A wonderful collection of short stories which help to explain the variety of experiences experienced by aboriginal people growing up in Australia. A must for every Australian.

"Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia" is such a powerful book that it beggars belief that it has only just come into existence. This book brings together over fifty voices from different backgrounds and mobs with common indigenous heritage, each telling of their experience. It is a collection edited with skill, intelligence and heart that presents a compelling and resonant plea for rightful place in the face of entrenched indifference.


Make no mistake though, this is not an angry book, nor was it designed to be. The theme of “growing up” that runs throughout this book has brought forth honest and plain-spoken narratives of childhood. Perhaps there is nothing so touching as stories of the hopes and disappointments of innocents. Only those devoid of basic empathy will fail to be moved, for here are children only trying to fit in and be loved - tears will definitely flow. In these pages there is humour, there is community, and there is real love. But there is also suicide, violence and loss. Sometimes you feel the writers have carried heavy burdens and need to put them down. Mostly there is a simple need to be heard, or a smile to be returned.


So many of the pieces stand alone as being well-worth the admission. Contributors such as Tony Birch, Miranda Tapsell, Alice Eather, and Tara June Winch have produced compelling scenes and vignettes that are indelible; these moments carry real impact. Yet there are no duds in this anthology, no flat filler - each piece is a true gift from the heart. This inspiring book made a vital impression on me, and I believe it should be read by every Australian. It is an education that many of us missed. One of my books of the year so far, this is surely a landmark publication on our journey as a country and I urge you to read it.