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The King’s Medal

From the award-winning author of Anzac Heroes, with stunning illustrations, comes an action-packed story of daring, bravery and loyalty. The King’s Medal is based on true recounts from Anzac soldiers, during a significant event in World War II.

‘Poppa, what’s that?’ asked Manu.
His grandfather opened etched hands to reveal a medal.
Manu leaned in. ‘Did you win it?’
‘Sort of. A king gave it to me.’
Manu’s mouth gaped. ‘Why did a king give you something so precious?’

So begins the true story of the Anzac soldiers saving the Greek King in World War II. The King and the Anzac soldiers must flee the Nazi paratroopers, climb steep mountains, avoid gunfire from Greek soldiers who think they are spies, and find the ship that will get them to safety.

It’s a perilous journey trekking from one side of the island to the other, trudging up a ravine, across the White Mountains, and through a narrow gorge. They must avoid the German paratroopers landing in their thousands on the island and renegade Crete mountaineers who shoot at them, mistaking them for Germans. Due to the kindness of the village people and the dedication of the Anzac soldiers they make it to the coast and send out SOS signals. But they don’t know if the ship is friend or foe.

Manu discovers a tale of bravery, teamwork and sacrifice and sees his grandfather in a new light.

Written by Maria Gill and illustrated by Alistair Hughes.

$24.99 incl. GST

1 in stock

Description

Maria Gill brings to life the humble NZ soldier who tells his grandson the story of how his platoon rescued the Greek King and his government from under the noses of the Germans in WWII.

Creative non-fiction

Reviews

NZ Booklovers ~ The illustrations by Alistair Hughes are full of detail and realistic, with lots of emotion. There are no actual photographs used, but Hughes brings the atmosphere, environment and emotion to life with his drawings in intricate detail. Whether it is a sky full of parachutes or two lonely soldiers rowing into an inky night, Hughes does a brilliant job of transporting the reader right into the action.

An education and important story, Gill has once again found another story of courage in our history that was in danger of being forgotten and retold it for the next generation.

Additional information

Weight100 g
Dimensions25 × 25 cm
First published

2021

Format

Paperback picture book

ISBN

9781990003349

Page count

32

Published by

Upstart Press

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