Best Mates is a story about three school friends who go to war together. One is killed and buried at Gallipoli, the other two survive and remain friends, then go back to Gallipoli many years later to visit their friend’s grave.
I’m liking
Philippa Weary states that she tried to present the reality of the war without glorifying it, yet still honouring those who served. I think this book gets that balance perfect. The boys are innocent and excited when they go off, but confronted with the realities of war, they change. Werry still manages to keep the horrors of war appropriate for a pre teen audience. The illustrations by Bob Kerr are stunning.
The conclusion
This book would be a great one for 10-12 year olds. It would create interest amongst a year 6-8 class, so I think teachers would enjoy it.
