1. Aboriginal Australians
2. Ancestors
3. Colonisation
4. Country
5. Family
6. First Nations people
7. Grandmothers
8. History
9. Landscapes
10. Memories
11. Reconciliation
12. Relationship to place
13. School students
14. Stolen generations

‘Day Break’ is a quietly poignant and powerful story in which a young girl, her dad, and her Nan, journey back to Country on January 26 to reflect on what this day means to them. The author gently contrasts what the girl is learning at school about the settlement of Australia, with the conversations she is having with her family at home. While her friends celebrate Australia Day at the beach, First Nations families take time to mourn the invasion of their country and remember their own heroes. While there is sadness in this picture book, with references to the Stolen Generation and those who lost their lives, the story also resonates with hope for a future in which everyone can move forward together in unity and understanding. Sharing stories with her dad and Nan helps the young girl understand the way in which she can gain strength from the spirits of her ancestors, who will always be part of the land.

The narrative is honest, straight-forward and moving. The watercolour illustrations by Matt Chun, in soft shades of pink, green and yellow, gently illuminate the journey of a First Nations family to reclaim their strength and connection to Country.

This book can be used as a platform to initiate conversation with young people about the ongoing debate around Australia Day/Invasion Day, reconciliation, the Stolen Generation, the Australian Frontier Wars, the Mabo decision and National Sorry Day.

Amy McQuire is a Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman from Rockhampton in Central Queensland.

‘Day Break’ is a CBCA Notable Children’s Picture Book 2022.

1. Inga Stunzner and Erin Semmier. ABC News. 25 Jan 2021. ‘Australian Curriculum needs to teach ‘true history’ of January 26, Day break author Amy McQuire says.’ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-25/amy-mcquire-writes-day-break-for-australian-kids-january-26/13087144
2. Booktopia Teachers Notes for ‘Day Break’ by Amy McQuire includes additional resources https://static.booktopia.com.au/pdf/9781760508159-1.pdf
3. Maura Pierlot. CBCA. 7 June 2022. ‘Reading Time: Day Break Review.’ https://readingtime.com.au/day-break/
4. Rona Glynn-McDonald. Common Ground First Nations. ‘Invasion Day (Australia Day)’ https://www.commonground.org.au/learn/australia-day
5. Karina Marlow & Luke Pearson. SBS NITV Newsletter. 25 April 2019. ‘8 War Heroes You Didn’t Learn About in School.’ https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/8-war-heroes-you-didn-t-learn-about-in-school/ff973294-5a85-4d98-89f5-d42107f62d5d
6. National Museum Australia. ‘Defining Moments: Mabo Decision.’ https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/mabo-decision#:~:text=The%20
7. National Museum Australia. Digital Classroom Resource. ‘Overturning Terra Nullius.’ https://digital-classroom.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/mabo-decision