Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop

Title:"Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop" ISBN:9781921042706 Author:Hazel Edwards Illustrator: Pat Reynolds Publisher;  New Frontier  & distributed via New South  *Included in 'Anzac Stories:Behind the Pages' travelling exhibition

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'What makes a hero?' makes this book especially relevant for young readers to discuss with their families who may remember 'Weary' personally.

'Weary' explores why this wartime surgeon  and rugby-player , is so well regarded. Melbourne born, farm boy 'Weary' was fascinated by medical science and sport. 'Weary' was his nickname. He was a very energetic man who took risks, but was compassionate.

In November 1939, after the outbreak of World War Two, Weary signed up for the Australian Army. In April 1942, Weary and his men became prisoners of war.

P.O.W.s (prisoners of war) regarded Weary's leadership against the Japanese prison guards  as heroic, because he saved lives through his medical skills but also by taking risks. Weary was stoic about his own health, but negotiated on behalf of his men, persuading the Japanese it was in their interests to have a healthier prisoner workforce to build the railway. On his childhood farm, Weary learnt to make-do, so he became an excellent  problem-solver, scrounging parts to build vital medical equipment in the prison camp or finding ways to build better latrines (toilets) to reduce infection. Later, he pioneered new types of surgery.

He didn't blame. After the war, Weary returned to the former war zones, to teach medicine.

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Reviews 

• abc_radio_krista_bell_reviewing_weary.doc 'written in child-friendly mode'.
• Weary' write up a ripping read - Herald Sun Weekender, March 26, 2011
• Buzz Words Review 'This series allows young children to access information.' 
• Kids Book Reviews  Anzac Day recommended reading
• Aussie Reviews.com  'A well rounded summary of a remarkable man.'
• KidsBookReview 'This is the essence of educational adventuring and it's addictive'  Jo Burnell
• The Book Chook: "Boys in particular will enjoy reading about Dunlop's sporting prowess.'
• New Frontier Publisher Blog  Relative Heroes and sharing an author's  poignant moment.
• Read Plus: child friendly
• My Little Bookcase  recommended junior history book list
• NSW Assoc for Gifted & Talented reminds readers that heroes were once children. A very readable account

Buy your own copy of "Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop"

Visit your local bookshop or online retailers have copies available - and you can purchase online:

New Frontier  Publisher New South

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The Aussie Heroes Series

The Aussie Heroes series aimed at readers 10+ introduces heroes who have contributed to Australian society. 

What Makes a Hero? Discussion Activity Use these points to discuss your hero.

Educational Resources for Teachers

• Hazel's other historical books include 'Antarctic Close Up' about the Mawson expedition.
• How To Write History for Kids, in Non Boring Ways 
• Writing about Weary for 8-13 year_olds. 
• From Hippos to Histories:  Blog Interview about the 'Weary' research process
• The Looking Glass: Writing Non Boring Junior History & Heroes activity. 

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Premier's Reading Challenge

Hazel's books are  listed as approved reading on Premiers' Reading Challenges throughout Australia:

• NSW Premier's Reading Challenge
• Victorian Premier's Reading Challenge
• South Australians Premier's Reading Challenge
• ACT Chief Minister's Reading Challenge

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The Weary Statue 

  

   The second sculpture is in the Benalla Gardens.

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