Over the past few weeks several new books have made their way onto the library shelves. Two books that I would like to highlight this week are
Loyal Creatures by Morris Gleitzman and
Light Horse Boy by Dianne Wolfer. Both books are historical fiction, based on the Australian Light Horse Regiment in World War 1.
Both books are based on history - set in a real war and inspired by real events in Australian and world history. Consequently, the tales in the books share many similarities. Both books tell the tale of young Australian boys, in one case a 17 year old and in the other a 15 year old boy, lying about their age to volunteer for World War 1. They both explain how going to war was seen as a great adventure, a way to see the world, even a way to get the girls! Those who stayed home rather than go to war were seen as cowards. However, neither characters have any idea of what is in store.
The characters in both books join the Light Horse Regiment and the stories describe their long journey from Australia to Egypt, the uncomfortable conditions for both the soldiers and their horses and the tragic events along the way. The events that unfold on the battlefields and the bravery of our soldiers is so well captured in each book. Naturally there are some extremely sad moments in each book, and it is almost impossible to read these books without shedding a tear. However, there are also many examples of bravery by our young soldiers in atrocious conditions and even some light hearted moments that bring a smile to your face.
Light Horse Boy is particularly fascinating as the story is not only told in the regular storytelling style, it is also told via letters and telegrams written between the main character Jim and his sister back home, Alice - some on postcards some on writing paper and others on torn pieces of scrap paper. There are real photographs providing realistic scenes of the experience of the war. To add even more visual interest are stunning charcoal sketches. As soon as I saw the book I knew I had to read it. It is also shortlisted this year in the CBCA Book of the Year awards.
For those of you who have read the "
Once" series by Morris (
Once, Then, Now and
After), set in Germany in WW2, you will certainly enjoy
Loyal Creatures. However, don't expect to get through the book without shedding a tear! (I cried with each of the books in the Once series! )
Jim is 15 and he volunteers to go to war with his horse Daisy. Of course he too lies about his age but has the support of his dad who volunteers with him. The reason they join the war is quite heart wrenching. They too travel by boat to Egypt - a journey far from pleasant. The bond between a boy and his horse is a main feature of the story (Think
War Horse) . In typical Gleitzman style,
Loyal Creatures is beautifully but simply written.
Morris hopes his story will inspire young readers to find out more about the Australian Light Horse and discover the wonderful stories of real troopers and real horses.
With the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli being commemorated next year many, many books are being published to help children understand the significance of this event in our history. These two books are suitable for our older students and are a great way for them to gain insight into Australia's contribution to World War 1. Although dealing with the topic of war, both books about our real Australian heroes and celebrate their bravery.
Light Horse Boy and
Loyal Creatures are a MUST read. They will also be enjoyed by adults too.
