Charlie's Swim
Charlie's Swim
Charlie's Swim is a powerful true story about courage and bravery during World War II, written by Bardi woman Edith Wright and illustrated by Bundjalung artist Charmaine Ledden-Lewis.
The story follows Edith's uncle, Charlie D'Antoine, a young Aboriginal man living and working in Broome, Western Australia, during the Second World War.
On 3 March 1942, Japanese fighter planes attacked Broome. Charlie was working inside a flying boat when the attack began. Amid the chaos of bombs, bullets, burning aircraft and sharks in the water, Charlie saw a woman and child struggling to stay afloat.
Without hesitation, Charlie entered the dangerous waters to rescue them.
Charlie's Swim tells this remarkable true story while also providing young readers with an important insight into the Japanese bombing of Broome and the experiences and contributions of Aboriginal people during wartime Australia.
Charlie was recognised for his bravery in 1944 with a Certificate of Merit from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia and four medals from the Dutch government. It was many decades later that his bravery received formal recognition from the Australian government and military.
The story provides an accessible introduction to Australian war history, Aboriginal history, courage, selflessness and remembrance.Charlie's Swim is a powerful true story about courage and bravery during World War II, written by Bardi woman Edith Wright and illustrated by Bundjalung artist Charmaine Ledden-Lewis.
The story follows Edith's uncle, Charlie D'Antoine, a young Aboriginal man living and working in Broome, Western Australia, during the Second World War.
On 3 March 1942, Japanese fighter planes attacked Broome. Charlie was working inside a flying boat when the attack began. Amid the chaos of bombs, bullets, burning aircraft and sharks in the water, Charlie saw a woman and child struggling to stay afloat.
Without hesitation, Charlie entered the dangerous waters to rescue them.
Charlie's Swim tells this remarkable true story while also providing young readers with an important insight into the Japanese bombing of Broome and the experiences and contributions of Aboriginal people during wartime Australia.
Charlie was recognised for his bravery in 1944 with a Certificate of Merit from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia and four medals from the Dutch government. It was many decades later that his bravery received formal recognition from the Australian government and military.
The story provides an accessible introduction to Australian war history, Aboriginal history, courage, selflessness and remembrance.
Why You'll Love It
Based on a true story: Discover the remarkable bravery of Charlie D'Antoine during the bombing of Broome.
First Nations perspective: Introduces children to an Aboriginal perspective of Australia's World War II history.
A story of courage: Explores bravery, kindness and helping others in a moment of danger.
Great for history learning: Provides a memorable introduction to the 1942 bombing of Broome.
Award-recognised: Named a 2023 CBCA Eve Pownall Award Notable Book.
Book Details
Title: Charlie's Swim
Author: Edith Wright
Illustrator: Charmaine Ledden-Lewis
Author's heritage: Bardi
Illustrator's heritage: Bundjalung
Publisher: Magabala Books
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781922613103
Published: 2022
Age: Approximately 9–12 years
Genre: Historical / Non-fiction Children's Picture Book
Themes: World War II, Aboriginal history, bravery, courage, Broome, community and Australian war history
Charlie's Swim is a meaningful choice for families, educators and libraries looking for Aboriginal children's books about Australian history, World War II, Indigenous servicemen and courage.