The Masked Man: Tommy Bell Bushranger

The Masked Man: Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy Number 8 by Jane Smith (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $12.50 ISBN 9781922265425 

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Tommy and Martin have secret special items give them the power to time travel. Going on a business trip with Tommy’s father to country Victoria gives the boys an opportunity to visit a gold rush town. Tommy can’t wait to experience the past so places his special hat on he finds himself witnessing a bank robbery. His friend Martin joins him the next day by slipping on the time travel boots. They arrive in a slightly later time period finding that the young bank manager Tommy freed is now charged with being an accomplice.

Tommy the only witness to the robbery makes a heroic plunge down a well to reveal the weapon used by the bushranger and clear the innocent young man accused.

This book number eight in these entertaining Australian chapter book series bring alive a small snapshot of history in a readable format with illustrations complementing the theme. The adventures are short and include relevant information without burdening the story. Great for all young readers of chapter books age range 7-10 years.