Fromelles: Australia's Bloodiest Day at War

by Carole Wilkinson

The Battle of Fromelles, a military operation during World War I, lasted less than 24 hours. When it was over, more than 5000 Australian soldiers were killed, wounded or taken prisoner. What was the point of this bloody loss of life? And why, almost a century later, did the attention of the world once again turn to Fromelles?

Fromelles is an accessible non-fiction book for young adult readers by award-winning Australian author Carole Wilkinson. Part of the history series The Drum, it was short-listed for the 2012 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Eve Pownall Award for Information Books. Carole is most well-known for the internationally bestselling Dragonkeeper series. She can be found online at www.carolewilkinson.com.au

“A fantastic introduction to one of Australia’s most devastating moments in history … For many readers, this is exactly the kind of book that will inspire a love of history for years to come.” Bookseller+Publisher

“An absorbing story … A great asset for schools, providing insight into Australia’s place in history. Its meticulous research is easy to read and it never gets dull.” Good Reading magazine

“Provides young readers with both the facts of the battle and a glimpse at the human face of the battle … Carole Wilkinson has a wonderful knack of making history come alive for young readers.” Aussie Reviews
“History told at its finest.” Buzz Words Books

Genres: World War I

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Carole was born in England in 1950. Her family moved to Australia when she was 12. She now lives in Melbourne, with her husband John.
Carole didn't start writing until she was nearly 40. Before that, she worked as a laboratory assistant, working with a lot of blood and brains. Once she’d decided to try and become a writer, she went to university. She wrote a lot while she was there including her first novel. She showed it to a friend who worked in publishing who asked if she could write a teenage novel. Her first published book was based on something her daughter, who was at high school at the time, was doing.


Carole says she has lots of ideas and so far she’s never had 'writers' block'. She might have got a late start, but she’s been trying to make up for lost time and has written more than 30 books, some short stories, a telemovie and some TV and planetarium scripts.

Reviews

[hi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick yet clear book introducing the devastating events of the Battle of Fromelles in World War 1. I especially liked the story alongside the facts, about an Australian soldier fighting in the war and was spared by a German soldier, as it shows that despite all the cruelties and warfare, people still held onto feelings of remorse and empathy, even for the opposing side. This book provides an insight into Australia's place in the war, and has inspired me to read more books on the roles of Australians in history.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it is a much better account than Patrick Lindsay's. It is a really good book for teenagers to gain access and insight into the battle of Fromelles and the Australian experience of the Western Front in World War I.