''The Racketty Street Gang '' (1961) is a novel for children by Australian author

L. H. Evers Leonard Herbert Evers (25 May 1926-18 February 1985) was an Australian novelist and writer for children who was born in Brisbane, Queensland. After dropping out of high school at age fourteen, Len Evers joined the Australian Imperial Force duri ...

. It was joint winner of the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers in 1962.

Plot outline

The novel is set in an old Sydney harbour suburb and follows the exploits of a group of young buys who attempt to clear the name of the father of one of them from a war disgrace.

Critical reception

In a round-up of books of the time a reviewer in ''The Canberra Times'' in 1961 called the book "a remarkably good yarn". They went on to say: "The author obviously knows these parts well, and his perceptive comments give life and depth to this story...Boys and girls are almost bound to enjoy this story, which I hope finds its way into the list of books for consideration for the 1961 Book of the Year Award."

Television adaptation

The novel was adapted for Australian television over six episodes in 1961. The adaptation was written and directed by

Dorothea Brooking Dorothea Brooking (née Smith Wright; 7 December 1916 – 23 March 1999) was an English children's television producer and director. She also contributed to works for television, mainly early in her career, and in other capacities. Life and ...

and featured

John Abineri John Abineri (18 May 1928 – 29 June 2000) was an English actor. Born in London, he attended the Old Vic drama school and described himself as "Well educated from the age of five to eighteen". He spoke a number of languages (including Germ ...

in the role of Stephan Smertzer.IMDB - ''The Racketty Street Gang''
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References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Racketty Street Gang, The Australian children's novels 1961 Australian novels Novels set in Sydney CBCA Children's Book of the Year Award-winning works 1961 children's books Children's books set in Sydney

Plot outline

Critical reception

Television adaptation

See also

References