Although ANZAC Day, perhaps the most sacred day on Australian and New Zealand calendars, has passed for another year, the turnout at services and parades to honour those who have served continues to grow, particularly with young people. Over 35 000 braved the Canberra cold on April 25, 2026 and even during the lockdown days of COVID, when association with others was banned, people found a way as they stood in driveways around the nations.
Every year they find a way to honour their great-great-grandfather, a Gallipoli survivor,
their great-grandfathers, both World War II survivors,
and a host of other family members who have served in both the New Zealand and Australian armies over the generations.
While most would know the origins of the day, and there are many books - fiction and non fiction - that provide information to help them better understand and appreciate the events of April 25, 1915, this new addition to the Australia Remembers series explains the background to the background with chapters that begin with what the war itself was all about; signing up and Australia's pact with Britain - still regarded then as the "Mother Country"; the plans to take Gallipoli and the disaster it became; and conditions that the soldiers faced and endured; as well as its legacy on our military history. It debunks the myth that the men signed up for the glory - many had no choice - and that rather than a chance for adventure. derring-do and being a hero, it was a time of "fear, exhaustion and harsh conditions" and the goal was to survive, and help their mates to do so so they could all get home to family and friends.
Despite being subtitled "The Dawn of the ANZAC spirit" - and I refuse to spell ANZAC in lower case in honour of the men like my grandfather who helped put the NZ in ANZAC - this is viewed predominantly through an Australian lens with the campaign and conditions brought to life with easily accessible text and a plethora of maps, photographs, and diagrams. Fast facts, words to remember and 'did you know?' lists add extra information while a number of breakouts encourage readers to think about the situation, rather than skimming over the facts, such as "Imagine stepping off a small boat into the water, carrying a heavy pack, while enemy fire rained down from the cliffs. What would give you the courage to keep going? Why do you think teamwork was important on the first day?" It closes with a number of full-page activities that readers might like to complete so they can contribute to keeping the ANZAC spirit alive. Others might like to learn more by reading some of the books collated at Remembering Gallipoli. (You can get a peek inside here.)
Even though the events that are the focus of this book took place over 110 years ago, there is still much to learn about and from them, not the least of which is the contrast between the face-to-face nature of the fighting then and the courage and sense of duty it required and the push-a-button, launch-a-drone conflict currently raging, while the quest for power and domination mentality still persists. This series is one that provides an excellent insight into those previous hostilities so students can begin to reflect on what it took for them to enjoy what they have now.
64 pages 9781923514324 Ages
Recommended by: Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian, New South Wales AUSTRALIA
See more of her reviews:
500 Hats http://500hats.edublogs.org/
The Bottom Shelf http://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/
*****
‘Australia Remembers truly stands out like one of the tallest poppies in its field.’ ― Romi Sharp, Just Kids Lit
In 1915, Australians and New Zealanders fought in one of the most famous and defining campaigns of World War I ― Gallipoli. On the rocky shores and steep ridges of the Gallipoli peninsula in southern Turkey, thousands of young men faced extreme conditions, fierce combat, and unimaginable loss. For many, Gallipoli became the moment when Australia and New Zealand “came of age,” forging their national identities in courage, sacrifice, and mateship.
Why was Gallipoli chosen for attack? Who were the men who volunteered to go, and what motivated them? This accessible and visually rich nonfiction book takes young readers from recruitment and training camps in Australia, to the long sea voyage to Egypt, and finally to the dramatic landing at Gallipoli.
Packed with Fast Facts and Did You Know? sections, it reveals fascinating details: from the animal mascots, such as kangaroos and koalas, brought along for comfort, to the quick-firing Lee Enfield .303 rifle capable of 20 aimed shots per minute. The book also explores common myths, the strategic challenges of the campaign, and why the Anzacs eventually withdrew. Readers will discover why 25 April became one of the most important days of national commemoration, and how the Anzac spirit continues to inspire Australians and New Zealanders today.
Written in clear, engaging language by one of Australia’s leading military historians, Gallipoli – Dawn of the Anzac Spirit is the perfect introduction for children aged 6–12 to understand not only the Gallipoli campaign, but also why it remains central to our national story. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.---from the publisher
