Top 10 Must-Read Indigenous Australian Authors in 2025

You want the best Indigenous Australian books and authors, the ones shaping conversations and perspectives.

Forget scrolling endlessly through generic lists.

We've done the work.

This is your definitive guide to 10 must-read Indigenous Australian authors whose work demands your attention in 2025. We'll break down why they're essential, highlight their key contributions, and point you straight to the stories that will expand your world.

Get ready to discover authors tackling everything from deep history and cultural revitalisation to sharp social commentary and speculative futures. Find award-winners, powerful poets, groundbreaking novelists, and voices speaking directly to the next generation. This isn't just a list; it's your starting point for deeper understanding and incredible reading experiences, helping you find the most impactful Indigenous Australian books.

First things first.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, and share stories across this continent. We pay respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. Their storytelling traditions, stretching back millennia, are the foundation upon which contemporary Indigenous Australian literature is built. Sovereignty was never ceded.

Now, why focus on these authors, right now, for 2025?

Simple.

The world needs these voices more than ever.

Reading Indigenous Australian authors isn't just about ticking a diversity box.

It's about fundamentally understanding this country.
It's about engaging with history, truth, and the ongoing fight for justice.
It's about experiencing cultural richness and storytelling genius that you won't find anywhere else.

Looking ahead to 2025, the themes these authors explore – connection to Country, climate change, sovereignty, identity, truth-telling, the power of language, healing – are not just relevant; they are urgent.

How We Chose This List:

This isn't random. We looked for authors demonstrating:

• Enduring Impact: Voices that resonate long after the last page.

• Anticipated Relevance: Authors whose work speaks directly to the conversations happening now and likely to intensify by 2025.

• Rising Stars & Established Masters: A mix of influential figures and newer voices making waves.

• Diverse Perspectives: Showcasing a range of Nations, genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children's), and experiences.

This list focuses on the authors themselves – their overall contribution, their unique perspective, why they are the must-reads. We'll mention key books, of course, but the goal is to introduce you to the minds behind the stories.

Prepare to have your perspectives shifted. Prepare to be moved. Prepare to discover some truly phenomenal Indigenous Australian books.

Understanding the Landscape: Why These Voices Matter Immensely in 2025

Let's be clear.

Indigenous storytelling isn't a recent trend.

It's the oldest continuous storytelling tradition on Earth. Sixty-thousand years plus. Think about that.

For too long, these voices were silenced or ignored by the mainstream. That's changing, thankfully. We're seeing more Indigenous authors winning major awards, hitting bestseller lists, and gaining international recognition.

But the work isn't done. Not even close.

Amplifying these voices remains critical.

Why? Because their stories are essential for:

• Truth-Telling: Confronting the real history of colonisation, dispossession, and resistance. No sugar-coating.

• Understanding Contemporary Australia: Indigenous perspectives are vital to grasping current issues – reconciliation, treaty, systemic injustice, cultural survival.

• Cultural Richness: Experiencing diverse cosmologies, connections to Country, kinship systems, and ways of knowing that enrich everyone.

• Future Thinking: Indigenous knowledge systems hold profound insights into sustainability, community, and resilience – crucial for navigating the challenges of 2025 and beyond (climate change, anyone?).

• Sheer Literary Brilliance: These authors are masters of their craft, pushing boundaries, innovating with language, and telling unforgettable stories.

Reading these authors isn't just an individual act; it's part of a collective journey towards a more honest, just, and vibrant Australia. Their words hold power. They challenge, they educate, they inspire, they heal.

In 2025, as discussions around Voice, Treaty, Truth, and the very identity of this nation continue, immersing yourself in the work of these authors isn't optional.

It's essential groundwork.

It's how you get beyond the headlines and connect with the human heart of these vital matters. Browsing collections focused on culture & history can provide even deeper context.

Our Top 10 Must-Read Indigenous Australian Authors for 2025

Alright, let's dive into the authors whose work should be at the top of your reading pile as we head towards 2025. These aren't ranked by importance – they all offer something unique and vital.

1. Alexis Wright

Who She Is:

• The Visionary Weaver.

• A member of the Waanyi nation from the southern highlands of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

• One of Australia's most acclaimed and influential writers.

• Winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award (Australia's most prestigious) for Carpentaria (2006) and Praiseworthy (2023) – one of the few authors to win it twice.

• Known for epic, sprawling novels that blend myth, reality, and fierce political commentary. Her writing is demanding, yes, but incredibly rewarding.

Why She's a Must-Read for 2025:

Wright doesn't just write stories; she builds worlds. Worlds steeped in Aboriginal Law, Country, and the ongoing struggles against colonial power and environmental destruction.

• Uncompromising Sovereignty: Her work is a powerful assertion of Indigenous sovereignty, challenging readers to rethink concepts of nationhood, ownership, and belonging. This is crucial as Treaty discussions gain momentum.

• Environmental Prophecy: Books like Carpentaria and The Swan Book were tackling climate change and resource extraction with terrifying prescience long before it became mainstream. Praiseworthy, dealing with climate catastrophe and a plague of donkeys, feels disturbingly relevant for 2025.

• Literary Innovation: She stretches the novel form, incorporating oral storytelling techniques, multiple perspectives, and a deep sense of time that connects past, present, and future. She forces you to read differently.

• Enduring Relevance: Her decades-long career shows a consistent engagement with the most critical issues facing Indigenous people and the nation. Her voice only grows more vital.

Key Works to Explore:

• Carpentaria (2006): The sprawling, Miles Franklin-winning epic set in the Gulf Country. A masterpiece of resistance and resilience. Demands attention, rewards immensely.

• The Swan Book (2013): A challenging, dystopian vision of a future Australia ravaged by climate change, focusing on Oblivia Ethyl(ene) Oblivion. Bleak but essential.

• Praiseworthy (2023): Her latest Miles Franklin winner. An epic, allegorical, and often darkly funny novel tackling climate change, sovereignty, and cultural survival through the lens of a donkey plague. Monumental.

• Tracker (2017): A unique collective memoir of Tracker Tilmouth, Aboriginal leader and visionary. Shows her versatility. If you connect with powerful life stories, explore more in our memoir and biography section.

What to Watch For:

Wright is a literary force. While novels take time, her commentary, essays, and the continued global recognition of Praiseworthy will keep her central to literary and political conversations leading into 2025. Her work forces you to confront uncomfortable truths – exactly what's needed.

Author Snapshot: Alexis Wright

2. Tara June Winch

Who She Is:

• The Lyrical Truth-Teller.

• Of Wiradjuri, English, and Afghan heritage.

• Burst onto the scene with her debut Swallow the Air (2006), winning multiple awards.

• Her novel The Yield (2019) swept major awards: Miles Franklin Literary Award, Prime Minister's Literary Award for Fiction, NSW Premier's Literary Award Book of the Year. A phenomenal achievement.

• Known for poetic prose, deep exploration of identity, trauma, and the profound importance of language.

Why She's a Must-Read for 2025:

Winch writes with a beauty that can break your heart and then piece it back together. Her work is deeply personal yet universally resonant.

• Language Reclamation: The Yield is a powerful testament to the fight to preserve and revitalise Indigenous languages. August's dictionary becomes a central character, highlighting language as culture, history, and resistance. This theme is increasingly vital. You can find specific works focusing on this in Aboriginal bilingual books.

• Intergenerational Trauma & Healing: She navigates the complexities of trauma passed down through families and communities with nuance and compassion, exploring pathways towards healing.

• Connection to Country: Her writing evokes a deep, spiritual connection to Wiradjuri land, even when characters are far away. It's a visceral reminder of what's at stake.

• Global Recognition: Winning the Miles Franklin cemented her status as a major Australian literary voice with international reach. Her perspective is sought after.

Key Works to Explore:

• Swallow the Air (2006): A stunning debut novella-in-stories following May Gibson's search for identity and belonging after her mother's death. Raw, poetic, unforgettable.

• After the Carnage (2016): A collection of sharp, insightful short stories exploring displacement, identity, and cultural complexities across the globe. Shows her range.

• The Yield (2019): The multi-award-winning masterpiece. August Gondiwindi returns home for her grandfather's funeral and discovers his dictionary of Wiradjuri words, uncovering family secrets and reclaiming heritage. Absolutely essential reading. A true highlight among award-winning & notable titles.

What to Watch For:

After the massive success of The Yield, anticipation for Winch's next major work is high. Whether it's fiction, essays, or other forms, her focus on language, memory, and healing will continue to resonate deeply in the lead-up to 2025 and beyond. Her ability to blend lyrical beauty with hard truths makes her indispensable.

3. Melissa Lucashenko

Who She Is:

• The Fierce & Funny Chronicler.

• Of Bundjalung and European heritage.

• Known for her sharp wit, unflinching social commentary, and powerful portrayals of contemporary Aboriginal life, particularly in South-East Queensland and Northern NSW.

• Winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award for Too Much Lip (2018).

• Her writing often tackles themes of sovereignty, land rights, family dynamics, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation with humour and rage.

Why She's a Must-Read for 2025:

Lucashenko pulls no punches. Her characters are complex, flawed, and utterly real. Her stories crackle with energy and demand engagement.

• Contemporary Realism: She captures the nitty-gritty realities of modern Indigenous life – navigating bureaucracy, fighting for Country, dealing with family drama, finding joy and connection amidst struggle. It feels immediate and vital.

• Sovereignty in Action: Her characters often embody everyday acts of sovereignty – asserting connection to land, challenging racist assumptions, maintaining cultural practices. Too Much Lip is a masterclass in this.

• Sharp Social Commentary: Through biting humour and keen observation, she dissects issues like racism, poverty, environmental destruction, and the justice system. Her insights are crucial for understanding Australia now.

• Strong Female Characters: Women are often at the heart of her stories – resilient, resourceful, and refusing to be silenced. Kerry Salter in Too Much Lip is an unforgettable example.

Key Works to Explore:

• Steam Pigs (1997): Her debut novel, exploring themes of identity and belonging.

• Mullumbimby (2013): A powerful story about a woman returning to Bundjalung Country, navigating love, family, and Native Title claims. A complex and rewarding read.

• Too Much Lip (2018): The Miles Franklin winner. Wise-cracking Kerry Salter returns home to Bundjalung Country on a stolen motorbike, stirring up family secrets and facing off against the authorities. Hilarious, heartbreaking, and politically charged. A must for anyone exploring contemporary fiction.

What to Watch For:

Lucashenko is a vital voice in Australian public life, known for her essays and commentary as well as her fiction. Expect her to continue challenging assumptions and speaking truth to power, both on and off the page. Any new work from her is an event, and her existing novels remain urgently relevant for understanding the complexities of Indigenous sovereignty and resistance in 2025.

4. Claire G. Coleman

Who She Is:

• The Speculative Disruptor.

• A Noongar writer whose family connections are to the South Coast of Western Australia.

• Known for using speculative fiction (sci-fi, dystopian) as a powerful lens to critique colonialism, genocide, and Australia's national mythology.

• Her debut novel Terra Nullius (2017) was shortlisted for the Stella Prize and highly acclaimed.

• She brings a unique and necessary perspective to genre fiction.

Why She's a Must-Read for 2025:

Coleman wields genre like a scalpel, dissecting the brutal realities of Australia's past and present in ways that are both imaginative and deeply unsettling.

• Reframing Colonialism: Terra Nullius brilliantly uses sci-fi tropes to expose the violence and absurdity of invasion and settlement. It forces readers to confront familiar history from a terrifying new angle. This reframing is vital for truth-telling efforts.

• Climate Futures: Her work often engages with environmental collapse and its disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities, making her a key voice for climate justice narratives in 2025. Enclave explores this powerfully.

• Challenging Narratives: She consistently questions the stories Australia tells about itself, exposing the myths and lies embedded in national identity.

• Genre Innovation: By bringing Indigenous perspectives and experiences to speculative fiction, she revitalises the genre and demonstrates its power for political critique.

Key Works to Explore:

• Terra Nullius (2017): A startling debut. Set in a future (or is it the past?) where Australia has been invaded by 'Settlers'. The twist reveals the horrifying reality of colonisation. Essential reading.

• The Old Lie (2019): An interstellar war novel that explores themes of imperialism, exploitation, and the experiences of soldiers, drawing parallels to Indigenous experiences.

• Lies, Damned Lies (2021): A non-fiction work directly tackling the damaging myths and historical inaccuracies that underpin Australian colonialism. Clear, concise, and powerful.

• Enclave (2022): A dystopian novel exploring themes of surveillance, segregation, and control in a futuristic gated community. A chilling reflection of current societal trends.

What to Watch For:

Coleman is a prolific and versatile writer, also producing poetry and essays. Expect her to continue pushing boundaries in speculative fiction and offering sharp commentary on contemporary issues. Her unique ability to use genre to illuminate historical and ongoing injustices makes her indispensable reading for anyone seeking to understand the deeper structures of power and resistance in Australia leading into 2025.

Genre Spotlight: Indigenous Speculative Fiction

This table highlights how authors like Coleman are part of a growing movement using speculative genres to explore critical Indigenous issues.

5. Anita Heiss

Who She Is:

• The Urban Storyteller & Advocate.

• A member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales.

• A prolific author, academic, activist, and commentator.

• Writes across multiple genres: commercial fiction ('chick lit'), historical fiction, non-fiction, children's books, poetry.

• A passionate advocate for Indigenous literacy, rights, and representation. Known for her accessible and engaging style.

Why She's a Must-Read for 2025:

Heiss bridges worlds. She brings Indigenous stories and perspectives to wide audiences, champions literacy, and tackles important issues with warmth and intelligence.

• Urban Indigenous Experience: Much of her fiction explores the lives, loves, and challenges of contemporary Aboriginal people living in cities, often underrepresented in narratives focused on remote communities. This provides a vital, relatable perspective for many readers.

• Championing Literacy: Through her own writing and advocacy (like her work with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation), she highlights the crucial role of books and reading in empowerment and cultural continuity. Supporting this work means supporting access to diverse Aboriginal books and language resources.

• Accessible History: Works like Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) bring Wiradjuri history to life in an engaging narrative format, making the past accessible and relevant.

• Diverse Voices: As editor of Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia, she curated a powerful collection of diverse experiences, showcasing the multiplicity of Aboriginal identity.

Key Works to Explore:

• Not Meeting Mr Right (2007) / Avoiding Mr Right (2008): Examples of her popular commercial fiction focusing on contemporary Aboriginal women's lives, loves, and careers. Accessible and engaging introductions.

• Tiddas (2014): Explores the lives and friendships of five Aboriginal women. 'Tiddas' means 'sisters'.

• Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia (Editor, 2018): An essential collection of short memoirs from prominent Aboriginal people across Australia, sharing diverse experiences of childhood and identity.

• Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) (2021): An award-winning historical novel set in Gundagai around the time of the devastating 1852 flood, following a young Wiradjuri woman's quest for connection and home.

What to Watch For:

Heiss is a dynamic force. Expect continued advocacy, new works across genres (she's incredibly versatile!), and ongoing contributions to public discourse. Her ability to connect with broad audiences while staying grounded in her Wiradjuri identity and advocating for Indigenous rights makes her a crucial figure for fostering understanding and empathy in 2025. Her work often features in our regular highlights, similar to our past Aboriginal Books Spotlight October 2024.

6. Bruce Pascoe

Who She Is:

• The History Reclaimer.

• Of Yuin, Bunurong, and Tasmanian heritage.

• An author, teacher, farmer, and researcher.

• His book Dark Emu (2014) sparked a national conversation by challenging the colonial myth of pre-contact Aboriginal societies as solely hunter-gatherers, presenting evidence of sophisticated agriculture, aquaculture, and land management systems.

• Writes fiction, non-fiction, and children's literature often focused on connection to Country and Indigenous knowledge.

Why He's a Must-Read for 2025:

Pascoe's work, particularly Dark Emu, has fundamentally shifted mainstream understanding of Australia's pre-colonial history. This shift is foundational for truth-telling and reconciliation.

• Challenging Foundational Myths: Dark Emu directly confronts the 'hunter-gatherer' narrative used to justify dispossession ('terra nullius'). Its impact on education and public consciousness continues to grow.

• Highlighting Indigenous Knowledge: His research brings to light sophisticated Indigenous practices in agriculture, engineering, and environmental stewardship – knowledge systems increasingly recognised as vital for future sustainability. This resonates strongly with contemporary environmental concerns.

• Truth-Telling Catalyst: While Dark Emu has faced debate, its core achievement lies in forcing a national reckoning with suppressed histories and acknowledging the complexity and ingenuity of pre-colonial Aboriginal societies. This conversation is far from over.

• Connection to Country: Across his work, Pascoe emphasizes the deep, reciprocal relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, a crucial perspective for 2025.

Key Works to Explore:

• Fog a Dox (2012): An award-winning novel for younger readers exploring relationships between people, animals, and the land. A great example of powerful junior fiction.

• Dark Emu: Black Seeds: Agriculture or Accident? (2014): The groundbreaking non-fiction work challenging colonial narratives about pre-contact Aboriginal societies. Absolutely essential.

• Young Dark Emu: A Truer History (2019): An adaptation of Dark Emu for younger readers, making this vital history accessible. A key text for junior non-fiction.

• Loving Country: A Guide to Sacred Australia (with Vicky Shukuroglou, 2020): A journey through the Australian landscape, highlighting Indigenous connection and knowledge.

What to Watch For:

The conversation sparked by Dark Emu continues. Pascoe remains involved in projects related to Indigenous farming practices (like Black Duck Foods) and advocating for historical truth. His work provides essential context for understanding land rights, environmental management, and the ongoing process of decolonising Australian history – all critical themes for 2025.

7. Ellen van Neerven

Who They Are:

• The Boundary Pusher.

• Of Mununjali Yugambeh (South East Queensland) and Dutch heritage.

• A critically acclaimed writer working across poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.

• Recipient of numerous awards, including the Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry and the NSW Premier's Literary Award Indigenous Writers' Prize.

• Known for exploring themes of identity (Indigenous, queer, gender), connection to Country, sport, and challenging colonial structures through innovative language and form.

Why They Are a Must-Read for 2025:

Van Neerven's voice is unique, urgent, and essential for understanding contemporary Indigenous experiences, particularly at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality.

• Intersectionality: Their work powerfully explores the complexities of living as queer and Indigenous in Australia, offering perspectives often marginalised even within broader Indigenous narratives.

• Experimental Forms: Van Neerven isn't afraid to play with language and structure, blending genres and using poetry and prose in dynamic ways to convey complex ideas and emotions.

• Decolonising Language & Space: Their writing actively challenges colonial norms in literature, sport, and everyday life, questioning power structures and advocating for sovereignty. Personal Score is a prime example in the context of sport.

• Future-Oriented: While grounded in history and culture, their work often looks towards possible futures, exploring themes of resilience, love, and resistance in innovative ways. Exploring themes of healing and connection to land, their work might resonate with readers browsing our mind body spirit collection.

Key Works to Explore:

• Heat and Light (2014): An award-winning debut collection seamlessly blending short stories, poetry, and novella elements, exploring family, identity, and connection to Country across different timelines.

• Comfort Food (2016): A chapbook collection of poetry.

• Throat (2020): A stunning, multi-award-winning poetry collection. Fierce, tender, and politically charged, it explores language, land, identity, love, and resistance.

• Personal Score: Sport, Culture, Identity (2023): A groundbreaking work of non-fiction blending memoir, history, and commentary to examine the intersections of sport, colonialism, racism, gender, and sexuality in Australia.

What to Watch For:

Van Neerven is one of the most exciting and innovative writers working today. Expect them to continue challenging readers and pushing literary boundaries. Their exploration of complex identities and their sharp critique of colonial structures make their voice increasingly vital as Australia grapples with issues of inclusion, recognition, and justice heading into 2025. Keep an eye out for their work in our new releases.

8. Nardi Simpson

Who She Is:

• The Melodist of Memory.

• A Yuwaalaraay writer, musician, and educator from North West NSW.

• Her debut novel, Song of the Crocodile (2020), received widespread critical acclaim, shortlisted for major awards including the Miles Franklin Literary Award and winning the ALS Gold Medal.

• Known for lyrical prose, deep connection to Country, and exploring multi-generational stories grounded in Yuwaalaraay culture and experience.

Why She's a Must-Read for 2025:

Simpson represents a powerful new wave of Indigenous literary talent, bringing fresh perspectives and profound storytelling rooted in specific cultural knowledge.

• Deep Cultural Grounding: Song of the Crocodile is richly infused with Yuwaalaraay language, cosmology, and connection to the fictional town of Darnmoor and its river. It offers an immersive cultural experience.

• Multi-generational Storytelling: The novel traces the complex history of the Billymil family over decades, revealing the enduring impacts of colonisation and the resilience of culture and kinship.

• Lyrical Language: As a musician, Simpson brings a unique musicality and rhythm to her prose. Her writing is evocative, sensory, and deeply moving.

• Emerging Powerhouse: The success of her debut signals a significant literary talent. Supporting and reading emerging voices like Simpson's is crucial for the future vibrancy of Indigenous literature.

Key Works to Explore:

• Song of the Crocodile (2020): Her acclaimed debut novel. Follows the Billymil family in the fictional town of Darnmoor, exploring themes of dispossession, racism, resilience, magic, and the deep, spiritual connection between people and place. A truly captivating read.

What to Watch For:

Anticipation is high for Nardi Simpson's future literary projects. Her ability to weave together history, culture, myth, and compelling characters marks her as a major voice to follow. As Australia continues to grapple with its past and future, her perspective, rooted in the specifics of Yuwaalaraay experience but resonant with broader themes of Indigenous resilience, will be essential reading in 2025.

9. Jazz Money / Ali Cobby Eckermann (Focus: Poetry)

Poetry holds a unique power in Indigenous storytelling – condensing history, emotion, politics, and spirit into potent language. We're highlighting two incredible poets here, representing different generations and styles, both essential.

Jazz Money:

• The Sharp Contemporary Voice.

• A Wiradjuri poet and artist.

• Their debut collection how to make a basket (2021) won the David Unaipon Award (for unpublished Indigenous manuscript) and received significant acclaim.

• Known for fierce, formally inventive poetry tackling themes of colonialism, sovereignty, identity, queerness, language, and Blak love with biting wit and profound tenderness.

Ali Cobby Eckermann:

• The Witnessing Healer.

• A Yankunytjatjara / Kokatha poet.

• Recipient of numerous awards, including the Windham-Campbell Prize for Poetry – a major international honour.

• Known for powerful, often sparse yet deeply resonant poetry exploring themes of trauma (Stolen Generations), healing, connection to Country, family, and resilience. Her work carries immense weight and grace.

Why Indigenous Poetry is Crucial for 2025:

• Emotional Directness: Poetry cuts straight to the heart, conveying experiences and emotions that prose sometimes can't capture as intensely.

• Linguistic Power: Poets like Money and Eckermann often incorporate Indigenous languages and experiment with English, reclaiming and reshaping language itself.

• Concise Commentary: Poetry offers potent critiques of political and social issues, often in memorable and impactful ways.

• Diverse Forms: Showcases the breadth of Indigenous literary expression beyond the novel.

Key Works to Explore:

• Jazz Money: how to make a basket (2021): A vital debut collection. Essential reading for understanding contemporary Blak poetics and politics.

• Ali Cobby Eckermann: Inside My Mother (2015): A moving collection exploring personal and collective histories. Little Bit Long Time (2009): Her first collection. She is the Earth (2023): A recent verse novel, demonstrating her continued power.

What to Watch For:

Both poets are active voices. Look for new collections, performances, and essays. Their work provides essential emotional and political context, offering unique ways to understand Indigenous experiences and resistance leading into 2025. They remind us that powerful Indigenous Australian books come in many forms.

10. Ambelin Kwaymullina / Kirli Saunders (Focus: Children's/YA)

Engaging the next generation with authentic Indigenous stories is paramount. These two authors represent the excellence and importance of #OwnVoices literature for young people.

Ambelin Kwaymullina:

• The YA Visionary.

• Belongs to the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

• Author, illustrator, and academic.

• Known for her internationally acclaimed YA speculative fiction series, The Tribe (The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf, The Disappearance of Ember Crow, The Foretelling of Georgie Spider).

• Her work often centres Indigenous knowledge, environmental themes, and young protagonists fighting against oppressive systems.

Kirli Saunders:

• The Multilingual Educator.

• A proud Gunai woman, writer, artist, and consultant. NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year (2020).

• Writes award-winning poetry and children's books, often incorporating First Languages.

• Known for works like Bindi (verse novel for children) and Our Dreaming (picture book), celebrating culture, connection to Country, and language.

Why Indigenous Children's/YA is Crucial for 2025:

• Foundation for Understanding: Introduces young readers (and adults!) to Indigenous perspectives, histories, and cultures respectfully and accurately from an early age.

• Representation Matters: Provides mirrors for Indigenous children and windows for non-Indigenous children, fostering empathy and connection. Explore diverse options in childrens picture books.

• Teaching Resilience & Resistance: Many books feature strong young characters navigating challenges, learning about their culture, and standing up for what's right.

• Language Revitalisation: Authors like Saunders actively incorporate Indigenous languages, playing a vital role in preservation and education. Even the youngest readers can engage through formats like childrens boardbooks.

Key Works to Explore:

• Ambelin Kwaymullina: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf (2012): Start of The Tribe series. A gripping YA dystopian novel rich with Indigenous knowledge and themes of resistance. Living on Stolen Land (2020): A powerful prose-poetry reflection on colonialism and sovereignty for older readers/adults.

• Kirli Saunders: Bindi (2020): Award-winning verse novel for middle-grade readers, told in Gundungurra language and English, about a young girl navigating bushfires, friendship, and connection to Country. Our Dreaming (illustrated by Dub Leffler, 2022): A beautiful picture book celebrating the continuity of Dreaming. Find more like this among our Aboriginal picture books.

What to Watch For:

Both authors are influential figures in children's literature and education. Look for new books, educational resources, and advocacy work. Investing in Indigenous children's literature is investing in a better, more informed future for all Australians heading towards 2025. Providing quality education resources is a key part of this mission.

Author Focus Comparison: YA/Children's Lit

This table gives a quick overview to help guide choices for younger readers.

Interactive Element: Which Author Should You Read First?

Feeling overwhelmed by choice? Let's narrow it down based on your interests. Answer these quick questions:

(Imagine an embedded quiz here)

1. What kind of story are you in the mood for?

   • A. Epic, world-building, challenging ideas (Go to Q2)

   • B. Lyrical, emotional, focused on language/identity (Go to Q3)

   • C. Sharp, witty, contemporary, real-life struggles (Go to Q4)

   • D. Genre-bending, speculative, future/alternate worlds (Go to Q5)

2. (From A) Do you prefer deep historical/mythic scope or urgent climate focus?

   • A. Historical/Mythic Scope -> Try Alexis Wright (Link to her section)

   • B. Urgent Climate Focus -> Try Alexis Wright (Seriously, she covers both! But maybe start with Praiseworthy for climate). (Link to her section)

3. (From B) Interested more in language reclamation or exploring intersectional identity?

   • A. Language Reclamation -> Try Tara June Winch (Link to her section)

   • B. Intersectional Identity (Queer/Indigenous) -> Try Ellen van Neerven (Link to their section)

4. (From C) Want fierce humour or multi-generational family sagas?

   • A. Fierce Humour/Social Commentary -> Try Melissa Lucashenko (Link to her section)

   • B. Multi-generational Family Saga -> Try Nardi Simpson (Link to her section)

5. (From D) Sci-fi critique of colonialism or YA dystopian resistance?

   • A. Sci-Fi Critique -> Try Claire G. Coleman (Link to her section)

   • B. YA Dystopian -> Try Ambelin Kwaymullina (Link to her section)

(If you didn't fit neatly, consider these prompts):

• Interested in non-fiction that changed the national conversation? -> Bruce Pascoe (Link)

• Looking for accessible fiction or diverse real-life stories? -> Anita Heiss (Link)

• Drawn to the power of poetry? -> Jazz Money / Ali Cobby Eckermann (Link)

• Need something amazing for younger readers? -> Kirli Saunders / Ambelin Kwaymullina (Link)

This quiz is just a starting point! The best approach? Read them all eventually. Start exploring our full range of books to find your next read.

Beyond the List: How to Engage Respectfully and Discover More

Okay, you've got the list. You're fired up to read. Awesome.

But how you engage matters. Here’s how to do it right:

• Buy Blak (When Possible) & Support Indigenous Storytellers: Make a conscious choice. Seek out Indigenous-owned businesses or clearly specify you want to buy books by Indigenous authors. Every purchase sends a message. At FISH, we are committed to stocking and promoting a wide range of these vital voices.

• Listen First, Understand Later: Read with humility and openness. Recognise you might be encountering perspectives, histories, and cultural frameworks that are new to you. Avoid imposing your own assumptions or seeking simple answers to complex issues. Let the story wash over you first.

• Acknowledge the Diversity – It’s HUGE: There is no single "Indigenous experience." This list represents ten authors from diverse Nations, regions, and backgrounds. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia is incredibly diverse – hundreds of distinct language groups and cultures. Keep exploring to appreciate this richness.

• Understand the Context: Reading reviews or author interviews can sometimes add valuable context, but prioritise the work itself. Be mindful of who is reviewing and from what perspective.

• Go Beyond the Bestsellers: While award-winners are great, seek out debut authors, poets, Elders' stories, community publications. There's a wealth of storytelling out there.

• Engage with Nuance: Discuss these books thoughtfully. Avoid generalisations. Talk about specific themes, characters, and writing styles.

Where to Discover More (Beyond FISH, of course!):

While we pride ourselves on our curated collection right here at FISH, expanding your knowledge is key. Look towards:

• Literary Prizes: Pay attention to winners and shortlists of awards like the David Unaipon Award (for emerging Indigenous writers), the Kate Challis RAKA Award, the Prime Minister's Literary Awards (Indigenous storytelling category), the Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Indigenous Writing, and major awards like the Miles Franklin and Stella Prize which increasingly recognise Indigenous authors.

• Publishers: Recognise publishers with strong commitments to Indigenous voices (like Magabala Books, UQP, Giramondo, Black Inc.).

• Festivals & Events: Writers' festivals often feature Indigenous authors – attending panels or workshops is a great way to hear directly from them.

• Online Resources: Databases like AustLit's BlackWords project archive information about Indigenous writers and stories. Websites of organisations like the Indigenous Literacy Foundation offer insights.

The journey into Indigenous Australian literature is ongoing and incredibly rewarding. Be curious, be respectful, and keep reading.

Conclusion: The Enduring, Essential Power of Story

So, there you have it.

Ten Indigenous Australian authors you absolutely need to engage with as we head into 2025.

From the epic visions of Alexis Wright to the lyrical truths of Tara June Winch; the fierce wit of Melissa Lucashenko to the speculative critiques of Claire G. Coleman; the accessible advocacy of Anita Heiss to the history-reclaiming work of Bruce Pascoe; the boundary-pushing forms of Ellen van Neerven to the resonant emergence of Nardi Simpson; the potent words of poets like Jazz Money and Ali Cobby Eckermann to the vital children's/YA narratives of Ambelin Kwaymullina and Kirli Saunders.

This list is just the beginning.

Each of these authors opens a door to deeper understanding, challenging perspectives, and incredible literary experiences. Their work is vital for navigating the complexities of Australia's past, present, and future.

Reading these Indigenous Australian books isn't just about entertainment; it's about education, empathy, and engagement.

It's about recognising the power of story to shape our world.

The call to action is simple:

Read.

Read widely. Read thoughtfully. Read respectfully.

Support these authors. Share their stories. Engage with their ideas.

Start exploring these voices today. Find their works and many more Indigenous Australian books right here at FISH. Let these stories change you.