Spirit of the Crocodile

by Aaron Fa'Aoso, Michelle Scott Tucker, Lyn White

An inspiring story of courage, resilience and hope, set in the Torres Strait Islander community as climate change threatens culture, tradition and connection to place, co-written by Michelle Scott Tucker and proud Torres Strait Islander creator, actor, producer and director Aaron Fa'Aoso.

The crocodile's eyes were yellow, slit by a vertical pupil. The creature remained perfectly still, but it throbbed with life. Ezra felt goosebumps in spite of the afternoon heat, and took a few steps back.
'Is that thing looking at you?' asked Mason.
'Nah. How could it be?'

Twelve-year old Ezra is an ordinary boy who lives on Saibai, an extraordinary Australian island. He loves a laugh, he loves his family, and - almost more than anything - he loves a dare.

But when one of his dares goes wrong, Ezra realises he needs to make some decisions about helping out and measuring up. He learns that there's more than one way to look at, well, nearly everything.

And as ever-increasing climate disasters threaten Saibai, Ezra and his best mate Mason must draw on their resilience and courage to help the community survive a massive out-of-season storm.

Set in today's Torres Strait, Spirit of the Crocodile is a captivating novel that explores the importance of culture, community and place to a carefree kid on the cusp of growing up.

Genres: Friendship, Family, Australia, Indigenous

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2025

About the author

Aaron Fa’Aoso is a Torres Strait Islander film producer, director, screenwriter and actor. He is known for his roles in RAN: Remote Area Nurse, East West 101, The Straits, Black Comedy, and as the presenter of Strait to the Plate and Going Places with Ernie Dingo.

Aaron is the executive director of his own film and television production company, Lone Star, which created the documentary series Blue Water Empire, about the history of the Torres Strait Islands.

Aaron is a board member of Screen Queensland and belongs to several government and not-for-profit advisory committees. He holds a Masters Degree of Film Business from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.

Reviews

[Middle Grade Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘This was Men’s Business, he realised, spirit business, and his head swam with the honour of being entrusted with it.’

To celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day a few weeks ago, I thought I’d dive into this beauty of a book that explores the stunning scenery of the Torres Strait Islands.

12 year old Ezra lives on the Torres Strait Island of Sabai with his close knit and extended family. When he isn’t worrying about his immediate future away from family at a Thursday Island High School, Ezra spends most of his time with his best mate Mason - at school, on the water, fishing, eating or walking around the island. The boys are an energetic pair and love to challenge each other with dares. But when Ezra takes one dare too far, suddenly he’s faced with the enormity of growing up and realises he’s got some work to do. With change and disaster looming, will Ezra make amends and prove himself to his family or will his actions continue to let down and impact those around him?

Wow, I was blown away by how well written this one was by the team of authors. It’s a book of teachings as you are completely immersed in the life and culture of the Torres Strait Islands - the people, the food, the customs, the wildlife, the environment. All this was cleverly intertwined with a heartwarming, coming of age story. Ezra and Mason are a dynamic duo that you will grow to love. I was mesmerised by the chapters where Ezra heads out on the boat with his Dad and Uncle Rex. It was powerful writing as Ezra recognises the importance of this time spent with his elders. With strong themes of change, growing up, family and culture, the book also explores the impact of climate change on the Torres Strait Island communities.

Well done to Aaron, Michelle & Lyn for putting together such an important & rich story.

[ALPHAreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still hyping the books that are out now, via my agency! Pardon me!

This one was more of a powerhouse organisation between Jacinta and editor Lyn White. But it’s still wonderful and I feel quite close to it because Jacinta and I met Aaron at ‘Books at MIFF’ (where publishing types rub shoulders with film/tv people) - he was there as a producer, but I’d researched him beforehand (since he was one of our meetings) and I reckon 4.3 seconds after handshakes I was asking “So; have you ever thought about writing a book?” … it took a while (and meeting Michelle Scott Tucker!), but since then it’s been So Far, So Good and Growing Up Torres Strait Islander in Australia and now Spirit of the Crocodile - but I love that it started from me and the one and only time I’ve managed to leave Aaron speechless.

But while I didn't play a huge role as agent for this one, in a happy eventuality because of my middle-grade authoring, I was invited to provide an endorsement quote for this book. Which I happily did, and shall reproduce here with my utter assurance that I meant every word;

'A vital story to understand the Torres Strait; its people and the uniquely devastating challenges they're facing on the front-lines of the climate catastrophe. This extraordinary novel will compel all readers to get invested in the fight for our planet thanks to the terrific and tender story of community, culture, compassion and coming-of-age amidst climate change; told with humour, heart and exhilarating action!'

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much packed into this book. A beautiful description of the island of Saibai and the life of the Torres Strati Islanders residents. It was funny and heart felt without being overdone. Ezra the young boy through whose eyes we see the island, the people and the action is real with the sense of humour typical of a 12 year old (fart jokes and dares) and also fears about starting high school for which he has to move to Thursday Island. At the same time he faces the sometimes difficult lessons his parents and life expect of him.
Most importantly, the book shows the dilemma of the Torres Strait Islanders as global warming impacts more and more severely on their lives in a world that seems not to care. There is a tense few chapters when Ezra and his friend Mason have to take on huge responsibilities to care for an old man during a night of torrential rain and flooding as the sea breaks through the seawall and into their home. This passage was so well written, exciting without being overdone.
I learnt so much from this book and encourage everyone from 10 years up to read it.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: Michelle Scott Tucker is a friend. And I probably wouldn't have picked this up otherwise, because I wouldn't have known about it; middle-grade contemporary fiction is not my stomping ground at all. But I'm very glad I did have a read of this (last in my family) because it's a charming journey of discovery, both for the main character, who's starting to figure out growing up, and for me, who grew up in Queensland (and recognised many bits that were familiar) but nowhere near the Torres Strait. The exploration of the society, culture and priorities of the islands and the people who have always lived there was delicate but strongly present, and the emotional realisations were unforced but deeply moving.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title and beautiful cover caught my attention. When I read the blurb and saw it was set in Saibai, I decided I had to read it because I had lived in Bamaga for two years. I am so glad I did. This novel aimed at 11-14 years age group, with its vivid descriptions, clearly portrays life on Saibai Island and the challenges faced as a result of climate change. As the reader journeys with Ezra, a Year 6 boy, the reader, like Ezra, realises the importance of community, family, culture and the environment. A relevant coming of age story told with compassion, tenderness and empathy that I highly recommend.

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why are we all so surprised every time a storm is worse? That the bushfires are worse? That the hot weather is worse? It's not a surprise anymore, is it? The world world knows it's getting worse, we can see the water rising, our land disappearing and no one cares!"

"We all care, love. Maybe us Islanders most of all. It hits us the hardest."

[Anna Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, gentle story about life in the Torres Strait Islands, this explores the very real impacts of climate changes. It also explores family life on the island of Saibai and the impacts of children needing to leave home to continue their formal schooling. A short, engaging read, this will definitely be added to our Book Club list for upper primary students.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story for senior primary kids
Raised issues around climate change and indigenous knowledge

[Ezel Kucukbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever!

[Dianne Wolfer]

What a terrific glimpse into Torres Strait Islander communities. I loved the characters and learnt so much about the climate concerns they are facing. And this stunning cover deserves an award!!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. An absolutely beautiful story, truly a delight.

[Denise Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=7054

ISLAND LIFE: ‘SPIRIT OF THE CROCODILE’ BY AARON FA’AOSO & MICHELLE SCOTT TUCKER WITH LYN WHITE

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update: reread for readers cup question writing.

Lots of good stuff here. Great MC.