On gallant wings by Helen Edwards

On Gallant Wings features a 13-year-old girl, Ava, who is living with her family and homing pigeons in Darwin. Pigeon Essie is Ava’s favourite. A Japanese family lives next door and their son, Kazuo, is her best and only friend. Ava overhears an argument between her mother and older brother Fred, who lied about his age to join the army. After the bombing at Pearl Harbour, Fred trains in Darwin and later helps set up a pigeon service in Townsville. When most of the civilians leave the town, Ava stays in Darwin with her mother, because her mother is important to the war effort. The military police take Kazuko, his family, and many more Japanese people away in a truck to a holding camp, much to Ava’s dismay. On February 19, 1942, Darwin is bombed, and Ava and her mother are evacuated in a train with the remaining women and children. Desperate to help with the war effort, Ava’s mother joins the military and begins work at the Secret Base. Living by rules is how Ava has always felt safe but when her best friend escapes camp, Ava is faced with the hardest decision of all. Should she report the ‘dangerous’ escapee to the authorities? Or protect a most beloved friend?

I absolutely loved On Gallant Wings. It’s a beautifully written and deeply moving story that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. The main character, Ava, is so brave and real – navigating a world at war with quiet strength and a heart full of love, loyalty, and questions. The friendships, especially between Ava and Kazuo, are touching and powerful, and the way the pigeons are woven into the story adds such a unique and emotional layer.

One of the things I appreciated most was how the story handled complex issues like war, loyalty, prejudice, and doing what’s right – even when it’s incredibly difficult. The historical setting in Darwin during World War II made the story feel even more grounded and impactful.

I’d highly recommend On Gallant Wings to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Emaan A. (Student)