New3–6
Yarning Strong
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this page and the contents in Yarning Strong may include names and images of people now deceased.
Vibrant and engaging mentor texts from First Nations storytellers
Yarning Strong is 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, experiences and perspectives through high‑quality literature.
The comprehensive and accessible series includes 34 fiction novels (including ten graphic novels) and four themed anthologies, blending fiction and non‑fiction to support English curriculum goals and thoughtful discussion in Years 3–6 classrooms.
Rich resources to embed First Nations histories, perspectives and experiences in your classroom
-
Fiction novels
Yarning Strong features 34 fiction novels, including 10 graphic novels. Authors of these novels include Anita Heiss, Bruce Pascoe, Gayle Kennedy, Tammy Lee Rock & Charmaine Papertalk Green. They all explore themes like belonging, friendship, cultural diversity, empathy and heritage and align to the themes explored in the Anthologies. -
Anthologies
The four anthologies include non-fiction material, like speeches, reports, essays & maps, along with poems, artwork, songs and more based on the themes of Family, Identity, Law and Land. Beautifully designed, these books are linked to the novels in the lesson plans to create an engaging and informative lesson for students and teachers. -
School Digital Subscription
Contains extensive teacher materials that support explicit teaching, independent student work and discussion. The teacher resources and anthologies include factual information to support a broader understanding of First Nations experiences and perspectives.
Explicitly teach English skills, aligned to your curriculum
Yarning Strong supports the explicit teaching of English skills and learning about First Nations perspectives. The School Digital Subscription provides curriculum maps for each year level for:
- Australian Curriculum 9.0: English, and other subjects 3–6
- NSW Syllabus: English and other subjects 3–6
- Western Australian Curriculum: English and other subjects 3–6
- Victorian Curriculum 2.0: English and other subjects 3–6.
The program also supports the VTLM 2.0 and Intercultural Capability for Victoria.
Learning Design
At Oxford University Press, we are passionate about helping everyone achieve their full potential. By combining research-informed learning design and pedagogy with our extensive global experience and expertise, we develop educational solutions that advance knowledge and learning and deliver real impact.
Throughout each Yarning Strong lesson, a range of learning design principles are applied.
These embedded principles support literacy development, build knowledge and cater to different learning needs. By gradually shifting responsibility from teacher to student, the program encourages confidence, deeper understanding and long-term learning success.
Classroom-ready support for informed, inclusive teaching
The Yarning Strong School Digital Subscription provides flexible and comprehensive teacher support. There are:
- eBooks of the four anthologies, for front of class display
- detailed lesson plans for the 34 fiction novels, to support explicit teaching
- suggested scope and sequence for guidance on how to include this series in your lessons
- front-of-class materials to help structure lessons
- background articles for topics and references in the novels to give the class context and help answer questions on sensitive topics, such as the Stolen Generations, dispossession, land rights, Treaty and Voice to Parliament
Pre-order the Series
Years 3&4 Value Packs
Years 5&6 Value Packs
More resources
-
The Oxford First Nations Advisory Board
At Oxford University Press ANZ, we’re committed to incorporating the knowledge, perspectives and identities of First Nations peoples and cultures into our resources. To support this mission, we’re creating the Oxford First Nations Advisory Board. -
Narragunnawali
The Narragunnawali program has tools and resources for schools and early learning services to take action towards reconciliation between non-First Nations Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. -
OUP ANZ's Reconciliation Action Plan
Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
Register your Interest
Yarning Strong will be published in September 2026, with the digital resources ready for implementation from Term 1, 2027. Sign up today to be the first to recieve exciting updates, page samples, digital samples and curriculum support.