Books to read during National Reconciliation Week 2021

It’s National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) - a time for all Australians to learn about First Nations people’s histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme this year is ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.’

Here are some recommended books to honour the voices, histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.


Flock edited by Ellen Van Neerven

This wide-ranging and captivating anthology showcases both the power of First Nations writing and the satisfaction of a good short story. Curated by award-winning author Ellen van Neerven, Flock roams the landscape of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling, bringing together voices from across the generations.


Living on Stolen Land by Ambelin Kwaymullina

Living on Stolen Land is a prose-styled look at our colonial-settler ‘present’. This book is the first of its kind to address and educate a broad audience about the colonial contextual history of Australia, in a highly original way. It pulls apart the myths at the heart of our nationhood, and challenges Australia to come to terms with its own past and its place within and on Indigenous Countries.


Homecoming by Elfie Shiosaki

Homecoming pieces together fragments of stories about four generations of Noongar women and explores how they navigated the changing landscapes of colonisation, protectionism, and assimilation to hold their families together. This seminal collection of poetry, prose and historical colonial archives, tells First Nations truths of unending love for children - those that were present, those taken, those hidden and those that ultimately stood in the light


Two cultures, One Story by Dr Robert Isaacs (with Tanaz Byramji)

Taken from his mother as a baby, Robert was raised in institutions not knowing he had a family and not knowing he was Aboriginal. Enduring severe hardship, discipline and abuse at the hands of the Christian Brothers, Robert went out into the world at the age of 16 determined to make a life for himself and a family of his own. A chance encounter with a member of his extended family would help shape the rest of his life.


Born into This by Adam Thompson

Engaging, thought-provoking stories from a young Tasmanian Aboriginal author who addresses universal themes - identity, racism, heritage destruction - from a wholly original perspective. Adam Thompson manages to bring humour, pathos and occasionally a sly twist as his characters confront racism, untimely funerals, classroom politics and, overhanging all like a discomforting, burgeoning awareness for both white and black Australia, the inexorable damage and disappearance of the remnant natural world.


Black and Blue by Veronica Gorrie

A proud Kurnai woman, Veronica Gorrie grew up dauntless, full of cheek and a fierce sense of justice. After watching her friends and family suffer under a deeply compromised law-enforcement system, Gorrie signed up for training to become one of a rare few Aboriginal police officers in Australia. In her ten years in the force, she witnessed appalling institutional racism and sexism, and fought past those things to provide courageous and compassionate service to civilians in need, many Aboriginal themselves.


Finding Our Heart by Thomas Mayor and illustrated by Blak Douglas

A young reader’s edition that follows Thomas Mayor’s bestselling book Finding the Heart of the Nation: The Journey of the Uluru Statement towards Voice, Treaty and Truth. A book about understanding Australia’s past, so we can have a shared future.


The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough

It’s a hot summer, and life’s going all right for Jackson and his family on the Mish. It’s almost Christmas, school’s out, and he’s hanging with his mates, teasing the visiting tourists, avoiding the racist boys in town. Just like every year, Jackson’s Aunty and annoying little cousins visit from the city - but this time a mysterious boy with a troubled past comes with them… As their friendship evolves, Jackson must confront the changing shapes of his relationships with his friends, family and community.


Tell Me Why for Young Adults by Archie Roach

In his inspirational, highly acclaimed memoir - and including reflections from First Nations Elders and young people - Archie Roach tells the story of his life and his music. Only two when he was forcibly removed from his family, and brought up by a series of foster parents until his early teens, Archie’s world imploded when he received a letter that spoke of a life he had no memory of. It took him almost a lifetime to find out who he really was.


Common Wealth by Gregg Dreise

A slam poetry persuasive and powerful vision of unity from award-winning First Nations creator Gregg Dreise. Passionate, yet peaceful, Common Wealth is a compelling plea for a future of truth, togetherness and respect for our nation’s deep history. This picture book is aimed at mature readers and is a powerful resource for sparking discussion.


Hello and Welcome by Greg Dreise

A wonderful companion to Gregg Dreise’s highly acclaimed My Culture and Me, this joyful picture book celebrates Australia’s Indigenous heritage and the diversity we enjoy today. Hello and welcome to our corroboree. Hello and welcome to our gathering. Father Sky, Mother Earth, together here with me. Different colours, different people, together in harmony.

Cover image for Living on Stolen Land

Living on Stolen Land

Ambelin Kwaymullina

In stock at 7 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 7 shops