5 Books by First Nations Authors for Book Week 2023
I LOVE BOOK WEEK!
That’s not really a surprise given my life-long love of books. I have always enjoyed poring through a book; reading the stories; studying the pictures and illustrations; appreciating the paper feel and smell…. I am one of those people who refuse to switch over to a digital reader, preferring to buy the real thing despite having run out of room for them years ago.
Books, libraries and librarians have been a favourite part of my education. From kindergarten right through to university, I always connected with the librarian and spent more than my fair share of time in the library. When I think of my favourite teachers, all but one are librarians. They opened my eyes to so many things via books that I may otherwise not have discovered. They introduced me to authors and stories that have stuck with me for life and influenced the way I think and approach life.
Also not surprising is that my kids love books. Having a broad selection available for them from the minute they were born was important to me and I started reading to both when they were still newborns. I love seeing how they select books and what they are choosing to read and the stories they are busting to share and the way they explore the ideas shared.
We buy lots of books by First Nations authors. I want my boys to see and hear a diverse range of perspectives of First Nations culture, stories and voices. I want them to know that First Nations voices are valued and know the stories of those that walked before them and helped create space for our communities.
When I visit a school, I pay attention to the books in the library. It is important that librarians ensure they have a good selection of books by First Nations authors. It is an important way to create space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and stories and an accessible way to share Aboriginal perspectives and knowledge with all children.
There are so many options out there so take the time to explore them and talk to your students about the authors, the stories they tell and the role they play in making First Nations voices heard. Everyone has their favourites and mine change almost every day but here are five that I think are perfect for this year’s book week theme - Read Grow Inspire.
This Book Thinks You Are Deadly - Written by Corey Tutt. Illustrated by Molly Hunt
This book features the profiles of 80 amazing First Nations people who are doing deadly things across sport, art, activism and science, through to politics, education and literature. It showcases the careers and achievements of amazing role models. We can never have enough role models right? Molly Hunt's illustrations are spectacular and I love that they highlight the diversity of Aboriginal art - something I love talking to kids about!
My Culture and Me - Gregg Dreiss
This beautiful book celebrates pride in culture, something that is so important for Aboriginal kids but not always so easy. I love that this book encourages kids to connect to culture and be proud of who they are and the culture they are part of. There is something so lovely about sharing this book and having a yarn with kids about their culture and what makes them proud.
Koori Princess - Anita Heiss
This is another book that tells Koori kids they can be anything they want. The world constantly tells us what we can’t do so I love books like this that remind kids that they can be anything while reminding them that they should embrace who they are and be true to themselves. Young Aboriginal girls in particular will love this one. They will see themselves, their friends, their sisters, their cousins and their aunties on the page. I wish this was around when I was kid and trying to work out how I fit in on the playground.
My Deadly Boots - Written by Carl Merrison and Hekea Hustler. Illustrated by Samantha Campbell
I have included this one because it encourages kids to strive for greatness, recognise who they are and find confidence in themselves and love their identity. Wanting deadly boots is something many of us can relate to, making this story a brilliant tool for a yarn with kids not only about the importance of believing in yourself but also to provoke thoughts and discussions about the experiences and treatment of young First Nations people.
Am I Black Enough? - Anita Heiss
Ok, so this one is more for the adults or older teens but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. Anita Heiss talks about identity in such a real way in this book. I always feel like a bit of a fan girl when talking about this book but it really resonated with me and I think showcases some of the complexities of Aboriginal identity. For teachers, having an awareness of some of the things that Aboriginal students might be experiencing as they work out who they are, can really help so I encourage you to grow your understanding in this area.
These are just 5 of the many books by First Nations authors that are perfect for this years theme - Read, Grow, Inspire. What are you reading this Book Week? Let us know your tops picks for this week in the comments below.
