Hubert Wilkins: Forgotten hero by Elizabeth Corfe
Era Publications, 2011. ISBN 9781741205114
(Age: Upper primary) Hubert Wilkins is probably not well known to
Australian students although he was born in South Australia in 1888
and was quite famous in the 1920s. This biography written for upper
primary age students highlights Wilkins' pioneering work studying
weather in polar regions and the significance of his use of
technology, exploration and leadership.
Early chapters of the book describe the young man's farm experience
and the hardship caused by drought. Understanding the weather became
a motivating force in his life. He became a film maker, learnt to
fly and experienced the Arctic climate first hand. Each new
adventure gave Hubert the skills and understanding to undertake new
missions such as the study of Australia's Aboriginal people, the Inuit
of Canada and Russia. The First World War battle field tested his
courage and willingness to undertake difficult challenges.
Through short paragraphs and appropriate vocabulary the author
presents the life of a forgotten hero whose discoveries were ahead
of his time. Each page is illustrated with interesting photographs,
maps and illustrations. Important background information (e.g.
drought, the first movies, life in the trenches) is highlighted in
brief side panels. The book's conclusion includes a timeline and
glossary.
Paul Pledger