We asked Ellen van Neerven-Currie to share five of her favourite recent releases from Indigenous Australian authors in celebration of

1. Fog A Dox by Bruce Pascoe

You can’t go past this recent Prime Minister’s Literary Award winner, a warm, wise story of courage, acceptance and respect by one of Australia’s most prolific Indigenous writers. Beautifully illustrating the bond between animals and people, Pascoe delivers characters that will remain in the hearts of adults and children alike.

2. The Swan Book by Alexis Wright

This highly anticipated book from the Miles Franklin winning author of Carpentaria doesn’t disappoint - intelligent, lyrical and commanding - a terrific storytelling feat.

(Read Morag Fraser’s interview with Alexis here.)

3. Bakir and Bi by Jillian Boyd & Tori-Jay Mordey

It is fantastic to see a traditional Torres Strait Islander creation story re-imagined in a children’s book of hope, courage and resilience. Bakir and Bi features spare, poetic prose by author Jillian Boyd and stunning illustrations by her teenage niece Tori-Jay Mordey. Adults will love this one too.

4. Good Morning, Mr Sarra by Chris Sarra

Dr Chris Sarra’s remarkable life journey and experiences as an Aboriginal educator are shared in this moving book. Read about how Sarra’s Stronger Smarter Institute is raising expectations and inspiring Indigenous school children across the country.

5. Mullumbimby by Melissa Lucashenko

Melissa Lucashenko writes about modern Aboriginal lives in a way that is highly accessible and engaging. Mullumbimby explores the different ways we belong to a place and we’re quick to get to know a cast of lively characters in the colourful northern NSW community. Lucashenko is a formidable force and this is a perfect introduction to contemporary Indigenous literature.

And, one to look out for…

Released next month, Deadly D and Justice Jones: Making The Team is co-written by Dave Hartley & NRL star Scott Prince. Featuring two eleven year old heroes in Dylan and Justice, this very fun book delivers a lot of laughs. The story won the kuril dhagan Indigenous Writing Prize for literacy in the black&write! awards and is the first book in an electrifying series.

Ellen van Neerven is an editor of the