Yarning Strong Jali Boy

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.

A 14-year-old boy, Jali, is suddenly removed from his life on a NSW North Coast mission and placed as a boarder in a Sydney private boys’ school. He hates this situation but realises that his mother (who is suffering from cancer) had no choice—it was either this or see him go down a path of petty crime. Slowly, Jali adapts to school life, finds a best friend and shifts from near illiteracy to academic success. The story ends with Jali’s graduation ceremony. His younger brother is now at the school, and his mother is in the audience. And Jali is happy.

Jali Boy 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: Separation from family • Struggle and sacrifice • Achievement through hard work