Clancy of the Outback – A Teacher’s View
Everyone knows the Clancy of the Outback books have been a revelation in schools. But the question I’m regularly asked is: Why?
An analysis of the Clancy of the Outback stories can reveal many of the answers educators seek when trying to understand the challenges around engaging younger students in reading.
“What can we do to get students interested in reading?”
It sounds like a simple question—but it assumes that students aren’t interested in reading.
Even when focusing on students with limited reading skills, the conversation is often clouded by stereotypes and conflicting generalisations.
When asked this question, I always respond with another:
“Are we talking about students who can read—but won’t? Or students who struggle to read and are therefore considered reluctant readers?”
Why the term 'reluctant readers' doesn’t sit right
Let me be clear: I don’t believe ‘reluctant’ is the right word.
Yes, some children struggle to read at the level of their peers—but using the word reluctant implies a choice.
In my experience, children don’t choose not to read. More often, they’ve been labelled by adults, and eventually, they take on that label themselves.
There are also many students with strong reading skills who simply refuse to read what their parents or teachers wantthem to.
They’ll read what interests them—surprise, surprise! Yet, they too often get labelled negatively.
Why the right book makes all the difference
In my work with children, I’ve seen it time and time again:
It’s not the reader—it’s the book.
When students reject a book—whether they’re strong readers or still learning—the labels that follow often do more harm than good.
The truth is:
Students love pictures, comics, and movies.
They respond to action-first stories over ones heavy with emotion.
They enjoy narratives where what the characters do matters more than what the characters feel or think—at least to begin with.
Why Clancy of the Outback works
That’s why I believe it’s essential to offer books that give students room to let their imaginations run wild—books where they can see themselves as the main character.
And that’s exactly what Clancy of the Outback does.
These stories allow students to take ownership of the character. They’re fast-paced, engaging, and grounded in an environment that’s rich in adventure—and uniquely Australian.
For students learning English, these books are even more powerful. They’re not just fun to read—they also offer a valuable introduction to life in the great Australian outback.
And that’s something every student should have the chance to experience.