Scott Prince kicks goals for young readers

An exciting new children’s book co-authored by rugby league star Scott Prince and Queensland school teacher Dave Hartley will soon hit book shops around the country.

Arts Minister Ian Walker officially launched the book, Deadly D and Justice Jones: Making the Team, before an audience of football and book fans at the Broncos Leagues Club this morning.

“Deadly D and Justice Jones: Making the Team is told through the eyes of 11-year-old Dylan who moves from Mount Isa to Brisbane,” Mr Walker said.

“As Dylan finds his feet in a new school he teams up with Justice who helps Dylan manage his secret super power, which propels him to footy stardom with his idols, the Brisbane Broncos.”

Developed through the State Library of Queensland’s black&write! Indigenous Writing Fellowship competition, and published by Indigenous publishing house Magabala Books, this engaging tale is the first of a planned series by retired Bronco and Culture Champion Mr Prince and Mr Hartley who, in 2009, was named Gold Coast Teacher of the Year.

Mr Walker said the Newman Government was proud to support a book targeted at young male readers.

“Scott Prince and Dave Hartley are outstanding role models; both have already achieved great success in their respective professions and have harnessed their talents to engage with this younger audience and create a new children’s classic which I hope will be the first of many,” he said.

Mr Prince said Deadly D and Justice Jones: Making the Team aimed to inspire young readers.

“I hope that Indigenous kids will be inspired by Dylan – he’s a strong, proud Indigenous character. From the feedback we’ve had so far, it seems that all kids are inspired by Dylan,” Mr Prince said.

Co-author Mr Hartley said the book would encourage reluctant readers who are sports lovers.

“Rugby league is the greatest game ever – so why shouldn’t it help with kids’ education!” Mr Hartley said.

Deadly D and Justice Jones: Making the Team is available at selected bookstores.

Entries for State Library of Queensland’s 2014 black&write! Indigenous Writing Fellowship competition open 1 November 2013. Visit slq.qld.gov.au for more details.

[ENDS] 26 October 2013

Media Contact: Casie Scott 0432 453 225