This entire series is a wonderful way to learn history or teach it to adolescents. I find today's generations seem to recall more when they learn through other people (pop songs, celebrity gossip, etc.), so what better way to teach history than through someone else's perspective? Yes, "authentic" diaries would be "better", but would the language really hold the modern student's attention? Did the diary writer know what WOULD be important in the context of history? Probably not.

David Bellamy lives in the newly formed colony of New South Wales. There is great unrest because of the high taxes and cost of food and David fears that a rebellion is just around the corner. One night soldiers storm the Governor’s house and take over. David is there watching it all from his hiding place in the garden… ( )