''The Family Conspiracy'' (1962) is a novel for children by Australian author Joan Phipson; it was illustrated by Margaret Horder. It won the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers in 1963.

Story outline

The Barker family run a sheep farm in the Central West of New South Wales. When Mrs Barker is diagnosed with a medical condition that requires hospitalisation the family children create a "conspiracy" to raise the money required for her treatment.

Critical reception

Writing in ''The Canberra Times'' a reviewer was impressed by the characterisation of the children: "These are no juvenile prodigies, outsmarting adults at every turn; they are very real people, combining childish strength and faults, and their actions are entirely credible. There is a great deal more that could be said in praise of this book; of its unassuming but faithful picture of the Australian country, and of the people who help give it character; of its patches of breathless adventure; and of the competent way in which characters and plot are welded together.""Two Fine Books for Young People", ''The Canberra Times'', 1 December 1962, p18
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Awards

* 1963 - winner Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Family Conspiracy, The Australian children's books 1962 Australian novels Novels set in New South Wales CBCA Children's Book of the Year Award-winning works 1962 children's books Angus & Robertson books Children's books set in New South Wales

Story outline

Critical reception

Awards

See also

References