This is the story of Dujuan Hoosan, a 10-year-old Arrernte and Garawa boy. A wise, funny, cheeky boy. A healer.
Out bush, his healing power (Ngangkere) is calm and straight. But in town, it's wobbly and wild, like a snake.
He's in trouble at school, and with the police. He thinks there's something wrong with him.
Dujuan's family knows what to do: they send him to live out bush, to learn the ways of the old people, and the history that runs straight into all Aboriginal people.
So he can be proud of himself.
Illustrated by Blak Douglas, winner of the Archibald Prize 2022
WINNER OF THE KARAJIA AWARDS FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE 2024
LONGLISTED FOR THE ASLA DANZ CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD FOR NON-FICTION 2025