![]() In one way, of course, Jy is a typical teenager – stubborn and defiant – but concern about this behaviour is magnified in Indigenous communities where disconnection from culture can leave young people, young men in particular, highly vulnerable. I’m not sure I have it in me to teach him the right ways anymore. Mia overhears her grandfather (her jawiji) tell her grandmother that he’s “just tired”, and that: It’s clear that this is a tough gig for the grandparents. Mia and her brother are being raised by their mother and grandparents, and haven’t seen their father or his family for many years. One of these is the issue of family breakdown in Indigenous communities. ![]() What makes this book interesting for someone like me to read is the way it conveys the issues that I, an outsider, am aware of through my reading. In the book’s first chapter she rescues a young black cockatoo (dirrarn) which had been injured by Jy who had been target practising with his shanghai. She is disturbed to see her 15-year-old brother, Jy, becoming increasingly alienated from his community and culture, but feels powerless to do anything about it. The story is set in a remote community in Australia’s Kimberley region, and focuses on 13-year-old Mia. But, I ordered this book from Magabala because I was intrigued about what was being written for young Indigenous readers, and it is on that basis that I’m posting on the book. My main reason, however, is that not only am I not the typical age demographic for this book, but I am also the wrong cultural demographic, which makes me two steps removed from its target audience. ![]() For a start, children’s and young adult literature are not my main interest, though I do occasionally make exceptions, as I am making here. However, it is not the sort of book that I would normally post on here, so I plan to keep this review short. It was shortlisted for several children’s literature awards in 2019, including those by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Readings, the Australian Book Industry Association, and the Queensland Literary Awards. It is a beautiful, little (in size, not value) book that made quite a splash when it was published. For ages 10 and up.Black cockatoo is a young adult novel written by Indigenous Australian author, Carl Merrison, and his non-Indigenous collaborator, Hakea Hustler, and illustrated by Indigenous Australian illustrator, Dub Leffler. It’s also a fantastic discussion-starter about kindness and compassion, and Jaru culture. ![]() Young readers who enjoy gentle real-world stories that depict complex sibling relationships, cultural ties and personal strength. – Freya Howarth, Chair of the judging panel Who should read this book? It is a reminder that gentleness is a form of strength.’ This deceptively simple tale has a quiet power, and is illustrated with moody, impressionistic images that capture the wild beauty and vitality of the black cockatoo. Although Mia is apprehensive about leaving her home in a remote community in the Kimberley to continue her education, her connection to her culture helps her face the future with courage. Mia is a sensitive observer of her world, feeling the undercurrents of tension within her family and community, particularly as Jy makes choices that distance him from their culture and traditions. As the cockatoo slowly regains its strength, Mia’s confidence grows. ‘Mia, a 13-year-old Jaru girl, cares for a dirrarn (black cockatoo) injured by her older brother Jy. Here’s everything you need to know about this quietly powerful exploration of family and culture. Black Cockatoo is one of the six books shortlisted for this year’s Readings Children’s Book Prize.
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