It is 80 years since World War II ended, and many young Australians are not aware of that war’s effect on the people of this nation.
Edwards has used many facts in an entertaining and informative story to tell some of this history. It starts in 1941 Darwin when Ava, 12, and her childhood friend and neighbour, Kazuo, born of a Japanese father and Australian mother, bond over the pigeons kept in the loft at Essie’s home.
Essie’s older brother, Fred, joins the army; her father is already serving in the RAAF overseas; and she and her mother have to evacuate after the bombing of Darwin by Japanese aircraft in February 1942.
Fred takes Essie, Ava’s favourite pigeon, and some other birds to Townsville, where the Australian Corps of Signals Pigeon Service is based (and its pigeon lofts still stand); and Kazuo and his family are interned, along with many foreign-born residents of Australia.
After much travelling, Ava and her mother reach Lake Boga in Victoria, where her mother’s parents lived. There they live out the rest of the war, with Lake Boga becoming a secret RAAF base for Catalina flying boats.
She has letters from her father, and Fred, and even Kazuo, who is interned with his family near Tatura, also in Victoria. So, what is Ava to do when Kazuo escapes from the camp and comes to her for help?
Fred and the pigeons serve in New Guinea, with Essie covering herself with glory, but neither returns unscathed. On Gallant Wings is a great example of sharing important war history with young Australians.
Reviewed by Jennifer Somerville
Age Guide 10+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I grew up surrounded by books. I ‘published’ my first book at age six, for which I won the Children’s Book Week prize at school. Ever since, I have wanted to be an author. I worked for decades in mental health and have a PhD in Psychology. I write stories that reduce stereotypes, increase understanding of diversity, and feature Australian nature and history.
I believe all children should see themselves in books. I am a very experienced speaker and have spoken to a vast array of audiences across my different careers. I have a number of author talks and workshops prepared for schools, libraries and public audiences, but am flexible in approach and topics to suit curriculum and audiences.
I have been been awarded a number of grants to support my writing. I am a member of the CBCA SA committee, a Books in Homes Role Model, a SA Premiers’ Reading Challenge Ambassador and part of the Author Pen Pals programme.
I’m a HUGE nature lover and advocate for trying to protect and preserve our beautiful blue planet. All of my books feature nature in some way. I am an actual tree hugger (yes, you will find me standing with me arms around trees and my cheek up against them), adore all creatures great and small, and thrive best when I can see, smell, hear and touch nature.
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