Summer reading list 2024: dive into stories of culture, connection, and Country
Looking for your next great read? We’ve put together a Summer Reading List of must-read books by First Nations’ authors.
We are often asked, “What books about Aboriginal Australia would you recommend? Who are some of your favourite First Nations’ authors? How can I learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities? Are there any great books about Indigenous Peoples and rights?”
From inspiring stories to thought provoking perspectives, these recommended First Nations reads are perfect for sparking meaningful conversations and expanding your horizons.
Tell me Why by Archie Roach
Tell Me Why is a memoir that will have you in tears and wanting to know more by the end of the prologue. Archie Roach was a well-renowned singer-songwriter, guitarist and writer. One of his most famous songs, Took the Children Away, describes his own painful life story and has contributed to educating Australians about a shameful chapter in their history. Throughout the book Archie Roach shares stories of his life in a raw, humble and honest way. Archie Roach is a must if you're into audiobooks, because he sings at the start of each chapter!
[Autobiography]
The Yield, by Tara June Winch
A moving story of a people and a culture dispossessed. It is both a celebration of what was and what endures, as well as a powerful reclaiming of Indigenous language, storytelling and identity. The story follows the Gondiwindi family as they attempt to save their home and culture from encroaching colonial forces. The novel won the 2020 Miles Franklin Award, the 2020 Voss Literary Prize, and the 2020 Prime Minister's Literary Award.
“I really like Tara June’s writing style,” Ruth, Community First Development Senior Community Development Officer.
[Fiction]
Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe
An exciting read exploring what all Australians should know about the rich history and sophistication of First Nations’ cultures in Australia before colonisation. Learn about incredible fishing technologies, harvesting techniques, irrigation, food storage and preservation. This book highlights the sophistication of Aboriginal Australia’s agricultural practices through culture and connection with Country before it was disrupted by colonialism.
[Non-fiction]
Fire Country by Victor Steffenson
Fire Country is a compelling account from Indigenous land management expert Victor Steffensen about ‘reading’ Country and the revival of cultural burning practices. Learn about Victor’s journey exploring First Nations’ fire Knowledge and its connection to managing vegetation for food sources and maintaining cultural practice. This is a profound read for anyone interested in First Nations’ culture and fire practice.
“I loved fire country. As a fire practitioner it helped me connect even more with First Nations’ cultures,” Deb, Community First Development volunteer.
[non-fiction]
Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller
A novel that explores family, community and the bonds between sisters. It is a story of Aboriginal twins Laney and Stacey, growing up in a lower-middle-class rural Australian town. Life takes a shocking turn when Laney mysteriously goes missing after going out with her friends. Ghost Bird is winner of the 2017 David Unaipon Award.
[Young Adult Fiction]
Indigiverse – comic book series by Scott Wilson, Benny Eggmolesse's Ice Cream Productions, illustrator Katie Houghton-Ward and Wolfgang Bylsma's Gestalt Comics
This groundbreaking all-Indigenous superhero universe was launched in 2022 where all copies of the first edition comic sold out at Perth’s Supa Nova Comic Con week.
The first edition is the origin story of Adam Hart, a mixed-race Aboriginal and otherworldly university student and foster child from the Kimberley who is displaced in Sydney.
The Indigiverse is a creative and engaging way of sharing First Nations’ stories and culture in a familiar way to today’s audiences - through superheroes!
For the littlies
Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky by Tylissa Elisara
“I loved reading Wurrtoo to my children, it was their first chapter story. It was wonderful watching their reactions as we followed Wurrtoo, a brave and gentle wombat, on the adventure of a lifetime! For anyone looking for a beautifully written, instant classic, First Nations' book - get yourself a copy of Wurrtoo," Aimee, Community First Development Volunteer Coordinator.
[Children’s literature]
Country by Aunty Far Muir and Sue Lawson, illustrations by Cheryl Davison
“Country is central to so much of
First Nations Culture. It is past, present,
future. Storytelling and song.
Country is all of us. Country is you.
Take a walk on Country. A delightful exploration of everything Country is.”
This story has been gorgeously illustrated by Cheryl Davison (Djinama Yilaga and Garraywaa Gallery) who Community First Development has been working alongside this year.
[Children’s literature]
These First Nations’ authors bring their unique storytelling styles to life - from the raw and emotional reflections of Archie Roach in Tell Me Why to the compelling fictional worlds of Tara June Winch's The Yield and the superhero universe of Indigiverse. These stories offer an emotional and intellectual journey like no other.
Happy reading from all of us at Community First Development!