Tell the Anzac story in your library with activity ideas, non-fiction resources and Britannica’s recommended book list for kids and teens.
For many Australians and New Zealanders, Anzac Day is an important day for remembrance. Observed on April 25 each year, it is a special day to honour those who had served in wars for their country.
The first Anzac Day was commemorated on April 25, 1916, one year after troops from Australia and New Zealand landed at the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now Turkey during World War I. ANZAC is an acronym for “Australian and New Zealand Army Corps” and was initially used to refer to only those soldiers who fought at Gallipoli. Later, the term came to mean any Australian or New Zealander who served in World War I.
Anzac Day Resources
These resource packs include handpicked articles, media and primary sources from Britannica Library that shed light on the history and spirit of the ANZACs. They include texts and multimedia appropriate for kids and teens.
“The Anzac Spirit” Resource pack for Australian Libraries ↗
“Conscription” Resource resource pack for Australian Libraries ↗
Librarian Tip:
Libraries in New Zealand can also access these resource pack at:
“The Anzac Spirit” Resource pack for New Zealand Libraries ↗
“Conscription” Resource pack for New Zealand Libraries ↗
Anzac Day Book List
Lower
- Anzac Ted by Belinda Landsberry
- The Anzac Puppy by Peter Millett
- Gallipoli by Kerry Greenwood
- My Grandad Marches On Anzac Day by Catriona Hoy
- A Day to Remember by Jackie French
- An Anzac Tale by Ruth Starke
- Meet the ANZACs by Claire Saxby
Upper
- In Flanders Fields by Norman Jorgensen
- Simpson and His Donkey by Mark Greenwood
- Loyal Creatures by Morris Gleitzman
- The Poppy by Andrew Plant
- Remembering for Peace by Dr Heather Sharp
- The Silver Donkey by Sonya Hartnett
High
- Not Only a Hero: An Illustrated Life of Simpson, the Man with the Donkey by Thomas Curran
- Socks, Sandbags & Leeches: Letters to my Anzac Dad by Pauline Deeves
- Soldier Boy by Anthony Hill
- Flora’s War by Pamela Rushby
- The Horses Didn’t Come Home by Pamela Rushby
Activities
Print out these activities for children to complete on their own or in groups, using Britannica Library and the instructions provided. Worksheets can also be downloaded, shared and completed online.
Book Review
Help younger patrons grasp the importance of Anzac Day, its symbolism and rituals using the titles in the above Book List. For an activity idea, ask readers to create a book review on one of the books they read.
What is meant by the Anzac Spirit?
The “Anzac Legend” is a term used by historians to refer to how Australians and New Zealanders depicted themselves in war; how they thought, spoke and wrote of their wartime experiences. At times, these depictions might differ from the actual experience. Using media demonstrating the “Anzac Spirit”, create a mind map that explains the meaning of the term.
Conscription Mind Map
Without an adequate source of soldiers and staff, countries could not assemble large armies. One method for obtaining the needed workforce is conscription, otherwise known as the draft. Examine the concept of conscription and fill out a mind map detailing the main ideas and supporting details. (Britannica Library is a great place to start your research!)
Featured Image from BRITANNICA LIBRARY: Screen capture from “ANZACs: Indigenous Australians”, Australian War Memorial. Accessed 18 Jan. 2022.
These activities and resources have been created using content from Britannica Library, the go-to site for safe, comprehensive research for all ages. Find out if your library already has access or set up your own free trial.
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