Allison Marlow Paterson is an Australian author who crafts compelling stories for both children and adults, deeply inspired by her passion for history and the past. She writes across a variety of genres, including adult non-fiction, picture books about farm life, and children’s non-fiction. Allison is perhaps best known for her ABIA and CBCA notable title Anzac Sons: Five Brothers on the Western Front.
In 2018, she launched the Australia Remembers series with Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and War Memorials, followed by Customs and Traditions of the Australian Defence Force and Cameron Baird VC, MG: Dedicated, Courageous and Born to Lead. Her picture book I Wonder reflects her love for Australia’s beaches and her environmental concerns.
Allison’s debut young adult novel, Follow After Me, was written during a May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellowship. Most recently, she released an updated edition of her adult title Anzac Sons, retitled Anzac Sons: Mateship, Bravery and Sacrifice, complete with additional content, alongside refreshed editions of Australia Remembers 1 and Anzac Sons for younger readers.
Based on the Sunshine Coast, Allison enjoys life as a writer, presenter and publishing consultant.
New Releases
by Allison Marlow Paterson
ANZAC SONS: FIVE BROTHERS ON THE WESTERN FRONT
‘Heartbreaking but essential … a fitting tribute and reminder of why we must never forget the sacrifices made by ordinary young Australian men and women and their families to secure the freedom we enjoy today.’
During World War I, over 330,000 Australians served their country on battlefields far from their homeland, more than 60,000 of them died.
This is the story of the Marlow brothers, five young volunteers – three of whom were destined to never return home – a heart-breaking tale of courage, mateship and sacrifice. Read the letters the brothers wrote from the trenches, trace their footsteps and commemorate all those who have served to defend our freedom and way of life.
Compiled by the granddaughter of a surviving brother from a primary source collection of over 500 letters, postcards and photos, this is the ideal tool for developing understanding of Australia’s major days of commemoration – Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
‘… easy to understand and quite fascinating to read … it offers a very personal and relatable perspective on the impersonal statistics of war.’
‘A beautifully presented picture book … a must have for any classroom and many homes.’
First released in 2015, a CBCA notable book and ABIA shortlisted, this updated edition now includes teaching activities.
AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS 1: ANZAC DAY, REMEMBRANCE DAY AND WAR MEMORIALS
At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.
Every year, Australia remembers the brave people who have fought to keep our country safe and free. On 25 April, we commemorate Anzac Day, and on 11 November, we observe Remembrance Day. These significant days of commemoration remind us of the Anzac spirit and the importance of honouring those who have sacrificed so much for our way of life.
Australia Remembers offers a vivid and engaging exploration of the origins and traditions of Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and war memorials, delving into their deep connections and significance for young Australians today. With colourful descriptions and accessible language, Australia Remembers: Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and War Memorials ensures that the next generation understands and honours the history and traditions of these pivotal occasions in our national story.
… a superb contribution to the collection – Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf
… the pure informational text with colour, variety, well-designed layout and age-appropriateness of Australia Remembers truly stands out like one of the tallest poppies in its field – Romi Sharp, Just Kids Lit
.. a powerful, exceptional resource that will have a high engagement of interest for anyone – Julieanne Wallace, Books, Teacups and Cupcakes
Paterson understands the needs of her audience and pitches perfectly to self-readers from the age of 6 to
12 … I for one, wish that I had had such a book when I was at school – Brydie Wright, By the Book
Get in Touch
If you’d like to get in touch with Allison directly, please make contact here. Allison will get back to you as soon as she can. Check the Author Talks page for information on booking speaking engagements.