Yarning Strong We are Family, We are Deadly

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.

Zeke and Justin (or ‘J’) are cousins and do everything together. They live with their grandparents, sisters, and Zeke’s mum, but they will be in different classes at high school and they are both worried that the other might find new friends. When school starts, Zeke is anxious when he has to make a short film about this family. He thinks his family isn’t normal and that other kids will laugh at them. Eventually he decides to trust his family and they make the film together. Zeke realises that some schoolmates also live in extended families. Zeke makes new friends and shares them with J.

We are Family, We are Deadly 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: Feeling different • Family is about respect and belonging • Not all families are the same