Happy NAIDOC Week! The theme for NAIDOC Week 2017 is ‘Our Languages Matter’ – a chance to focus on the importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Here are 10 highly recommended reads that explore Indigenous culture and voices for young people, from toddlers through to teens.

Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy

This picture book celebrates the original inhabitants of Melbourne, the Wurundjeri people, by taking the reader through a Wominjeka (welcome) ceremony for visitors seeking permission to pass through country. Written by Senior Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy, and illustrated with gorgeous paintings by Lisa Kennedy in browns and blues, this book is a treasure trove of vital Wurundjeri culture, words, customs and symbols. For ages 3 and up.

You can read our review here.

At the Zoo I See by Joshua Button and Robyn Wells

This is a beautifully simple animal board book for babies, featuring the charming illustrations of Walmajarri artist Joshua Button. There are Australian and overseas animals and simple text (‘A queenly cassowary’, ‘A prowling quoll’). At The Zoo I See is part of the Magabala Young Art series, which features the work of young Indigenous artists. For ages 1 and up.

The Perfect Thing by Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina

What a cute granddad and granddaughter picture book this is! Mother-daughter author-illustrator team Morgan and Kwaymullina have created a hilarious ode to the creativity of the older generation. Lily is reluctant to go to the park with her granddad and has many reasons why she can’t. But she is no match for granddad, who has a wild and wacky fantasy answer for her every protest. The bright and vibrant illustrations are the perfect foil for this imaginative romp. For ages 2 and up.

Shallow in the Deep End by Tiwi College Al Alalinguwi Jarrakarlinga

This fantastic junior story was devised and illustrated by the students of Tiwi College Al Alalinguwi Jarrakarlinga in conjunction with respected Indigenous YA author Jared Thomas. Erica asks for a pet dog but instead her dad brings back a baby water buffalo! This is a funny and sweet family story that showcases life in northern Australia, and features cartoons by the students. Animal lovers from ages 6 and up in particular will love this book.

Patty Hits the Court: Game Day! by Patty Mills with Jared Thomas

(Available 26 July)

In this first book of a new series by much-loved San Antonio Spurs and Olympic player Patty Mills (again, written in conjunction with Jared Thomas), the younger version of Patty plays basketball for the first time. He’s no natural player, and getting better requires persistence, teamwork and friendship. This is an absorbing read for true sports fans, and while there’s lots of basketball action, Patty also faces some very relatable school and family challenges. The sections where Patty demonstrates his love of traditional Torres Strait islander dance, and introduces words for the instruments and costumes, are great. For ages 7 and up.

Mrs Whitlam by Bruce Pascoe

Marnie has always dreamed of owning a horse, and when a grieving mother needs to distance herself from memories of her daughter, Marnie is gifted with Mrs Whitlam. Neither Marnie or Mrs Whitlam, an ungainly-looking Clydesdale, are an easy fit at the pony club and Marnie has to endure the racist taunts of her peers. But when trouble strikes, Marnie and Mrs Whitlam more than rise to the occasion. Our Readings Kids Book Buyer, Angela Crocombe, says that Mrs Whitlam ‘deftly handles issues of race and privilege and has a thrilling storyline to boot.’ For ages 9 and up.

You can read Angela’s review here.

Our Race for Reconciliation by Anita Heiss

Revisit the year 2000 – the year of the Sydney Olympics and Australia’s hopes for runner Cathy Freeman. 10-year-old Murri girl Mel Gordon is a keen runner and huge Freeman fan, so it’s a big year for her. Her family take a trip to Sydney to attend Corroboree 2000, the historic gathering that culminated in the 250,000 person-strong National Walk for Reconciliation across the Harbour Bridge. Well-known Wiradjuri author Anita Heiss has crafted a wonderful narrative around recent political and social events in Australia, opening up discussions around what progress has been made with reconciliation, and what further progress needs to be made. For ages 9 and up.

Sister Heart by Sally Morgan

This affecting verse novel tells the story of a young girl taken from her family, home and country in the north of Australia. Sister Heart won the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, is an important record of the Stolen Generation, and a good way to introduce this shameful piece of Australian history to tween and teen readers. There are powerful emotions expressed in this measured and poignant book, as well as resilience, hope and humour. For ages 10 and up.

Grace Beside Me by Sue McPherson

This quirky novel is a slice of chaotic, eccentric, small town Australian life, told from the point of view of smart and funny teenager Fuzzy Mac. Fuzzy lives with her grandparents, and has to contend with normal teenage dramas plus the added complication of her Nan’s premonitions and her own visions of ghosts. In very exciting news, Grace Beside Me is currently being developed for television, so keep an eye on NITV and ABCME. For ages 12 and up.

Songs that Sound Like Blood by Jarrod Thomas

Roxy dreams of leaving her dusty hometown behind to study music in Adelaide, and when this becomes a possibility, she grabs hold with both hands. This is a great coming-of-age story for aspiring teen musicians, filled with references to music genres, artists and songs. Roxy contends with racism on multiple fronts and also deals with more general teenage concerns. While this book doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable situations, it ultimately becomes a story of hope. For ages 13 and up.

Leanne Hall