There is not a whole lot a young Murri can do or dream of in Happy Valley. The place of Njunjul’s childhood should really be called Real Sad Place. »You get out or you die,« he tells himself. So, he gets on a bus to Sydney to live with his Uncle Garth.
Once he gets there, Njunjul is full of hope and secretly dreams of becoming a basketball star. But the Big Smoke down south does not make things easy for him. Life in the city is bewildering. There are so many voices around him that for a while, he cannot hear his own thoughts. Only when he starts to listen to his inner voice does he discover his potential and the energy to move forward.

The Authors

Meme McDonald is a versatile Australian artist, an artistic director, and a writer. So far, she has published ten books, many of them are co-written with Boori Monty Pryor. In her work, she focuses on the dialogue and reconciliation between black and white Australians. In 2012, Meme McDonald received the renowned Ros Bower Award from the Australia Council Community Partnerships.

Boori Monty Pryor was born in Townsville, North Queensland. His mother’s people are the Kunggandji, and his father’s the Kukuimudji. Boori Monty Pryor is a writer and an educator. He has worked in many industries, including film and television, and he was a successful basketball player. Today, he tours the country as a performer and public speaker for students and adults. With his now legendary performances which always involve his didjeridoo and dance, he keeps the cultural heritage and the stories of the first Australians alive. Boory Monty Pryor has won numerous awards for his work. In 2012, he was named Australian Children’s Laureate.