Burke & Wills
In 1860, an expedition led by Robert O’Hara Burke walked off the map and into unknown territory. Along the way, William John Wills was appointed second-in-command.
Their journey would not be easy. Death was a constant possibility from lack of food and water, hostile indigenous tribes and a landscape completely alien to their original homelands.
This is the story of what happened to Burke and Wills and the men who followed them.
Karen Tayleur’s account of the journey is a great way to introduce this story to primary students as it is not by any means a dry history text. Tayleur brings out the personality of the explorers and introduces of the lesser known men from the expedition… an engaging and timely exploration of these men and their quest for knowledge…
This book will rarely be seen in the library once students and staff become aware of it… An explicit contents page will make it easy for younger researchers to find what they are looking for, and this is supported with an excellent index and glossary… (I) was astonished and delighted… reading this book for younger readers. It is a must for every school library.