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:
- Respect for Elders can be shown in different ways
- Learning about family can happen by listening to the stories adults tell
Plot summary:
Denny is a ten-year-old boy who loves to tease his five-year-old nephew, Jarrah. He tells the reader the scary stories he has invented about their Aunty Yanyi’s house.
While the rest of his family go to the beach on a very hot day, Denny helps Aunty with her housework. But things go wrong.
Where he sweeps, spiders run amok and dust swirls around him. When he cleans up the garden, there are too many weeds - and he hears snakes rustling among them. When he washes his hands in the bathroom, he sees a huge spider, and then the power cuts out.
When he talks to Aunty, a magpie flies in, breaks her ornaments and poops on him. But his birthday is tomorrow and, at the end of the day, the family give him a big surprise.