Alfred’s War
Illustrator: Samantha Fry
Publisher: Magabala Books
Published: April 2018
Genre: Children's
As a young Indigenous man with a thirst for adventure, Alfred George enlisted to fight in the Great War. Wounded in battle, Alfred was shipped home from France and went on to live as a homeless, itinerant worker. Despite having fought for the freedom of others, he was not afforded those same freedoms on his return – not classed as a citizen in his own country and unable to march with his comrades on ANZAC Day. This poignant debut picture book highlights the lack of recognition afforded our Indigenous servicemen on their return. Text and muted illustration convey the trauma of war gently for young readers while opening up the well overdue conversation about why it has taken so long for the bravery and sacrifice of our Indigenous servicemen to be honoured.