Yarning Strong Demon Guards the School Yard

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.

La Perouse Public School students are excited to plant a native garden, and shocked when it is vandalised. Who is responsible? Eyes turn towards Demon, the badly-behaved husky dog of 11-year-old Yirra, but she is sure he’s innocent. The students learn about native plants and bush food as the garden grows. They also visit Bondi Beach to learn about its Aboriginal history. Demon goes along and rides a surfboard—he’s a troublesome but very cool dog. Yirra decides that Demon should secretly patrol the school grounds at night, and he catches the vandals. The garden is safe and Demon becomes the school’s official night guard.

Demon Guards the School Yard 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: Care for the land • The value of friendship • Taking responsibility