Yarning Strong Kin Island

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.

Jake, who lives in Sydney, is in trouble at school. He doesn’t tell his teacher or parents that he behaved badly to cover up his inability to tell the class what his totem is—because he doesn’t know. Jake, whose mother is a Torres Strait Islander person, is not interested in his cultural identity or heritage. However, when his family visits Thursday Island, he learns much about Torres Strait culture and history. He also braves a cyclone to photograph a tree for his nanna. Jake returns home and proudly acknowledges his Torres Strait Islander background and tells the class that his totem is the shark.

Kin Island 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: Importance of family in self-understanding • Links between family and place • Discovering a sense of belonging