''Hooky the Cripple'' is a 2002

novel A novel is a relatively long work of narrative fiction, typically written in prose and published as a book. The present English word for a long work of prose fiction derives from the for "new", "news", or "short story of something new", itsel ...

written by Mark Brandon 'Chopper' Read, illustrated by

Adam Cullen Adam Frederick Cullen (9 October 1965 – 28 July 2012) was an Australian artist, most known for winning the Archibald Prize in 2000 with a portrait of actor David Wenham. He was also known for his controversial subjects and his distincti ...

, and published by

Pluto Press Pluto Press is a British independent book publisher based in London, founded in 1969. Originally, it was the publishing arm of the International Socialists (today known as the Socialist Workers Party), until it changed hands and was replaced ...

. It was formatted as a book for young readers, but by some authorities was considered as containing too much violence for being suitable for children.

Controversy

The book received rather mixed response. While the Queensland government body AccessEd recommended it for secondary schools, a school in Victoria banned it, and likewise the president of the

Australian Families Association Australian(s) may refer to: Australia * Australia, a country * Australians, citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia ** European Australians ** Anglo-Celtic Australians, Australians descended principally from British colonists ** Aboriginal Aus ...

in Queensland wanted it banned from schools. Read responded, saying "Ban it, just go out and ban it, I am gonna make a fortune if they ban it," believing the publicity from a ban would increase the book's sales.

References

External links

*''Sunday Sunrise'' transcript, interview with Read and Cullen. 2002 Australian novels Australian crime novels Historical novels Pluto Press books {{2000s-hist-novel-stub