When traditions of storytelling by the world’s oldest continuous living culture have survived for upwards of 60,000 years, it’s no surprise then that some of the best authors in this country are Indigenous Australians. Whether you’re discovering these wordsmiths for the first time or you’re dipping back in to the writing of some of your favourites, make sure to keep this list of top-notch authors handy next time you’re perusing your local bookshop – this National Reconciliation Week and every week.

MARK THE DAWN BY JAZZ MONEY Multi-talented Wiradjuri artist and poet Jazz Money is simply a force to be reckoned with. The author of a slew of books of poetry and children’s books, Mark the Dawn is a stellar standout in the artist’s portfolio. Described as Blak, queer, campfire poetry, this collection of stories, histories and bodies is the perfect companion for cosy afternoons.

 

 

 

 

 

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THE ROT BY EVELYN ARALUEN After making waves in the literary world with the tsunami of a poetry collection that was Dropbear, Goorie and Koori poet, editor and researcher Evelyn Araluen delighted us with her follow up, The Rot. Shortlisted for the 2026 Stellar Prize, The Rot is a must-read for fans of poetry and newcomers to the genre.

 

 

 

 

 

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TOO MUCH LIP BY MELISSA LUCASHENKO If you’re hungry for a story about ordinary people leading extraordinary lives, pop Melissa Lucashenko at the top of your ‘to be read’ pile, pronto! The Goorie writer got her flowers in 2019 after wining the prestigious Miles Franklin Award for the formidable Too Much Lip, but if you’re keen to fall into a Lucashenko rabbit hole of stories, there’s plenty more where that came from thanks to her novels, non-fiction work and human rights activism.

 

 

 

 

 

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THROAT BY ELLEN VAN NEERVEN You don’t need to be a poetry boffin to have the words of Ellen Van Neerven cut you right to the core. The Mununjali Yugambeh writer’s second poetry collection, Throat, is the kind of book you won’t be able to put down – regardless of the tears streaming down your face or the fire burning bright in your belly. There’s plenty more Ellen to discover too, including her latest release – Ruby’s Web, a YA book about finding one’s voice.

 

 

 

 

 

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THE YIELD BY TARA JUNE WINCH There’s a fair good chance that you’re already familiar with the fab Tara June Winch. The Wiradjuri writer has picked up countless awards over her writing life, including the Miles Franklin Award in 2020 for her novel The Yield. A story of family tragedy and the pressures of environmental destruction, Tara’s writing will sweep you up and carry you through the detailed worlds she so prolifically creates.

 

 

 

 

 

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We hope you love reading these ripper books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors as much as we did. For more book recommendations, why not check out this list of (actually good) classic books or this collection of summer reads (that are great for every season). Plus, sign up to our newsletter to never miss a rad read.