John is a child convict, transported to New South Wales for stealing a shirt. Starving and alone, he is taken in by Australia's first schoolteacher, Isabella Rosson. There John learns to read and write and becomes a star pupil until he is discovered by the soldiers and again taken away in chains. John never forgets the power of words and always hopes for a better future. This picture book is inspired by the life of convict Isabella Rosson, the first teacher in the colony at Port Jackson, and John Hudson, the youngest First Fleet convict. Wilson’s artwork brings this amazing story to life.

1. Hope
2. Resilience