In The Story of Australia: For the Young (and the Curious), Don Watson has created a toolbox of critical thinking for young readers. Not just a catalogue of the highlights of the Australian story, it is a well-rounded history that doesn’t shy away from the truth. Australia’s achievements – prosperity, universal suffrage, education and soldier settlements to name a few – are balanced by thoughtful examination of First Nations’ dispossession, the White Australia Policy and environmental irresponsibility.

Presented in chronological blocks starting with Ancient Australia, the text is broken down into smaller self-contained pieces with lots of illustrations. There are page-long cameo portraits of prominent Australians including Woollarawarre Bennelong, Gough Whitlam and Kylie Minogue. For in-depth study, longer pieces introduce broader subjects such as women’s work, war, the mining boom, migration, Keating’s republic movement and the Mabo decision.

Watson’s book is a perfect introduction to Australian history that will leave the reader with big questions for the future. Ideal for upper primary school, early high school and anyone who needs to fill in the gaps.

Susan Stevenson works as a bookseller at Readings Malvern.