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Children of the Wind
Series · 4 books · 2003-2006

Books in series

Bridie's Fire book cover
#1

Bridie's Fire

2003

The first of four exciting, true-to-life adventures, 'Bridie's Fire' is the tale of a fiery Irish girl who leaves Ireland to find a home for herself in goldrush Australia.
Becoming Billy Dare book cover
#2

Becoming Billy Dare

2004

Becoming Billy Dare follows the life of a feisty Irish boy who runs away to Australia and finds his vocation as an actor in the colourful theatres of Melbourne, around the time of Federation. Paddy secretly boards a ship bound for Australia, only to be shipwrecked at the end of the voyage. Once rescued, he faces the big question: how is he to make his way in this strange new land? On the road with a travelling circus, on the run with a wild child, sleeping rough on the mean streets of Melbourne, Paddy finds help and friendship with Bridie, and learns to live by his wits. Each adventure brings him closer to discovering his true gift. Character, choice and destiny intertwine in this richly detailed historical novel. Meticulous research . . . Becoming Billy Dare is, above all, an entertaining book that invites readers and provides inspiration. Jill Swann, Teacher-Librarian. Starting in the 1840s and ending in present-day Australia, the Children of the Wind quartet tells the stories of four courageous young people, Bridie, Billy, Colm and Maeve, born fifty years apart. The central character from each book becomes a mentor to the child in the next. ending in present-day Australia, the Children of the Wild quartet tells the stories of four courageous young people, Bridie, Billy, Colm and Maeve, born fifty years apart. The central character from each book becomes a mentor to the child in the next.
A Prayer For Blue Delaney book cover
#3

A Prayer For Blue Delaney

2005

'Don't worry,' said Bill. 'You can hide out here until you get your strength back. That is, if you don't mind an old man, a dog and a few ghosts for company. Colm is on the run, determined to escape from the cruelties of Bindoon Boys' Home. He strikes up an unexpected friendship with Billy Dare and his dog Rusty, and together they travel from the goldfields of Kalgoorlie to the rugged north. Whether they're working along the Dog Fence, eluding the police or confronting a wild boar, they're a team. When Bill's life is at risk, it's up to Colm to go in search of the mysterious Blue Delaney and lay to rest the ghosts that haunt them both. This action packed story, set in the 1950s, continues the richly detailed historical quartet that began with Bridie's Fire and Becoming Billy Dare.
The Secret Life of Maeve Lee Kwong book cover
#4

The Secret Life of Maeve Lee Kwong

2006

Where do you turn when your family is tragically torn apart, your close friends fall away, and your long-lost father is out of reach? Where do you fit when you're part Irish, part Chinese, part Australian? A warm-hearted story about teenage life in Australia now. I keep thinking I'll see him any moment. It's crazy. I don't even know what he looks like. And it shouldn't matter that I can't find him. I've been fine for 14 years without him. Sorry, this is a stupid email. Hope everything in Sydney is cool. MLK She was just about to log off when a new message popped into her mailbox. It was from Jackson. It was short and to the point and just what she needed to hear. Hey MLK. It is important. Go for it. Find him. xxxxxxx Love you all ways, JDT. Maeve's safe world is torn apart when her mother dies in a car crash. Sent to live with her strict Chinese grandparents, she fights to hold onto the things she loves most - her two best friends, her dancing, her baby brother Ned. Secretly she pins her hopes on her Irish father, who doesn't even know she exists. From Sydney to Surfers, from Hong Kong to Ireland, Maeve searches for a path to follow, a place to belong. A story about true friends, scattered family, and the life you make for yourself. [From publisher]

Author

Kirsty Murray
Kirsty Murray
Author · 13 books

Kirsty Murray is a multi-award-winning author of more than 20 books for children and young adults. Her works include eleven novels as well as non-fiction, junior fiction, historical fiction, speculative fiction and picture books. She loves books, libraries, bookshops, readers, writers, puddles, puppies, and stories – especially stories about kids and teenagers. Her 2019 releases included the non-fiction title 'Kids Who Did' and a gorgeous new picture book 'When Billy was a Dog', illustrated by Karen Blair. 'Strangers on Country', by Kirsty & Dave Hartley with stunning illustrations by Dub Leffler was published in 2020. You can find me all over the internet. There's stacks of information on my website at: hhtps://www.kirstymurray.com and I'm on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kirstymurrayauthor and Twitter: http://twitter.com/kirstymurray

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Children of the Wind