Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop
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Title:"Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop"
ISBN:9781921042706 Author:Hazel Edwards Illustrator: Pat Reynolds Publisher; New Frontier & distributed via Scholastic. *Included in 'Anzac Stories:Behind the Pages' travelling exhibition 2017-18 |
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The issue of 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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Buy your own copy of "Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop"
Visit your local bookshop or these online retailers have copies available - and you can purchase online:
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The Aussie Heroes Series
The Aussie Heroes series introduces junior readers to heroes who have made an important contribution to Australian society. Aimed at readers 10 plus



What Makes a Hero? Discussion Activity Use these points to discuss your hero.
Hazel's book will be included in a 2017-18 'Anzac Stories: Behind the Pages' touring exhibition
The Weary Statue
On the steps leading to the sculpture are the names of other doctors and medical staff who also cared for POWs.




Educational Resources for Teachers
- ANZAC Behind the Pages Exhibition touring 2017-8 'Weary' included.
- You can find more resources and classroom ideas for all of Hazel's Books by clicking through to the Teachers Resources Page.
- Check the Interviews with Hazel for background on writing recent books including 'Weary'.
- 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
- Discussion: What Makes a Hero?
- The Looking Glass: Writing Non Boring Junior History & Heroes activity.
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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Reviews and Feedback
Have you read 'Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop'? Why not send Hazel a comment? You can email Hazel, tweet Hazel or post a message on her Facebook Page.You could also write your own book review. Here are some of the comments online.
- 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.'
- Leader newspapers 'tale of a man of great courage'
- Need to Read This!: featured authors & books such as our 'Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop'.
- 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.
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Latest News
Stay connected with Hazel!
Events & Appearances 2018
1st Fri each month PROV 10-1pm Mentoring & Finishing Book-Length Non Fiction.
April 20th (Fri) Hazelnuts
April 27th Society of Women Writers
April 30th (Mon 10-1pm) Cranbourne East , 'Writing a Non Boring Family History'
May 9th 10.30- Brimbank Early Childhood Educators; Sunshine.
May 18th Ex PRO group.
May 22nd Sackville Grange, Kew 2-3 pm 'Celebrant Sleuth'
June 7th Adelaide: Early Childhood Educators' conference
July 20th Sisters in Crime: Small Town Crime Panel
August:History Month
August 4th 10-1pm Port Phillip Heritage Centre 'Writing a Non Boring Family History or Memoir' workshop
August 9th Thurs 10-1pm Mornington Library 'Writing a Non Boring Family History or Memoir'
September 1st Yarra Glen Workshop Authorpreneurship
October 11th Parkdale Library Writing workshop