A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
'Once a jolly swagman camped by a Billabong
Under the shade of a Coolibah tree
And he sang as he watched and waited till his Billy boiled
You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me...'
In 1894, twelve-year-old Matilda flees the city slums to find her unknown father and his farm. But drought grips the land, and the shearers are on strike. Her father has turned swaggie and he's wanted by the troopers. In front of his terrified daughter, he makes a stand against them, defiant to the last. 'You'll never catch me alive, said he...'
Set against a backdrop of bushfire, flood, war and jubilation, this is the story of one girl's journey towards independence. It is also the story of others who had no vote and very little but their dreams.
Drawing on the well-known poem by A.B. Paterson and from events rooted in actual history, this is the untold story behind Australia's early years as an emerging nation.
PRAISE
'Jackie French has a passion for history, and an enviable ability to weave the fascinating minutiae of everyday life into a good story.' -- Magpies Magazine
Frequently asked questions
Is A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes themes of conflict, such as Matilda's father being wanted by the troopers and making a stand against them, which suggests a level of violence or danger. However, the specifics of violence are not detailed in the search results. No genuinely frightening content in the book. The search results do not indicate any themes that would cause fear or distress for young readers.
Does A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) have violence?
The narrative includes themes of conflict, such as Matilda's father being wanted by the troopers and making a stand against them, which suggests a level of violence or danger. However, the specifics of violence are not detailed in the search results.
Does A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) have scary content?
No genuinely frightening content in the book. The search results do not indicate any themes that would cause fear or distress for young readers.
Does A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The search results mention a narrow definition of religious freedom but do not provide specific religious practices or beliefs present in the narrative.
Does A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) have racial/cultural content?
The book addresses issues of race, particularly in the context of the historical setting and the attitudes of the time regarding Aborigines. It critiques the limited perspectives on immigration and religious freedom, indicating a discussion of race relations.
Does A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) have profanity?
No profanity detected in the book. The search results focus on other works and do not provide evidence of profanity in 'A Waltz for Matilda'.
Does A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) have climate change?
The narrative includes themes related to drought and its impact on the land, reflecting on environmental issues. The book's setting during a time of drought suggests an awareness of climate-related challenges.
Does A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) have sexual identity?
No sexual content in the book. The search results do not indicate any themes or references related to sexuality.
Does A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) have gender roles?
The book features a strong female protagonist, Matilda, and discusses themes of women's suffrage and equality, indicating a feminist perspective. It contrasts Matilda's active role against traditional feminine roles, promoting gender equality.
Does A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1) have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters mentioned in the book. The search results focus on other works and do not provide evidence of LGBTQ+ content in 'A Waltz for Matilda'.
