Book Week, with its theme of Reading Is Magic, seems to have arrived super-fast this year, but what a theme!

For me the magic lies in the worlds that are discovered through reading. From a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, books by First Nations authors are an opportunity to share and explore our powerful stories and culture, and show them to the world.

When I was a kid, it was hard to find a book that celebrated my culture. Some popped up occasionally, but mostly they were in the form of Dreaming stories, many of which didn’t even  involve an Aboriginal person in their creation! Incredible, I know. 

Thankfully, it’s a very different story today, and there is a plethora of First Nations books to choose from, written, designed and created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across the country. From gorgeous artwork in picture books to the truth shared in non-fiction titles, the diversity of work being produced by First Nations authors is nothing short of magical – shelves and shelves of beautiful books taking pride of place in bookshops and libraries. There is always something new to check out, and there are titles for everyone, all sharing First Nations culture. My recommendations are below, but first, did I mention that Wingaru wrote a book?!

Warami Midigar, Wingaru Education

I am so excited to see Wingaru’s first book, Warami Midigar join the following amazing titles on bookstore shelves this year. Warami Midigar shares a story of friendship and is written exclusively in Dharug Dhalang. This is a conscious decision to support the creation of space for Dharug language as it goes through a period of revitalisation and decolonisation. The book supports readers to learn a simple phrase in Dharug and learn the names of 10 animal friends that we share Dharug Country with. Whenever we create a new language resource, there is always lots of back and forth between our team and language speakers about changing words, differing spellings and of course whether or not we should include pronunciations. Linguistics is a fascinating world that I love dipping my toes into occasionally, watching in awe as the language speakers work their magic, unpacking hundreds of years of lost culture and giving it space to breathe again. As the only language throughout the story Warami Midigar gives Dharug Dhalang this space, but also includes translations and pronunciation pages to support readers enjoy our language.

Here are some other titles that I recommend you check out:

This Book Thinks Ya Deadly! A Celebration of Blak Excellence, Corey Tutt and Molly Hunt

This book features the profiles of 80 Blakfellas who are doing deadly things across sport, art, activism and science, politics, education and literature. A celebration of Blak excellence, it will inspire future generations to create change and leave readers thinking, ‘What makes ME deadly?’

Be that Teacher who Makes a Difference and Lead Aboriginal Education for all Students, Kylie Captain and Associate Professor Cathie Burgess

As Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal educators, Gamilaroi woman and educator Kylie Captain and Associate Professor Cathie Burgess share their knowledge, wisdom, and insight into the transformational power of education and the difference teachers play in each student's ability to achieve.

Always Was, Always Will Be, Aunty Fay Muir, Sue Lawson

This beautiful picture book takes a closer look at some of the iconic protest movements in Australia over the last 200 years, and celebrates the strength, wisdom, and bravery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people defending their land and asserting their right to self-determination through history.

Black Duck: A Year at Yumburra, Bruce Pascoe

Bruce Pascoe invites us to imagine a different future for Australia, one where we can honour our relationship with nature and improve agriculture and forestry. Where we can develop a uniquely Australian cuisine that will reduce carbon emissions, preserve scarce water resources and rebuild our soil. He shows us that you don't just work Country, you look, listen and care. It's not Black Duck magic, it's the result of simply treating Australia like herself.

Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray, Anita Heiss

Released in 2022, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray is an incredible read, and stands up there as one of the earliest times language has been used for a book title. Set on Wiradyuri Country, where the life-giving waters of the rivers can make or break dreams, and based on true events, it is an epic story of love, loss and belonging. When the powerful Murrumbidgee River surges through town leaving death and destruction in its wake, Wagadhaany is one of the lucky ones: she survives. But, forced to move away from her miyagan, she walks through each day with no trace of dance in her step, her broken heart forever calling her back home to Gundagai.

And if you want some more suggestions, it’s always worth checking out Riley Callie Resources (my go-to Aboriginal-owned business for books) and their awesome Blak Book of the Month Book Packs.