1917

Australia's Great War

by Kelly Gardiner

'The German planes patrolled in hunting squads. They flew fast fighting craft streaking across the sky in tight formation. The greatest of them was the Red Baron, the deadliest ace on the Front. He'd shot down twenty-one of our planes in a single month. And now were were in his firing line. '
The war in France rages in the skies, and support for the war in Australia turns cold. Alex flies high above the trenches of the Western Front, while a world away his sister Maggie finds herself in the midst of political upheaval. Somehow, both must find the courage to fight on.

For readers 9 and over.

'A moving, evocative story of what it takes to be a hero, on the battle field and on the home front: courage, compassion and the will to make a difference. A fitting tribute to the Australian women and men who put their lives on the line for what they believed to be right and true, whether that be war or peace. Kelly Gardiner skillfully traverses the no man’s land between freedom and captivity; instinct and intellect; dumb luck and blind faith; devotion and duty.'
– Dr Clare Wright, Winner of the 2014 Stella Prize for The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Kelly Gardiner's new book is Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Detective (HarperCollins), co-written with Sharmini Kumar. Her most recent novels for young readers include a time slip adventure trilogy called 'The Firewatcher Chronicles': 'Brimstone', 'Phoenix', and 'Vigil'; and '1917: Australia's Great War', set in Flanders and in Melbourne during the First World War (all published by Scholastic).
Her novel 'Goddess' (HarperCollins) was based on the life of the remarkable Julie d'Aubigny, also known as Mademoiselle de Maupin - a 17th century opera singer and swordswoman.
Kelly's other books include the acclaimed young adult novels 'The Sultan's Eyes' and 'Act of Faith' (HarperCollins); and for younger readers, 'Billabong Bill's Bushfire Christmas' (Random House), and the ‘Swashbuckler!’ trilogy (HarperCollins): 'Ocean Without End', 'The Pirate's Revenge' and 'The Silver Swan'.
Kelly taught creative writing at La Trobe University for many years and now runs writing retreats and masterclasses. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, and on Waiheke Island, New Zealand.

Reviews

[Tehcup · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favourite in the series

[Michelle Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting story for young teens which focuses on the war from the perspective of two siblings brought up in a pacifist household. Alex is a mechanic who ends up an air force pilot. He joins up against the wishes of his family because of his love of machines, not expecting to be actively involved in the war. Gardiner captures the bravado and naivety of the young Australian men who enlisted. Left at home, Maggie finishes school and gets involved in the Women's Peace Army and ends up working on farms doing men's work. On the home front the family are active in the conscription debate and leading figures of the time make appearances. Spoiler alert - significant characters are lost in the war.

[annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, I've missed these kinds of books. The easy read, but amazingly written, historical fiction for teens (but could be read by late primary school age as well, if you're wondering).

I thoroughly enjoyed the dual perspective in this novel. It was so interesting to learn about a pilot in the first world war, and how the character of Alex came to become one. I also really enjoyed Mags' life, as it really showed life for Melbournians in WWI, particularly girls who were determined.

[Amandajane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children's novel.

This is a fantastic book I read to my 8 and 10yo children. It follows a brother and sister in 1917. He is training to be a pilot in England and then sent to fight in Europe. She is left at home with her own battles to fight. We all loved this story.

[BibleBoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story of a brother at war and a sister at home -both fighting for something. can they keep up the courage to see this war through?


I did not like the ending, it seems to make out that he died.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read which works in true events into a fictional story. The mix between being at home (Australia) for 15 year old Maggie and being overseas fighting for Alex (training in England, then onto France) worked well.

[Wendy Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly paced. Moving and insightful.

[Jane Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was fine, it is just that the main character dies at the end.

[Patricia Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these books in the series for their Australian angle on aspects of World War One. The duality of Alex at war and his sister back home is very well done.

[St Stephen's C C]

The German planes patrolled in hunting squads.
They flew fast fighting craft, streaking across the sky in tight formation.
The greatest of them was the Red Baron, the deadliest ace on the Front.
He’d shot down twenty-one of our planes in a single month. And now we were in his firing line.
The war in France rages in the skies, and support for the war in Australia turns cold.
Alex flies high above the trenches of the Western Front, while a world away his sister Maggie finds herself in the midst of political upheaval. Somehow, both must find the courage to fight on.

[Lucas Petersen]

Terrible ending but a great book other than that.