‘Australia Remembers truly stands out like one of the tallest poppies in its field.’ — Romi Sharp, Just Kids Lit
In 1915, thousands of young Australians and New Zealanders sailed to the rocky shores of Gallipoli in southern Turkey. They faced harsh conditions, fierce battles, and unimaginable challenges that would test their courage, strength, and mateship. For many, Gallipoli became the place where the Anzac spirit was born — a defining moment in the history of two young nations.
This engaging, full-colour book by one of Australia’s leading military historians takes readers from training camps and long sea voyages to the landing itself, exploring how the battles were fought, the men and nurses who served, and the reasons behind the campaign. Packed with Fast Facts, Did You Know? sections, myth-busting, and photographs, it brings history to life for young readers.
Gallipoli – Dawn of the Anzac Spirit is an ideal introduction for children to understand the bravery, sacrifice, and legacy of Gallipoli, and why 25 April is considered one of the most important days in Australia and New Zealand.
Another compelling title in the award-winning Australia Remembers series.
About the Series
Australia Remembers offers a fresh, child-friendly approach to Australian history — blending eyewitness accounts, diary entries, photographs, and simple explanations to bring the past to life. These full-colour books go beyond ‘dry old facts’, showing what events — and the people who lived them — were really like.
Created by an educator for readers aged 6–12, the series sparks curiosity and conversation across generations. With imagery from the Department of Defence and the Australian War Memorial, and written by respected historians and lived-experience authors, Australia Remembers is authentic, accurate, and deeply engaging.
Neville Taylor –
This series goes from strength to strength!
Simply set out with key facts and definitions highlighted in each very brief chapter, there are open-ended questions: ‘How would you feel . . . ‘ and ‘Why do you think . . .’ that instantly involves and provokes the young reader. The Gallipoli story proceeds slowly – from Empire, Federation, enlistment and training before embarkation to unknown places – the message is that combatants are not people who instantly appear in combat zones.
The landing, daily life on Gallipoli, the battles fought and their consequences, and the evacuation from the Peninsula are all given adequate coverage. The destinies of the Original Anzacs, recognition of the campaign and its legacy of the campaign precedes a chapter devoted to the dispelling six Anzac myths – the myth and the actual facts are clearly explained.
Two pages – a suggested activity, and useful ‘prompts’ in the form of artwork – have been set aside for six reader activities. This is a generous addition to the series for young pupils, with their teachers or parents, to become involved in as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day approach annually.