Linda and Marly Wells on Desert Tracks

This episode includes a discussion of Desert Tracks, a time travelling novel about young people in central Australia, the historical legacy of racist policies and the relationship between history and the present.

Also discussed are:

• Using time travel as a genre to connect past and present, allowing for a powerful entry point for exploring history;
• Working as a writing team, blending different backgrounds and voices to create authentic characters and perspectives;
• Depicting colonial violence in ways that remain age-appropriate while still respecting readers’ intelligence and lived realities;
• Why including Aboriginal English terms in literature can offer opportunities for students to appreciate linguistic diversity, explore local language revitalisation projects, and understand cultural exchange;
• Storytelling as a vehicle for truth-telling and reconciliation;
• Offering advice for teachers on using Desert Tracks as a springboard for meaningful conversations around racism, history, and First Nations stories, while drawing on endorsed teaching resources to create safe and respectful learning environments.