: a girl’s quest to learn her grandfather’s hidden first language.
Hachette Australia
Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books
July 2026
ISBN: 9780734423337
RRP: $26.99
This brilliantly simple but deeply meaningful new book from Melissa-Jane Fogarty as both author and illustrator, underlines one of the multiplicity of injustices and losses suffered by our Australian First Nations peoples, that of their First Languages.
For many of the hundreds of language groups across the nation, there was a strictly enforced ban, by the white administrations, on using the traditional languages. This was particularly so, of course, in the many institutions which held Stolen Generation children. Many of those languages are now sadly lost but thankfully, there is a steadily growing increase in the saving and using of the many dialects across all the states, including some First Languages schools and below, you will find a list of some of the many initiatives and schools actively promoting these.
Drawing on her own experience as a child, Melissa-Jane introduces Myra’s intrigue with her grandfather’s ‘other’ language when she overhears him speaking on the phone to someone. But it is clear that no matter how many times she asks about it she is ignored and even rebuffed sharply – something that Pop has never done before.
But all is revealed when Pop explains the sad and terrible history of having to use his language in secret as a youngster and now it may be that he will never be able to use it again as his remaining family, his sister, is gravely ill.
The author’s note in the back matter outlines all of this and Melissa-Jane’s own family experience. But it is the gentle and poignant text itself accompanied by illustrations that vividly demonstrate the tender relationship between this grandfather and granddaughter that most bring this issue into our consciousness.
#2 daughter, [often mentioned as Aunty working in school, as well correctional facility and community] has undertaken learning Wiradjuri since she started living on Country and she is not the only one of her generation reclaiming their First Language. It is not just Indigenous students who are learning either. There are many schools actively teaching the language of the Country on which they are located thus providing all children with a deepened sense of the real history of their locale. Beautifully conceived and, as always, gorgeous binding and design from Hachette – I’m in love with the gorgeous endpapers! – this will be a stunning and very valuable addition to your First Nations/Cross-cultural Perspectives collection. It’s a yura nguyaguyamilang giilang [beautiful language story] for gudha-galang [children]from Prep to upper primary with a solid 5 🖤💛❤️🪃👣rating.
Australian schools are increasingly teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages to help preserve endangered First Nations dialects and foster cultural awareness. Driven by state curriculum mandates and backed by the federal First Nations Languages Education Program, schools co-design programs directly with local Indigenous languageThe Australian Government backs these initiatives via peak bodies like First Languages Australia, which funds professional development for language educators.
SEQILC: Learn & Celebrate Indigenous Languages
The Murri School Qld Language Classes
NSW AECG Language Learning App: Focuses on New South Wales languages (like Bundjalung, Gamilaraay, and Wiradjuri) with built-in dictionaries and games. Accessible via the Burraga Foundation. [1]
Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative …
NSW first bilingual School of an Aboriginal Language. Located in Coffs Harbour, students of GGFS learn in a culturally enriched environment the skills and …
Any search for the language of the Country on which you live/work will most likely reveal a plethora of resources including dictionaries, apps and lists of common words for your particular mob.
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