Yarning Strong Caught and Court

Warning to First Nations Peoples: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that the contents in Yarning Strong may include names and images of people now deceased.

Brothers Ricky and Bindi live in a supportive community in a beachside town. They love the rock pool marine life and invite an older boy, Damien, to explore the pools. However, Damien leads them to steal, drink alcohol and break and enter. They are identified, plead guilty, and brought before the Koori Children’s Court. They are very frightened and very ashamed, especially as one of the Elders present is their much-loved neighbour. The boys are sentenced to a curfew and weekly Juvenile Justice meetings. Damien goes into juvenile detention. Six years later, the boys have begun careers. Damien is in prison.

Caught and Court is part of the Yarning Strong series, 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.

Themes: Justice • Peer pressure • Family relationships