We Didn’t Think It Through

This novel contains an incredibly powerful narrative about injustice, family, and hope. It is deeply human and is written in a way that both exposes what is wrong in our world and highlights what is good. Sixteen-year-old Jamie Langton is an ordinary teen, spending his time between school and hanging out with his mates. That is, until Jamie and his friends decide to take a racist bully’s car for a joyride. They’re caught by the police and thus begins Jamie’s experience with juvenile detention and Australia’s justice system.

With this book, Gary Lonesborough tells an important story. He brilliantly captures Jamie’s emotions: his fear for his future, his joy when spending time with his friends, and the complicated love-hate relationship he has with his biological family, having grown up in foster care. Jamie’s feelings are so raw and human that the reader can’t help imagining being in Jamie’s shoes and empathising with him.

Jamie’s story may be fictional, but his plight is one experienced by countless First Nations teenagers in Australia right now. Reading this book will open your eyes to the systemic problems facing First Nations children in our country and perhaps encourage you to push for the changes that are so desperately needed.

Given the difficult subject matter, this book is more appropriate for a slightly older demographic of 14+. It is also a book that would make for great discussions when read in a classroom setting.