Charlie's Swim
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 15 ratings, 1 reviews)Read More
Found a better price? Request a price match
Charlie's Swim
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Age range 9 to 12
During WWII, after the Japanese invasion of Java, more than 1,000 refugees from the Dutch East Indies, many in flying boats, passed through Broome, which was a major refuelling point and a significant Allied military base. On 3 March 1942, Broome was attacked by Japanese fighter planes, killing at least 88 civilians and Allied military personnel.
Charlie's Swim is based on the true story of the author's Uncle Charlie (Charles D'Antoine), who was working inside a flying boat when the attack began. In the midst of flying bullets, blazing fires and sharks, Charlie saw a woman and child desperately trying to keep afloat and, without hesitation, went to their rescue.
In 1944, Charlie was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Royal Humane Society of Australasia in recognition of his efforts, and he was awarded four medals for bravery from the Dutch government. It took a further 80 years for the Australian government and military to formally recognise this bravery.
One morning Charlie was working inside a seaplane. He suddenly heard planes flying overhead, and they seemed incredibly low. Charlie went outside. When he looked up he saw enemy planes swooping towards the bay.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781922613103
Publisher: Magabala Books
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 02 March 2022
Country: Australia
Imprint: Magabala Books
Illustration: Illustrations
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 250.0mm
Height: 250.0mm
Weight: 400g
Pages: 32
About the Author
Edith Wright (nee D'Antoine) is very proud of her Bardi descent. She was born in Broome in 1954 and grew up in Derby, Western Australia. She is married with two sons and seven grandchildren. In 2018 Edith retired from a diverse career in education, which included Teacher's Assistant, classroom teacher, Principal (at Wankatjunka Remote Community School) and District Aboriginal Education Manager. All her roles have focussed on addressing disadvantage and improving education outcomes for Aboriginal children and their families. Edith has published Full Circle, the story of her mother and maternal grandparents. Her energy has shifted from literacy to literature. She is excited by the growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, illustrators and creators dedicating their talent and time to truth telling the history of race relations between First Nations people and Australia.
Charmaine Ledden-Lewis is a Blue Mountains artist, and descendant of the Bundjalung people. Her matriarchal lineage is a living legacy of the Stolen Generations. She is a vocal advocate for those who have had their history and culture stolen from them. Raised in a loving family surrounded by art and music, Charmaine developed a passion from a young age, for all things creative. She provides the same environment for her two sons, taking pleasure in nurturing their creativity. Charmaine believes we are all artists. She was the 2019 winner of Magabala Books' Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award and illustrated Bruce Pascoe's children's picture book Found and Cathy Freeman's Born to Run.
More from Children's Books
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
