Written by Dianne Wolfer
Cover illustration by Briony Stewart
Published by Fremantle Press
March 2025
Listen to Dianne read the first two chapters on YKNR.
Read a Good Reading interview, an Alphabet Soup interview, Better Reading 3 Reasons to Read, and a Bottom Shelf review.
Photo slideshow.
Buy:
Your Local Indie Store Fremantle Press | Booktopia | Readings | Wheeler Books
About
Imagine flying solo, crisscrossing the north-west of Australia in your own plane, and single-handedly delivering life-saving vaccines to remote communities.
Robin Miller did this at a time when most people didn’t think women should be pilots at all. Her arrival seemed like magic to the outback children who received their polio vaccine on sugar cubes. Before long, Robin became known as the Sugarbird Lady. And this was just the start of her extraordinary real-life adventures!
Reviews
Wolfer’s impressive research is evident in the book, with rich insights and historical details that paint a vivid picture of the time. The book highlights the aircraft of the era, describes the remote communities, and portrays the sexism faced by Miller in what was, at the time, an unusual line of work. In addition to the engaging story, there are maps, lists, and quotes from Miller sprinkled throughout, offering curious readers aged 8+ a chance to discover fascinating facts and anecdotes. Karys McEwen, Books + Publishing
I loved this simple biography with heart and wings!- Carolyn Hull Read Plus
Dianne Wolfer’s latest book about gutsy pioneering nurse and pilot Robin Miller offers such an inspiring, interesting and delightful read … Throughout this book there are wonderful descriptions of what WA’s northern regions look like from the air. Towering termite mounds, vast coastlines and the changes in the landscape’s colours and vegetation are all things the author notes along the way. The author also beautifully conveys the sensation of flying a light aircraft and there are moments where you really do feel you are in the cockpit … I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone interested in aviation, history and inspiring Australian women. – Serena Kirby, Australian Rural & Regional News
The book takes you to the wild, beautiful outback of Australia, where Robin has to navigate deserts, storms and even crocodiles! It’s a place so different from anywhere you’ve been, and you’ll love exploring it through Robin’s eyes. Better Reading
Fremantle Press has hit the ball out of the park with this book.
－ Heather Cooper, Westbooks
Dianne Wolfer 