Emma and her best friend, Noor, have spent countless afternoons surfing the waves at their local beach in Maroubra. But one afternoon, their sense of safety is shattered when they witness a disturbing verbal assault on a young Lebanese man in the beach carpark. The moment brings to the surface accounts of the Cronulla riots that erupted at a similar Sydney beach two decades ago, long before Emma was born.
Emma begins to notice a rising undercurrent of racial tension in the corridors of her school and in the community. The growing hostility becomes undeniable when Noor's father's shop is vandalised in a blatant act of hate.
Emma's parents announce she's been offered a place at the elite St Jude's Ladies College, which means moving schools and leaving Noor behind. Should Emma pursue safety and success, or stay and take a stand against the injustice that's beginning to define her world?
On the Outside is a compelling and thought-provoking story about friendship, identity and the quiet courage it takes to stand up for what's right, even when the world seems to be turning the other way.