A coming-of-age novel about finding yourself in the face of adversity, Weaving Us Together is the debut book from Lay Maloney, a genderfluid author from the Gumbaynggirr and Gunggandji nations and South Sea Islander heritage. The story follows Jean, and the group of friends they make after moving back to their parents’ hometown. Through the eyes of these kids, Maloney explores ideas of queer identity, and learning how to live outside what society tells you to be. The story of Jean and their friends is also one deeply rooted in culture.

Jean’s father was stolen from his family as a child, and we follow Jean’s journey reconnecting with their family. Maloney doesn’t shy away from tragedies that many First Nations Peoples experience or are affected by, including forced adoptions and police brutality, instead challenging the reader to confront them head on. Despite this, the story doesn’t feel bleak. The suffering in this novel always sits against a backdrop of love, family and community.

Weaving Us Together is a reminder that even though life can knock you down again and again, there are people who love you and will fight for you, and that is such an important lesson for all young people to learn. I would recommend this book for young people aged 12+, particularly queer and First Nations youths, who are struggling to find their place in a world that often feels set against them.

Content note: suicide, substance abuse, Black deaths in custody, homophobia and transphobia.