Common Wealth

Common Wealth is a powerful book that discusses complex topics surrounding the colonisation of Australia and the systemic issues for First Nations people that stem from it.

Gregg Dreise touches on topics such as the lyrics of the Australian national anthem, design of the flag, the current date of ‘Australia Day’, disparities in the teaching of Indigenous history in Australian schools, and the overall abuse and neglect that the traditional Country receives.

The distinctive slam poetry style of the story lends a compelling and rythmic air to Dreise’s words, while the illustrations blend Australian iconography with modern Indigenous artistic techniques.

This is a thought-provoking story with a unique style, meant to provoke conversations about Australia’s history and present.

Due to the themes and concepts broached, it is not targeted at the usual picture book age group, but is instead a worthwhile read for older readers.

Indigenous man being hanged (p. 15). Indigenous men in chains (p. 16).