Dead Dan's Dee

by Phyllis Johnston

'Dee thrilled every time she thought of herself as Dead Dan's Dee. She was proud to be the daughter of a brave soldier father who died fighting in the war'

After the Great War, Dee lives at the beach along with her mother and aunt. It's a paradise for Dee, with the sun, the sea and the sky, but little by little her seaside haven disintegrates. Her mother and aunt become very ill, leaving Dee abandoned...

However, soldier Joe has never forgotten his promise to his army mate, Dan Dee's dead father. He and Essie take Dee north into half-broken bush country. Roaming the countryside, doing farm work, and making friends, Dee is almost happy again, but shadows hang over her life in Mamaku, Joe and Essie can't afford high school for her, and all the kids seem to know something Dee doesn't - something about her soldier father Dan.

170 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Phyllis Aileen Johnston (nee Webby) was a children's writer with a particular interest in New Zealand history. She was involved in literary organisations for many years, serving as president of Bookrapt (the Bay of Plenty Children's Literature Association) for over two decades, and then as patron. Her stories have appeared in numerous editions of the School Journal and she taught children’s writing at Waikato University. In 1998, Phyllis received the Betty Gilderdale Award for oustanding services to New Zealand children's literature. In 1999, she was the Writer In Residence of the South Auckland Children's Literature Association, and was awarded a project grant from Creative New Zealand. Her book Dead Dan's Dee was nominated in the Junior Fiction section for the 2008 New Zealand Post Book Awards.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story and simple read. Portrays everyday life after WW1.

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book depicting the problem of court marshalled soldiers... and life after first WWI