Thanks for your hanging in there while I took a little break. I got four readers drafted for the American publisher – let’s see how much editing will ensue! And I’ve picked up three new commissions for teaching notes in the space of two days (!!): one direct from one of our leading authors, and (a first) one from one of the biggest publishers, for another leading (really legendary!) kids’ author, plus another from a lovely publisher I’ve done work for previously. Lucky me! So stay posted for more on that as time goes by. I’ll still be busy but I’m feeling energised after the break – which also included The Kid and I marking her late mother’s birthday in meaningful ways.
2025 marks 80 years since the end of WWII – often referred to as the war to end all wars, just like World War I before it. Except it didn’t. Conflicts greater and lesser have continued to rage around the world despite all the grievous losses of these two major cataclysmic events. Our kiddos know this as well as anyone else and some of them will be fully aware of the terrible events happening right now as thousands – no, millions – perish because of the actions of reprehensible leaders.
There has always been a ready audience for historical fiction about war, certainly in my libraries both primary and secondary. At a lunch in the last few months with a bunch of delightful creator buddies, someone asked ‘why so many war books? And I replied because there is a certain sector of kid readership who devour these.
I went on to say that I don’t believe that this is because they are ghoulish or relish the violence. I think what they look for, and become inspired by is the resilience of the human spirit, the triumph of good over evil and the courage, fortitude and selflessness displayed by so many. So, as Australia prepares for the anniverary acknowledgement of the end of the war in the Pacific, which was of real and present danger to us, on 15th August I have a week of reviews of some amazing new books, mostly middle grade/lower secondary on WWII, for you to add to your collection and book lists.
Find resources and information at the Virtual Australian War Memorial site:
AWM Children’s books list and search this blog on terms such as: WWII, World War II, War
Brisbane celebrates Victory in the Pacific (some great photos here)
80th anniversary of Victory in Europe
Just So Stories 
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