7 titles to celebrate NAIDOC week
We acknowledge Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present.
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme invites us all to look toward the ones who lead the path ahead. “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” reminds us that the future’s being shaped by those who carry culture forward with pride and hope. This week marks five decades since NAIDOC began, and honours those who paved the way while passing the torch to the next leaders of legacy.
Books are powerful tools for understanding Indigenous perspectives, providing insights into the cultures, histories, and lived experiences of First Nations peoples. During NAIDOC Week, reading works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors is especially important. Indigenous authors from Oceania play a vital role in preserving traditions and challenging mainstream narratives through literature. Celebrate with our recommended reads, free through the Libby app.
Adventures on the Dreaming Path by Paul Callaghan
This brand-new release is a young reader’s guide to following the Dreaming Path, made up of stories that teach caring for Country, family, and self.
When the World Was Soft by Alex Mankiewicz
An engaging, beautiful graphic novel recounting stories of Yindjibarndi Creation-times.
Haunting Biology by Emma Kowal
A fascinating look at biological studies of Indigenous Australians and the history that haunts contemporary genomics and Indigeneity.
Welcome to Country by Lisa Kennedy
This award-winning picture book, created by Elder Aunty Joy Murphy and Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy, welcomes readers to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People.
Rain on the Rock by Jodi Toering
Uluṟu, an icon of the Australian landscape, is brought to life by rare rain.
No Way Yirrikipayi! by Milikapiti School
This adorably illustrated book was created by children from Melville Island, of the Tiwi Islands.
Mariners on the Margins by David Prior
This new release maps uncharted waters, telling the history of seal-hunting Colonials who survived by the aid of First Nations peoples.
More recommended titles:
- Shades of Me by Mel Brown
- Bina by Gari Tudor-Smith
- Always Was, Always Will Be by Thomas Mayo
- Growing Up Torres Strait Islander in AU by Samantha Faulkner
*Title availability may vary.
Published Jul 10, 2025
Gryphon Beyerle
Gryphon Beyerle is an account manager at Libby specializing in international publisher services. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio, where she’s stuck in a Groundhog-Day-style loop of snacking, reading, and napping.