‘That’s it.’ Yirra’s mum stands up. ‘Demon’s done something disastrous nearly every day for the past two weeks. This is the last straw. You are grounded, Yirra, and you are NOT going on the excursion to Bare Island.’ Yirra’s mum is so angry she says each word louder than the one before, so Yirra knows exactly how angry she is.
Yirra loves her dog, Demon, a Siberian husky. But Demon is always getting into trouble. He steals the neighbours’ underwear, makes a mess in the yard, and jumps on people. Now Mum has had enough of Demon’s naughtiness and is threatening to get rid of him. Yirra only has two weeks to train him, or he will be sent away.
Yirra and her deadly dog, Demon is a fun novel for primary aged readers. Set in the La Perouse community, the book is a collaboration between author Anita Heiss and the students of La Perouse Public School. As such the book gives an insight into contemporary urban indigenous life in Sydney. And, because of the collaboration, the book has an authentic viewpoint character. Kids from all over Australia will connect with Yirra as she plays with friends, goes to school, and worries about her dog.
An entertaining read, suitable for 9 to 12 year ld readers.
Yirra and her deadly dog, Demon, by Anita Heiss and the students of La Perouse Public School
ABC Books, 2007