Child Convicts

A parent might reach for this book when their older child begins to grapple with concepts of fairness and injustice, or asks questions about historical hardships. Child Convicts explores the true, sobering stories of children in 18th and 19th-century Britain who were convicted of petty crimes and sentenced to transportation to Australia. Through accessible text and historical illustrations, the book details the children's backgrounds, their harsh journeys, and the challenging new lives they were forced to build. This book is a powerful vehicle for discussing themes of resilience, empathy, and the vast differences between childhoods across history. While the subject matter is heavy, dealing with family separation and severe punishment, it is presented factually for its intended 9 to 12-year-old audience. It is an excellent choice for a child interested in history who is ready for a more nuanced look at the past, fostering critical thinking about social justice.