ANZAC Sons: Five Brothers on the Western Front by Alison Marlow Paterson

Big Sky, 2015. ISBN: 9781925275148. 52pp., pbk.
In the years of 1914-1918 over 330,000 Australians served their country in a war far from their homeland, more than 60,000 of them died. Five of these Australians were brothers; three of them were destined to never return to the home they loved. The Great War brought enormous sorrow to families all over the world. In Australia there were few who escaped the fear, nor the tragedy.
This is the story of the Marlow brothers. This powerful children's book brings their story to life for future generations. It is a tragic tale of mateship, bravery and sacrifice; a heartbreaking account of a family torn apart by a devastating war. It is a pledge to never forget.
Based on the original title Anzac Sons; the Story of Five Brothers in the War to End All Wars, this important children's book compiled by the granddaughter of a surviving brother tells the true story of brothers' service, the impact on the family and community and weaves through the facts and history of the Great War and battles.
Combining beautiful prose and imagery including photographs, maps, letters and facts, the book will reach children of a variety of ages. Children,teachers and parents can read the letters her ancestors wrote from the trenches, walk in their footsteps and remember all those who have served throughout the generations to defend our freedom and our way of life. This and Dreaming Soldiers have been released as a special 2020 ANZAC Day book pack with a number of accompanying resources. Details are available here.
As we prepare to commemorate an ANZAC Day like no other in living memory, with services online and driveway commemorations, this is a book to be shared at this time so we can think about the sacrifices made by those who have gone before to keep us safe, and renew our commitment to what we have to do now to keep others safe. And if you can't get this one in time for this year, there are plenty of other suggestions here.
Barbara Braxton