Yarning Strong is a vibrant and purposeful series of novels and anthologies by First Nations authors, created to inspire Years 3–6 students while supporting meaningful classroom learning.
Rich in story, voice and perspective, each text offers teachers and students authentic opportunities to explore First Nations cultures and experiences through high‑quality literature.
The comprehensive and accessible series includes 32 fiction novels (including ten graphic novels) and four themed anthologies, blending fiction and non‑fiction to support English curriculum goals and thoughtful discussion in Years 3–6 classrooms.
Warning to First Nations Peoples
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this page and the contents in Yarning Strong may include names and images of people now deceased.
Themes:
- Aboriginality cannot be judged by appearance
- Knowing your family heritage
- Plot summary
When Buddy has to give a talk at school about what his family like doing together, he takes in a photo of his family at an NRL All Stars game.
A bullying classmate tells Buddy that he must be adopted because he looks different from the rest of his family. Buddy becomes very worried that this might be true because he has red hair and does not like football much.
His nan visits and tells him about her father, who did not like sport either. When Nan shows Buddy a photo of his great-grandfather, he knows that he belongs to his family.