The Wearing of the Green
Age 10+
Children's & Young Adult Fiction & True Stories
A powerful historical novel exploring themes of racism, classism and gender expectations present in a growing nation.
When Biddy arrives in Melbourne from Ireland in 1850, she knows exactly what she’s going to do – find her rebellious big brother, Ewen. Her plans are derailed when he’s not there to meet her and she’s forced into a situation that is nothing like she expected. Faced with challenges and chased by luck, bad and good, Biddy must find a strength within herself to build a new life – and to find her missing brother.
Reviews
This is a great book for schools, libraries and anyone with an interest in our history.
Readings
Through her protagonist, Saxby teaches that survival does not simply mean food and shelter; it is the need for love, connection, and warmth. Resilience is the key to overcome adversity.
Reading Time
This is a wonderful novel, covering themes of migration, racism, gender stereotypes, change and hope that is ideal for upper primary and lower secondary readers, particularly those who love historical fiction.
Lamont Books
A beautifully crafted historical novel, The wearing of the green, by well-known author Claire Saxby, is a heart-warming and heart-wrenching story about the arrival of Irish famine orphan girls in Melbourne in 1850.
Read Plus
And it is about hope – about never giving up and persevering with our goals and dreams even when things seem like they will never change, or seem hopeless. Biddy is a strong-willed character who never gives up, and I fell in love with her from the start.
The Book Muse
