This complete Deadly Unna Novel Study Unit is a ready-to-teach resource for Phillip Gwynne’s classic Australian novel Deadly Unna. It includes a 36-page printable student booklet and a sample teacher’s unit plan, giving you everything you need to deliver a structured and engaging Aboriginal text study with no prep required.
Perfect for Years 7–10 (ages 11–15), this resource works well in Australian and New Zealand classrooms, literature circles, independent novel studies, homeschooling, or whole-class guided reading.
Why Teachers Love This Deadly Unna Novel Study
Print-and-go resource: Student booklet and teacher plan included
Culturally important text: Engages students in Aboriginal issues and identity
Flexible delivery: Works across 4–6 weeks, or adapt to suit your class needs
Exam-ready focus: Builds strong comprehension, analysis, and essay-writing skills
About the Novel
Deadly Unna is a powerful coming-of-age story set in a small South Australian town. It explores the unlikely friendship between Gary “Blacky” Black, a white teenager, and Dumby Red, an Aboriginal boy from the local community. Through themes of racism, identity, courage, and social justice, the novel challenges students to reflect on prejudice and what it means to stand up for what is right.
What’s Included in the Student Booklet?
Webquest task on Phillip Gwynne
Character file templates
Setting and context activities
Chapter comprehension questions with answers
Diary entry creative writing task
Themes and symbols pages
Language techniques page
Observing the text tasks
Big Ideas discussion prompts
Interview and presentation activity
Essay structure and planning pages
Sample teacher unit plan
What You Get
36-page student booklet for Deadly, Unna?
Teacher’s unit plan for easy delivery
This Deadly Unna Novel Study Unit is ideal for teaching Australian literature and Aboriginal perspectives while preparing students for text response essays and literary analysis. It also pairs seamlessly with my Text Response Essay Writing Unit for extended writing support.
Everything you need to teach Deadly Unna - ready to print, engaging, and impactful.
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Years 7-10
50 pages
6 weeks
