiful story of discovery, self awareness and eventually self-belief. Going through this journey with Jackson is engaging, and I worried for him. There are rampant racists in his small town and they are easy with their taunts and fists. Will he suddenly be even more of a target?
With themes of family love and acceptance, male teen friendships and romance in an authentic Australian setting, the reader gets to know Jackson well. His thoughts and feelings are raw on the page as he gets to know and gradually accept who he truly is. This is done is such a heartening way, and I love the fact that this author wrote this story especially for any other LGBTQ+ First Nation/Indigenous Australians.
There were no stories like this as he went through a similar journey as a teen, and he wanted something available for them, hoping to aid their individual journeys.
Loved it!
Author – Gary Lonesborough
Age – 16+
Find an Excerpt here
(2021, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Indigenous, First Nations, Family, Cousins, School Holidays, 17, Seventeen, Friends, Parties, Elders, Culture, LGBTQ+, Gay, Worries, Fears, Self discovery, Self belief, Self Awareness, Racism, Police, Aboriginal person, Romance, Queer)