Yarning Strong Milly's Secret

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.

Milly has a scholarship to a private girls’ secondary school. Racist bullies are hassling her, but she won’t tell her family, except for her brother Jack. Meanwhile, her older brother Dakota is agitating for a reconciliation action plan at his public high school. Milly becomes increasingly unhappy, and eventually Jack tells the family about the bullying. At a meeting with the school principal, the bullies learn that their actions are unacceptable and illegal. However, no further action will be taken so long as they join Dakota’s reconciliation action plan rally. At the story’s end, Milly has new friends and the rally has been successful.

Milly's Secret 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: Race discrimination • Bullying • Taking action • Family support