This year, NAIDOC week is running from 4 – 11 July and focuses the theme of Heal Country. Put succinctly, Heal Country ‘calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage’; we recommend reading the full explanation behind the 2021 focus (and exploring how you can become more involved this NAIDOC week) here.

This week – and every week – we want to actively show our appreciation and respect to the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In particular, we want to help recognise the amazing work of Australian First Nations creators (past and present) who continue to share their stories.

During NAIDOC week we’ll be highlighting some of the incredible and recently published works from First Nations authors. Today we’re focusing on books for children and teens.

Here are five excellent books to explore:

Sea Country by Aunty Patsy Cameron & Lisa Kennedy

Aunty Patsy Cameron generously shares the stories and traditions from her family’s seasonal island life on Flinders Island in Tasmania. With evocative text and stunning illustrations, Sea Country lets the reader know when to pick ripe wild cherries, when the moon (mutton) birds fly home, how the nautilus shells smell like the deepest oceans and how to understand weather patterns.

Aunty Patsy Cameron, who is a descendant of the Pairebeenne Trawlwoolway clan in Tasmania, tells stories of collecting shells, fishing in wooden dinghies with long oars, and watching clouds snake their way down Mt Munro. Lisa Kennedy reveals the love and connection to sea and Country through delicate illustrations that use pencil, watercolour, collage, print and woodcuts. For ages 4 and up.

Story Doctors by Boori Monty Pryor & Rita Sinclair

Legendary storyteller Boori Monty Pryor has written an evocative poem about healing humanity through restoring our relationship with the earth, a special kind of medicine. Drawing on 80,000+ years of First Nations knowledge, this picture book speaks of what Pryor calls the ‘eco echoes’ and focuses on the importance of connection and communion between humans and animals, as well as between one another after two hundred years of suffering.

From the very first stories and art, to dance, language, and connection with the land, Boori offers a powerful, beautiful, and deeply rich account of Australia’s true history, drawing on a lifetime of wisdom, and on his generous instinct to teach and heal. For ages 5 and up.

Bindi by Kirli Saunders & illustrated by Dub Leffler

Meet 11-year-old Bindi. She’s not really into maths but LOVES art class and playing hockey. Her absolute FAVOURITE thing is adventuring outside with friends or her horse, Nell. A new year starts like normal—school, family, hockey, dancing. But this year hasn’t gone to plan! There’s a big art assignment, a drought, a broken wrist AND the biggest bushfires her town has ever seen!

Kirli Saunder’s award-winning verse novel set on Gundungurra Country sensitively explores climate, bushfires, conservation and healing through Bindi’s relationship tofamily, her animals, her friends, her Country and her creativity. It is beautifully illustrated by acclaimed artist Dub Leffler. For ages 9+.

Common Wealth by Gregg Dreise

This unique picture book for older readers uses a powerful combination of slam poetry verse and vivid illustrations to explore the confronting truths of Australia’s history and the words of our national anthem.

Created by award-winning author and artist, Gregg Dreise, Common Wealth is a remarkable book that makes a persuasive plea for open dialogue, truth, human rights and striving for a unified future for Australia. For ages 10 and up.

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, even though Jackson has just broken up with his girlfriend. Like always, Jackson’s Aunty and cousins visit from Sydney, but this time they also bring Tomas, who has just spent time in juvenile detention. Jackson is expected to share his room and show Tomas around, and as the two boys grow closer, a tender relationship forms between them.

The Boy from the Mish is a pitch-perfect coming-of-age story set in a tight-knit community and family. Jackson’s growing awareness of how he feels toward Tomas, and what it might mean to him, his friends, his family and community is described with honesty, heart and humour. Through his connection with the Men’s Group and Elder Uncle Charlie, and the graphic novel that he works on with Tomas, Jackson gradually finds the stronger sense of self he’s looking for. For ages 13 and up.