Author(s): Glyn Harper & Colin Richardson

Children's fiction

Best and Bravest is the children's version of In the Face of the Enemy, (publishing ANZAC 2006) a history of New Zealanders and the Victoria Cross. Including all the VC winners from the First and Second World Wars, authors Glyn Harper and Colin Richardson have told the stories of the courageous men who were awarded our highest military decoration. These include the well known (Charles Upham, Moana-nui a kiwa Ngarimu, Clive Hulme, Jimmy Ward and many others), as well as those less well-remembered. All three services are represented and stirring stories of wing walkers, daring raids, courageous advances against huge odds, and awe-inspiring courage under fire make it a fascinating and invaluable additional to our historical record for children. A simple introduction to each man is followed by an account of how he won his award, and what happened to him afterwards. Poignant and inspiring, the tales of self sacrifice courage and extraordinary deeds by otherwise ordinary men in the field of battle will provide excellent background material for history and language units.An excellent resource for motivating reluctant readers, especially boys, and well suited to classroom and individual reading.

First published July 2006.