Alfred’s War
Alfred’s War
Alfred's War is a powerful Aboriginal children's picture book by Rachel Bin Salleh, with beautiful illustrations by Samantha Fry (now Samantha Campbell).
Set against the backdrop of World War I, the story follows Alfred, a young Indigenous serviceman who is injured and returns home from France. Despite his service and sacrifice, Alfred does not receive the recognition or support given to non-Indigenous returned servicemen.
Back in Australia, Alfred lives a solitary life, travelling the back roads with his billy and swag and finding work wherever he can. Yet he never forgets the mates he served alongside in the trenches.
Every ANZAC Day, Alfred walks to the nearest town and quietly stands behind the gathered crowd to remember his fallen friends.
Through Alfred's story, young readers are introduced to an important and often overlooked part of Australian history: the contribution and experiences of Indigenous servicemen during World War I and the discrimination they faced after returning home.
Alfred's War provides an accessible starting point for conversations about ANZAC Day, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, Australian war history, identity, belonging, memory and the experiences of Indigenous veterans.
Why You'll Love It
Shares an important Australian story: Introduces children to the contribution of Indigenous servicemen during World War I.
Supports ANZAC Day learning: Provides a meaningful way to explore remembrance, mateship and the experiences of returned servicemen.
First Nations perspective: Brings an Indigenous perspective to Australian wartime history.
Great for classrooms: Supports learning about history, identity, citizenship, discrimination and remembrance.
Beautifully illustrated: Samantha Fry's watercolour illustrations complement the story with a gentle and atmospheric style.
Book Details
Title: Alfred's War
Author: Rachel Bin Salleh
Illustrator: Samantha Fry
Publisher: Magabala Books
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781925360608
Published: 2 April 2018
Age: Suitable for primary-aged readers
Genre: Children's Historical Picture Book
Themes: World War I, ANZAC Day, Indigenous servicemen, Aboriginal history, identity, belonging, memory and war
Alfred's War is a meaningful choice for families, schools and libraries looking for Aboriginal children's books about Australian history, Indigenous servicemen, World War I and ANZAC Day.