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  • Published: 31 July 2017
  • ISBN: 9781760146672
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 288

The Fighting Stingrays




What would you do if you were told your best friend is now the enemy?

Charlie, Masa and Alf are best mates – loyal and adventurous. They’re the Fighting Stingrays.
In between school, swimming and fishing on idyllic Thursday Island, they have a ripper time role-playing bombing missions and other war games. But when Japan enters World War II, the Fighting Stingrays are told that one of their own is now the real-life enemy. Drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse in the Torres Strait, their friendship and loyalties are tested as the threat of invasion looms closer.

  • Published: 31 July 2017
  • ISBN: 9781760146672
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 288

About the author

Simon Mitchell

Simon Mitchell worked as a computer programmer before deciding to branch out and 'try writing in a language that consisted of more than 1's and 0's'. He has completed a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT, where he wrote the first draft of The Baked Bean Bandit, and was selected in 2008 to be the recipient of a May Gibbs Literature Trust mentorship. The Baked Bean Bandit was his first work of junior fiction, and he is also the author of a picture book to be published in 2010. Simon lives in Melbourne and you can see his work on his website:  www.simonmitchell.com.au

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Praise for The Fighting Stingrays

Highly recommended read for ages 9+. Adventure, Australian history and the power of friendship come together in this extremely engaging novel about a trio of boys living on Thursday Island during World War II. This is a truly thrilling story of escape and survival, with subterfuge, near-misses, intense action and plenty of humour.

Leanne Hall, Readings

Characterisation is flawlessly captured in this exciting engaging war adventure, in which there are no absolute winners or losers. The author captures the feel of the fear of imminent invasion perfectly ... This is a riveting adventure yarn about fortitude, survival and loyalty, for upper primary aged readers, particularly boys. Highly recommended.

Russ Merrin, Magpies

Awards & recognition

NSW Premier's History Awards

Winner  •  2018  •  Young People's History Prize

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2018  •  Younger Readers