Interned
Age 11+
Historical Fiction
Based on true events, Interned is a moving, well-researched and evocative historical fiction novel that highlights an often forgotten moment in Australian history.
It’s 1914. Gretta lives a privileged life in Singapore, the daughter of a businessman; Tilly lives a modest life in Brisbane, the daughter of a baker. When war breaks out and both countries turn on their families for being German, the two girls find themselves taken from their homes, interned at a camp in rural New South Wales. Far away from everything they have ever known, Gretta and Tilly are forced to face prejudice, overcome adversity and to make their own community.
Resources
Creators
Pamela Rushby is the author of over 200 books for children and young adults, as well as children's TV scripts, documentaries, short stories and freelance journalism. Pam has been an advertising copywriter, pre-school teacher, and producer of educational television, audio and multimedia. She has won several awards, including the NSW Premier's Ethel Turner Prize, five CBCA Notable Books – and a bag of gold coins at a film festival in Iran! Pam believes the strangest, most riveting, heart-breaking, laugh-out-loud stories aren't fiction. They're real. They come from history. And she loves tripping over unusual incidents from history – and then writing about them.
Reviews
It will be a great tie-in for history, literature, and social studies courses and units, and overall, is a fascinating and touching read that reveals how our humanity and experiences shape us.
Just for a cracking good read – I highly recommend this for readers from around Year 6 upwards.
A part of our history that is often forgotten, this welcome addition to Australian children/young literature, will hopefully inform the young to see beyond our differences to our common humanity.
Reading Time
“The themes of tolerance, racism, fortitude and isolation run through this compelling novel. Interned would be a useful tool for students studying WWI and political conflict and its effect on non-combatant civilians.
One More Page Podcast
The story is a little spooky in parts, but it added to the mystery. I didn’t find it scary but my little sister might. This book would be loved by readers who like mysteries with a spooky twist.
Children's Book Daily
