Celebrate NAIDOC Week: Five illuminating stories for young readers

While it may not be held in July, as in previous years, NAIDOC week’s presence will be just as grand in November. Local celebrations run by communities, schools, workplaces and more make it easy for people to get involved Australia-wide.

The accessibility of reading allows Australians a way to easily support and celebrate Indigenous authors, wherever they are. We’ve put together five books to give young readers insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and shared culture.

Born to Run by Cathy Freeman

Born to Run tells the story behind the best 400-metre runner in the world, Cathy Freeman. The biography gives insight into life before Cathy’s gold-medal win at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Sharing how her hard work, perseverance, and support from those around her led to success, Cathy’s story inspires readers to chase their dreams. 8-10 readers

Two Hands Together by Diana Kidd

New-kid-on-the-block Ella Riley quickly becomes best friends with her neighbour Lily. But Lily can’t understand why her Dad is being mean to the Riley’s and doesn’t want her to visit her nor interact with her new friend. Two Hands Together is a moving tale about two friends manoeuvring stereotypes and accepting people for who they are. 11-14 readers

Stories for Simon by Lisa Miranda Sarzin and Lauren Briggs

The door to the National Apology to the Stolen Generations is unlocked when Simon unwraps a beautiful boomerang wrapped in an old newspaper. Stories for Simon helps its main character, and readers alike, to learn how saying ‘sorry’ can help through a marvellous collection of stories and flourishing friendships. This is an inspiring story of acknowledging and appreciating the past to help create a positive vision for the future. 8+ readers

Ngiya Yintanga Japarrika by Tiwi College Alalinguwi Jarrakarlinga, Shelley Ware, and David Lawrence

Kay-Bell longs to play in the AFLW, though her aunty-turned-flatmate and homesickness get in the way of chasing her football dream. Enlisting the help of her brother and two best friends, Kay-Bell goes on a journey of overcoming self-doubt and everything that stands in the way of her kicking goals, both personally and professionally. 7+ readers

Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe

Bruce Pascoe’s compelling story allows young readers to see Australia as it was before Europeans arrived—a land of cultivated farming areas, productive fisheries, permanent homes, and an understanding of the environment and its natural resources that supported thriving villages across the continent. Though the accounts of early European explorers, colonists, and farmers, Young Dark Emu offers readers the chance to picture an alternate version of Australia’s history pre-European colonisation. 10+ readers