Plus get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Table of Contents
About The Book
Shortlisted for the 2022 Prime Minister's Literary Award.
‘There are many Australian stories, and mine is just one about what happened to me and other First Peoples of this country. It’s important for me to tell my story – because it’s not just part of my healing but of this country’s as well. We all have a story and as you read this book I would like you to think of your own story, what that means and who is also a part of your story.’
In his inspirational, highly acclaimed memoir – and including reflections from First Nations Elders and young people – Archie Roach tells the story of his life and his music. Only two when he was forcibly removed from his family, and brought up by a series of foster parents until his early teens, Archie’s world imploded when he received a letter that spoke of a life he had no memory of. It took him almost a lifetime to find out who he really was.
Tell Me Why is an unforgettable story of resilience, strength of spirit and hope.
‘There are many Australian stories, and mine is just one about what happened to me and other First Peoples of this country. It’s important for me to tell my story – because it’s not just part of my healing but of this country’s as well. We all have a story and as you read this book I would like you to think of your own story, what that means and who is also a part of your story.’
In his inspirational, highly acclaimed memoir – and including reflections from First Nations Elders and young people – Archie Roach tells the story of his life and his music. Only two when he was forcibly removed from his family, and brought up by a series of foster parents until his early teens, Archie’s world imploded when he received a letter that spoke of a life he had no memory of. It took him almost a lifetime to find out who he really was.
Tell Me Why is an unforgettable story of resilience, strength of spirit and hope.
About The Author
Photograph © Adrian Cook Photography
Archie Roach AO, a Gunditjmara and Bundjalung man, was born in Victoria in 1956. Taken at the age of two from parents he never saw again, he was placed into foster care. He started writing songs after meeting his soulmate Ruby Hunter when they were both homeless teenagers. His heartbreaking signature song, ‘Took the Children Away’, from his 1990 ARIA award-winning debut album Charcoal Lane, has become an anthem for the Stolen Generations. The song was the first to win an Australian Human Rights Award and the album was featured in US Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 50 in 1992, won two ARIA awards and went gold in Australia. Archie’s recording history includes twelve albums, soundtracks, film and theatrical scores and his books include the award-winning memoir Tell Me Why, accompanied by a companion album, and the picture book Took the Children Away, illustrated by Ruby Hunter.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia (March 3, 2021)
- Length: 400 pages
- ISBN13: 9781760858872
- Ages: 12 - 16
Browse Related Books
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Tell Me Why for Young Adults eBook 9781760858872
- Author Photo (jpg): Archie Roach Photograph © Adrian Cook Photography(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
